• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.125-141
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• 2008

Objective : The aim of this study is to investigate the curative effect of Bee Venom Acupuncture Therapy for pain and limited R.O.M (range of motion) of shoulder in stroke patients. Methods : The subjects of this study were 6 patients with shoulder pain in stroke sequelae. Routine Oriental Medical programs (Acupunture, moxibustion, herbal medicine and physical therapy) were maintained for each subject throughout this study. Single subject ABABAB design was adopted. Each period was 4 days as a rule. Only during the treatment period, Bee Venom Acupuncture Therapy was provided as intervention at the acupoints of LI15(Gyeonu),　TE14(Gyeollyo), GB21(Gyeonjeong), LI14(Bino). The change of pain was measured with a Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The pain threshold was measured using pressure algometer at the same acupoints where Bee Venom Acupuncture Therapy was provided. And the R.O.M of shoulder joint (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external rotation, internal rotation) was measured as well. Analysis was performed by Bayesian analysis using WinBUGS for the comparison of treatment(Bee Venom Acupuncture Therapy) and non-treatment. Results : The median overall improvement for difference in VAS was -2.219(-3.213, -1.175), for difference in external rotation of shoulder R.O.M was 9.992(-2.298, 18.49), for difference in tenderness score of LI14(Bino) by pressure algometer was 5.05(0.6283, 7.762). 95% credibility intervals being shown in brackets. However, the median overall improvement for difference in the other measurements was not significant. Conclusion : This study suggests that Bee Venom Therapy may be applicable to decrease pain and improve R.O.M of shoulder in hemiplegia patients with stroke. Further elaborated single subject designs need to be accumulated to confirm the effects of Bee Venom Acupunture Therapy on shoulder pain in patients with stroke sequelae.

• 대한기계학회논문집B
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• 제39권11호
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• pp.897-903
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• 2015

본 연구에서는 냉온 자극요법의 열전달 특성을 정량적으로 파악하고자 한다. 축대칭 비압축성 Navier-Stokes 방정식 및 에너지 방정식의 해법을 위해 SIMPLE 알고리즘에 기반을 둔 유한체적법을 사용하였다. 혈액의 관류를 고려하기 위해 Pennes bio-heat 방정식을 추가로 적용하였다. 다양한 온도조건에 따른 피부 아래 각 지점에서의 열 침투양상을 분석하였다. 수치해석을 통하여 다양한 입력온도들에 대하여 역치 온도에 도달하는 영역들을 발견하였다. 또한, 페니스 효과로 인하여 피부 심부로 갈수록 외부 자극에 대한 온도변화가 완만함을 확인하였으며, 진피부분의 온도가 역치에 도달하기 위해서는 온 자극 및 냉 자극은 47도 및 7도 내외로 주어져야 함을 발견하였다. 본 논문의 수치해석을 통해 구축된 데이터베이스는 경혈 냉온 자극 치료기의 최적설계 시에 활용된다.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.53-68
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• 2004

Objectives : Laser therapy started in 1958 when Schawlow and Townes suggested medical value of Laser therapy. He-Ne laser has been utilized as a clinical treatment for various diseases by Plog since 1975. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used as medication for controlling obesity in the Korean Medicine. So this study is planned to investigate the effects of LLLT on the level of serum lipid and weight gain Methods : Experimental groups were divided into normal group(Normal), high fat diet group(Control), high fat diet and LLLT by helium-neon (He-Ne) on the tail is carried out once a 2 day during 5 weeks. The animals were divided into six groups: no ischemia-induced and no LLLT-treated group (Normal), the ischemia-induced and no LLLT-treated group (Control), the ischemia-induced and 5 mW 5 min LLLT-treated group (LLLT5-5), the ischemia-induced and 30 mW 5 min LLLT-treated group (LLLT30-5), the ischemia-induced and 5 mW 10 min LLLT-treated group (LLLT5-10), 30 mW 10 min LLLT-treated group (LLLT30-10). The effect of LLLT is observed by weight gain, food intake, food efficiency, serum of lipid concentrations, liver function and HDL to total cholesterol ratio of rats fed high fat diet for 5weeks. Results : Body weight and food intake were decreased in LLL5-5, LLLT30-5, LLLT30-10. Food efficiency was decreased in LLLT30-10. The level of serum Triglyceride, Free fatty acid, AST, ALT, ALP were decreased in LLLT30-10. Serum HDL-cholesterol was increase in LLLT5-10, LLLT30-10. Also serum ALT was decrease in LLLT5-5 Conclusions : LLLT(30 mW-10 min) is effective on Body weight, food efficiency ratio, the level of serum lipid and protection of liver function by obesity induced by high fat diet, and LLLT(5 mW-5 min) act on decrease of Body weight, food intake and ALT.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.1-19
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• 2004

