Exploration of Regularities in Point Selection for Acupuncture –moxibustion Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea

Objective To analyze regularities in point selection in clinical controlled trials of acupuncture –moxibustion treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. Method Recent four years' clinical controlled trials or studies of acupuncture –moxibustion treatment for primary dysmenorrhea were retrieved and regularities in point selection in them were summarized and analyzed. Result A total of 85 pieces of literature were included. Acupoints selected for treatment were distributed on fourteen meridians. Of them, the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin was used most frequently(145 times) and next, the Ren Meridian(141 times). The points of fourteen meridians which frequencies ranked the top 16 in the 85 pieces of literature were, in order, Sanyinjiao(84 times), Guanyuan(64 times), Zusanli(42 times), Taichong(40 times), Qihai(39 times times), Hegu(35 times), Ciliao(31 times), Diji(30 times), Zhongji(25 times), Xuehai(20 times), Shenshu(19 times), Guilai(13 times), Shuidao(13 times), Pishu(13 times), Ganshu(12 times) and Yinlingquan(10 times). Conclusion The Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin and the Ren Meridian are often used for acupuncture –moxibustion treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Acupoints often used are Sanyinjiao, Guanyuan and Zusanli. The principle of local, along-meridian and syndrome differentiation-based point selection should be followed in the treatment.