• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.111-123
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• 2004

Objectives : It has been reported that Cordyceps militaris Mycelia(CMM) has an effect on deficiency allergic asthma(虛喘) clinically. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate oriental treatment and the doses of CMM to treat asthma. Methods : In order to study the effect of herbal acupuncture solution of the CMM on allergic asthma, the mouse were pretreated by CMM herbal acupuncture at BL13, LU4 before antigen sensitization. 2 days later Mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin(OA) and 13 days later they were provoked with OA aerosols. IL-4, lymphocyte, macrophage in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), IgE in serum, WBC, RBC, HGB in blood, and in vitro isometric contractile responses of the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM) to acetylcholine$(ACh,\;0.1-1000\;{\mu}M)$, KCl were measured. Results : Contractile responses of TSM to ACh were significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1 group $(Ach\;1000\;{\mu}M)$, CMM herbal acupuncture 2 group $(ACh\;1,\;10\;{\mu}M)$, CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group $(Ach\;0.3,\;1,\;30,\;300\;{\mu}M)$. The sensitivity of TSM to ACh was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. The maximal contractile response of TSM to ACh was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 3 group. The maximal contractile response of TSM to KCl was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 2, 3 group. The counts of lymphocytes in BALF was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. The counts of macrophages in BALF was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. Interleukin-4 level in BALF was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1,3 group. and it was increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 2 group, but there was no significance. Serum IgE level was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 2, 3 group. The counts of WBC in blood was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 3 group Conclusion : Based on the above results it is assumed that CMM herbal acupuncture at BL13, LU4 can help the treatment of deficiency allergic Asthm.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.95-110
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• 2004

Objectives : Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's diseases are chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract identified mainly for diarrhea, stomachache, hemafecia. The source and pathologic mechanism about ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are still unknown but stress, infection, a genetic factor, environmental factors etc. may be the cause of chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract recently. Methods : Because ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is recognized as Ha-ri(下痢) or Jang-Byok(腸?) in Oriental Medicine, Rhizoma Coptidis Herbal acupunctures were injected in hapgok $(LI_4)$ which is used to treat intestinal disease in clinic. All animals were subjected to the injection of saline $(300\;{\mu}l,\;500\;{\mu}l)$ for a study control and TNBS $(300\;{\mu}l,\;500\;{\mu}l)$ into the lumen of the colon, 8cm proximal to the anus through the intestine. Rhizoma Coptidis Herbal (20 mg/ml, 0.4 ml) acupuncture solution was injected to the $LI_4$ (both hands) at the secondary injection time of TNBS in rats. And body weight, RBC count, WBC count, total protein, Paw edema rate, rate of protein leakage into CMC-pouch fluid, IgG levels and IgM levels were observed to study the effects of Rhizoma Coptidis Herbal acupuncture in hapgok $(LI_4)$. Results : In results, Rhizoma Coptidis Herbal acupuncture in hapgok $(LI_4)$ on TNBS-induced colitis reduced the rate of weight loss but had no effect on RBC and WBC count. And it reduced total protein concentration, paw edema, rate of protein leakage into CMC-pouch fluid, IgG levels and IgM levels. Conclusion : Data suggest that injection of Rhizoma Coptidis herbal acupuncture solution into hapgok has significant therapeutic effect on the colitis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.69-79
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• 2004

Objective : Acupuncture has been used for treatment of numerous disorders, especially for pain control in Oriental Medicine. However, the mechanism of pain control by acupuncture was not clear until now. This study was performed to prove analgesic mechanism of acupuncture treatment at acupoint $ST_{36}$ by observing the changes of abdominal pain and c-Fos expression in the thalamus. Methods : Abdominal pain was induced by acetic acid, and the changes of writhing reflex after acupuncture treatment on $ST_{36}$ and non-acupoints were measured. c-Fos immunohistochemistry was also performed to study the changes of the neuronal activity in the thalamus. Results : The writhing reflex decrease significantly after acupuncturing at $ST_{36}$ compared with control group(p<0.05). The changes of the writhing reflex by non-acupoint acupuncture treatment also showed significant decrease compared with control group(p<0.05). c-Fos expression in the thalamus, especially periventricular part was significantly decreased after acupuncturing as $ST_{36}$ compared with control groups(p<0.05). Conclusion : This study shows that the acupuncture has the analgesic effect in the abdominal pain induced by acetic acid and the thalamus might be a important area for this mechanism.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.47-67
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• 2004

