• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.3 s.71
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• pp.289-298
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• 2007

Objectives : Electrical acupoint stimulation (EAS) has been used to treat motor dysfunction of stroke patients with reportedly effective results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of EAS with different frequencies in treating motor dysfunction of ischemic stroke patients. Methods : The subjects of this study were sixty-two ischemic stroke patients with motor dysfunction at Kyunghee Oriental Medicine Hospital who were hospitalized for one week to one month from onset. They were treated with 2Hz or 120Hz EAS for two weeks, and motor evoked potentials (MEP) were measured before and after EAS treatment. To compare the effect of 2Hz EAS with 120Hz, we measured latency, central motor conduction time (CMCT) and amplitude of MEP before and after EAS treatment. Results : After two weeks of treatment, we compared MEP data of the affected side between the 2Hz group and the 120Hz group. The 2Hz group showed more significant improvement than the 120Hz group in latency, CMCT and amplitude (P=0.008, 0.002, 0.002). In case of the affected side MEP data divided by normal side MEP data, the 2Hz group also showed improvement on latency, CMCT and amplitude with significant differences (P=0.003, 0.000, 0.008). Conclusions : These results suggest that low frequency EAS activates the central motor conduction system better than high frequency EAS, and it means that EAS with low frequency is more helpful for motor recovery after ischemic stroke than that with high frequency.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.41-51
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• 2005

Objectives : This study was performed to observe the effects of acupuncture at right Nae-jong$(ST_{44})$ on the temperature and humidity changes of Sa-baek$(ST_2)$ area according to the meridian and Keo-ja(巨刺) of oriental medicine's theory. Methods : A clinical study was done on 13 females who didn't have my disease. We used LT-8B to observe the effects of acupuncture at right Nae-jong$(ST_{44})$ on the temperature and humidity changes of Sa-baek$(ST_2)$ area. Skin temperature and humidity on right and left Sa-baek$(ST_2)$ were measured by LT-8B at 1 minute before acupuncture stimulation, 1 minute and 2 minutes after acupuncture stimulation of right Nae-jong$(ST_{44})$. Results : 1. After inserting the needle at the right Nae-jong$(ST_{44})$ point, the temperature at the left Sa-baek$(ST_2)$ area rised from $31.60{\pm}1.13^{\circ}C$ 1 minute before to $32.24{\pm}1.19^{\circ}C$ 1 minute after the insertion and to $32.34{\pm}1.23^{\circ}C$ 2 minutes after insertion, what means an elevation by (P<0.05) between the temperature before and 2 minutes after the insertion and still an elevation by (P<0.01) between 1 minute and 2 minutes after insertion. The humidity at the same area decreased by (P<0.01) between 1 minute and 2 minutes after insertion. 2.After stimulating the right Nae-jong$(ST_{44})$ point the temperature change at the right Sa-baek$(ST_2)$ area between before and after the insertion was unremarkable, however the temperature rised by (P<0.05) between 1 minute and 2 minutes after insertion and the humidity decreased by (P<0.05) between 1 minute and 2 minutes after stimulation. 3. Comparing the temperature change between 1 minute and 2 minutes after stimulating the right Nae-jong$(ST_{44})$ point, we could find a significant difference by (P<0.05) at both Sa-baek$(ST_2)$ areas. Concerning the humidity change, there were some average differences but too small for statistic significance.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.37-46
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• 2017

Objectives : The acupuncture about acupoint affects the production of NO, NOS, and NE.Local action of acupuncture is important for acupuncture treatment. To prove this, the revelation degree of NO, NOS, and NE was observed by stimulating the acupuncture at the connecting point of SP4, KI4, and LR5 in the depths of Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer. Methods : Needles were inserted into rats, on each right and left sides of the connecting point, SP4, KI4 and LR5 acupoints which are the stream points of the foot meridian. After insertion, needles were retained for three minutes. After the retention, rat was sacrificed via cardiac puncture, and tissues of each SP4, KI4 and LR5 point near meridian vessel was extracted to examine the changes in the expression of NO, NOS and NE. Results : In terms of the effect in NO production, there was significant increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at KI4. In terms of the effect in NE production, there was significant decrease in the Superficial layer at SP4 and increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at LR5. In terms of the effect in nNOS production, there was significant increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at SP4 also in the Superficial layer at KI4. In terms of the effect in eNOS production, there was a significant increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at SP4, KI4 and LR5. In terms of the effect in iNOS production, there was significant increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at SP4, KI4 and LR5. Conclusions : The effect of acupuncture applied at the connecting point of six meridians of the foot on the activities of NO, NOS and NE could be observed, and it can be induced from the effect of needle stimulation on disrupted local and systemic nervous responses.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
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• 2000.06e
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• pp.99-102
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• 2000

