Knowledge Discovery of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Prescriptions for Diabetes Mellitus Therapy Based on Partial Ordered Structure Theory

In order to explore acupoints selection rules and treatment philosophy for diabetes mellitus (DM) in acupuncture and moxibustion medicine, a knowledge discovery method based on the partial ordered structure theory was applied in this paper. There were 39 prescriptions involved and they originated from Zhang Daozong and Du Yuanhao, who were both doctors and experts in TCM. First, the formal context of prescriptions was established after data standardization. Then, attribute partial ordered structure diagram and object partial ordered structure diagram based on partial ordered structure theory were generated. With its better visualization and good uniformity in the theory of TCM, diagrams could clearly express the similarities and differences in those prescriptions. Finally, by analysing the diagrams from the perspective of TCM theory based on knowledge discovery, some useful acupuncture selection rules have been discovered. It was found that the partial ordered structure theory makes an excellent presentation of the rules of DM treatment patterns and characteristics of acupoints used in the prescriptions, and the theory has applicability in related research of acupucture and moxibustion prescriptions.