基于CiteSpace和VOSviewer的合谷穴研究可视化分析OA

Objective:The Hegu(LI4)is one of the most widely used acupoints in clinical practice,yet a systematic macro-level understanding of cutting-edge trends in this research field is still lacking.Based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer software,this study conducts a visualization analysis of literature related to the Hegu over the past 20 years,systematically reviewing research hotspots and frontier trends in this field to provide references for subsequent studies.Methods:Literature on the Hegu published between November 2004 and November 2024 was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI).After screening,264 basic research articles and 1 677 clinical research articles were included.Bibliometric methods,combined with CiteSpace and VOSviewer software,were used to conduct a classified visualization and analysis of annual publication volume,core authors,collaborative institutions,and keywords.Results:Research on the Hegu showed staged growth characteristics.Basic research peaked in 2018,while clinical research reached its peak in 2015 before both declining.A core group of authors has formed,with LUO Yong and WANG Junlu being the most prolific in basic and clinical research,respectively.Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine were the institutions with the highest number of publications in basic and clinical research,respectively.However inter-institutional collaborations were mostly limited to regional networks.Keyword analysis revealed that basic research focused on mechanistic explorations such as"electroacupuncture""Parkinson's disease"and"acupuncture-medicine combination"with"acupuncture analgesia"serving as a pivotal concept with the highest betweenness centrality(0.63).Clinical research hotspots center around application areas such as"acupuncture analgesia""labor analgesia"and"thumb-tack needle"where"clinical efficacy"demonstrates a high betweenness centrality of 0.72.Temporal evolution indicates an overall trend shifting from basic mechanism exploration toward precision clinical applications,while also revealing a gap in basic research,failing to keep pace with emerging clinical technologies like the thumb-tack needle.Conclusion:Research on the Hegu has formed a dual-driven model emphasizing both basic mechanism exploration and clinical practice validation.Future efforts should strengthen interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration,establish a rapid response and translational mechanism from basic research to emerging clinical technologies,deepen research on core combination mechanisms,expand its application within integrated modern medical models,and promote the systematization and internationalization of acupuncture research.