As a new method of meta-analysis originating from indirect comparison

network meta-analysis（NMA） can compare the effects of multiple interventions simultaneously and order them by their effects. The application of this secondary research method in Chinese medicine is just in the initial stage

so the corresponding standards are needed in order to control or reduce the effects of biases. This article discusses the essentials and methods of NMA in Chinese medicine from five aspects

i. e. identifying a research problem

choosing study subjects

creating a strategy for document retrieval and analysis

holding the principles and methods of data analysis and reporting the results reasonably. Some key points in NMA are also discussed according to the characteristics of Chinese medicine

which could provide a reference to future NMA for Chinese medicine.