Analysis of clinical literature on acupuncture-moxibustion for dyspepsia based on data mining

Abstract

To summarize the point selection pattern and treatment method in acupuncture-moxibustion for dyspepsia through data mining of the related clinical literatures in recent two decades, and to provide reference for clinical application. With data mining technology, clinical literatures related to acupuncture-moxibustion for dyspepsia published between January 1997 and July 2018 were collected from major Chinese databases, and the treatment methods, point and meridian frequencies were summarized and analyzed. A total of 106 studies were included. For meridians, the top 5 meridians used were the Stomach Meridian, Conception Vessel, Spleen Meridian, Liver Meridian and Pericardium Meridian. For point selection, the leading 5 points were Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shangwan (CV 13), Xiawan (CV 10) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). For major and adjunct points, the 5 most significant major points were Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Shangwan (CV 13); the 5 most significant adjunct points were Neiting (ST 44), Qihai (CV 6), Fenglong (ST 40), Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Tianshu (ST 25). For treatment method, the top 3 methods used were moxibustion alone, acupuncture alone and acupuncture combined with medicinal herbs. The main meridian chosen in acupuncture-moxibustion for dyspepsia was the Stomach Meridian, and the points were mainly selected from the Stomach Meridian; treatment method was moxibustion alone, which may provide reference for clinical treatment of this disease.