This study analyze of reflection wave to Acoustic stimulation on acupoints and contrast parts for objectification of the meridian substance. In order to verify meridian pathway and channel theory of bio-energy in body. It was analyzed response characteristic of reflection waves after acoustic stimulation by sound wave of 5 specific tones. The response characteristics of reflection are measured by the average current magnitude of meridian. The current variation ratio are Live Meridian(gung) 33.2%, Heart Meridian(sang) 30.7%, Kidney Meridian (gak) 33.1%, Spleen Meridian(chi) 33.9%, Lung Meridian (wo) 30.7% compare with contrast parts (non-acupoint and meridian). Therefore meridian is distinguished to non-meridian and 5 vital meridians have relationship with sound wave of 5 specific tones.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.97-108
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the analgesic effect of Styrax japonica pharmacopuncture on formalin induced pain in rats and to figure out efficient extraction method. Methods : The subjects were divided into 5 groups ; normal group(treated with normal saline at KI03, and injected normal saline at right hindpaw after 35 minutes), control group(treated with normal saline at KI03, and injected with formalin at right hindpaw after 35 minutes), water group(treated by hot water extraction pharmacopuncture at KI03, and injected with formalin at right hindpaw after 35 minutes), ethanol group(treated with ethanol extraction pharmacopuncture at KI03, and injected with formalin at right hindpaw after 35 minutes), and ultrasound group(treated with ultrasound extraction pharmacacupuncture and injected with fromalin formalin at right hindpaw after 35 minutes). We conducted a formalin test with ultrasonic vocalization( USV), and after the test checked for substance P, Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), and Alanine aminotransferase(ALT) concentration in the blood for each of the groups. Results : There was a significant analgesic effect of Styrax japonica pharmacopuncture in the early phase of the formalin test, and pharmacopuncture made with an ultrasound extracting method was observed to have a better analgesic effect than other extracting methods in early phases. The substance P concentration decreased significantly in the Styrax japonica pharmacopuncture treated group and no difference was found in the AST and ALT concentration of each group. Conclusion : These results demonstrated that Styrax japonica pharmacopuncture had analgesic effects in noxious nociceptors stimulation. Also pharmacopuncture made with an ultrasound extracting method had a better analgesic effect than others.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.43-55
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• 2008

Objectives : The acupuncture has been in the classic arsenal of Oriental medicine over inflammatory diseases. Its physiological mechanism is not fully understood but being known better everyday. We reviewed several papers to describe current concepts over anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture. Methods : Some computerized literature searches were done using the key words of 'acupuncture' AND 'Anti-inflammatory' in Medline via Pubmed between March 2007 and December 2007. Only rationally-designed studies were picked among practically associated materials. A well-known hypothesis on acupunctural physiology was adapted for integration. Result : 18 studies were selected. 17 studies were laboratory experiment and 1 was a clinical study. Data was classified into some comprehensive categories. Author's opinion was added at the end of each category. Study results supported the hypotheses on acupunctural physiology; Acupuncture has some influences on autonomic nerve system(ANS). And it stimulates several receptors from target cells like macrophage, and finally inhbits cytokines like TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ andIL-10 which are inflammation-mediated. Acupuncture increases the opioid releasing therefore relieves inflammation. And acupuncture inhibits cyclooxgenase(COX) but its mechanism is controversial until now. Conclusion : Current concepts over anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture are as follows. Acupucture suppresses inflammation by stimulation of ANS, increasing of opioid releasing and inhibition of COX. But more studies are needed to fully describe the anti-inflammatory effect of acupuncture.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2003

Objectives : The pain was induced on upper and lower incisor of the rat based on the theory of 'connections of upper incisor pain with stomach meridian and lower incisor pain with large intestine meridian'. Such acupoints as LI4 and ST36 were used for alleviation of upper and lower incisor pain. Methods : The digastric myogram (dEMG) was utilized for the pain measurement. Results : The ST36 acupuncture after induction of upper incisor pain was gradually decreased or increased the dEMG. The LI4 acupuncture after induction of upper incisor pain was gradually decreased the dEMG. The ST36+LI4 acupuncture after induction of upper incisor pain was gradually decreased the dEMG. We knew this thing which the ST36+LI4 acupuncture decreased the dEMG most greatly and kept long compared to ST36 acupuncture, LI4 acupuncture. Conclusions : Acupuncture treatment at the loci of not only ST36 acupuncture but LI4 acupuncture were relieved the upper incisor pain. It was well suitable to the theory 'connections of upper incisor pain with stomach meridian' that ST36 acupuncture decreased the upper incisor pain. But there was not to decrease the dEMG for the ST36 acupuncture. We are considered as tracing study continuously about ST36 acupuncture. It was not suitable to the theory 'connections of upper incisor pain with stomach meridian' that LI4 acupuncture decreased the upper incisor pain. These results was considered as the function by the characteristic of the LI4 acupoint.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.187-204
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• 2008

