• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.298-304
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• 2013

Objectives : We examined mutual inhibitory effects of combined acupoints in arthritic pain induce by carrageenan(CA). Electroacupuncture(EA) is considered a potentially useful treatment for arthritis. Although the analgesic effect of acupuncture is well documented, little is understood about its biological basis. There are many previous studies of positive effect of combined acupoint, this study was conducted to see the mutual inhibitory effects produced by combined acupoint(ST36 and PC7) on arthritic rats. Methods : For the induction of inflammatory pain rat model, CA was injected into the knee joint cavity. There are four groups; EA was applied to bilateral PC7 acupoints(PC7 group), ST36 acupoints(ST36 group), and both PC7 and ST36 acupoints(ST36+PC7 group) except for the control group. The pain level were assessed to determine the change in weight bearing force. We also examined the COX-2 expression in dorsal horn using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Results : The ST36+PC7 group data showed the significant reduction of weight bearing force and the induction of COX-2 protein expression compared with the ST36 group. Conclusions : Simultaneous EA applied to the ST36 and PC7 acupoints reduced the analgesic effect of the ST36 group on knee inflammatory pain.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.264-271
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• 2013

Objectives : To observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters NO and enzymes that create NO, such as nNOS, iNOS and eNOS, upon the needle insertion on river point, one of the five transport points of three yang meridians on the forefoot. Methods : Based on rats, needle was inserted on both sides of LI5, SI5 and TE6, which are river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot, and were retained for five minutes. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture and tissues from each point around meridian vessels were extracted to be examined on the changes of the expression of NO, as well as of nNOS, iNOS and eNOS. Results : In terms of the effect on NO creation in tissues, none of the experimental groups showed any significant change compared to the Normal group. In terms of the effect on expression of nNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In iNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In eNOS within tissues, SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. Conclusions : The effect on the function of NO, nNOS, iNOS and eNOS of needle insertion on the river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot 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.30 no.4
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• pp.220-229
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• 2013

Objectives : Electroacupuncture(EA) has been used effectively in producing analgesia on ankle sprain pain of humans and animals. Currently to examine the underlying mechanisms of the EA-induced analgesia, the effects of EA on weight-bearing forces(WBR) were examined at ankle sprain classified as grade 3 in rats. Methods : The severe ankle sprain classified as grade 3 was induced surgically by ankle ligament injury in the Sprague-Dawley rats. WBR of the affected foot were examined to evaluate effects and mechanism of EA(2 Hz, 1 ms pulse width, 2 mA intensity, for 15 min) which was applied to either SI6, GB34, or GB39 acupoints. The rats were pretreated with naltrexone(10 mg/kg, i.p.) as an opioid receptor antagonist or phentolamine(5 mg/kg, i.p) as an ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptor antagonist at 30 min before EA. Results : The daily repeat EA at either SI6, GB34, or GB39 showed significant analgesic effects on the severe ankle sprain. Particularly, daily EA at GB34 showed more potent analgesic effect than the others. In addition, the naltrexone pretreatment completely blocked the analgesic effect of EA at GB34, indicating the involvement of the endogenous opioid system in mediating the effect of EA at GB34. However, the phentolamine pretreament blocked analgesic effects of EA at either SI6 or GB39, indicating the involvement of ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptors in mediating the effect of EA at either SI6 or GB39. Conclusions : These data suggest that EA-induced analgesia on ankle sprain pain is mediated through either endogenous opioids or ${\alpha}$-adrenoceptors dependant on acupoint specific pattern.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.49-63
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• 2016

