Modern Literature-based Analysis of Regularities in Analogous Points for Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze regularities in selection of analogous points for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of restless legs syndrome in modern Chinese literature. Three large Chinese databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang database (Wanfang) and VIP Database (VIP), were searched by computer to retrieve literature on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of restless legs syndrome. A database of acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions was set up. The characteristics of and regularities in selection of analogous points for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of restless legs syndrome were analyzed by use of data mining techniques. Results A total of 107 related articles were included, involving 105 selected acupoints. The main analogous points for modern acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of restless legs syndrome are Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Chengshan and Yanglingquan. The main meridians that the analogous points belong to are the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang and the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin. Most of these acupoints are distributed on the lower limb and the lumbodorsal region. The most frequently used specific points that the analogous points belong to are Five Shu points and lower He-Sea point. Association rule analysis shows that the points that are most highly correlated are Yanglingquan and Zusanli. Attention is paid to acupoint selection based on syndrome differentiation and compatible application of local acupoints.Conclusions Selection of analogous points that have the same or similar indications for modern acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of restless legs syndrome makes acupoint combinations produce a synergistic effect and can improve the clinical therapeutic effect.