Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study is to understand effect on respiratory disease and satisfaction of parents about acupoint sticking in hottest period of summer. Methods A survey was conducted to the parents of their children who took acupoint sticking in Dog-days for two years in a row. 17 children (10 boys, 7 girls, 4.0-12.11 years) were attached Socheongo to BL-13, BL-15, BL-17 for 3 hours. In terms of the effectiveness of the therapy, the treatment only considered as effective when there is any improvement in respiratory symptoms. Results 11 children (64.7%) from the study group have shown positive effect. There were significant improvements in frequency of having a cold or duration of a cold; duration of rhinitis; frequency of having empyema or its duration; frequency of having bronchitis; frequency of having pneumonia; frequency of having otitis media. Respiratory health VAS (Visual Analog Scale) had significant increase from 5 to 6.71 (p<0.05). 7 parents (41.2%) were satisfied with acupoint in hottest period of summer and 16 parents (94.1%) wanted to have their children get treated again in next year. From the survey, inconveniences of acupuncture were weak attachment of the acupoint (23.5%), long attaching time (11.8%), pressure about number of treatments (5.9%), worry about side effects (5.9%). Side effects have been reported; 2 pruritus (11.8%), 1 pruritus and erythema (5.9%). Conclusions Acupoint sticking in hottest period of summer improves lung symptoms in children older than three years old. However, the ways to reduce the side effects and inconveniences are needed.
