Objective To analyze the regularity of acupoint selection

and compatibility of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression. Methods Articles both in English and Chinese published in databases of CNKI

Wanfang

VIP

Chinese biomedical literature database(SinoMed)

PubMed

Embase

Cochrane Library from the inception to February of 2021 were retrieved by using key words “acupuncture” or “moxibustion” or “electroacupuncture” or “acupoint application” or “ acupoint burying” or “acupoint injection” or “fire needling” and “postpartum depression” or “puerperal depression”. The frequencies of selected acupoints and meridians were counted by using data mining technology

and the points with high frequency were analyzed by cluster analysis. Results A total of 42 articles were included

containing 65 prescriptions and 80 points. The highest frequency of acupoints were Baihui(GV20)

Sanyinjiao(SP6)

Taichong(LR3)

Neiguan(PC6)

Zusanli(ST36) and Shenmen(HT7). The most frequently selected channels were Bladder Meridian

Governor Meridian and Liver Meridian. Among the specific points

intersection points

five-shu points

yuan-source points and back-shu points were widely used. Through cluster analysis

four effective cluster groups [GV20-SP6

LR3-PC6

Xinshu(BL15)-Ganshu(BL18)-Pishu(BL20)-Guanyuan(CV4)

Hegu(LI4)-Qihai(CV6)-Qimen(LR14)] were obtained

as well as a group of main points(GV20-SP6-LR3-PC6-ST36-HT7) and two groups of matching points [LI4-CV6-LR14 and BL15-BL18-BL20-CV4-Sishencong(EX-HN1)]. Conclusion Through data mining technology

this paper summarized the acupoint selection and compatibility law of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression

focusing on regulating Qi

blood and spirit

so as to provide reference for guiding the clinical acupuncture treatment and scientific research of postpartum depression.