Objectives : This research was performed to investigate the effects of Jodeungsan pharmacopuncture(PA-J) of focal brain ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) in rats. Methods : The subjects were divided into 4 groups : control, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture PA-J1(11.43 mg / 250 g / $40{\mu}{\ell}$) and pharmacopuncture PA-J2(2.29 mg / 250 g / $40{\mu}{\ell}$). The focal brain ischemia was induced by intraluminal filament insertion into the middle cerebral artery. After 3 days of MCAO, Jodeungsan pharmacopuncture treatment was performed on the GB20, and the day after being treated with pharmacopuncture, the Morris water maze test was carried out on the assigned group. The series of processes were administered 6 times. Thereafter mGluR5, density of neuronal cell and ChAT were measured. Results : The results were as follows. 1. The distance to target significantly decreased in the 2nd trial of the Acu group on the water maze test for short-term memory. 2. The distance to target significantly decreased in the 4th trial of the PA-J2 group on the water maze test for long-term memory. 3. The intensity of mGluR5 significantly increased in the PA-J1 group compared with the control group. 4. The neuroprotective effect on the hippocampal CA1 significantly increased in the PA-J1 and PA-J2 groups compared with the control group. 5. The density of ChAT in the hippocampal CA1 significantly increased in the PA-J1 and PA-J2 groups compared with the control group. Conclusion : These results suggest that Jodeungsan pharmacopuncture may improve memory and cognitive impairment and also have neuroprotective effects on focal brain ischemia.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.183-193
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of Postural Yinyang Correction of TMJ(Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy; FCST) on Bell's palsy. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 41 patients who were treated for Bell's palsy at the Dept. of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dong-Eui University from January $1^{st}$, 2016 to August $31^{st}$, 2016. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A(n=21), and Group B(n=20). Patients in Group A were treated by Korean Medical Treatments with FCST using ABA(Accurate Balancing Appliance), a standard intra-oral appliance. Patients in Group B were treated by Korean Medical Treatments without FCST. To estimate the efficacy in recovering palsy, we analyzed the House-Brackmann Grading Scale and Yanagihara's Unweighted Grading System. Results : In both groups, H-B grades were improved significantly during each period except the period from the first visit to one week later(P01). The improvement of H-B grade during each period in Group A is higher than Group B except the period from one week later to two weeks later, but statistically insignificant. In Group A, Y-score was significantly improved during each period except during P01. In group B, Y-score was significantly improved during each period except during P01 and the period from the first visit to two weeks later. The improvement of Y-score during each period in Group A is higher than Group B, but statistically insignificant. Conclusions : FCST using Standard Intraoral Appliance may be helpful in treating Bell's Palsy, but the further researches are needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.241-250
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• 2017

Objectives : This study was performed to examine the toxicity of Aconitum ciliare Decaisne pharmacopuncture(ADP). Methods : The toxicity was evaluated for lethal dose for 50 percent kill(LD50), single dose and repeated dose for 4 weeks. Toxic symptoms, weight measurement, hematological test, blood biochemical test, visual examination and weight measurement of major organs and histopathological test were observed for 4 weeks. Dose of 300, 600, 1,200, 2,400, 3,600, 4,800, 6,000, 7,200 mg/kg in the LD50 experiment, 300, 600, 1,200 mg/kg/day in the single experiment, 150, 300, 600 mg/kg/day in 4 weeks experiments were injected into BALB/c mice. The ADP was injected into ST36 of the right leg. Normal saline solution of same volume was used for control group. In 24 hours after the last treatment, blood samples were taken after anesthesia by inhalation of ethyl ether. After that, the BALB/c mice were euthanized. Their heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and reproductive organs were removed and weighed. Histopathological evaluation was also performed. Results : ADP's LD50 was measured at 6,000 mg/kg. In both single and repeated dose toxicity test, no BALB/c mouse died during the experiments. ADP treatment for 4 weeks did not show any significant changes in toxic symptoms, weight measurement, hematological test, blood biochemical test, visual examination and weight measurement of major organs and histopathological test. Conclusions : As a result, ADP's LD50 was 6,000 mg/kg and repeated dose at a concentration of 600 mg/kg or less is considered to be not harmful for clinical treatment.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.265-270
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• 2017

