Abstract: Objective To investigate the meridians and acupoints selection in the treatment of post-stroke spastic paralysis with Tuina (Chinese massage). Methods The literatures about Tuina therapy for post-stroke spastic paralysis were retrieved. The frequency of meridians and acupoints used was counted and analyzed. Results 99 papers were collected, which involved in 226 acupoints and 1602 times of application. The selected acupoints were distributed in all the fourteen meridians and 64.5% (1033/1602, 606 on upper limb, 427 on lower limb) of them were on the limbs. The acupoints of the Yang meridians was 75.0% (1200/1602) and the specific acupoints was 71.7% (1148/ 1602). Conclusion The acupoint selected was basically focused on the local areas in Tuina for post-stroke spastic paralysis, assisted with the involved meridians and distal acupoints. The acupoints of the Yang meridians were the first option, mainly on the extremities. The specific acupoints were the major components of the prescription, especially the Five-shu acupoints and the He acupoints.

Key words: stroke, spastic paralysis, massage, meridian, acupoints