Data Mining-Based Analysis of Acupoint Selection Patterns in Acupuncture Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Zheng et al. · Journal of Pain Research · 2026
Evidence Level
MODERATEOBJECTIVE
To identify acupuncture point selection patterns and combinations for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation through data mining techniques
WHO
537 studies analyzed, encompassing 766 distinct acupuncture prescriptions
DURATION
Systematic review of literature from 2010 to 2025
POINTS
149 unique acupoints identified, with 13 main points representing 74.65% of total use
🔬 Study Design
Included studies
n=537
Analysis of acupuncture prescriptions for lumbar disc herniation
📊 Results in numbers
Main acupoints identified
Bladder Meridian — dominant use
Association rules identified
Weizhong (BL-40) — most used point
Percentage highlights
📊 Outcome Comparison
Frequency of use by meridian
This study analyzed hundreds of research papers on acupuncture for lumbar disc herniation and discovered that there is a clear pattern in point selection. The most effective and commonly used points by acupuncturists are mainly on the Bladder and Gallbladder meridians, especially Weizhong, Huantiao, and Dachangshu, providing a scientific basis for standardized treatments.
Article summary
Plain-language narrative summary
This pioneering study represents the first comprehensive data mining analysis of acupoint selection patterns in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The researchers conducted a systematic review of seven electronic databases, analyzing 537 studies that documented 766 distinct acupuncture prescriptions and 149 unique acupoints. The methodology included frequency analysis, association rule mining using the Apriori algorithm, hierarchical cluster analysis, and neural distribution analysis. The results revealed notable patterns in point selection.
Thirteen main acupoints accounted for 74.65% of all clinical use, with Weizhong (BL-40) being the most frequent (9.68%), followed by Huantiao (GB-30, 8.47%) and Dachangshu (BL-25, 8.30%). The Bladder Meridian dominated with 57.68% of total frequency, followed by the Gallbladder Meridian with 26.05%. This predominance reflects the classical principle that 'where the meridian passes, the disorder can be treated,' since these meridians correspond anatomically to the distribution of the sciatic nerve. Association rule analysis identified 449 main rules, highlighting combinations such as Weizhong-Dachangshu with high reliability (64.74%).
Cluster analysis revealed six distinct therapeutic strategies: constitutional strengthening, Gallbladder Meridian strategy, posterior leg and paravertebral approach, liver and anterior leg regulation, central Bladder Meridian strategy, and Governor Vessel and Kidney strengthening. Neural distribution analysis showed predominant involvement of the lumbar nerves (25.72%) and sciatic nerve complex (22.55%), demonstrating logical neuroanatomic correspondence. The study bridges traditional Chinese theory with modern neuroanatomic understanding, providing the first quantitative basis for acupoint selection in LDH. Limitations include heterogeneity of included studies, inability to assess specific treatment parameters, and inability to establish definitive causality between point combinations and clinical outcomes.
Future research should focus on validating the efficacy of identified combinations through well-designed randomized controlled trials.
Strengths
- 1First comprehensive data mining analysis for acupoint selection in lumbar disc herniation
- 2Large volume of data analyzed (537 studies, 766 prescriptions)
- 3Robust methodology with multiple analytical techniques
- 4Clear correspondence between traditional theory and modern neuroanatomy
- 5Identification of evidence-based clinical consensus patterns
Limitations
- 1Heterogeneity of included studies may affect reliability
- 2Inability to assess specific treatment parameters
- 3Does not establish causality between combinations and clinical outcomes
- 4Absence of systematic methodologic quality assessment
- 5Possible publication bias in included literature
Expert Commentary
Dr. Marcus Yu Bin Pai
MD, PhD · Pain Medicine · Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation · Medical Acupuncture
▸ Clinical Relevance
Lumbar disc herniation continues to be one of the most prevalent conditions in pain and rehabilitation services, and acupuncture already holds a consolidated place in the multimodal therapeutic arsenal for these patients. What this work adds concretely is a quantitative basis for acupoint selection — something that previously depended almost exclusively on tradition or the physician's individual preference. By identifying 13 points responsible for 74.65% of clinical use across 766 analyzed prescriptions, the study offers a consensus map derived from real evidence. This has direct application in two frequent scenarios: the patient with acute lumbosciatica who cannot yet tolerate intensive physical therapy, and the chronic patient in whom first-line analgesics have already been exhausted. Having an empirically backed point selection facilitates decision-making and allows the structuring of reproducible protocols within rehabilitation services.
▸ Notable Findings
The predominance of the Bladder Meridian, with 57.68% of total frequency, takes on additional meaning when overlaid on neuroanatomy: this meridian runs parallel to the sciatic nerve trajectory and lumbar nerve roots, which explains its recurrence in LDH with radicular component. The association rule analysis, with 449 rules identified, is the most operational finding of the study — the combination of Weizhong (BL-40) with Dachangshu (BL-25) showed reliability of 64.74%, which represents a prescription core with a robust empirical basis. The cluster analysis revealing six distinct therapeutic strategies is especially useful: it allows the physician to choose the approach according to the dominant clinical pattern, whether a profile of constitutional insufficiency, predominantly sciatic radiculopathy, or compromise of the anterior thigh compartment. The identified neural correspondence — lumbar nerves at 25.72% and sciatic complex at 22.55% — closes the argument that the millennia-old empirical selection anticipated what modern neuroanatomy formalized.
▸ From My Experience
In my practice at the Pain Center, lumbosciatica from LDH is probably the indication for which I most use acupuncture as an adjunct, and the pattern that Zheng et al. describe reproduces well what I usually prescribe empirically. I have observed perceptible analgesic response as early as the first three to four sessions, especially in the radiating component — the patient often reports improvement of paresthesia even before the axial pain. In subacute cases, I usually work with cycles of eight to ten sessions, then assess the need for biweekly or monthly maintenance. I almost always combine it with lumbar stabilization exercise and, when there is an acute inflammatory component, I keep an NSAID for short term in parallel. Weizhong is my standard entry point in any low back pain with posterior irradiation — its location at the center of the popliteal rhombus, over the tibial nerve, produces reliable De Qi and a rapid response. I do not indicate acupuncture alone when there is progressive motor deficit or cauda equina syndrome — in those cases surgical referral prevails without hesitation.
Full original article
Read the full scientific study
Journal of Pain Research · 2026
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S576514
Access original articleThis study underpins the editorial content of the site.
Condition pages and clinical articles that cite this evidence as the basis of their recommendations.
Scientific Review
Marcus Yu Bin Pai, MD, PhD
CRM-SP: 158074 | RQE: 65523 · 65524 · 655241
PhD in Health Sciences, University of São Paulo. Board-certified in Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Medical Acupuncture. Scientific review and curation of every entry in this library.
Learn more about the author →Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified professional. Some information may be assisted by artificial intelligence and is subject to inaccuracies. Always consult a physician.
Content reviewed by the medical team at CEIMEC — Integrated Centre for Chinese Medicine Studies, a reference in Medical Acupuncture for over 30 years.
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