Objectives Although the faith that pulse diagnosis via a thread, namely "Xuanxizhenmai", had been applied to some women in royal families, is widely spread in East Asian countries, but it is still controversial that whether this faith is based on historical facts or just originated from some folk tales. So we provided some reasonable clues to interpret that faith. Methods The digitalized Annals of Joseon Dynasty and Twenty Five Books of Chinese History were used for historical example search. Conventional internet search engines are widely used for investigation of other examples and related interpretations. Additionally, a pilot observation with nylon threads and optical vibration detection devices was performed to confirm it's feasibility. Results Although there are a few evidences supporting Xuanxizhenmai's existence in Qing dynasty, no evidence was found to show it's existence in authoritative annals of Korea and China. The pilot observation showed that in optimal environment, some intense arterial pulse could be propagated dozens of centimeter, but it was not applicable to clinical needs. Conclusions Pulse propagation via a thread was proved to be reproducible within limited extents, but pulse diagnosis via a thread, namely Xuanxizhenmai, seem to have never been used for proper clinical purpose.

Objectives The aim of this study is to propose an optimized tongue colour interpolation method to achieve accurate tongue image rendering. Methods We selected 60 colour chips in the chips of DIC color guide selector, and then divided randomly the colour chips into two groups. The colour chips of a group (Gr I) were used for finding the optimized colour correction factor of error and those of the other group (Gr II) were used for verifying the correction factor. We measured colour value of the Gr I colour chips with spectrophotometer, and took the colour chips image with a digital tongue image system (DTIS). We adjusted colour correction factor of error to equal the chip colour from each method. Through that process, we obtained the optimized colour correction factor. To verify the correction factor, we measured colour value of the Gr II colour chips with a spectrophotometer, and took the colour chips image with the DTIS in the two types of colour interpolation mode (auto white balance mode and optimized colour correction factor mode). And then we calculated the CIE-$L^*ab$ colour difference (${\Delta}E$) between colour values measured with the spectrophotometer and those from images taken with the DTIS. Results In auto white balance mode, The mean ${\Delta}E$ between colour values measured with the spectrophotometer and those from images taken with the DTIS was 13.95. On the other hand, in optimized colour correction factor mode, The mean ${\Delta}E$ was 9.55. The correction rate was over 30%. Conclusions In case of interpolating colour of images taken with the DTIS, we suggest that procedure to search the optimized colour correction factor of error should be done first.

Objectives The aim of this study is to develop a cardiovascular simulator that can reproduce blood pressure pulse and blood flow similar to those of the human body. Methods In order to design a system similar to the human cardiovascular system, the required performances were determined by investigating the hemodynamic characteristics of the heart and the arterial system. Main organ to be imitated is heart in simulator. The rest of the system was minimally designed. Also, a blood pressure and blood flow measurement system was developed for measuring the results. Results The developed system showed blood pressure pulse at similar range of the human aorta. The result waveform include primary wave caused by ventricular systole except reflected wave. Conclusions The blood pressure and blow flow patterns were replicated by the simulator. These patterns were similar to those of the human body. The system will play an important role in studying pulse diagnostics.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to find out whether if there is correlation between the pattern differentiation questionnaire and edema index of body composition analysis. Methods The authors obtained results of pattern differentiation Questionnaires and body composition analysis tests from 195 female patients who visited the Oriental gynecology department in Kyung Hee university Oriental medicine hospital at Gang-dong. The authors conducted correlation analysis between indicators of Body composition analysis and each part of the pattern differentiation Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on SPSS version 13.0 for windows. Results There was negative correlation between the Phlegm Questionnaire and right arm ECF, left arm ECF, and left arm ECW of the Body composition index. There was no correlation between Yin-deficiency Questionnaire and Body composition index. There was no correlation between Heat pattern Questionnaire and Body composition index. There was positive correlation between the Cold pattern Questionnaire and right leg ECF, and right leg ECW of the body composition index. There was no correlation between degree of edema self-awareness and Body composition index. Conclusions The result showed that each Questionnaire score has different correlation or even no correlation with Body composition index and degree of edema self-awareness. Further studies are needed for a better understanding and interpretation of the relationship between edema index on Body composition analysis and Questionnaires.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to report the effect of oriental demonstration treatment for episodic vertigo of Meniere's disease. Meniere's Disease characterized by recurrent prostrating episodic vertigo, nausea, vomiting, sensory hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear associated with generalized dilation of the membranous labyrinth (endolymphatic hydrops). The cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, and the pathophysiology is poorly understood. Methods We experienced one case of Meniere's disease treated with Asian medical treatment, acupuncture and herbal medication. 64-year-old female patient was diagnosed with Meniere's disease by western medical doctor. Methods: Saam acupuncture Sojangjungkyuk applied to the patient. Results After treatment her episodic vertigo, nausea, vomiting and endolymphatic hydrops were decreased but the level of tinnitus it was not improved as much as other symptoms. Conclusions Saam Acupuncture of Asian medical treatment could be safe and effective.