• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.138-150
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• 2013

Objectives: To observe randomized controlled trials(RCTs) related to investigating the effects of acupoint treatments on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy to establish the basis of korean medical treatments, and suggest the problems of future clinical research. Methods: After searching for national and international papers published after 2000 and restricting the parameters to 'clinical trial', 'controlled clinical trial', 'randomized controlled trial', then comparing the subjects, methods, research tools, and results to understand the effects and re-comparing the conflicting results to assume the cause. Results: Of the 9 research papers that applied acupressure, four of them used control and experimental groups, and three(75%) research papers indicated significant reduction in vomiting and nausea, and of the seven research papers that utilized the experimental and placebo groups, five(71.4%) reported significant reducing effects. Of the four research papers the used acupuncture treatments, four research papers using control and placebo groups, two showed improvements in symptoms but did not have significant results compared to sham acupuncture groups, and two showed significant reduction of symptoms compared to the control groups. The one research paper that used electrical stimulation showed significant results in the reduction of vomiting and nausea compared to the control group. Conclusions: Acupressure and electrical stimulation showed efficacy reducing the symptoms. Acupuncture treatments did not indicate efficacy some experiments. Therefore it is thought that future acupuncture treatments should use methods that resemble actual clinical medicine to establish efficacy to produce significant results.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.43-58
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• 2007

Objectives : The elicit of DeQi, a composite of sensation including numbness and fullness that develops at the site of acupuncture stimulation, is considered to be clinically essential to establish treatment efficacy. However, there was little studies investigating the relationship between the subjective feeling of acupuncture sensation and acupuncture analgesia, The current study was therefore performed to determine the correlation between the acupuncture sensation scale (ASS) and the degree of acupuncture analgesia. Methods : Ninety-two female subjects were stimulated at LI4 acupoint on non-dominant hand with real (RA) or sham acupuncture (SA). Finger withdrawal latency (FWL) of each group was also measured to evaluate analgesic effect of acupuncture on the noxious heat stimuli on the dominant hand. All subjects were asked to complete seven point-Likert scale ASS developed by Vincent et al. Results : The increase rate of FWL of the RA group was significantly higher than that of the SA group(36.03 ${\pm}$ 4.45% vs 24.50 ${\pm}$ 3.73%). RA stimulation produced significantly higher rating of all the ASS except for dull sensation, compared to SA stimulation. Significant correlations between analgesic effect of RA, but not of SA, and the degree of the ASS, including burning sensation(r=0.349), Intense sensation(r=0.299), pulsating sensation (r=0.335), and stinging sensation (r=0.306) were found. Conclusions : The results of our study indicate that the DeQi sensation are associated with acupuncture analgesia. Our findings suggest that the evocation of DeQi might be useful clinical indicator of acupuncture treatment.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.89-101
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• 2001

The conventional pattern-methods for discrimination of acupoint, meridian line which is the basic object of diagnosis and medical treatment in oriental medicine is discriminated the conduction point by the stimulation in body skin with DC. But, it is not sufficient to truth in discrimination ratio, coincident ratio, body effect, reproductivity. Therefore, this paper is extracting the optimal parameter of frequency and waveform in order to improve the conventional pattern, and proposing the SPAC(Single Power Alternative Current) stimulus pattern applying that. Also, this algorithm proposes to be able to discriminate with low pressure of the electrode by displaying in the level meter both the absolution and relation value of the skin current. It is able to decrease pain and body effect by electrode pressure and discriminate acupoint regardless of skin current in difficult discrimination spot. It is compared the performance of system applying the extracted optimal parameter and algorithm, and it is confirmed that there is difference in discrimination parameter of acupoint reacted to the individual and the meridian. It is compared that discrimination, coincident ratio of the traditional acupoints as the acupoint stimulation pattern. It is confirmed truth of optimal parameter and discrimination algorithm. Keyword: Meridian, Discrimination, Coincident, Body effect, Reproductivity, SPAC, Optimal parameter.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.91-96
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to characterize the stimulation intensity in acupuncture manipulation techniques for tonification and sedation therapy. Methods : To describe the level of stimulation used in acupuncture manipulation techniques for tonification and sedation therapy, we reviewed the acupuncture manipulation techniques described in classical medical textbooks. Results : Based on the patients' conditions and pattern identification, acupuncture manipulation strategies for tonification and sedation therapy were chosen. For example, the excess condition was treated with sedative therapy, and the deficiency condition was treated with tonification therapy. For tonification therapy, weak to modest stimulation was applied in acupuncture manipulation techniques, whereas intense stimulation was applied for sedative therapy. Even though the intensity of acupuncture stimulation was chosen based on the clinical examination, deqi sensation is a crucial component of acupuncture treatment, and during acupuncture practice, the practitioner should choose the right intensity of acupuncture stimulation based on deqi response in each patient. Conclusions : We concluded that the tonifying and sedative effects of acupuncture treatment are related to the stimulation intensity of acupuncture manipulation techniques. For individualized medicine, the right amount of acupuncture stimulation should be administered based on the patients' conditions and responses, such as deqi responses.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.108-115
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• 2015

