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[Analysis on acupoint compatibility regularity and application characteristics of moxibustion in the treatment of
Xiao-Xia Chen1,2, Lu-Jun Tang3, Di Ren4
1Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001, China.
Objectives:
To summarize the acupoint compatibility regularity and application characteristics of moxibustion in the treatment of cognitive impairment disorders through data mining technology.
Methods:
Eligible clinical studies of moxibustion for treatment of cognitive disorders were searched from databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed from the inception of the databases to August 3rd, 2024 and according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, a new database for moxibustion treatment of cognitive impairment disorders was established to conduct the standardized processing and frequency analysis using Microsoft Excel 2019. The association rule analysis was performed using the Apriori algorithm of IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 software. A complex network diagram of high-frequency co-occurring acupoints (stronger compatibility connection between acupoints) was drawn using Cytoscape 3.10.2 software, and the cluster analysis was performed using Origin Lab version 2021 software.
Results:
A total of 121 articles were included, containing 139 prescriptions and 66 acupoints, with a total frequency of acupoints being 633. The top six acupoints in order are Baihui(GV20), Zusanli (ST36), Shenting (GV24), Dazhui(GV14), Sanyinjiao(SP6) and Shenshu (BL23), and the main meridian selected is the Governer Vessel. The frequently used acupoints mostly distributed in head, face and the lower limbs. Among the specific acupoints, the intersection acupoints are the most frequently used. Among the association rules, GV20-GV24 and ST36-SP6 had the highest support degree. Cluster analysis showed that the acupoints can be divided into 4 groups. The simple moxibustion method is mostly used, and the mild moxibustion is the first one. The mostly used number of moxa-cones is 3, moxibustion duration is 30 min each time, a single course of treatment is 6 times a week, and the total course of treatment is 8 weeks.
Conclusions:
In the treatment of cognitive impairment disorders, the main acupoints frequently employed are GV20, GV24, GV14, ST36, SP6 and BL23. With an appropriate moxibustion dosage, a good clinical effect can be achieved.
