[Composition principles for chest obstruction and heart pain based on data mining of ancient acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions].

Researchers analyzed ancient Chinese medical texts to understand how acupuncture and moxibustion were traditionally used to treat chest pain and heart-related symptoms, a condition called "chest obstruction and heart pain." Using data mining techniques, they examined historical treatment records to identify which acupuncture points were most commonly selected and how practitioners combined them. The study found that ancient practitioners primarily used points along the pericardium meridian (the energy pathway associated with heart protection), particularly Daling (PC7) and Neiguan (PC6). These were often combined with points on the kidney, liver, conception vessel, and bladder meridians. The most frequently selected points included Daling, Neiguan, Taixi, Taichong, Shangwan, Yongquan, and Xinshu. Ancient texts showed that practitioners followed specific principles: treating the pericardium to indirectly benefit the heart, prioritizing regulation of qi (vital energy), combining source points with connecting points, and selecting points near the affected area. Moxibustion (burning herbs near acupuncture points) was especially recommended for chest pain caused by qi stagnation, coldness, or energy flowing in the wrong direction. Some points like Shangwan were exclusively treated with moxibustion, while others like Neiguan combined both needling and moxibustion. For patients experiencing specific symptoms like hand tremors or hot palms, practitioners selected additional specialized point combinations. If you're considering acupuncture for chest pain or heart conditions, consult with a licensed acupuncturist who can integrate traditional wisdom with appropriate modern medical care.

This data mining study analyzed ancient Chinese acupuncture-moxibustion texts for chest obstruction and heart pain using Excel-based frequency statistics and association rule algorithms. The analysis identified seven high-frequency foundational points: Daling (PC7), Neiguan (PC6), Taixi (KI3), Taichong (LR3), Shangwan (CV13), Yongquan (KI1), and Xinshu (BL15). Point selection predominantly utilized the pericardium meridian of hand-jueyin, coordinated with liver, kidney, conception vessel, and bladder meridians. Common combination strategies included yuan-source point pairing, dual five-shu points, five-shu with luo-connecting points, and yuan-luo matching. Moxibustion demonstrated particular efficacy for qi reversion, cold, and qi stagnation etiologies. Specific symptom presentations required targeted approaches: Shaohai (HT3) for hand tremor, and Zhongchong (PC9) with Daling (PC7) for palmar heat. Treatment principles emphasized "pericardium acting on behalf of the heart," qi regulation priority, yuan-luo combination, and proximal meridian point selection. Clinical application follows traditional syndrome differentiation with point-specific needling versus moxibustion protocols.