Acupoint selection patterns for epilepsy in ancient texts based on visual network analysis.
10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240308-0001
- Author:
Wentao YANG
1
;
Hua CUI
1
;
Chaojie WANG
1
;
Xuan WANG
2
;
Weiping CHENG
2
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of CM, Harbin 150040, China.
2. Second Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of CM, Harbin
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords:
Chinese Medical Classics;
acupoint selection pattern;
acupuncture and moxibustion;
epilepsy
- MeSH:
Acupuncture Points;
Humans;
Epilepsy/history*;
History, Ancient;
Acupuncture Therapy/history*;
Medicine in Literature/history*;
Meridians;
China
- From:
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion
2025;45(1):123-130
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:To analyze the disease patterns and acupoint selection characteristics of acupuncture for epilepsy in ancient acupuncture texts, providing references and ideas for clinical acupuncture treatment of epilepsy.
METHODS:Texts from the Chinese Medical Classics (5th edition) regarding acupuncture for epilepsy are reviewed. The frequency of acupoints, meridian association, distribution, specific points, corresponding epilepsy subtypes, and needling techniques are statistically analyzed. The Apriori algorithm is used for association rule analysis, and a complex network analysis is conducted for high-frequency acupoints and their corresponding subtypes and treatments.
RESULTS:A total of 205 acupuncture prescriptions are identified. Ancient texts favored differentiation-based treatments for epilepsy, primarily classified into epilepsy, wind epilepsy, and five epilepsy. Commonly used acupoints include Baihui (GV20), Jiuwei (CV15), Shenmen (HT7), Shenting (GV24), and Xinshu (BL15), with a focus on the acupoints of the governor vessel, the bladder meridian, and the conception vessel. The acupoints on the head, face are combined with the acupoints on the limbs, with skillful use of the five-shu points and intersection acupoints. The most frequent combinations are Shenmen (HT7)-Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV24)-Baihui (GV20), and Xinshu (BL15)-Shenmen (HT7). Visual network analysis revealed that Baihui (GV20)-Shenting (GV24), Baihui (GV20)-Shenmen (HT7), and Baihui (GV20)-Zhaohai (KI6) are core acupoint combinations. Treatment mainly involved moxibustion or combined acupuncture and moxibustion.
CONCLUSION:The acupoint selection for epilepsy treatment in ancient texts is precise, frequently using Baihui (GV20), Jiuwei (CV15), Shenmen (HT7), Shenting (GV24), and Xinshu (BL15), etc., with emphasis on calming epilepsy, awakening the spirit, relaxing tendons, and nourishing the heart.