Objectives : In the present study, the effect of Scolopendrid Water-Alcohol Extract (SWAE) applied to acupuncture point BL23 (Shinsu) on the neuropathic pain was examined. A common source of persistent pain in humans is the neuropathic pain. Anti-convulsant drugs are used to treat the neuropathic pain. In the oriental medicine, Scolopendrid was used for long time to treat convulsant syndrome and back pain, etc. Methods : On the bases of the Scolopendrid clinical application, the effect of SWAE applied to the acupuncture point was tested in the rat model of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was induced by tight ligation of L5 spinal nerve. When rats developed pain behaviors, One hundred microliter of SWAE was applied into the ipsilateral BL23 point at a dose of 10 mg/ml under enflurane anesthesia. The foot withdraw latency of the hind limb was measured for an indicator of pain level after each manipulation. Results : SWAE injection increased the mechanical threshold of the foot in the rat model of neuropathic pain significantly for the duration of 4h, suggesting a partial alleviation of pain. SWAE applied to BL23 point produced a significant improvement of mechanical sensitivity of the foot lasting for at least 4h. However, neither contralateral BL23 point, ST25 (Chonchu) point, nor LR3 (Taechung) point produce as much increase of mechanical sensitivity as ipsilateral BL23 point. And, this increase of mechanical sensitivity was dose-dependent. The improvement of mechanical threshold was interpreted as an analgesic effect. In addition, the analgesic effect of Scolopendrid 4 mg/kg injection is equivalent to that of gabapentin 50 mg/kg injection. The relations between SWAE-induced analgesia and endogenous nitric oxide(NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS)/neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) were also examined. Results were turned out that both NO production and nNOS/iNOS protein expression which are increased by nerve injury were suppressed by SWAE injection applied to BL23 point. Conclusions : The data suggest 1) that SWAE produces a potent analgesic effect on the neuropathic pain model in the rat and 2) that SWAE-induced analgesia modulate endogenous NO through the suppression of nNOS/iNOS protein expression.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.29-46
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• 2004

Objectives and Methods : This study was performed to investigate the effect of electro -acupuncture at four gates(bilateral LR3 and LI4) on brain activity in normal subjects using fMRI. Results and Conclusions : 1. fMRI signal increase by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LR3 was observed in Rt. Middle frontal gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 2. fMRI signal decreases by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LR3 were observed in Rt. Superior frontal gyrus, Rt. Middle temporal gyrus, Rt. Cingulate gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 3. fMRI signal increases by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LI4 were observed in Lt. Superior frontal gyrus, Lt. Middle frontal gyrus, Lt. Inf. Semi-Lunar Lobule(cerebellum), Rt. Middle frontal gyrus, Rt. Cingulate gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 4. fMRI signal decreases by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LI4 were observed in Lt. Middle frontal gyrus, Lt. Inferior frontal gyrus, Lt. Precentral gyrus and Rt. Middle frontal gyrus, Rt. Middle temporal gyrus, Rt. Precuneus, Rt. Inferior frontal gyrus, Rt. Postcentral gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 5. fMRI signal increase by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LR3 and Lt. LI4 in group average as well as more than half of the subjects was not observed. 6. fMRI signal decreases by electro-acupuncture at Lt. LR3 and Lt. LI4 were observed in Lt. culmen(cerebellum), Lt. Cingulate gyrus와 Rt. Middle frontal gyrus, Rt. Cingulate gyrus, Rt. Inferior frontal gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 7. fMRI signal increases by electro-acupuncture at four gates (bilateral LR3 and LI4) were observed in Lt. Middle temporal gyrus and Lt. Postcentral gyrus in group average as well as more than half of the subjects. 8. fMRI signal decrease by electro-acupuncture at four gates (bilateral LR3 and LI4) were observed in Lt. Middle frontal gyrus, Lt. Precentral gyrus, Lt. Inferior frontal gyrus, Lt. Middle temporal gyrus, Lt. Frontal sub-gyral and Rt. Tuber(cerebellum) in group average as well as more than half of the subjects.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.147-159
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• 2004

