Comparative analysis between New Acupuncture and Meridians and Acupoints using the complex network approach基于复杂网络的《新针灸学》与《经络腧穴学》比较分析研究

The data relevant to acupoint names and indications were extracted from two key textbooks on acupuncture, namely, New Acupuncture and Meridians and Acupoints. Based on the complex network approach, the acupoint-symptom network was established and changes based on the acupoint number were analyzed to highlight the agreement and congruence between these two textbooks, including indication rules. Using topological data, the reasons for the differences were explained to provide specific ideas and methods for the structural development and standardization of the traditional acupuncture knowledge system. In this study, 386 acupoints, 773 symptoms, and 152,163 acupoint-matched pairs from New Acupuncture and 403 acupoints, 253 symptoms, and 28,755 acupoint-matched pairs from Meridians and Acupoints were included. The results highlighted that there are numerous differences in the acupoint-symptom network between these two textbooks. The model of New Acupuncture displays a more typical small-world effect, which may reflect the advantage of classification by symptoms. Furthermore, many of the variations in acupoint locations and indications between these two textbooks reflect the discipline's development over time.