Objectives : The present study aimed to examine the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture(EA) applied to the brook point of the Liver meridian in the rat model of inflammatory pain and to investigate involvement of endogenouse opioid in the EA-induced analgesia. Methods : Knee arthritis was induced by injection of $125{\mu}l$ of complete Freund's adjuvant into the knee joint cavity unilaterally. To examine the level of pain, weight bearing forces(WBFs) of affected limb was measured. EA treatment was given at the LR2, LI4 or non-acupoint on the contralateral limb with frequency of 2 Hz and intensity of 2 mA under gaseous anesthesia. Results : After induction of arthritis, rats subsequently showed a reduced stepping force of the affected hindlimb due to a painful knee. EA applied to the LR2 point on the contralateral hind limb produced a significant improvement of stepping force of the hind limb lasting for at least 2 h, and this effect was equivalent to that obtained by 5 mg/kg of oral indomethacin. The effect of EA was specific to the acupoint since it could not be mimicked by EA applied to the LI4 point or the arbitrary non-acupoint. The analgesic effect was blocked by pretreatment with naltrexone(10 mg/kg, i.p.). Conclusions : These results suggest that acupuncture applied to LR2, brook point of Liver meridian suppresses inflammatory pain in a rat model of knee arthritis and this effect seems to be mediated by endogenous opioid systems.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.136-145
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was to examine how acupuncture treatment at Shinmun(HT7) affects the brain activity and the autonomic nervous system(ANS), using electroencephalograms(EEG) and heart rate variability(HRV). Methods : Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in two separate experiments: in each experiment, either real acupuncture(RA) or non-penetrating sham acupuncture(SA) was applied at HT7 in random sequences to each person. The EEG and HRV measurements were conducted simultaneously before and during the acupuncture stimulation for 5 minutes, respectively. Resulting EEG and HRV parameters were compared between RA and SA groups. To assess differences according to the stress levels for participants, subgroup analysis was performed based on the results of the stress response index questionnaire. Results : In the results, acupuncture stimulation at HT7 increased ${\alpha}$ band in EEG. In the HRV analysis, heart rate was decreased significantly but HF and RMS-SD were increased in the RA group, compared with those of the SA group. In the subgroup analysis by stress level, participants in the RA group with high stress exhibited an increased in ${\alpha}$ band in their EEG while the low stress participants showed decrease or little increase in the band. For the SA group, ${\alpha}$ band reported relatively moderate changes in all channels. Conclusions : Our results showed that acupuncture induces changes in brain activation and the ANS. Acupuncture was related to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The brain activities of the participants were different depending on the stress level.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.125-135
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• 2014

Objectives : Warm needling is the method combining the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion. In modern clinics, warm needling is only affected by treatment time or frequency. We need to study the physical characteristics of warm needles currently used in clinics in order to develop more efficient and economical treatments. Methods : We collected various warm needle specimens and analyzed chemical constitutions, measured heat transfer velocity, micro Vicker's hardness and specific resistance. We studied the relationship between heat transfer velocity and micro Vicker's hardness as well as that between heat transfer velocity and specific resistance. Results : The heat transfer velocity of the Silver_HL was 3.3 mm/sec, of the Au alloy group was 1.3~2.6 mm/sec, and Silver_IN, Silver_ZK and SS groups was less than 0.3 mm/sec. We therefore concluded that the needle composed of Ag has the best heat transfer velocity. In the Micro Vicker's hardness test, Vicker's hardness of the Au alloy group was 159~170 Hv, of Silver_HL was 181 Hv, and of the Silver_IN, Silver_ZK, SS group was 450.8~519 Hv. In the Silver_IN, Silver_ZK and SS groups, hardness was inversely proportial to thermal conductivity. In the specific resistance test, the specific resistance of Silver_HL was the lowest, that of the Au alloy group was the second lowest, and that of the Silver_IN, Silver_ZK, SS groups were the highest. Conclusions : We concluded that the needle composed of Ag has the best heat transfer velocity, highest electric conductivity and thermal conductivity, therefore the needle composed of Ag is suitable for warm needling.