Objectives : Acupuncture is frequently used as an alternative therapy for Parkinson's disease(PD) in Korea. Using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse model, the present study investigated a possible role of acupuncture stimulation at GB34 in suppressing dopaminergic neuronal death and regulating the phosphorylation of protein kinase B(Akt) in substantia nigra(SN) and striatum(ST). Methods : Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were administered intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg of MPTP at 24-h intervals for 5 days. Acupuncture stimulation at GB34 or SI3 was performed once a day for 12 days consecutively from the first MPTP injection. After the last acupuncture stimulation, pole test was performed to assess the effect of the acupuncture stimulations. Dopaminergic neuronal survival in the SN and the ST, dopamine transporter( DAT) and caspase-3 expression in the ST were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The phosphorylations of Akt in the SN and the ST were measured by Western blotting. Results : MPTP administration caused behavioral impairment and dopaminergic neuronal death in the SN and the ST. It also decreased DAT expression and increased caspase-3 expression in the ST. Acupuncture stimulation at GB34 alleviated these MPTP-induced impairments. Moreover, MPTP suppressed Akt phosphorylation in the SN and the ST, whereas acupuncture stimulation at GB34 alleviated the phosphorylation in the SN. Conclusions : These results indicate that acupuncture stimulation at GB34 can inhibit MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal death and alleviate the Akt phosphorylation in the SN, suggesting a possible role for acupuncture in the treatment of PD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.123-133
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• 2006

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the Effect of Electro acupuncture at Kugmun $(P_4)$ and Naegwan $(P_6)$ on EKG of hypertension patients. Methods Subjects were ten patients who showed abnormal findings on EKG. They were divided into two Groups, Experiment Group and Control Group. Experiment Croup received electro acupuncture at Kugmun $(P_4)$ and Naegwan $(P_6)$ and Control Group at non acupoint. EKG was measured before and after electro acupuncture stimulation. Results : Five out of ten improved EKG findings by Kugmun $(P_4)$ and Naegwan $(P_6)$ and nine out of ten changed the pulse by Kugmun $(P_4)$ and Naegwan $(P_6)$. It showed significant change compared with Control Group that received electro acupuncture at non acupoint. In fact Kugmun $(P_4)$ and Naegwan $(P_6)$ is able to cure chest pain, hypertension, chest discomfort, palpitation, insomnia, headache, and so on. It proved that it has ability of controling heart function. Conclusions : In conclusion, electro acupuncture at Kugmun $(P_4)$ and Naegwan $(P_6)$ changed EKG findings and Pulse. Especially electro acupuncture at Kugmun $(P_4)$ and Naegwan $(P_6)$ decreased the pulse for tachycardia and increased the pulse for bradycardia. It is thought that it makes to consist vital homeostasis.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.105-114
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• 2011

Objectives : The transient inflammation has been demonstrated to alter visceral motor response (VMR) and acute mucosal inflammation may precede the manifestation of visceral hyperalgesia in animal models. The purpose of our study is to compare effects of the different frequencies applied electroacupuncture (EA) on acupoints in acute colitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS). Methods : In Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250~400g, a single colorectal administration of TNBS (5mg/kg) was made and electrode for electromyography (EMG) recording were stitched into the external oblique musculature. EA of either ST25 or ST36 were applied and stimulation parameter was modulated as follows: 2, 10, or 100 Hz with intensity of 2 mA and 1 ms pulse duration for 30 min. The balloon was inserted intra-anally and VMR to colorectal distension (CRD) was quantified with an EMG recording system. Results : The VMR increased significantly 3 days after TNBS intra-rectal colonic injection in rats. Both 2 Hz and 10 Hz EA on ST36 suppressed VMR to CRD in the acute colitis model but not 100 Hz. Only 10 Hz EA on ST25 suppressed VMR to CRD in the acute colitis. Conclusions : These data show that 10 Hz EA potently inhibits hypersensitivity of colorectum after TNBS induced colitis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.75-75
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• 2003

