• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.634-642
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• 2012

Objectives : The aim of the study is to find out whether effect of acupuncture is depending on the diameter of needle, which is a possible component of dose of acupuncture needling. Methods : To compare acupuncture effects in different diameters of needle, we measured the changes in muscle fatigue recovery using surface electromyogram(sEMG) in healthy 8 volunteers. Muscle fatigue was induced by 20 times sit-up for 1 min. Immediately after induction of muscle fatigue, acupuncture needle was inserted into ST36 or ST25 for 10 min by diameters of 0.20 mm, 0.30 mm, or 0.40 mm needles. The sEMG recording was followed by acupuncture for 30 min. As a control group, sEMG was recorded for the same period at rest after muscle fatigue induction. Results : In both of ST 36 and ST 25, stimulation with 0.4 mm diameter needle showed significant rapid recovery followed by short period of muscle fatigue increase. Stimulation with 0.2 mm diameter significantly suppressed the increase of muscle fatigue. Conclusions : These data suggest that acupuncture effect is, at least in part, dependent on diameter of needle. Therefore, diameter of needle is also considered to achieve effective outcome of acupuncture.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.9-27
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• 2005

Objective : 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, I studied the effects of electric charge in ST37(+) and ST39(-) generated by Apchim (押鍼) manipulation which was stimulated at ST36 point. And compared with data on the changes of electric charge 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 charge 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. In this experiments, the changes of electric charge from the stimulation type of Apchim 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. Results :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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• 제36권4호
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• pp.264-273
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• 2019

Objectives : Microglia play a crucial role in electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia on neuropathic pain. The role of chemokines in producing analgesic effects of EA, however, is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of chemokines in producing analgesic effects of EA in the neuropathic pain model. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups (anesthetized group (ANE), non-acupoint EA group (NAP), and ST36 - GB34 EA group (ACU)). Neuropathic pain was induced by tight ligation of L5 spinal nerve. Mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity of hind paw was tested. Western blot tests and immunofluorescence assay for C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) levels and microglia activation were performed on spinal cord L5/6. EA was treated once daily from the 3rd day after surgery for 5 days. Results : EA treatments applied to ST36 and GB34 significantly reduced both mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity after two and three times of treatment, respectively. While CCL2 expression significantly increased in neuropathic rats, it was significantly reduced in the ACU. In addition, co-localization of CCL2 and activated microglia significantly decreased in the ACU compared to those of ANE and NAP in the spinal cord L5/L6 dorsal horn. Conclusions : The present results suggest that EA applied to ST36 and GB34 modulates the reduction of CCL2 release from the injured neurons and consequently decreases microglia activation in the spinal cord. Regulation of chemokine induced spinal activation of microglia plays a key role in analgesic effects of EA in the rat model of neuropathic pain.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.117-122
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• 2018

Objectives : Most meridians have each well point located at the distal end of fingers or toes, congruous with their meridian courses. Exceptively, ST45(Yeotae), stomach meridian(ST)'s final point, is located at the lateral side of the tip of the second toe, while the tip of the second toe was not mentioned in the course of ST. So, we studied the course of lower limb region of ST. Methods : Courses of ST in Categorized Collection of Literatures on Chinese Meridians and Collaterals(CCM) was examined. The literatures included in CCM was selected as study subjects to be studied if the meridian route was different from "Youngchu" or more detailed notes were attached. There are 3 branches in lower limb region of ST, we analyzed theories of scholars of all time about the 3 branches of ST. Results and Conclusions : Branch 1 descends along the lateral margin of the fibula to the dorsum of foot, entering into the medial side of the middle toe. Branch 2 leaves ST36 separately, terminating at the lateral side of the middle toe. Branch 3 leaves ST42 and descends to the end of the great toe. The medial side of the middle toe equate to the lateral side of the second toe, and it is connected to ST45. So branch 1 is the main stream of ST. Branch 3 drives to the great toe passing between first and second toe, it goes medial side of LR2.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.31-40
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• 2017