Objectives : To investigate how Korean Medicine Doctors (KMDs) and pregnant women understand acupuncture treatment during pregnancy with a focus on safety. Methods : A survey was conducted in 163 KMDs and 157 women who were hospitalised in postnatal care clinics after childbirth. KMDs were asked regarding experience in acupuncture treatment for pregnant women and condition/disease for acupuncture treatment, intention to give acupuncture treatment to pregnant women and reason for yes/no, and consideration for acupuncture treatment for pregnant women. Patients were asked regarding their experience in acupuncture treatment before and during pregnancy and willingness to receive acupuncture treatment if necessary during future pregnancy. Results : 78% of KMDs have given acupuncture treatment to pregnant women if necessary, and it was mainly for pain. 63% of KMDs were willing to give acupuncture treatment for pregnant women with consideration of patient’s condition, specific acupuncture points, and stimulation methods. Pregnant women, however, were reluctant to receive acupuncture treatment during pregnancy (58%) in fear of miscarriage or needling itself. KMDs’ clinical experience, patients’ income level and level of education were not associated with greater use of acupuncture treatment during pregnancy (P>0.05). Conclusion : While many KMDs are willing to give acupuncture treatment to pregnant women if necessary, little evidence on its safety and effectiveness prevents patients from seeking acupuncture treatment during pregnancy. Further research on this issue is urgently needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.93-108
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• 2012

Objectives : This study aims to review randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for shoulder pain according to Jadad Scale and revised STRICTA. Methods : Seven electronic databases including PUBMED, SCOPUS, RISS were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupuncture for shoulder pain. Results : 16 RCTs were included: 14 were published in English and 2 were published in Korean. According to Jadad scale, 15 RCTs had high quality. However, most of the studies could not meet the double blindness criteria. All RCTs meet 12.9 items on average in STRICTA. Conclusions : This systematic review shows four conclusions as follows. Traditional Chinese Medicine is often used in style of acupuncture. Spots of LI15, TE14, GB21 and LI11, stainless steel needle($0.3mm{\times}40mm$), 20 retention time, manual stimulation, $Deqi$, and 2 times a week treatment (total 12) are often used. Double-blinded clinical trials needs to be conducted. It is controversial to use minimal acupunctures on controlled groups of RCTs on acupuncture for shoulder pain. Description about practitioner's background needs clarifying.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.56-68
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• 2001

Objective : Functional brain mapping study on acupuncture stimulation using the [14C]2-deoxyglucose([14C]2-DG) autoradiography provides quantitative data and visualized pathway in central nervous system(CNS). We aimed to investigate the neural pathway and spatial distribution of metabolic activity elicited in CNS on electroacupuncture stimulation using [14C]2-DG autoradiography. Methods : The study were divided into three groups by stimulation times. 45-mins stimulation group according to Sokoloffs method, 5-mins stimulation group according to Duncun's method, and 15-mins stimulation group. ;A venous catheter was equipped into right jugular vein. The rats (Sprague-Dawley rats, 230-260g) were kept fastened loosely on a holding platform without anesthesia. Electroacupuncture stimulation (5 ms, 2 Hz, 1~3 mA) were applied on the left Zusanli (ST36) acupoint and [14C]2-DG ($25{\mu}Ci/rat$) injection was performed through the catheter. After sacrifice, the brain and the spinal cord were made to sections for film image. The film images were digitalized as the isotope concentration based upon comparison of optical densities with that of the standards and normalized by the optical density of corpus callosum. Results : 1. 15-mins stimulation group was most effective among 3 experiments. 2. On 15-mins stimulation group, medial geniculate nucleus, intetpeduncular nucleus intermedius, ventral periolivary nucleus, caudal periolivary nucleus, medial superior olive, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus, including hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were increased by more than 25% (at least, p<0.05) by electroacupuncture stimulation. 3. Especially, the metabolism in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus was increased by 90% (p<0.05). 4. The fact that arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus might play a role of interconnection area between ascending and descending pathway of acupuncture stimulation was demonstrated visually. Conclusions : Advanced study on electroacupuncture stimulation elicited significant increase of metabolic activity in various nuclei of hypothalamus will provide the important experimental basis in research of the relationship between electroacupuncture stimulation and internal visceral functions.