Points selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of gouty arthritis: an analysis based on bibliometrics

Objective

To discuss the selection pattern of points and meridians in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of gouty arthritis (GA) by analyzing clinical literatures related to GA, and to provide reference for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of GA.

Methods

Clinical literatures related to GA treated with acupuncture-moxibustion published between January 1981 and July 2017 were collected from Chinese databases. The points, meridians, frequency and treatment methods were analyzed.

Results

A total of 78 studies were included. For meridians, the top 5 meridians used were the Spleen Meridian (67 times), Liver Meridian (59 times), Stomach Meridian (53 times), Kidney Meridian (49 times) and Large Intestine Meridian (44 times). For points selection, the leading 5 points were Taichong (LR 3) (79 times), Taibai (SP 3) (68 times), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) (61 times), Taixi (KI 3) (57 times) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) (55 times). For major and adjunct points, the 5 most significant major points were Taichong (LR 3) (79 times), Taibai (SP 3) (68 times), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) (61 times), Yinlingquan (SP 9) (37 times) and Taixi (KI 3) (32 times). The 5 most significant adjunct points were Yanglingquan (GB 34) (31 times), Fenglong (ST 40) (30 times), Xuehai (SP 10) (29 times), Taixi (KI 3) (25 times) and Quchi (LI 11) (21 times). For treatment methods, the top 5 methods used were acupuncture-moxibustion alone for 15 studies, acupuncture combined with medicinal herbs for 11 studies, acupuncture-moxibustion combined with medicinal herbs for 10 studies, acupuncture alone for 7 studies, and electroacupuncture combined with bloodletting for 5 studies.

Conclusion

The main meridians chosen in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of GA were the Spleen, Liver, Stomach, Kidney and Large Intestine Meridians, conforming to the syndrome differentiation principle of tonifying spleen and kidney, clearing heat and draining dampness. Points mainly locate at lower limbs and feet around the affected area, which was a reflection of peripheral treatment function of points. The data mining results of meridian and point selection in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of GA conform to the disease and syndrome differentiation theory and provide references for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of GA.