[Acupoint selection rules in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease with acupuncture in China based on data mining]

To analyze the rules of acupoint selection in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in China using data mining technology.

The published literature of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease with acupuncture was retrieved from electronic databases from January 1, 1983 to December 1, 2019, including SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP database. Acupuncture prescription database was established, and the rules of acupoint selection were explored by statistical software SPSS 20.0 and SPSS Modeler 18.0.

A total of 92 articles were included into this analysis, involving 92 acupuncture prescriptions, 76 acupoints. The total frequency of using these acupoints reached 549 times. Zhongwan (CV 12) was the most frequently used acupoint; the often selected meridians were conception vessel, stomach meridian, governor vessel, bladder meridian; the acupoints located at the abdomen, lower limbs and back were commonly selected; crossing points in the specific acupoints were commonly selected; the most frequently used group was Zusanli (ST 36)-Zhongwan (CV 12) and Neiguan (PC 6).

Treating gastroesophageal reflux disease by acupuncture in China is dominated by shu-mu point combination, supplemented by mu-he point combination; yin meridians are emphasized as much as yang meridians; using specific acupoints is advocated, especially the crossing points.