Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) is a non-invasive brain imaging technique that utilizes the anisotropic diffusion of water molecules to quantitatively display the remodeling of brain white matter structure，with the advantages of high efficiency，convenience，visual intuitiveness，repeatability，and quantifiability.DTI has gradually been employed in the research on acupuncture effects.This article overviewed the principles and characteristics of DTI，the specificity of acupuncture effects on acupoints，and the clinical and experimental applications of acupuncture.Furthermore，it aimed to reveal the central mechanism of acupuncture effects by quantitatively assessing changes in the microstructure of white matter fiber bundles during acupuncture and to provide scientific evidence and clinical guidance for acupuncture research.