Objective : This study was designed to estimate the effects of Rainbow Power therapy on neck pain patients by using Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and pressure algometer. Methods : Rainbow Power therapy group consisted of 18 patients and acupuncture therapy group consisted of 7 patients. The degree of improvement of neck pain was evaluated by VAS and pain pressure threshold(at the points of Jianjing GB21 and Jianwaishu SI14) before treatment, before 3rd treatment and before 5th treatment. Rainbow Power therapy was performed at the points of Jianjing GB21, Zhongfu LU1, Yangxi LI5, Ganshu BL18, Weishu BL21 and Shenshu, BL23. Each points were stimulated with RP-UM103(Rainbow Power therapy instrument) for 20 seconds. The points of acupuncture therapy were Jeonggeun, Jeongjong, Sangbaekn and Hegu LI4 and acupuncture was maintained for 15 minutes. After above therapy dry cupping was performed at the points of Jianjing GB21, Jianwaishu SI14, Gaohuang BL43, Tianzong, SI11 and Bingfeng SI12 for 5 minutes. Results : There was no significant difference between the two groups in VAS, pain threshold of Jianjing GB21 and Jianwaishu SI14 following treatment. In the two groups VAS was significantly decreased. In Rainbow Power therapy group the pain threshold of the two points was significantly increased. But there was no significant increase in acupuncture therapy groups about the pain threshold of Jianwaishu SI14. Conclusions : The effectiveness of Rainbow Power therapy on neck pain was shown through VAS and pressure algometer. These imply that Rainbow Power therapy may be useful for neck pain. Further study is needed about Rainbow Power therapy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.125-137
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• 2004

Objectives : Recently, Herbal-acupuncture therapeutics has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Especially, we have been interested in chemical mediators concerned with inflammation such as prostaglandin, cytokine, nitrous oxide. The purpose of this study is investigated that the effect of Chelidonii Herbal-acupuncture solution in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, performed several expeimental items : those are prostaglandin $E_2$, nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase-2. Methods : The cytotoxicity of Chelidonii Herbal-acupuncture solution in RAW 264.7 macrophages were measured by MTT-based cytotoxicity assay. In order to observe cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, RT-PCR was used. Prostaglandin $E_2$ formation and nitric oxide production was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay and Griess assay. Results : 1.The MTT assay demonstrated that cytotoxic effect of Chelidonii Herbal-acupuncture solution in RAW 264.7 macrophages were not appeared before concentration of 1mg/ml. 2.Chelidonii Herbal-acupuncture solution inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. 3. Chelidonii Herbal-acupuncture solution inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. 4. Chelidonii Herbal-acupuncture solution inhibited prostaglandin $E_2$ formation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusions : On the basis of these results, It was shown that Chelidonii Herbal-acupuncture solution is significantly able to inhibit the production of $PGE_2$ and NO, as well as COX-2 mRNA expression. Our results may provide new mechanism by which Chelidonii Herbal-acupuncture solution accounts for its beneficial effect on accelerating wound healing and anti-inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.229-246
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• 2008

