Objective To explore the combination rule of acupoints for treating constipation. Methods Databases of PubMed

Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure（ CNKI）

Wanfang

and VIP were searched for potential eligible literatures according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. The basic information of the literature

intervention measures

acupoint prescription and other information were extracted to establish constipation acupuncture prescription database. Frequency analysis

complex network analysis

association rules method were used to analyze the compatibility of acupoint in treatment of constipation. Results Totally 415 articles were included and 415 acupoint prescriptions were extracted. The complex network topology analysis found that Tianshu（ ST 25）

Shangjuxu（ ST 37）

Zusanli（ ST 36）

Zhigou（ SJ 6）

Dachangshu（ BL 25）

Zhongwan（ RN 12）

Guanyuan（ RN 4）

Ciliao（ BL 32）

Qihai（ RN 6）

Baihui（ DU 20）

Taichong（ LR 3）

Hegu（ LI 4）

Daheng（ SP 15）

Sanyinjiao（ SP 6）

Pishu（ BL 20）

Zhaohai（ KI 6）

Taixi（ KI 3）

Chengshan（ BL 57） and Shenshu（ BL 23） were the core nodes for acupuncture treatment of constipation. The analysis of association rules showed that the combination of core acupoints are Tianshu（ ST 25）

Shangjuxu（ ST 37）

Zusanli（ ST 36）

Zhigou（ SJ 6） and Dachangshu（ BL 25）. Conclusion Acupuncture treatment of constipation often uses acupoint combination

acupoints with distal and proximal points

acupoint of the stomach meridian

front-mu point

five-shu point and lower-he-sea point are most of frequently used.Tianshu（ ST 25）

Shangjuxu（ ST 37）

Zusanli（ ST 36）

Zhigou（ SJ 6） and Dachangshu（ BL 25） make the core acupoint combination.