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Trends in Clinical Studies Including LI4 Acupoint Stimulation in Korean Journals (국내 학술지에 게재된 합곡혈 임상연구 동향)

  • Joohyun Jung;Hyungsuk Yang;Seungmin Han;Dong Hak Yoon;Seungtae Kim
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.40 no.4
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    • pp.149-155
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    • 2023
  • Objectives : Hapgok (LI4) is one of the most widely used acupoints in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate the trend of clinical studies including LI4 acupoint stimulation in Korea. Methods : Papers of clinical researches including LI4 acupoint stimulation in Korean journals were searched in Korean databases of Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal, Korean Studies Information Service System, Korea Citation Index, DBpia, Research Information Sharing Service, and ScienceON. The papers were then analyzed focusing on the number of publications by year, the types of the clinical research, interventions, research topics, institutes, and journals. Results : A total of 154 publications were included in this study. The first paper was published in 1981, and the number of papers has gradually increased since the 1990s. Although LI4 acupoint stimulation was included, most of the papers had additional acupoints and interventions. Diseases of the nervous system were the most common, followed by diseases of the digestive system and diseases of the circulatory system. Kyung Hee University is the institution that published the most papers, and the journal that published the most papers is The Journal of Korean Oriental Internal Medicine. Conclusions : Since the 1990s, the number of clinical studies on LI4 acupoint has increased. However, the results of the studies are insufficient to prove the efficacy of LI4 acupoint because most of the studies were case reports using additional acupoints and interventions. Therefore, more rigorous studies are needed to prove the efficacy of LI4 acupoint.

Literature Study on the Composition of Samanhyeol (사만혈 구성 경혈에 대한 소고)

  • Seungtae Kim
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.41 no.2
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    • pp.43-50
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    • 2024
  • Objectives : Samanhyeol is a combination of acupoints located in the cubital and popliteal fossa. It is commonly used in clinical practice to treat acute illnesses such as summerheat stroke, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diseases. There are two types of Samanhyeol in literature: BL40 and LU5, and BL40 and PC3. We investigated which acupoint is representative of Samanhyeol, and more closely fits the definition of Samanhyeol between LU5 and PC3. Methods : We searched for literature related to Samanhyeol, compared the anatomical locations of LU5, PC3, and BL40, examined their indications associated with the effectiveness of Samanhyeol, and checked cases in the literature where LU5 or PC3 was used concurrently with BL40. Results : BL40, one of the Samanhyeol, has been used to treat summerheat stroke, vomiting, diarrhea, and epistaxis in acupuncture texts, and there are many references in the literature to BL40 being used for bloodletting. And BL40 is located in the midpoint of the traverse crease of the popliteal fossa. From this perspective, LU5 may be a more suitable than PC3 because it is located in the midpoint of the cubital crease. However, Samanhyeol is a combination of acupoints used to treat heat stroke, vomiting and diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diseases. Upon analyzing the literature, it was found that LU5 and PC3 have similar efficacy. However, PC3 was used more frequently in cases of severe fever, unconsciousness or syncope. Conclusions : Literature suggests that BL40 is the representative acupoint for Samanhyeol. And PC3 is more appropriate than LU5 for Samanhyeol because its effects are more stronger on heat stroke although both LU5 and PC3 can treat symptoms related to Samanhyeol.

Systems Pharmacological Approach to Identification of Schizonepeta teunifolia Extract via Active Ingredients Analysis and Cytotoxicity Effect on A549 Cell Lines (형개 추출물의 시스템 약리학적 분석과 비소세포폐암세포에 대한 증식 억제효과)

  • Ga Ram Yang;Ji Eun Choo;Youn Sook Kim;Won Gun Ahn
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.41 no.1
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    • pp.7-15
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    • 2024
  • Objectives : This study aimed to predict the effectiveness and potential of Schizonepeta tenuifolia as an anticancer treatment for non-small cell lung cancer through network-based pharmacology and cellular experiment. Methods : To identify the major bioactive compounds in Schizonepeta tenuifolia, we used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems. The target genes for the cancer treatment were selected using the UniProt database and the networked using Cytoscape. We performed functional enrichment analysis based on the Gene Ontology Biological Process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathways to predict the mechanisms. To investigate the effect of Schizonepeta tenuifolia on lung cancer cell growth, we treated A549 cells, a lung cancer cell line, with different concentrations of the drug and used the MTT assay for cell viability. Results : Research has shown that the most effective mechanism of active compounds from Schizonepeta tenuifolia is through the pathway of cancer. The results of the network pharmacology analysis indicate that Schizonepeta tenuifolia has potential medicinal value as an adjuvant in anticancer treatment. The concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability was observed on A549 cells. Furthermore, synergistic anticancer activity with Doxorubicin was also observed. Conclusions : Through a network pharmacological approach, Schizonepeta tenuifolia was predicted to have potential as an anticancer agent, and its efficacy was experimentally demonstrated using A549 cells. These findings suggest that Schizonepeta tenuifolia is a promising candidate for future research.

