Exploration on acupoint selection rules of ancient acupuncture for chronic gastritis based on data mining

Objective:To explore the experiences of ancient acupuncture physicians in acupoint combination with meridians and body regions involved in treatment of chronic gastritis through data mining technology so as to provide the evidences for the clinical application of acupuncture for chronic gastritis in the modem time.Methods:Firstly,the ancient literature(database),searching words,inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined.Secondly,the database was organized through computer and manual retrieval.Finally,using data mining techniques,such as frequency analysis and association analysis,the experiences of ancient acupuncture physicians were explored in meridian selection and acupoint combination in treatment of chronic gastritis.Results:A total of 2243 items in compliance with the relevant requirements were included,covering224 acupoints for the treatment of chronic gastritis.Of them,the involved meridians were closely related to the stomach,especially to bladder,spleen and stomach meridians as well as Conception Vessel.The acupoints selected not only focus on the local acupoints related to lesions,but also on the distal ones,especially those located in the lower limbs.The most common acupoints for any symptom were Zusanli(足三里ST36),Neiguan(内关PC6),Zhongwan(中脘CV12),Gongsun(公孙SP4)and Taibai(太白SP3).For epigastric pain,Liangmen(梁门ST21)and Xiangu(陷谷ST43)were the representatives as the combination of acupoints from the same meridian.For the disorders with upward reversion of qi,PC6 and SP4 were generally combined.Among the specific points,the five-shu points were the most common,followed by the front-mu points.In the combination with the specific points involved,PC4 and SP4 were highly associated.The acupoint combination was particular for each category of main symptoms.Conclusion:In treatment of chronic gastritis with acupuncture,the ancient physicians give the great consideration to symptom differentiation and meridian differentiation relevant with gastric disorders,as well as the combination of the distal and nearby acupoints.Besides,the specific points are of the best choice.