Objectives : Acupoints of LR1(Dadun)${\cdot}$HT9(Shaochong), KI10(Yingu)${\cdot}$HT3(Shaohai) are used as controlling the diseases from heart problems. Especially, when they are used, tonification or sedation techniques method is taken as a controlling the medication for an early stroke in the Korean medicine. So the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of Acupuncture techniques of tonification or sedation at LR1${\cdot}$HT9, KI10${\cdot}$HT3 on the focal ischemia induced by intraluminal filament insertion in rats. Materials and Methods : The focal ischemia was induced by intraluminal filament insertion into middle cerebral artery. The animals were divided into five groups (n=7 in each group) : Control group, no therapy group after ischemia induced; AT-1; acupuncture therapy group at LR1${\cdot}$HT9, KI10${\cdot}$HT3 after ischemia-induced. AT-2; acupuncture therapy at right LR1, HT9(forward direction), KI10${\cdot}$HT3(opposite direction) inserting to the direction of route of the each meridian. AT3; acupuncture therapy at right LR1, HT9(twirling forward with the thumb of right hand 9 times), KI10${\cdot}$HT3(twirling forward with the forefinger of right hand 6 times) AT-4; acupuncture therapy at right LR1, HT9(forward direction, twirling forward with the thumb of right hand 9 times), KI10${\cdot}$HT3(opposite direction, twirling forward with the forefinger of right hand 6 times) inserting to the direction of route of the each meridian. The anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of Acupuncture techniques of tonification or sedation at LR1, HT9, KI10${\cdot}$HT3 were observed by Bax, Bcl-2, mGluR5, Cytochrome c, Cresyl violet and ChAT-stain. Results : The intensity of Bax and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were increased in ACU-2 and ACU-4 group but decreased in ACU-3 group. The intensity of mGluR5 was increased in ACU-1, ACU-2, ACU-3 and ACU-4 group. The intensity of cytochrome c was decreased in ACU-3 and ACU-4 group. The density of neurons stained by Cresyl violet and ChAT were increased in ACU-1, ACU-3 and ACU-4 group. Conclusions : Our study suggests that acupuncture therapy of tonification at LR1, HT9 by twirling forward with the thumb of right hand 9times, sedation at KI10${\cdot}$HT3 by twirling forward with the forefinger of right hand 6 times after perpendicularly inserting needle shows anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects on cholinergic neuron in focal cerebral ischemia of the stroke in rats.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.85-97
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• 2008

Objectives : Moxibustion therapy is one of the most popular oriental treatments in Korea. In this study, we operate the in-depth interview for use of moxibustion therapy in Korea. Methods : Survey questions were developed based on consensus of acupuncture professors. The list of the Korean medical doctors with experiences more than 10 years is provided by the Association of the Korean Oriental Medicine. The in-depth interview was conducted in 30 Korean medical doctors who answered in the previous telephone survey that they use moxibustion therapy for more than 30 % of patients everyday. Interview survey with them were conducted by the well-trained interviewers of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine in medical researcher from 22th May to 28th June 2007. Results : Korean medical doctors prefer to use the moxibustion with moxa stick (83.9%). The most common treatment disease was musculo-skeletal disorder (28.9%), gynecology (14.1%), digestive disorder (28.6%). The most common treatment area was the abdomen (35.3%), back (22.5%), lower extremity (15.8%) and upper extremity (16.9%). Indirect moxibustion’s was as frequent as 73.5% of moxibustion method. The most common instrument for treating was mini-moxa of manufactured goods (39.3%). Most Korean medical doctors (48.8%) took up the position that bring symptom relief following good treatment area. 'High preferences of patients' (32.7%) was one of moxibustion strong points but 'Lots of smell and smoke' (54.7%)' was a weak points. The most common side effects was the 'slight burn' (34.9%), 'skin rash' (22.5%), 'skin pruritus' (23.8%) Conclusions : This survey provides unique insight into the perception of the Korea medical doctor at moxibustion therapy. Future research needs to provide more in-depth insight into doctor views of the experience.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.157-165
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine whether or not Postural Yinyang Correction of TMJ(Temporomandibular joint) using Standard intraoral appliance could decrease chronic low back pain. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 40 patients with TMJ disorder aged from 30 to 70 years from 124 patients who were treated in chronic low back pain at Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion of Korean Medicine Hospital of Dong-Eui University from November $1^{st}$, 2015 to June $5^{th}$, 2016. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A and Group B. In Group A, we treated the patients with acupuncture, sweet bee venom treatment and FCST(Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy) through Standard intraoral appliance from ABA(Accurate Balancing Appliance), Full body exercise therapy, and Upper cervical alignment balance therapy. In Group B, we treated the patients with acupuncture and sweet bee venom treatment. To estimate the effectiveness in controlling pain, we analyzed the Visual analog scale(VAS). To evaluate functional change of patients, we analyzed the Oswestry low back disability questionnaire(ODI). Results : In both groups, VAS and ODI decreased significantly. In the VAS, the result of Group A is significantly more effective than that of Group B. In the ODI, the result of Group A is statistically less effective compared to that of Group B, but not significantly. Conclusions : According to the results, Postural Yinyang Correction of TMJ using Standard intraoral appliance may be effective treatment for low back pain, but the further researches are needed.