Research status on acupoint selection patterns in acupuncture for visceral smooth muscle spasmodic pain

To investigate three representative conditions, gallbladder colic, renal colic, and primary dysmenorrhea, to identify trends and regularities in acupoint selection and provide evidence-based references for clinical practice.

Clinical studies on acupuncture for gallbladder colic, renal colic, and primary dysmenorrhea published between 2006 and 2025 were retrieved from the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang, and PubMed. Bibliometric analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0, and the Apriori algorithm was applied to evaluate acupoint-use patterns.

The analysis demonstrated that commonly selected acupoints for these conditions have remained relatively consistent over the past two decades. Frequently used acupoints for gallbladder colic included Yanglingquan (GB 34), Dannang (EX-LE 6), Qiuxu (GB 40), Taichong (LR 3), Danshu (BL 19), Zusanli (ST 36), Qimen (LR 14), Riyue (GB 24), and Ganshu (BL 18). For renal colic, the most frequently reported points were Shenshu (BL 23), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Jingmen (GB 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Ashi points, Zhongji (CV 3), and Pangguangshu (BL 28). The main acupoints for primary dysmenorrhea were Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Ciliao (BL 32), Diji (SP 8), Shiqizhui (EX-B 8), Zhongji (CV 3), Zusanli (ST 36), Zigong (EX-CA 1), and Qihai (CV 6). On average, treatment protocols employed 3–4 acupoints per session.

The most frequently selected acupoints for visceral smooth muscle spasmodic pain were located within the ganglion segment innervation areas, showing close association with the target organs. Furthermore, treatment protocols typically involved a small number of acupoints. These findings highlight the need for further systematic research, particularly randomized controlled trials, to validate and strengthen the evidence base.