Purpose: To investigate whether or not acupuncture of GB34 produces a significant response of the modulation of somatomotor areas by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. Methods: The acupoint, GB34, located in the back of the knee, is known to be effective in recovering motor function after stroke. Using 3T MRI scanner, functional MR imaging of the whole brain was performed in 12 normal healthy subjects during two stimulation paradigms; acupuncture manipulation on GB 34 and sham points. This study investigates the activation of the motor cortex elicited by a soft and an intensified stimulation of GB 34. Three different paradigms were carried out to detect any possible modulation of the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) response in the somatomortor area to motor stimulation through acupuncture. Results: Group analysis from seven individuals showed that bilateral sensorimotor areas (BA 3,4,6 and 7) showed stimulation related BOLD signal contrast of approximately 6% whereas very few areas were activated when sham stimulation is given. Conclusions: The present study shows that acupuncture fMRI study can be safely conducted in 3T MRI environment, and acupuncture stimulation in GB34 modulates the cortical activities of the soma- to motor area in human. The present findings may shed light on the CNS mechanism of motor function by acupuncture and form a basis for future investigations of motor modulation circuits in the stroke patients. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by a grant of the Mid and Long Term Nuclear RID Plan Program, Ministry of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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• 2002.09a
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• pp.352-355
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not acupuncture of GB34 produces a significant response of the modulation of somatomotor areas by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. The acupoint, GB34, located in the back of the knee, is known to be effective in recovering motor function after stroke. Using 3T MRI scanner, functional MR imaging of the whole brain was performed in 12 normal healthy subjects during two stimulation paradigms; acupuncture manipulation on GB 34 and sham points. This study investigates the activation of the mortor cortex elicited by a soft and an intensified stimulation of GB 34. Three different paradigms were carried out to detect any possible modulation of the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) response in the somatomortor area to motor stimulation through acupuncture. Group analysis from seven individuals showed that bilateral sensorimotor areas (BA 3,4,6 and 7) showed stimulation related BOLD signal contrast of approximately 6% whereas very few areas were activated when sham stimulation is given. The present study shows that acupuncture fMRI study can be safely conducted in 3T MRI environment, and acupuncture stimulation in GB34 modulates the cortical activities of the somatomotor area in human. The present findings may shed light on the CNS mechanism of motor function by acupuncture and form a basis for future investigations of motor modulation circuits in the stroke patients.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.161-176
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• 2004

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acupuncture stimulation and relaxation therapy on autonomic nervous system for students with examination stress by HRV, PSV and to find out relationship with anti-stress effect. Methods : The study group consists of 42 students were classified into three groups randomly : acupuncture stimulation group(male n=8, female n=6), relaxation therapy group(male n=8, female n=6) and rest group(male n=8, female n=6). Using heart rate variability and pupil size variability, we measured the value of HRT, SDNN, SDSD, LF norm, HF norm, LF/HF ratio, Pupil area, and compared the changes the sympathetic- parasympathetic activity. Measurement value were compared before and after, during midterm examination and normal times. Results : 1. HRT, LF/HF ratio, LF norm of acupuncture group was significantly decreased and HF norm were significantly increased in HRV after acupuncture stimulation at a term of examination. While variables of the other group were no significantly different. 2. SDNN of acupuncture group were significantly increased in HRV after acupuncture stimulation at normal times. 3. Pupil area, LF norm, HF norm of three group were no significantly different in PSV at a term of examination. 4. Pupil area of relaxation group were significantly decreased in PSV at normal times. While variables of the other group were no significantly different. 5. HRT of rest group were significantly decreased in HRV between three groups at a term of examination and normal times. 6. Pupil area of relaxation group were significantly decreased in PSV between three groups at a term of examination and normal times. Conclusion : The results suggest that acupuncture stimulation is associated with changed activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Measurement values of HRV and PSV are suitable to estimate the activity of automatic nervous system.