• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.250-266
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• 2021

Objectives : This study was conducted to suggest new alternative methods to improve pharmacopuncture and Korean medicine research by analyzing the injection route, pharmacological effect, and status studies of Chinese herbal injections. Methods : 130 types of marketed and licensed Chinese herbal injection were searched from National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, and the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia were used to collect additional information. 'Herbal injection' and 'Chinese herbal injection' were used as keywords. All data were collected mainly on the treatment of Chinese herbal injection. But data which were not related to the relevant research or Chinese herbal injection were excluded. Results : Intramuscular injection accounted for more than half of the single injection route (51%). Acupoint and intramuscular injections accounted for 55% of dual injection routes. Acupoint, intravenous, and intramuscular injections accounted for the largest proportion (76%) of the multiple routes of injections. As for the pharmacological effect, injection for cardiovascular diseases accounted for 29%. About the number of raw herbal materials, single herbal material was the most common. Twelve intervention studies all tested intravenous injections, and half of them investigated cardiocerebrovascular diseases. All were given by intravenous injection. In the side effect section, the most common symptoms were nausea and vomiting. Conclusions : Through the results, it is expected to be used for research and development of new pharmacopuncture and herbal medicine.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.55-63
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• 2022

Objectives This review was conducted to evaluate effectiveness and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with meridian and acupoint theory for adhesive capsulitis. Methods By December 2021, 11 electronic databases were reviewed with the key words 'extracorporeal shock wave' and '(acupuncture OR acupoint OR meridian)'. This key words was set up to increase the sensitivity of the search. After the search, adhesive capsulitis study was selected based on the title and abstract and then included after full-texts were read. Results Five randomized controlled trials were eligible in our inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of 3 studies showed positive results for the using ESWT with meridian and acupoint theory for adhesive capsulitis compared with the control group on efficancy rate and range of shoulder flexion. Conclusions Some studies showed ESWT with meridian and acupoint theory were statistically effective to adhesive capsulitis. But the evidence is limited due to the defective design of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). So use of ESWT with meridian and acupoint theory for adhesive capsulitis has limited evidence. More well-designed RCTs are required to provide clearer evidence for this claim.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2022

Objectives : Saam acupuncture is one of the indigenous therapeutic modalities in traditional Korean medicine. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of Saam acupuncture of kidney tonification was investigated using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice. Methods : Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered with 30 mg/kg of MPTP at 24-h intervals for 5 days and acupuncture stimulation at LU8, KI7, SP3 and KI3 was performed once a day for 12 days from the first MPTP injection. The pole test and the rotarod test were performed to evaluate motor function, and dopaminergic neuronal survival in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum was evaluated using tyrosine-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. Results : MPTP administration caused behavioral impairment and dopaminergic neuronal death in the nigrostriatal pathway. Whereas the Saam acupuncture treatment alleviated the MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuronal death in the SN and striatum. Conclusions : Saam acupuncture of kidney tonification can alleviate the MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuronal death in the nigrostriatal pathway, suggesting a possible role for acupuncture in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.72-87
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• 2021