Hip and Finger Degenerative Arthritis Case Series Protocol for Applying Korean Medicine Clinical Pathway (퇴행성관절염(고관절, 수지관절염) 한의표준임상경로 적용연구 프로토콜)

  • Suzy Han;Yejin Hong;Dongwoo Nam;Jeongrok Kim;Changwoo Seon;Seojeong Ha;Minjeong Kim
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.41 no.1
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    • pp.1-6
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    • 2024
  • Objectives : The aim of this study is to set out case series study protocol to complete clinical pathway (CP) of hip and finger degenerative arthritis by applying CP, based on Korean medicine clinical practice guideline developed by clinical experts, to clinical field. Methods : The treatments included Manual acupuncture, acupoint injection, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, chuna, and physiotherapy. They were conducted in the 2nd week of admission and 4th week of out patient department (OPD) days. We carried out 10-point Likert scale questionnaires on the clinical usefulness and the satisfaction of patients and staff after applying CP. Appropriateness and improvement on patients were conducted using a 10-point Likert scale. An open-ended questionnaire was also conducted to ask if there was any requirement to be added. Results : In past research studies, there were no related studies about Korean medicine CP on hip and finger degenerative arthritis. Final version of CP is going to be completed based on the questionnaire. Conclusions : This evidence-based case series study protocol is expected to contribute development of hip and finger degenerative arthritis.

Effects of Head Acupuncture Versus Upper and Lower Limbs Acupuncture on Signal Activation of Blood Oxygen Level Dependent(BOLD) fMRI on the Brain and Somatosensory Cortex (두침과 상하지 침자극이 뇌와 뇌의 체성감각피질에 미치는 영향에 대한 fMRI Study)

  • Park, Jung-Mi;Gwak, Ja-Young;Cho, Seung-Yeon;Park, Seong-Uk;Jung, Woo-Sang;Moon, Sang-Kwan;Ko, Chang-Nam;Cho, Ki-Ho;Kim, Young-Suk;Bae, Hyung-Sup;Jang, Geon-Ho;Bang, Jae-Seung
    • Journal of Acupuncture Research
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    • v.25 no.5
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    • pp.151-165
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    • 2008
  • Objectives : To evaluate the effects of Head Acupuncture versus Upper and Lower Limbs Acupuncture on signal activation of Blood Oxygen Level Dependent(BOLD) fMRI on the Brain and Somatosensory Cortex. Subjects and Methods : 10 healthy normal right-handed female volunteer were recruited. The average age of the 10 subjects was 30 years old. The BOLD functional MRI(fMRI) signal characteristics were determined during tactile stimulation was conducted by rubbing 4 acu-points in the right upper and lower limbs($LI_1$, $LI_{10}$, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$). After stimulation of Head Acupuncture in Sishencong($HN_1$), $GB_{18}$, $GB_9$, $TH_{20}$ of Left versus Upper and Lower Limbs Acupuncture($LI_1$, $LI_{10}$, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$ of Right) and took off needles. Then the BOLD fMRI signal characteristics were determined at the same manner. Results : 1. When touched with cotton buds(sensory stimulation), left Parietal Lobe, Post-central Gyrus, primary somatosensory cortex(BA 1, 2, 3), and primary motor cortex(BA 4) were mainly activated. When $ST_{36}$ was stimulated, Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Cerebellum, and Posterior Lobe as well as Inter-Hemispheric displaying a variety of regions. 2. In signal activation before and after Head Acupuncture reaction, it showed signal activation after removing the acupuncture needle and right Somatosensory Association Cortex, Postcentral Gyrus, and Parietal Lobe were more activated. 3. In reactions of before and after Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture, it also showed signal activation after removing the acupuncture needle and bilateral Occipital Lobe, Lingual Gyrus, visual association cortex, and Cerebellum were activated. 4. After acupuncture stimulation, In Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture Group, left frontal Lobe, Precentral Gyrus and Bilateral parietal lobe, Postcentral Gyrus and Primary Somatosensory Cortex(BA 2) were activated. In Head Acupuncture Group, which has most similar activation regions, but especially right Pre-Post central Gyrus, Primary Somatosensory Cortex(BA 3), Primary Motor Cortex, frontal Lobe and Parietal Lobe were activated. Conclusions : When sensory stimulation was done with cotton buds on four acup-points($LI_1$, $LI_{10}4, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$), while bilaterally activated, contralateral sense was more dominant. It showed consistency with cerebral cortex function. When $ST_{36}$ was stimulated Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Cerebellum, Posterior Lobe as well as Inter-Hemispheric were stimulated. In Head Acupuncture, it showed more contralateral activation after acupuncture. In Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture, it showed typically contralateral activation and deactivation of limbic system after acupuncture stimulation. Therefore, there were different fMRI BOLD signal activation reaction before and after Head Acupuncture vs Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture which might be thought to be caused by acu-points' sensitivity and different sensory receptor to response acupuncture stimulation.

