[Analysis of acupoint selection rules for acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder based on data mining technology].

Researchers analyzed how acupuncture is used for autism by looking at 223 studies. They found the most commonly used acupuncture points and treatment patterns. The main approach focuses on calming the mind and balancing different body systems. Four main treatment groups were identified, each targeting different aspects like brain function, heart health, and kidney strength. The study suggests specific acupuncture point combinations work best when tailored to individual symptoms.

This data mining study analyzed acupuncture protocols for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from 223 studies containing 452 prescriptions. The research identified core acupoint selection patterns using association rule analysis and clustering techniques. The most frequently used acupoints were Baihui (GV20), Sishenzhen, Zhisanzhen, Niesanzhen, and Neiguan (PC6), with treatments primarily utilizing Jiao's three-needle therapy, governor vessel points, and scalp acupuncture. Four main treatment categories emerged: governor vessel activation, spleen strengthening, spirit regulation, and kidney reinforcement.

The study found that treatments typically target syndrome patterns including kidney essence deficiency, heart and liver fire hyperactivity, and phlegm obstruction, emphasizing spirit regulation and mental tranquility through multi-organ harmony.

The identified acupoint patterns and treatment categories could inform standardized acupuncture protocols for autism. However, clinical trials are needed to validate effectiveness. The syndrome-based approach suggests personalized treatment selection may be important for optimizing outcomes in autism interventions.

This is a data mining analysis of existing literature rather than a clinical trial, so it cannot establish treatment effectiveness. The study does not report clinical outcomes or safety data. Sample sizes of individual studies and methodological quality assessment are not provided, limiting confidence in findings.

To analyze the core acupoint selection rules and syndrome-based compatibility patterns of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using data mining techniques. Relevant literature of acupuncture for ASD was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a prescription database was established based on the extracted effective data. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the frequency, meridian tropism, anatomical distribution, and specific point.

High-frequency acupoints were visualized using Origin software. The Apriori algorithm in IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used for association rule analysis of acupoint combinations. Cluster analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. The relationships between high-frequency syndromes and acupoints were visualized using Cytoscape 3.10.0.

A total of 223 studies and 452 prescriptions were included, among which 223 were based on syndrome differentiation. A total of 205 acupoints were included with a cumulative frequency of 4 067. The top five most frequently used acupoints were Baihui (GV20), Sishenzhen, Zhisanzhen, Niesanzhen, and Neiguan (PC6). Acupoints were primarily from's three-needle therapy, the governor vessel, scalp acupuncture, and the foot-bladder meridian, with a high proportion of acupoints located on the head and neck and the limbs.

Among specific point, five-points,-source points, and back-points were most frequently used. Association rule analysis revealed that the core acupoint group was Sishenzhen-Dingshenzhen-Zhisanzhen-Niesanzhen. Cluster analysis divided the top 20 high-frequency acupoints into four categories: governor vessel activation and brain awakening group, spleen strengthening and heart nourishing group,'s three-needle spirit-regulating group, and kidney-reinforcing and marrow-filling group. Clinically, the main syndrome patterns were kidney essence deficiency, hyperactivity of heart and liver fire, phlegm obstructing the heart orifices, dual deficiency of heart and spleen, and liverstagnation.

The core acupoint prescriptions of acupuncture for ASD are Sishenzhen, Dingshenzhen, Zhisanzhen, and Niesanzhen. The treatment emphasizes spirit regulation and mental tranquility, guided by the principles of harmonizing multiple-organs, regulatingand blood, unblockingmovement, and balancingand. Syndrome-based acupoint compatibility is recommended in clinical practice.