Objectives : To understanding biological mechanism of acupuncture therapy, we have proposed a hypothesis. First of all, there exists electric property in meridian and meridian point. Second of all, energy flowing in meridian is related with electric property. Third of all, there is electronic interaction between the operator who performs acupuncture therapy and the receiver who is given acupuncture therapy. Forth of all, acupuncture effects may depend on the electric capacity which is transferred between the operator and the receiver via acupuncture needle. Methods : Under the hypothesis, we studied the effects of electric change in $ST_{37}(+)\;and\;ST_{39}(-)$ generated by Tanchim (彈鍼) manipulation which was stimulated at $ST_{36}$ point. And compared with data on the changes of electric change from the hand of the operator during acupuncture stimulation. Electric charge induced via acupuncture needle from the operator may be important factor that causes the changes of electric change in meridian and acupoint in the receiver. Therefore we investigated the changes of electric charge induced by the operator using Maclab 400 by the following methods. The one was in stable electric circle condition and the other was in unstable electric circle condition. Results : In this experiments, the changes of electric change from the stimulation type of Tanchim manipulation performed in our lab condition in acupuncture therapy was induced at least three factor, one was the difference of bio-potentials between the operator and the receiver of acupuncture therapy, another was the depth of acupuncture insertion from the skin of the receiver, the other was an electromyogram of the receiver. Conclusion : The data imply that the first factor should make a capacitance current when the operator touched the acupuncture needle which was inserted in the receiver. Therefore, the results suggest that capacitance currents stimulus in electronic view may be important factor in acupuncture therapy between the operator and the receiver of acupuncture therapy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.139-147
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• 2016

목적 : 침술은 동북아시아 지역의 중심에서 시작하여 2천년 이상의 역사와 함께 아시아뿐만 아니라 근-현대 전 세계의 임상의료 현장에서 크게 번창하고 있다. 이와 함께 침술의 객관화를 위하여 의생명과학 여러 방면에서 검증하는 노력이 진행되어 오고 있다. 그 과정을 통해 각종 동물을 비롯해 사람에서 침술의 다양한 효과와 기전이 점차 밝혀지고 있다. 필자는 침술 치료에서 의사와 환자가 주관적으로 경험하는 것을 설명하고, 그것의 임상적 유의성을 심신의학적 측면에서 이해하고자 하였다. 방법 : 침술과 명상에서 각각 진행되었던 뇌신경과학 분야의 여러 실험 결과들을 비교함으로써 심신 상관성이란 의미를 찾고자 하였다. 그밖에 한의학 임상영역에 시도되는 한의학과 심리학이 접목된 새로운 치료법을 정리하였다. 결과 및 결론: 침술의 치료효과와 관련해 "조기치신(調氣治神)"을 매우 중요한 개념으로 표현하고 있다. 이는 인체에 다양한 기능의 균형을 조절하고, 환자의 의식과 심리상태를 조절한다고 설명한다. 전통의학과 현대의학의 큰 차이는 현대의학은 환자와 질병을 대상화시켜 객관화 하는 노력을 추구하였고, 전통의학은 환자와 의사가 경험하는 대상을 자신과 분리하지 않는 주관적 체험을 추구하고 있다는 것이다. 그리고 전통의학은 주관적 체험을 배제하지 않고 진료에서 활용한다는 것이다. 그래서 전통의학의 역할과 의미를 이해하고자 한다면, 객관적 효과와 수량적 결과뿐만 아니라 환자와 의사의 주관적 체험과 이야기도 중요하게 다뤄져야 한다. 침술의 역할과 의미는 의사와 환자 사이에서 나타나는 행위의 모든 과정을 고려해 설명해야 할 것이다. 아마도 그 과정에서 침술이 찾는 해결의 길은 명상이 찾는 해결의 길과 만날 것이라 믿는다.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.385-395
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• 2012

