• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.119-133
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• 2009

Objectives : The object of this study is to report on the theory of Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy. Methods : The theory of Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy(OHAT; 五行和針法) is a part of the Five Elements Theory unique to Korea. This research Classic of Difficulty Issues-Nan Jing review Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy. Results : OHAT, created and developed by Jae-hoon Song, integrates the victor-vanquished as well as the son-mother relationship of the Five Elements of breakdown and restoration of balance between yin and yang. And also, it provides resources and data on The seventy fifth Nan(75難), The sixty ninth Nan(69難) of Classic of Difficulty Issues - Nan Jin 75, 69. OHAT establishes objectiveness and accuracy of diagnosis based upon the traditional method and procedure of pulse taking. In OHAT, a person's state of illness is diagnosed by applying the comparative examination of the palpitation of the pulse. It is the fact that the pulse varies according to the state, and that OHAT treatment has proven the positive results by using the victor-vanquished relationship on The Nan Jin 75. On the basis of this, it is necessary to add the sixty ninth Nan(69難), to research the theory of the generation of the Five Element. Conclusions : Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture is very effective in treating the wide range of illness, and thus it has gained an increasing attention of many scholars and practitioners in the field of traditional Korean oriental medicine. However, it is the first theoretical attempt to the clinical research and scientific methodology of Ohaeng(Five) Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture, and more active Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture R&D is being conducted nationwide.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.145-163
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• 2009

Background : Stroke occurrences are prevalent and require intensive care for its treatment and rehabilitation. Acupuncture has been widely used in Korea throughout the history and provides an efficient method in the treatment of it. Objectives : To establish a distinctive and efficient acupuncture method for the treatment of stroke based in literature research. Method : We reviewed four Korean medical literature, $ll$治腫指南Guide to Swollen Sore Treatment$gg$, $ll$東醫寶鑑Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine$gg$, $ll$鍼灸經驗方Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion$gg$, and $ll$舍岩鍼法Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Master Sa-am$gg$, and analyzed the therapeutic characteristics in the treatment of stroke. Result : 1. In $ll$治腫指南Guide to Swollen Sore Treatment$gg$, various types of treatment can be found. Besides acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion with moxa tube, and bath therapy using Duchesneae Indicae Herba and Sal was applied. Needling in sublingual and vocal region, and also points like GB20, GB31, LI15, BL60, GV20, GV20, TE4, GB39, LU5, ST36, GB30 were frequently inserted. 2. In $ll$東醫寶鑑Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine$gg$, moxibustion treatment were in top priority. Points like GV20, LI15, LI11, GB31, ST36, GB39, LI4, GB20 pertinent to Governor, Conception, Gallbladder, Large Intestine, and Stomach meridian were most frequently needled. Selection of adjacent point was widely applied. 3. $ll$鍼灸經驗方Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion$gg$ has some similarity compared to $ll$東醫寶鑑 Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine$gg$ in considering the moxa in top priority. But selected points far from the disease site. Main points were LI4, ST36, GB39, PC5, GV20, LI11, LR3, BL40, HT7. 4. $ll$校勘 舍岩道人鍼法Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Master Sa-am$gg$ having the same content orders with $ll$鍼灸經驗方Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion$gg$, it may had some influence from it. But the differences are also apparent. It emphasized in using mother-supplementing child-draining method, experiential prescriptions and visceral pattern identification. Conclusions : We could find various efficient methods through literature research of medical classics. This will not be limited in stroke alone but also will be applied in other diseases. This study will concurrently result in establishing distinctive therapeutic method characteristic of Korea.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.122-130
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• 2013

Objectives : The fact that Primo vessel as a new circulatory system exists in the lymphatic vessels of the rabbits which were treated with sound wave vibration therapy is confirmed with the anatomy of rabbit. Isolated Primo vessel is investigated, particularly focused on morphological features. Methods : Before the anatomy, a rabbit in a cage box was laid on the sound wave vibrating apparatus and then is applied by various frequencies and intensities for 30 min with music that a rabbit likes. Results : Isolation and observation of Primo vessel was easier when the lymphatic circular system was applied at a certain frequency and intensity of 7 Hz and 50. The probability of observation for Primo vessel enhanced to 90%. Conclusions : The sound wave therapy by a vibration apparatus is considered necessary as major process to facilitate the reproducible isolation and observation of Primo vessel.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.135-142
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• 2013

