This study aimed to explore the characteristics and principles of acupuncture for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) by analyzing clinical trials using data mining techniques. Data from clinical trials were analyzed using association rule mining, network analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis to determine correlations between acupoints. Results revealed GV20, LR3, PC6, SP6, and GV29 were most frequently used; Yang meridian acupoints were used more often than Yin meridian acupoints; five-shu points were the most applied specific acupoints; the lower limbs had the highest frequency of acupoint use; GV29 combined with GV20 was the most used acupoint group; core acupoints were GV20, PC6, and SP36; and five acupoint groups were identified via cluster analysis. Manual acupuncture was the most common method, with treatment frequency mostly at 7 times per week for 42 days. These findings may provide new insights for MDD treatment, but further research is needed.
