Microbiota-gut-brain axis refers to a bidirectional pathway between gut microbiota and the central nervous systems via neural, immune, endocrine and metabolic pathways, and its dysfunction is the crucial factor implicated in many diseases. Acupuncture adjusts the microbiota-gut-brain axis through regulating the structure and metabolic state of gut microbiota, improving the intestinal microenvironment, restoring the stability of intestinal mucosal barrier and blood-brain barrier, stimulating vagus nerve, reducing inflammation and modulating neurotransmitters, so that nervous system diseases, mental diseases, digestive system diseases and metabolic diseases can be treated. With the latest research trends and the cutting-edge technologies considered, the studies in the future should deepen the mechanism of acupuncture on the physiological pathway for modulating the structure and composition of gut microbiota as well as its holistic elaboration.
肠道菌群和中枢神经系统之间可通过神经、免疫、内分泌与代谢途径进行双向交流，被称为菌群-肠-脑轴，该系统的功能紊乱是多种疾病发生的重要因素。针刺通过调整肠道菌群的结构和代谢状态、改善肠道微环境、恢复肠黏膜屏障和血脑屏障的稳定性、激活迷走神经、降低炎性反应、调节神经递质等方式调整菌群-肠-脑轴，治疗多种神经系统疾病、精神类疾病、消化系统疾病、代谢性疾病等病症。未来的研究可结合最新研究动向，利用前沿技术手段，对针刺信号调节肠道菌群结构与组成的生理途径及神经生物学机制进行深入挖掘和整体阐释。.
Keywords: Acupuncture; Electroacupuncture; Microbiota-gut-brain axis; Neuro-immuno-endocrine.