Objectives : Meridian sinew theory was introduced in Miraculous Pivot, Huangdi's Internal Classic, to explain in relation with locations of meridian sinews, causes, mechanisms, and treatment of diseases. The meridian sinews are understood to include muscles, tendons and ligaments, or muscles in the superficial body made up with muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia etc. This theory shows the similarity or organic relationship between the meridian sinews and muscles. From the Hippocrates(460-385 BC) ages, traction therapy was used as a treatment method on muscular diseases such as low back pain, scoliosis, etc in western medicine. The effects of traction therapy, however, were unclear so that this study was purposed to illustrate the effectiveness of continuous traction therapy and to develop meridian sinews treatment. Methods : We made 2 hypotheses to explain the cause of scoliosis occurrence, muscles contraction and relaxation. As the hypothesis, we made the spinal model having 3 joints with wood and rubber bands. Each of the three joints in the spinal model represents the case of normal(NT; control), contraction(AT 1)and relaxation(AT 2) condition, and distance between the vertebrae joints was measured. Results : Under normal circumstance models, the normal type 1(NT 1; muscle relax state) and normal type 2(NT 2; muscle contract state) all joints were being towed equally. But in an unusual contracted situation, regardless of the relationship of joint area, contracted part of joint was not released. And in a relaxed situation, regardless of joint areas, released parts of joint were further released. These observation results mean that the effects of traction might be different from the purpose of traction therapy of Hippocrates. Conclusions : To explain the effect of traction therapy for scoliosis, the spinal cord model and scoliosis model were made. After vertebral bodies were pulled with different tensile forces, we compared the observed length of the each joints pulled. The results suggested that there were no effects of traction in objected parts with traction method from Hippocrates' design, continuous traction method. Moreover, it may worsen the symptom in worst case. Of course, our results are just the result of experimental models and clinical results may be different. More careful studies, therefore, are required.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.290-299
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• 2012

Objectives : 'Obtaining qi(deqi)' is a sensation experienced by a patient or an acupuncturist during acupuncture treatment, and it is considered to be an important factor in acupuncture treatment. However, previous studies reported conflicting results about the relationship between 'obtaining qi(deqi)' sensation and the effect of acupuncture treatment. Also, most of the previous studies investigating 'obtaining qi(deqi)' and the acupuncture effect, dealt with the analgesic effect of acupuncture. The objective of this study was to analyze the relation between the 'obtaining qi(deqi)' and the anti-itching effect of acupuncture treatment. Methods : Twenty one healthy subjects participated in this study. At the first visit, itch was induced to all subjects using intradermal injection of histamine on the lower arm. At the second visit, acupuncture treatment was applied using LI11 and 'obtaining qi(deqi)' was assessed. After acupuncture treatment, itch was induced again, and itch VAS and skin flare were assessed. Results: At the 6,8,10 minutes after histamine injection, the change of itch VAS between before and after acupuncture treatment was significant. Among 'obtaining qi(deqi)', subjects reported that 'dull ache', 'pricking', 'heavy' were most strong. Total score of 'obtaining qi(deqi)' sensation was not related to the change of itch VAS or skin flare. The 'electric shock' sensation is related to the change of itch VAS, and 'bruised' and 'heavy' sensations were related to the change of skin flare. Conclusions : Total 'obtaining qi(deqi)' is not related to the anti-itching effect of acupuncture, but several sensations showed relationship with the effect of acupuncture on itch severity and skin flare. Further researches based on various symptoms or acupuncture points, are needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.300-314
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• 2012

