Objective

2

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

2

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

2

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

2

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.