Objective To explore the rules of acupoints selection of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR) by using data mining technology

as well as to compare the efficacy of different acupoints selection methods. Methods Papers about acupuncture and moxibustion for treating AR published from January 2002 to August 2022 was retrieved from Chinese and English databases including CNKI

Wanfang

VIP

SinoMed and PubMed by using keywords of “acupuncture”

“moxibustion” and “allergic rhinitis”. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria

the collected literature was screened to establish the AR database. Frequency statistic analysis was conducted for detecting high-frequency acupoints and specific acupoints frequency

and the curative effects of different acupoints selection methods were compared. SPSS26.0 software was used for factor analysis

cluster analysis and QUEST decision tree model identification. Results A total of 289 papers were included

with 384 acupuncture prescriptions extracted. A total of 99 acupoints were involved with the application frequency of 2 430 times. Among them

the application frequency of Yingxiang(LI20) is the highest(296 times

12.18%)

followed by Yintang(GV24

+

) and Hegu(LI4)

etc. The main invloved meridians are the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang

the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming and the Governor Vessel. The involved specific acupoints with the highest frequency of application is the crossing acupoints. Nine common factors of acupoints combinations units were extracted by factor analysis

and two cluster prescriptions of acupoints combinations correlation were obtained by cluster analysis. Three decision paths of simplified acupoints selection were simulated by the decision tree

with LI20 as the dependent variable. Conclusion In the treatment of AR with acupuncture and moxibustion

the regularities and characteristics of acupoints selection are as follows: 1) often selecting local acupoints and acupoint combinations along meridians

2) focusing on combination of dispelling pathogenic factors with strengthening vital energy

3) advocating diversification of acupoint matching methods. The combination of factor analysis

cluster analysis and QUEST decision tree application provides three directions for clinical acupoints selection of AR.