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the general effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation of the ankle joint acupuncture points(BL62 and KI6) on the brain waves of elderly women as a pilot study to figure out the possibility of candidate non-invasive and non-chemical stimulation method for the enhancing the brain function. Methods : A randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial was performed in 31 healthy women(mean age, 54.5 years) within a treatment duration of 12 sessions. In the experimental group, low-frequency electrical stimulation was applied using the maximum range of the individual insensible strength(mean current, $0.04{\mu}A$). The control group received sham stimulation. The background electroencephalographic activity was measured before and after the12 sessions. Results : After 12 sessions of stimulation, the relative power of the alpha wave increased(32 of 32 channels: significant difference in 11 channels, p<0.05); the theta(30 of 32 channels: significant difference in 10 channels, p<0.05), beta(31 of 32 channels), and gamma(30 of 32 channels: significant difference in 7 channels, p<0.05) powers were also decreased compared with the sham group. Conclusions : Electrical stimulation on the ankle joint acupuncture points(BL62 and KI6) seemed to stabilize the elderly women brain by inducing the alpha power and reducing beta, theta, and gamma powers. These results provide insight into the action mechanism of the stimulation and can assist the future developement of a non-invasive and non-chemical treatment technique for stressor related cognitive problems.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.81-87
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• 2013

Objectives : Accumulation point is a useful acupoint for acute pain diseases. Among the eight extra meridians, only four (Yin Heel, Yang Heel, Yin Link, Yang Link vessel) have accumulation point and the others (Governor, Conception, Thoroughfare, Belt Vessel) do not. However, there is no explanation why these four meridians do not have it. So, the authors researched the literature to look for the reasons. Methods : We investigated 10 books and 1 paper about the 'accumulation point of extra meridians' using several search engines and researched reason why the other 4 meridian do not have it. Results : All of the 16 accumulation points are located on the 4 limbs. The four limbs have more Yang energy than the trunk. The governor, conception, thoroughfare, and belt vessels do not flow in the limbs. It seems that there is no acupoint located on deep gap enough to be the accumulation point among the four vessels. When it comes to the functions of these vessels, they are little related with the acute pain that is the main target of the accumulation point. Conclusions : From the results of this study, it seems to be reasonable that the four vessels do not have accumulation point.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.88-96
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• 2013

Objectives : In the acupuncture treatment of Korean Medicine, the Tonifying or Purging depending on how many times the needle is rotated has been used widely. However, there is little evidence about the optimal number of rotation. This study, therefore, was aimed to investigate the optimal number of rotation. Methods : Heart rate variation was measured before and after exercise in 20 healthy adults. Acupuncture was performed at PC6 immediately after exercise according to the protocol of each group without remaining. Pre-exercise and post-exercise measurements were compared and the rotation number that produced statistically significant difference was investigated. Results : Significant differences were found in the heart rate variation and R-R interval Average, between non-rotation group (control) and both of 15 times rotation group of tonifying and 6 times rotation group of purging. Conclusions : Significantly effective number of rotation in the effect of PC6 on the HR and RRAv was 15 times in the tonifying and 6 in the purging respectively.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.97-103
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• 2013

