Acupoints Compatibility Rules of Acupuncture for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Based on Data Mining Technology: A Systematic Review

Haiping  Li; Yuanbo  Gao; Guang  Zuo; Hao  Chen; Xiaojun  Zheng; Xuxin  Li; Xifen  Zhang; Yu  Wang; Xihui  Zheng; Xisheng  Fan; Yanfen  She

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i8.19568

Haiping Li College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Yuanbo Gao College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Guang Zuo College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Hao Chen College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Xiaojun Zheng College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Xuxin Li College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Xifen Zhang College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Yu Wang College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Xihui Zheng College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Xisheng Fan College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
Yanfen She College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Massage, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i8.19568

Keywords: Acupuncture; Data mining; Acupoints compatibility rules

Abstract

Background: We aimed to comprehensively summarise and classify the rules for selecting acupoints for acupuncture for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).

Methods: We searched relevant literature in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database from the inception of the database to 18 Aug 2023. Following literature screening, data extraction, standardised processing, frequency analysis, association rules analysis, and correlation analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel, IBM SPSS Modeller, Cytoscape, and R software.

Results: Zusanli (ST36), Tianshu (ST25), and Shangjuxu (ST37) were the most used acupoints. The stomach meridian, conception vessel, and bladder meridian were the more commonly used. The Five-shu points were the most used acupoints. The Shangjuxu-Tianshu (ST37-ST25) combination was the most common acupuncture combination in clinical settings. Furthermore, the acupoints ST36, ST25, Zhongwan (CV12), and Guanyuan (CV4) constituted the core groups of acupoints.

Conclusion: We summarized the current characteristics of acupuncture treatment for FGIDs, including the selection of acupoints, meridians, and specific acupoints. The stomach meridian of foot-yangming is frequently utilised, as it aligns with the core meridian theory of "Where the meridian passes through, that's the key point of healing" and "The relationship between meridians and internal Zangfu (脏腑)". The treatment of FGIDs focuses on specific acupoints, with the most effective option being the combination of the Front Mu and Lower-he(sea) points. These findings provide novel insights for the clinical management of FGIDs