Objectives : This study is to observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters, such as NO, nNOS, and NE, upon the needle insertion to the sea points, which is one of the five transport points. Methods : Needles were inserted into rats, on both left and right sides of all sea points, including the LU5, PC3, HT3, LI11, TE10, SI8, SP9, LR8, KI10, ST36, GB34, and BL40, which are the sea points of five transport points for 12 meridian vessels. After insertion, needles were retained for five minutes. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture, and tissues of each point near meridian vessels were extracted to examine the changes in the expression of NO, nNOS and NE. Results : In terms of the effect in NO production, there was a significant decrease only in the LU5 point, whereas there was a significant increase in the TE10 point alone. In terms of the expression of nNOS within tissues, none of the experimental groups showed significant changes based on the results of immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Regarding the formation of norepinephrine within tissues, the HT3, SP9, and KI10 point showed a significant decrease, while the PC3 and LR8 point showed a significant increase. Production of plasma norepinephrine was significantly increased at the TE10, SP9, LR8, GB34, and BL40 point. Conclusions : The effect of needles applied at the sea points of five transport points of 12 meridian vessels on the functions of NO, nNOS, and NE could be observed, and it is considered that the effect of needle stimulation on nervous system disorders could be studied through additional researches based on this one.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.441-452
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• 2012

Objectives : As the attempts to make good uses of laser acupuncture in korean medicine have been steadily carried on, to ensure the safety is needed to increase the use of laser acupuncture. The aim of this study was to examine the safety of using laser acupuncture therapy irradiated with 830 nm laser and 905 nm laser. Methods : Fifteen rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups - Intact ; no therapy group. LAT830 ; laser acupuncture therapy(830 nm) group at GB34 GB39. LAT905 ; laser acupuncture therapy(905 nm) group at GB34 GB39. During eight weeks of treatment, LAT830, LAT905 were treated 2 times weekly, frequency 20 Hz, intensity 20 mW. Test items were mortality, body weight, food consumptions, hematological values, blood chemical values, urinalysis values, absolute organ weights and relative organ weights. Results : Statistically significant differences were not found among 3 groups. The values measured in LAT830, LAT905 and Intact(no therapy) group have shown similar results and it indicated that LAT830, LAT905 had no abnormal influence on the reaction of living bodies. There was little difference on the liver weight of relative organ weight test between laser-treated groups(LAT830, LAT905) and Intact group. Conclusions : In conclusion, laser acupuncture therapies irradiated with 830 nm laser and 905 nm laser caused no abnormal reaction of living bodies. More studies are needed to further establish the safety of many other laser acupuncture therapies.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.79-84
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• 2009

Objective : In 1960's Bonghan Kim's team found BongHan(BH) ducts which were presumed as acupuncture meridians and BH corpuscles. They asserted Bonghan theory and SanAl theory which was involved in cell division and cell restoration. However, many other experiments which had been operated to demonstrate and find the existence of BH ducts had failed because of the secret of blue stain drugs. During the last several years, BongHan theory has been revived through experimental researches to find the anatomical structures of BH ducts and corpuscles by Soh's Biomedical Physics Lab. Soh's research team used the staining with Janus Green B, Alcian blue, nanoparticles and Acridine Orange. We used DAPI staining to find the existence of BH ducts and the corpuscles and to observe nuclear arrangement. Methods : We used japan white rabbits as experimental animals. BH ducts and corpuscles were stained with DAPI. The nucleus configuration in BH ducts stained with DAPI were observed with microscope. Results : In this study, we found thread like structures in silver white color distinguished from the blood vessels, nerves and lymph vessels. These thread like vessels in the linear duct shape were connected to same colored mass in the ball shape. Thread like structures we found could be separated easily from the surrounding other organ mass. The nuclei of the thread like structure in DAPI staining, are about 10${\sim}$20${\mu}m$ length, in rod shape and linear arrangement. Conclusion : We concluded that the thread like structure we found was same vessel reported by Soh's research team, BongHan ducts and corpuscle.