Objective To analyze the rules of acupoints selection for phlegm disorder in treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion in ancient literature so as to provide guidance to clinical treatment of phlegm disorder. Methods The word "phlegm" was taken as the search term and the relevant articles were retrieved from Zhonghuayidian(Dictionary of Chinese Medicine). According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria

the articles were screened and the database was set up. The analysis was conducted on acupoint selection

the correlation with meridians involved and distribution location

as well as the use frequency of specific points and acupoint combination. Results It was found that in treatment of phlegm disorder

the highest frequently used acupoints were Zusanli(ST36) and Zhongwan(CV12). The use frequency of three yang meridians was higher than that of three yin meridians. The commonly involved meridians were the Conception Vessel

Bladder Meridian of Foot-taiyang and the Governor Vessel. The acupoints located in the chest and abdomen were highly used. The use frequency of specific points was higher than that of non-specific ones. The sequence of the use frequency of specific points

from high to low

is the crossing point

the front-mu point and luo-connecting point. The combination of Danzhong(CV17) and Zusanli(ST36) is of the high frequency. Conclusion Ancient medical scholars focus on regulating spleen and stomach functions

as well as qi activity in treatment of phlegm disorder with acupuncture and moxibustion

which is coincident with the treatment principle of phlegm disorder in traditional Chinese medicine. In treatment

acupuncture-moxibusiton is characterized as laying the emphasis on the specific points

the local acupoints and the holistic idea as " regulation of yang for yin disorder ".