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Laser Acupuncture Treatment on the Five Transport Points of the Spleen Meridian in Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced-Colitis in Rats (비경의 오수혈에 대한 830 nm 레이저침이 DSS로 유발된 흰쥐의 대장염에 미치는 영향)

  • Choi, Dong-Hee;Kim, Wang-In;Kim, Mi-Rea;Youn, Dae-Hwan;Na, Chang-Su
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.31 no.2
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    • pp.56-65
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    • 2014
  • Objectives : The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of laser acupuncture to the 830 nm on the five transport points with the spleen meridian for treatment to intestinal disease in rat with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis. Methods : Colitis was induced by DSS for 20 days. The laser therapy on the five transport points of spleen meridian (Laser Well Point-SP1(L-WE), Laser Brook Point-SP2(L-BR), Laser Stream Point-SP3(L-ST), Laser River Point-SP5(L-RI) and Laser Sea Point-SP9(L-SE) was practiced twice a week for 5 times. Colon length was measured using a measuring point. Histological evaluation of colitis was conducted by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E) staining. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was determined using western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results: Colon length increased significantly L-BR and L-ST points after 5 times of therapy. Damage to the colonic mucosa is an integral feature of the DSS model, so control colonic mucosa tissue was damaged in the areas of ulceration resulting in complete epithelial loss. However histological damage decreased on the epithelial lining at all points. Cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 concentrations decreased in all points groups and Interferon(IFN)-${\gamma}$ increased in L-WE, L-BR, L-RI and L-SE points but L-ST was decreased when compared with control. White blood cell(WBC) and neutrophils(NE) decreased after the fifth acupuncture on the all points. But hemoglobin(HGB) increased after the fifth acupuncture on the L-WE, L-BR, L-ST and L-RI points. Also Mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH) and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration(MCHC) decreased after the fifth acupuncture on the all points. Conclusions: The present study indicated that five transport points of the spleen meridian can prevent the development of DSS-induced colitis in rat. Thereby suggesting that should be available for decreasing DSS-induced inflammation in a colonic mucosa of tissue.

Effects of Araliae Continentalis Radix Pharmacopuncture on a Neuropathic Pain Rat Model (독활 약침이 신경병리성 통증 유발 흰쥐에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Myung Sik;Kim, Jae Hong;Youn, Dae Hwan;Cho, Myoung Rae
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.37 no.2
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    • pp.104-121
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    • 2020
  • Objectives : Since neuropathic pain shows a variety of symptoms via various mechanisms, there are many difficulties in treatment and various treatments have been tried. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Araliae Continentalis Radix pharmacopuncture (ACR) on neuropathic pain. Methods : After dividing the white rats into six groups, the sciatic nerves of five groups except the normal group were excised to induce neuropathic pain. Except normal and control group, the other four groups were given: saline (Saline group), ACR 1.100 mg/kg (ACR 1 group), ACR 2.743 mg/kg (ACR 2 group), and ACR 5.486 mg/kg (ACR 3 group) at GB30, twice a week for a total of six times in three weeks. Withdrawal response react time and force intensity, c-Fos, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ were observed to investigate the efficacy of ACR in each group. Body weight, WBC, RBC, HGB, PLT, AST, ALT, BUN, and Cr changes were observed to check the safety of ACR. Results : Both withdrawal response react time & force intensity were significantly increased in the ACR2 and ACR3 groups at 3 weeks. C-Fos tended to decrease in all ACR groups and significantly decreased in ACR3 group. In blood serum, TNF-α showed a tendency to decrease in all ACR groups and a significant decrease in ACR3 group. But IL-6 and IFN-γ did not change significantly in all experimental groups. In the spinal cord, IFN-γ was significantly decreased in the ACR3 group. But TNF-α and IL-6 were not significantly changed in all experimental groups. Body weight was not changed significantly in all experimental groups. RBC increased significantly in ACR2 group, HGB increased in ACR3 group, and PLT increased significantly in all experimental groups. ALT significantly decreased in ACR1 group, and there were no significant changes in AST, BUN, and Cr in all experimental groups. Conclusions : At high concentrations, ACR pharmacopuncture reduced c-Fos, and TNF-α in the blood serum and IFN-γ in the spinal cord thereby suppressed allodynia. More in-depth studies about pharmacopuncture concentration or mechanism are needed.

Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix Water Extract Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoclast Specific Genes (진교의 파골세포 분화 및 골 흡수 유전자 억제기전 연구)

  • Yang, Kyujin;Kim, Jae Hyun;Kim, Minsun;Ryu, Gwang-hyun;Moon, Jin-Ho;Lee, Hye-In;Jung, Hyuk-Sang;Sohn, Youngjoo
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.37 no.2
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    • pp.63-75
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    • 2020
  • Objectives : Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and osteoporosis fracture is the leading cause of decreased life. Bisphosphonate and selective estrogen receptor modulators are the best choice of treatment for osteoporosis. However, when used for a long time, they increase the probability of side effect such as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Thus, it is crucial to develop alternative medicine to treat osteoporosis. Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, a herbal medicine, is mainly to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effect of the water extract of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (w-GM) on osteoporosis has not been investigated. Thus, we examine whether w-GM can inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. In this study, RAW 264.7 cells were used as an osteoclast differentiation model by treating them with RANKL. Methods : RAW 264.7 cells were used to determine the effect of w-GM on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells, TRAP activity and pit formation assay were examined. In addition, protein expressions were measured by western blot and mRNA expressions were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results : Treatment with w-GM inhibited the number of TRAP-positive cells, TRAP activity and pit area. In addition, w-GM decreased protein expression such as mitogen-activated protein kinase, NF-κB, c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). It also inhibited the mRNA levels such as c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP, NF-κB, calcitonin receptor and cathepsin K in RANKL-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that w-GM has inhibitory effects via osteoclast differentiation, thus it could be a new medication for osteoporosis.

Two Cases of Night Fever Treated with Acupuncture on Young-gol and Dae-back: Considered from Meridian and Collateral Aspects (영골·대백혈 자침을 통한 야간 발열 환자 치험 2례)

  • Jo, Na Young
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.34 no.3
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    • pp.164-171
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    • 2017
  • Objectives : The purpose of this study is to study the effects of acupuncture on Young-gol and Dae-back on night fever and investigate the meridian and collateral aspects of Dong-Si acupuncture through cases of night fever due to Yin deficiency. Methods : Patients have received acupuncture on both sides(Young-gol and Dae-back) at 10 pm. The acupuncture treatment lasted for 15 minutes. Body temperature, pulse, and Numeric Rating Scale(NRS) scores for dryness of mouth were measured for the evaluation. Results : Both patients reported symptomatic reduction including night fever, pulse rate, NRS about dry mouth following the described treatments. The night fever disappeared after acupuncture treatment. The mean of pulse rate changed from 82.6 to 74.8(case 1), from 83.5 to 74.3(case 2). The mean of NRS changed from 4.2 to 1.7(case 1), from 3.3 to 2.4(case 2). Conclusions : In both cases, acupuncture was effective in relieving night fever symptoms. This can be considered from meridian and collateral aspects and the Korean medicine physiological perspective. In the future, systematic and diverse studies related to this will be needed.

Acupuncture Expands the Boundary of Mind-Body Medicine (침술이 심신의학의 지평을 확장하다)

  • Kim, Jae-Hyo
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.33 no.3
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    • pp.139-147
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    • 2016
  • Purpose : The acupuncture existed more than 2000 years and has flourished not only in Asia but also in medical field of modern world. In addition, empirical evidences from biomedicine have been expended in many ways in order to objectify the field of acupuncture. Thus, the effect and mechanism of the acupuncture has been revealed in human and other animals. In this article, I attempt to explain what doctors and patients subjectively experience through acupuncture treatment and its clinical significance based on mind-body medicine. Methods : The experience and clinical significance of the acupuncture was examined in the view of mind-body medicine, also reviewed research trends related to meditation understanding the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture. Results and Conclusions : Traditional Korean medical doctor perceive generally "jogi " and "chishin " meaning the regulation of the balance of the various functions in the human body and patient's consciousness and psychology state as mightily important concept concerning the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. Despite scientific approach to objective understanding of the acupuncture was performed in the meantime, practitioners put emphasis on experience based on sensate and interaction between doctor-patient. As it reflects the recent understanding of the psychological effects associated with the clinical efficacy of acupuncture, it has been presented one by one through neuroscience and cognitive science. Therefore it is important that interpreting the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture into Mind-body medicine can form a new awareness and attitudes toward traditional medicine.