Objectives This is the review on the Jeolgyeong which means diagnosis method of meridian and acupoints. Detecting method of meridian and acupoints under the disease condition using fingertips were more developed in Japan than in China and Korea. This study is the introduction to the Japanese style palpation method on meridian and acupoints. Methods Firstly the textbook 'Acupuncture medicine' published by the committee of Korean professors' association of acupuncture and moxibustion was analyzed. Especially the contents of the palpation method on meridian and acupoints were focused and summarized and secondly the book describing the palpation method on meridian and acupoints was selected, translated and summarized. Results Until now the knowledge on the acupoints reaction depending on the patient's status, the deficiency pattern and the excessive pattern was rarely described in China and Korea. On the contrary, 4 kinds of reactions in the deficiency pattern and 4 kinds of reactions in the excessive pattern were well described in Japanese literatures. Mild touching, mild pinching, rubbing, mild pressing and severe pressing were also described along the meridians. Except the bladder meridian Back Shu points, Yuan points, Luo points, Xi(cleft) points, Front Mu points were depicted as the same as those in China and Korea. For the bladder meridian lines, 4 lines were organized including 2 lines of Hua-Tuo-Jia-Ji-Xue and the middle line between 1st and 2nd bladder meridian line as well as 1st bladder meridian line and 2nd bladder meridian line. Conclusions Detecting meridians or acupoints and using them for diagnosis and treatment is a method used in China, Korea, and Japan. However, detailed descriptions of the method for detecting meridians through palpation are revealed in Japanese books. Palpation methods for diagnosing meridians using touching, pinching, rubbing, and pressing methods are expected to be standardized and systematically learned in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.169-176
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aims to catalogue contraindicated acupoints for needling in Chimgupyeon of Dongeuibogam and to determine implications for citation accuracy. Methods : We found and compiled contraindicated acupoints for needling and their citations in Chimgupyeon of Dongeuibogam, then verified the accuracy of the citations by comparing them with what was written in the cited literature. In cases where the citation is not exact, the correct reference was estimated by comparing it with the acupuncture literature. And the thoughts of Heo Jun were predicted based on inferences and papers investigating Dongeuibogam. Results : There are two sections on contraindicated acupoints for needling in Chimgupyeon of Dongeuibogam: the section on the 14 meridians and their acupoints, and the section on Geumchimhyeol. In the section on the 14 meridians and their acupoints, the number of contraindicated acupoints for needling are 29, and most of them are quoted from Donginsuhyeolchimgudogyeong. And in the section on Geumchimhyeol, 34 contraindicated acupoints for needling are listed from Geumchimhyeol in Uihakipmun. Most of the quotations were accurate, but some were summarized, and some were inaccurate. However, most of the inaccurate citations are probably Heo Jun's own thoughts based on other literature. Conclusions : The contraindicated acupoints for needling in Chimgupyeon of Dongeuibogam are assumed to have been written by Heo Jun based on his medical knowledge and literature, with an emphasis on practicality, and it is suggested that they are based on the contents of Donginsuhyeolchimgudogyeong and Uihakipmun in particular.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.68-78
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• 2024

Objectives : Acupuncture is recognized as a significant therapeutic method in traditional medicine, underscoring the importance of precise understanding of acupoint locations and anatomical structures. The aim of this study is to investigate trends in anatomical studies of acupoint using imaging devices in China through literature search. Methods : This study utilized Chinese databases CNKI, WANFANG, and WEIPU to search for articles. The analysis focused on the publication status of articles by year, types of imaging devices, research subjects and methods, and criteria for acupoint locations. Results : A total of 15 articles were selected in this study. The first article was published in 1996. Articles were published at a rate of less than one per year until 2020, but rapidly increased to three and six in 2021 and beyond. Studies using ultrasonography were the most prevalent, followed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) and Computed Tomography(CT) scans. There were eight studies conducted on healthy volunteers, six studies observing both healthy volunteers and cadavers, and also studies involving patients with specific medical conditions. Various criteria were employed to determine acupoint locations, including the WHO standard, national administration of traditional Chinese medicine nomenclature and location of acupoints, as well as references from literature. Conclusions : In China, researches are actively being conducted to observe the anatomical structure of acupoints using various imaging devices. Recent trends indicate an increase in studies utilizing ultrasound and there is a growing focus on exploring the locations that elicit the sensation of "obtaining qi" rather than just the anatomical locations of acupoints. Through this study, it is hoped that the appropriate utilization of imaging devices will lead to various studies aimed at elucidating the characteristics of the anatomical tissues actually stimulated during acupuncture, thereby increasing the safety and efficacy of acupuncture treatments.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.90-100
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• 2024

Objectives : This study examined the historical evolution of the GV26 acupuncture point, focusing on its location, therapeutic indications, and anatomical relevance to the philtrum region. Methods : We reviewed 18 historical acupuncture texts, analyzing the descriptions of GV26's location and associated indications. Results : The location of GV26 has varied over time. Early texts like the A-B Classics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion described it at the center of the philtrum groove, while some 16th-century texts shifted it closer to the nasal cavity. However, many sources continued to emphasize the central philtrum groove as the correct location. GV26 was historically indicated for conditions such as cold-type headache, epilepsy, edema, nasal and eye symptoms, respiratory issues, post-stroke symptoms, jaundice, pestilence, mouth-related symptoms, and low back pain. Epilepsy, edema, and post-stroke facial symptoms were consistently cited across texts, while other indications varied. Cadaveric studies show that the superficial orbicularis oris muscle divides into the upper nasalis and lower labialis portions. Needling the upper third of the philtrum stimulates the thinner, closer-to-maxilla upper nasalis portion, potentially providing stronger stimulation, while needling the center targets the lower labialis portion. Conclusions : Historical variations in GV26's location reflect an evolving understanding of its anatomical and therapeutic significance. The upper third of the philtrum groove may be more effective for acute conditions requiring strong stimulation, whereas the central groove may better address a broader range of conditions. These findings highlight the importance of historical and anatomical context in optimizing GV26's clinical use.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.69-79
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• 1999