Objectives: We investigated the effect of acupuncture on memory function in relation with neurogenesis in old rats. Methods: In this study, a step-down avoidance task for short-term memory and Y-maze task for spatial memory capability were conducted. Western blot analysis for brain-derived neurotorphic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), and immunohistochemistry for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) were performed. Results: Short-term memory and spatial memories were decreased in the old-aged rats. Expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the old-aged rats. Neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was also decreased in the old-aged rats. However, acupuncture treatment alleviated impairment of short-term and spatial memories induced by ageing. Acupuncture also increased the expressions of BDNF and TrkB and enhanced neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The present study showed that acupuncture alleviated ageing-induced short-term and spatial memory loss by increasing of BDNF and neurogenesis. Acupuncture at ST41-acupoint showed most potent effect than at ST36-acupoint or non-acupoint. Conclusions: Acupuncture might be used as the effective therapeutic modality to ameliorate the age-related decrease of brain functions.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.179-191
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• 2004

It is well known that acupuncture is effective for treatment of gastric disease in human. For years, we have been utilizing a electro-acupuncture(EA) in attempt to manage gastric symptoms. However, the data on clinical effectiveness is conflicting and the action of acupoints is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of manual and electro acupuncture(EA) at acupoints of ST 36 and GB 34 on the serum gastrin level by radioimmunoassay in rats. All of acupuncture treatment was applied to the acupoints for 30 min during 3 days. Manual acupuncture with both acupoints resulted in increased gastrin serum level when compare to control group treated with only anesthesia. Either high (100 Hz) and low (2 Hz) frequency EA at ST 36 decreased gastrin serum level compared with control group, but EA at GB 34 conversely increased. In EA with device was designed stimulating only acupoint(New EA), either low frequency on ST 36 and high frequency on GB 34 unusually increased gastrin serum level compared to control group. The results of this experiment suggest that many factors, such as the selection of acupoints, the manipulation and the specification of acupuncture device, are capable of affecting acupuncture effects.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.41-48
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• 2011

Objectives : This study aimed to explore the passive multi-channel time series analysis method by measuring bio-potentials of acupuncture point and the peripheral region Methods : Bio-potential was measured at ST36 and the peripherical region of ST36 of 5 healthy volunteers at three times. The diagram of the potential changes over time were smoothed by moving average method and similarities of ST36 and the other points were calculated. Results : In the normal weight group, bio-potential similarity tended to decrease in proportion to the distance from the acupuncture point. In the obesity group, bio-potential similarity appeared in a very wide area. Bio-potential similarity had positive correlation with BMI value. Conclusions : The passive multi-channel time series analysis method showed the possibility be appropriate for the electrical characteristics study of meridians.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.179-204
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Angelicae Radix Pharmacopuncture(AR-P) at Joksamni(ST36) on collagen II induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice. The authors evaluated arthritis index, arthritis incidence and joint edema, and measured body weight, spleen size and stenosis rate, serum cytokine level, serum antibody level, immune cell populations In spleen, lymph node, and knee joint, and performed histological analysis of CIA mouse joint. Results : In the AR-P group, arthritis index, arthritis incidence and joint edema were decreased, and the enlargement, malformation and stenosis of spleen and the malformation of joint appeared milder than the control group. In AR-P group, the levels of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IFN-{\gamma}$ in serum were significantly decreased. And the level of anti-collagen II in serum was maintained lower in AR-P group than in the control group. In AR-P group, the level of $IFN-{\gamma}$ and IL-10, and $IFN-{\gamma}/IL-4$ ratio were significantly decreased, and the ratios of $CD3e^+$ cells to $CD45^+$ cells, $CD4^+$ cells to $CD8^+$ cells in spleen were similarly maintained as those of the normal group. In the AR-P group, the populations of $CD4^+/CD25^+$ cells in spleen and lymph nodes, $CD45R^+/CD69^+$ cells in lymph nodes, $CD3^+/CD69^+$ cells and $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells in knee joint were decreased. In the histological analysis, the cartilage destruction, synovial cell proliferation and the collagen fiber destruction were decreased in the AR-P group Conclusions : The results suggest that AR-P at right ST36 has a therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.73-83
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate anti-allergic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix(GR) pharmacopuncture and GR extract. Methods : In vivo, animals were gotten GR pharmacopunctures at both sides of ST36s three times for 5 days. Then, we investigated anti-DNP IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis of Sprague Dawley rats. In vitro, we measured cell viability, ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release, and the secretion of interleukin-4(IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-${\alpha}$) in RBL-2H3 cells after treatment of various concentrations of GR extract. Results : In vivo, we observed inhibition of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis after GR pharmacopuncture treatments at both sides of ST36s and optional points. In vitro, GR extract treatments did not affect cell viability, but inhibited ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release and the secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$. Conclusions : These results suggest that GR pharmacopuncture and GR extract should be beneficial in the inhibition of allergic inflammatory response.

• 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.