[Study on the regularity of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of Parkinson's disease based on complex network analysis].

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the regularity of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion for Parkinson's disease (PD) using complex network analysis technology, so as to provide the basis and treatment strategies for clinical acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of PD.

METHODS

Relevant literature published in databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science from the inception to December of 2023 was retrieved. The literature was screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria to establish a prescription database for acupuncture treatment of PD. Excel was used to analyze the frequency of use of acupoints, meridian normalization and specific acupoints. The IBM SPSS Modeler18.0 was used for modeling and association rule analysis, while the Gephi0.10.1 was utilized for complex network analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 326 valid articles were included, from which 496 valid acupuncture prescriptions were extracted, involving 251 acupoints with a total usage frequency of 3, 968 times. The top 5 most frequently used acupoints were Baihui (GV20, 225 times), Taichong (LR3, 215 times), Fengchi (GB20, 202 times), Hegu (LI4, 192 times), and Sanyinjiao (SP6, 134 times). The second-order and third-order association rules between the acupoints indicated that the combinations of LI4-LR3 and GB20-LR3-LI4 had the highest support. After analyzing the complex network topology, 27 core acupoints for the treatment of PD were identified. Commonly used meridians are Governer Vessel, Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang , Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming. -sea acupoints and -source acupoints are the majority in the specific acupoints. The community analysis of the acupoints revealed 3 groups：the head acupoints group of the Governor Vessel, the acupoints group for nourishing the liver and kidney, and the acupoints group for expelling pathogens and purging excessiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for PD often emphasizes the use of -sea acupoints and -source acupoints, and focus on combination of upper and lower acupoints, as well as the selection of acupoints within the same meridian. The treatment is based on - and meridian differentiation, with selection of the Governor Vessel to calm the mind and compatibility with acupoints to regulate the liver and tonify the kidney for the root causes, while utilizing limb acupoints to dispel wind, resolve phlegm, eliminate dampness, and purge heat for the symptoms.