Hemifacial spasm including blepharospasm is characterized by spontaneous clonic an d tonic muscle spasm on one side of the face with synkinesis. Though the etiology of hemifacial spasm is not entirely understood, generally there are two. One is nuclear hypothesis and the other is peripheral hypothesis. There are two ways of treatment of hemifacial spasm. One is internal medicine and the other is operative method. In oriental medicine, hemifacial spasm is very similar to diseases such as Anpojindo (眼胞振跳), Poryunjindo(胞輪振跳), or Aunido(眼眉跳) in symptoms. The diseases such as Anpojindo(眼胞振跳), Poryunjindo(胞輪振跳), Anmido(眼眉跳) is related to the function of liver(肝) and risk factors are regarded as Pung(風). The acupuncture therapy of hemifacial spasm is based on Liver meridian(LV), Gallbladder meridian(GB). And ear-acupuncture is recommended as a good method for hemifacial spasm.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.127-138
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• 2019

Objectives : This study was carried out in order to toxicity and safety of Drosera Rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture in BALB/c mice. Methods : In order to investigate toxicity and safety of Drosera Rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture, BALB/c mice were chosen in these studies and injected to ST36. In 50% Lethal Dose (LD 50) study, mice were divided into 8 groups. Doses of pharmacopuncture at 300, 600, 1,200, 2,400, 3,600, 4,800, 6,000, 7,200 mg/kg were given to the each group. we observed mortality and toxic signs for 7 days after injection. In single-dose toxicity, mice were divided into 4 groups. Doses of pharmacopuncture, 300, 600, 1,200 mg/kg, were administered to the experimental group. And a dose of normal saline, 0.2 ml was administered to the control group. We observed mortality and toxic signs for 14 days after injection. In repeated-dose toxicity for 4 weeks, mice were divided in 4 groups. Doses of pharmacopuncture, 150, 300, 600 mg/kg, were administered to the experimental group. And a dose of normal saline, 0.2 ml, was administered to the control group. We observed mortality, toxic signs, body weight, hematological values et al. Results : The LD 50 of Drosera Rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture was 4,800 mg/kg. In single-dose toxicity, no deaths, no toxic signs occurred in any of groups. In repeated-dose toxicity for 4 weeks, no deaths, no toxic signs occurred in any of groups. Conclusions : No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of Drosera Rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture injection for 4 weeks was more than 600 mg/kg.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.141-148
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate on the application of the yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers for acupoints irradiation. Methods : We conducted a systematic search for peer-reviewed studies published from inception to November 2023, in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in English, Science ON, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) and Research Information Sharing Service (RISS) in Korean, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang in Chinese, and Japan Science Technology Information Aggregator, Electronic (J-STAGE) and Citation Information by NII (CiNii) in Japanese. Inclusion criteria were original articles including clinical and experimental studies related with YAG lasers for acupoints including Ashi or meridian sinews. Results : Among the 8 selected studies, there were 7 studies on human subjects and 1 study on animals, 7 studies on Nd:YAG (1,064 nm) laser, and 1 study on Er:YAG (2,940 nm) laser. A total of 16 acupoints were used, 15 of which were in the face and 1 of which was located in the foot. In addition, there were two studies using Ashi. 4 studies looked at the effect of pain relief, 2 studies looked at safety, 1 study looked at changes in blood flow, and 1 study looked at the effect of skin care. There were no reported adverse events, and the YAG laser was confirmed to be safe and effective in pain relief, beautifying the skin, and increasing blood flow. Conclusions : We suggest that high intensity YAG lasers can be applied to laser acupuncture or laser moxibustion. YAG lasers are considered to be worth using for various clinical indications of Korean medicine because of photobiomodulation effects, analgesic action, and deep penetration depth. Further scientific research and clinical evidences should be warranted.