Objective To explore the core acupoints and compatibility rules of acupuncture and moxibustion for epilepsy by using complex network method.

Methods A prescription database was established through inclusion and exclusion criteria for searching literatures for databases from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Pubmed. SPSS Modeler software was used to analyze the frequency and correlation of acupoints, and Gephi0.10.1 software was used to establish a complex network model to explore the core acupoints and acupoint selection rules of prescriptions for epilepsy.

Results Ultimately, 144 valid literatures were included, 199 prescriptions were extracted, involving 102 acupoints. Baihui acupoint had the highest frequency of use, specific acupoints were mainly Five-shu acupoint, the Eight Meridian Intersection acupoint, and the Back-shu acupoint. In selection of meridians, most acupoints were selected from governor meridian. Association rule analysis showed that Baihui-Taichong had the highest level of support and confidence. The analysis of complex network topology showed that 36 acupoints such as Baihui, Dazhui, Yaoqi and Fenglong were the core acupoints in the treatment of epilepsy by acupuncture and moxibustion. The analysis of acupoint communities revealed three major acupoint groups including governor meridian passing through treatment group, far and near matching acupoint group of the four limbs and head, and differentiation group of Zang-fu and body fluid for epilepsy treatment.

Conclusion Acupoint compatibility of epilepsy by acupuncture and moxibustion should be mainly based on principle of the governor meridian combined with the differentiation of viscera and body fluid, and attention should be paid to distal-proximal point association.