Rules of acupoint selection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on data mining technology

The rules of acupoint selection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on data mining technology are analyzed. Literature regarding acupuncture for DPN published in core journals from January of 2005 to December of 2014 was retrieved in CNKI database and Wanfang database to establish a database of acupuncture prescriptions, which were included into the TCM Inheritance Platform software (Version 2.0). The data mining methods, including rule analysis, revised mutual information, etc. were applied to analyze the acupuncture prescriptions and the frequency of each acupoint was calculated. The results indicated Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Quchi (LI 11), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Hegu (LI 4), Shenshu (BL 23), etc. were mostly selected in acupuncture for DPN; in addition, 19 acupoint combinations were acquired. It is concluded that acupuncture for DPN applied reinforcing methods as main rules, accompanied with promoting blood and qi circulation; the acupoint selection focused on yangming meridians and back-shu points.