Objective To explore and analyze the acupoint selection rules of acupuncture for functional constipation based on modern literature data mining. Methods Relevant literature on acupuncture for functional constipation was retrieved from four databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform, and China Biology Medicine Database. The retrieval period was from the inception of each database to June 2024. After literature screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a database of acupuncture prescriptions for functional constipation was established. Microsoft Excel 2017 was used to analyze the distribution regions, meridian tropism and specific point attributes of acupoints. The Apriori algorithm in IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 software was applied to conduct association rule analysis of acupoints in the prescriptions, and hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 software. Results A total of 403 articles were included, and 403 acupuncture prescriptions were extracted, involving 130 acupoints with a total usage frequency of 2 548. These acupoints covered 11 regular meridians, the conception vessel and governor vessel, as well as extra-meridional points, and were distributed throughout the body, mainly in the abdominal and leg regions. Specific points were widely used, with a total of 64 types and a usage frequency of 1 733, among which front-Mu points had the highest usage frequency. Association rule analysis was performed on acupoints with a frequency ≥30, and 19 association rules of acupoints were obtained. Cluster analysis was conducted on 33 high-frequency acupoints (frequency ≥10), and the results showed that acupoint clustering was mainly based on their characteristics and usage frequency. Conclusion Acupuncture treatment for functional constipation is centered on the acupoints combination such as Tianshu, Shangjuxu and Zusanli, which are mainly distributed in the abdominal region. Specific points are widely used, with front-Mu points having the highest usage frequency of application. The meridian tropism is dominated by the coordination of the stomach meridian and bladder meridian, and attention is paid to the application of local acupoint selection and specific points.

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