To explore the evaluation method of evidence body for acupuncture and moxibustion clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), and to provide methodological support for the development of acupuncture and moxibustion CPGs and to promote the establishment and application of acupuncture and moxibustion standard. Based on the academic characteristics of TCM acupuncture, the stratified evidence evaluation method was proposed. Firstly, evidences were collected from the ancient literature, modern literature and clinical experience, and were scientifically distinguished and evaluated. Secondly, all the evidences were integrated as body of evidence by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Lastly, based on the general index (GI), the clinical recommendations for acupuncture were proposed. Based on the stratified evidence evaluation method, acupuncture and moxibustion CPGs were developed in a more scientific and objectiveway with the comprehensive and sufficient evidences.
Keywords: acupuncture and moxibustion clinical practice guidelines (CPGs); evidence body; methodology; stratified evidence evaluation method.