Objectives : To observe the changes in the expression of nNOS, iNOS, eNOS and NO by the needle insertion on river points, one of the five transport points of three yang meridians of the foot. Methods : Based on rats, needle was inserted on both left and right sides of ST41, BL60 and GB38 and retained for five minutes. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture and tissues from each point around meridian vessels were extracted to observe the changes in the expression of nNOS, iNOS, eNOS and NO. Results : In terms of the effect on expression of nNOS within tissues, ST41 showed significant decrease based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In terms of the effect on expression of iNOS within tissues, none of the experimental groups showed any significant change compared to the Normal group. Regarding expression of eNOS within tissues, GB38 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In terms of the effect on NO creation in tissues, none of the experimental groups showed any significant change compared to the Normal group. Conclusions : The effect of needle insertion on the river points of three yang meridians of the foot on the function of nNOS, iNOS, eNOS and NO could be observed, and based on this study, it is considered that the effect of needle stimulation on the changes of nervous system could be found out through additional research.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.31-36
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to review needling depth and location of LU7, BL62 and KI6 by the medical classics' records. Methods : 1. We researched the medical classics describing LU7, KI6 and BL62, and reorganized data about the location and needling depth. 2. We compared the medical classics' records on LU7, KI6 and BL62 with description of WHO standard acupuncture point location. 3. We reviewed different location and needling depth of LU7, BL62, and KI6 recorded in the medical classics with the anatomical structure. Results : 1. The common needling depth of LU7 is about 0.2 chon. But in some medical classics, the depth of LU7 is 0.8 chon. Needling depth of LU7 varied depending on the patient's hand posture. In the 'half-up' position with the thumb upward, it is possible to stimulate acupuncture on LU7 by 0.8 chon because there is a space between the tendons. 2. In WHO standard acupuncture point location, the locations of BL62 and KI6 are just below the lateral and medial malleolus. But in some medical classics, the locations of BL62 and KI6 are between the bones and muscles below the malleolus. In the locations between the bones and muscles below the malleolus, it is possible to stimulate acupuncture on BL62 and KI6 by penetrating acupuncture because there is no bone structure. Conclusions : 1. By the 'half-up' position with the thumb upward, it is possible to stimulate vertically acupuncture on LU7 by 0.8 chon. 2. By the locations of BL62 and KI6 between the bones and muscles below the malleolus, it is possible to stimulate on BL62 and KI6 by penetrating acupuncture.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.14-23
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• 2020

Objectives : We investigated the efficacy and safety of miniscalpel acupuncture (MA) treatment combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for chronic neck pain (CNP) in an assessor-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial to establish a basis for larger-scale randomized controlled studies on this subject. Methods : Participants (n=36) were recruited and randomly allocated to the MA group, NSAIDs and combined treatment group. The MA group received MA three times over three weeks. The NSAIDs group was administered orally with zaltoprofen 80mg t.i.d. over three weeks. The combined treatment group received MA and zaltoprofen in the same manner as MA and NSAIDs groups. The primary outcome was pain as assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the secondary outcomes were assessed using the Neck Disability index (NDI), EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and Patients' Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC). Assessments were made at week 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 3 (primary end point) during treatment and at week 7 (4 weeks after the end of treatment). Results : 35 participants completed the study. No serious adverse event occurred and blood test results were within normal limits. The improvement of VAS and NDI was significantly greater in combined and MA group than that in NSAIDs group (p<0.017). The combined group showed better outcomes in EQ-5D at visit 2 and 5, in PGIC at visit 4 than the NSAIDs group (p<0.017). No significant differences were found between combined and MA group. Conclusions : Our results suggest that both combined and MA group can be more effective in improving pain control than NSAIDs group. A large-scale clinical study is warranted to further clarify these findings.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 2020

Objectives : Acute low back pain syndrome causes pain and poor quality of life. There are various studies of SBV (Sweet bee venom) pharmacopuncture, but few have identified the therapeutic effects for patients unable to walk due to acute back pain. This case series report three cases of acute low back pain syndrome treated with SBV pharmacopuncture combined with Korean Medicine (KM) treatments. Methods : Three acute low back pain syndrome patients with no other acute abnormalities in the imaging were treated by KM treatments including SBV pharmacopuncture, acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine and physical therapy. The improvement of symptoms was evaluated using Numerical rating scale (NRS), Oswestry disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 dimension index (EQ-5D) and EuroQol-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). Results : Patients who were unable to walk due to acute back pain were able to walk. There were significant improvements of NRS, ODI, EQ-5D and EQ-VAS after treatment. The patients experienced an average 90% decrease in low back pain after inpatient KM treatment for about 8 days. NRS decreased by an average of 78.9%, ODI decreased by an average of 49.4%, and EQ-VAS increased by an average of 92.6%. In the case 1, EQ-5D decreased in all categories, but in the case 2, it decreased in all categories except for pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression, but in the case 3, it decreased in all categories except anxiety/depression. There was no serious side effect after treatment of SBV pharmacopuncture. Conclusions : KM treatments including SBV pharmacopuncture may be effective for acute low back pain syndrome patients. However, randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to confirm the clinical effects of these interventions.