Objective To explore the current situation of clinical research on acupuncture abroad in recent 5 years. Methods The articles included in the Cochrane Library, web of science, PubMed, and EMBASE databases from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019 were searched by computer, and the literatures that met the inclusion criteria were selected. We will summarize and analyze the development trend, research hotspots, appropriate diseases and operation techniques of acupuncture therapy in the literature by using metrological methods. Results 276 articles were included. It includes 33 research countries, of which South Korea, the United States and Germany have the largest amount of research; the research involves 23 disease systems (115 disease names), and the research on symptoms, signs or clinical manifestations from the classification of ICD disease system is the most. while from the nature of the disease, the study of pain diseases still accounts for the majority; Compared with the acupuncture indications recommended by WHO to the world in 1996, It is suggested to add 50 new first class indications, and six original indications are suggested to be upgraded to the first category; the foreign acupuncture treatment mainly uses hand acupuncture only, with a small amount of electroacupuncture, and the treatment frequency is more 2～3 times/week or even less. Conclusion Acupuncture therapy has been developing continuously in foreign countries in recent years, with more indications than before. However, acupuncture manipulation and treatment frequency are different from those in China, so it is necessary to strengthen research and communication.