Analysis of regularity of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression

Abstract

To analyze the regularity of acupoint selection, and compatibility of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression. Articles both in English and Chinese published in databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Chinese biomedical literature database (SinoMed), PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library from the inception to February of 2021 were retrieved by using key words "acupuncture" or "moxibustion" or "electroacupuncture" or "acupoint application" or " acupoint burying" or "acupoint injection" or "fire needling" and "postpartum depression" or "puerperal depression". The frequencies of selected acupoints and meridians were counted by using data mining technology, and the points with high frequency were analyzed by cluster analysis. A total of 42 articles were included, containing 65 prescriptions and 80 points. The highest frequency of acupoints were Baihui (GV20), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR3), Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36) and Shenmen (HT7). The most frequently selected channels were Bladder Meridian, Governor Meridian and Liver Meridian. Among the specific points, intersection points, five-shu points, yuan-source points and back-shu points were widely used. Through cluster analysis, four effective cluster groups ［GV20-SP6, LR3-PC6, Xinshu (BL15)-Ganshu (BL18)-Pishu (BL20)-Guanyuan (CV4), Hegu (LI4)-Qihai(CV6)-Qimen (LR14)］ were obtained, as well as a group of main points (GV20-SP6-LR3-PC6-ST36-HT7) and two groups of matching points ［LI4-CV6-LR14 and BL15-BL18-BL20-CV4-Sishencong (EX-HN1)］. Through data mining technology, this paper summarized the acupoint selection and compatibility law of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression, focusing on regulating Qi, blood and spirit, so as to provide reference for guiding the clinical acupuncture treatment and scientific research of postpartum depression.