Objectives : Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of dopamine neurons in the brain. Previous studies have shown that acupuncture can delay the progression of the disease in the early stages of PD. Based on the findings from these studies, we investigated the underlying mechanisms by examining alterations in protein expression within the striatum, which is the site of lesions associated with PD. Methods : PD animal models were fabricated using neurotoxic compounds such as 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), and the animal models were divided into the control group (CTL), the MPTP group that received only MPTP treatment, the MPTP-A group that received MPTP and acupuncture treatment at LR3 and GB34, and the MPTP-NA group that received MPTP and acupuncture treatment on both sides of the hip joint. Results : Behavioral data obtained from the rotarod test showed that motor function, which was significantly impaired due to the induction of PD (p<0.005), demonstrated a statistically significant improvement following acupuncture treatment (p<0.05). To investigate the mechanism involved in these neuroprotective effects, we studied the protein expression changes in the striatum of PD mouse model. MPTP_A group showed significant changes in protein expression of Axin-1 (Axin1), Integrin beta-6 (Itgb6), Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), and Legumain (Lgmn). In addition, KEGG pathway analysis showed that these proteins are involved in dopaminergic synapses, cytoskeleton in muscle cells, mTOR signaling pathway, and etc. Conclusions : These results suggest that acupuncture treatment is expected to be effective in treating PD by altering the protein expression levels of Axin1, Itgb6, Ahr, and Lgmn.

Objectives : Pattern identification is a unique diagnostic process in Traditional East Asian Medicine, which involves examining signs and symptoms to categorize them into types. Some key symptoms playing a major role in distinguishing between different patterns and acupoint selection can vary depending on the identified pattern. This study aims to identify key symptoms and acupoints specific to each pattern type in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods : Clinical information was collected from twenty-one FD patients who visited local clinics of traditional Korean Medicine using Standard Tool for Pattern Identification of Functional Dyspepsia (STPI-FD) questionnaire. Three Korean Medicine doctors conducted virtual diagnoses using this information in each patient case. They first identified patterns among three types (Pattern1: spleen-stomach weakness, Pattern2: spleen deficiency with qi stagnation/liver-stomach disharmony, and Pattern3: food retention), then selected five key symptoms, and finally selected the acupoints for each case. Results : We identified common and specific symptoms critical for differentiating patterns. Abdominal and chest symptoms, nausea and fatigue were commonly regarded as important in all three pattern types, while pale complexion, heartburn, and changes in appetite or stool were distinctive in Pattern1, Pattern2, and Pattern3, respectively. In terms of acupoint selection, LR3, LI4, CV12, CV10, and ST36 were commonly selected, while CV4 and CV6 were specifically chosen in Pattern1, and BL18, CV17, and GV20 were specifically chosen in Pattern2. Conclusions : This study identified important clinical information regarding the evaluation of FD patients and relevant acupoint selections for different pattern types using real patient data. Our findings suggest that this approach can aid clinicians in medical decision-making, including pattern identification and acupoint selection.

Objectives : To elucidate the anatomical correlates of the Governor Vessel (GV, Du Mai) as described in the Huangdi Neijing by comparing it with the contemporary anatomical understanding of the arterial system. This study aims to demonstrate that the GV corresponds to an actual arterial system rather than a hypothetical pathway. Methods : The study analyzed the GV's pathway as described in the "Discourse on Bone Hollows" (DBH) chapter of the Suwen, comparing it with contemporary anatomical knowledge of arterial distribution. The vessel's route was divided into pelvic and upper body segments, and each segment was examined in relation to corresponding arteries. Relevant anatomical research literature was consulted to identify the arteries corresponding to each section of the GV. Results : The pelvic segment of the GV corresponds to the pathway from the aortic bifurcation through the common iliac artery to the internal iliac artery. Among the branches of the internal iliac artery, the internal pudendal artery of the anterior division and the superior gluteal artery of the posterior division are described as the main routes. The upper body segment of the GV corresponds to the pathway from the aortic bifurcation through the aorta, common carotid artery, external carotid artery, to the facial artery. Some content in the DBH may have been inserted in later periods. Conclusions : The study confirms that the GV corresponds to an actual arterial system. Further investigation is needed to determine whether branches of the internal iliac artery not described in the DBH should be included in the GV pathway. Sections presumed to be later additions should be reviewed for exclusion from the GV pathway. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the anatomical correlates of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels.

Objectives : This study aims to report a case of acute lumbar sprain in a patient whose symptoms improved significantly after receiving ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture combined with Korean medical treatments. Methods : A 30-year-old female patient with acute lumbar sprain caused by a fall experienced severe lumbar pain and restricted range of motion. Symptoms were evaluated before treatment and during follow-up using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and the range of motion (ROM) for lumbar flexion and extension. Treatments included ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture, which targeted the medial branch of the spinal nerve located in the space between the longissimus and iliocostalis muscles. A total of 5cc of the pharmacological solution was administered, with 2.5 cc injected into the left side and 2.5 cc into the right side of the lumbar region. Additional treatments included acupuncture, Chuna manipulation, and physical therapy. Results : After the first treatment, the patient's NRS score decreased from 8 to 4. Additionally, the range of motion improved, with lumbar flexion increasing from 30° to 60° and extension from 15° to 30°. Conclusions : The rapid and significant improvements observed in this case highlight the potential of integrating ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture in treating acute lumbar sprain. This combined therapeutic approach may offer a viable alternative to conventional treatments, promoting faster recovery and enhancing patient outcomes in acute musculoskeletal injuries.

Sacroiliac and hip joint injuries often present complex pain patterns, posing diagnostic challenges. This case report describes the diagnostic process and management of acute sacroiliac and hip joint injury in a 39-year-old male presenting with right hip and knee pain of numeric rating scale (NRS)6 after playing basketball. Physical examination revealed positive Yeoman and Patrick tests, with tenderness in the sacroiliac joint and gluteal region. Knee examinations were negative. Treatment comprised a novel acupotomy technique using conical adhesiolysis, applied at one sacroiliac and three gluteal points, with 30 insertions per site. Complementary acupuncture, and moxibustion treatments were also used. The patient experienced immediate pain relief (NRS 0) post-treatment, reporting significant discomfort during the procedure but complete subsequent relief. Follow-up at 8 weeks confirmed sustained efficacy. This case highlights the importance of accurate differential diagnosis and demonstrates the potential of this novel acupotomy technique in treating sacroiliac and hip joint injuries for extensive adhesions. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and explore broader clinical applications.