• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.202-216
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• 2001

Subject : After acupuncture at So-Chung(HT9) in humans(n=4) we intend to know the differents of acupuncture at acupuncture and non-acupuncture on the electrical frequency change and signal transmission along the meridian with different acupuncture manipulation method. Met6ods : The etectrical signal on the heart merdian acupuncture point, So-Bu(HT8), Shin-Moon(HT7) and So-Hae(HT3), and control non acupuncture points was measured by electrodes biopack instrument. Acupuncture needles(diameter: 0.25mm, length:30mm) were used for acupuncture. The frequency was recorded before, during and after needling the So-chung. Results : After acupuncture the components between 2 and 5Hz frequency level were decreased comparing with that of pre-acupuncture state. Time-delayed correlation coefficient was increased every 10 seconds. It imply that the signal may be transferred. These effects did not appear at non acupuncture point and also did not arise when there was no ki(氣) feeling. These results suggest that acupuncture stimulation is similar to 2~5Hz frequency electric acupuncture. and ki feeling and manipulation which can induce ki feeling is very important in acupuncture clinic.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.177-190
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• 2003

Objective : This study was intended to investigate the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on mechanical allodynia according to the frequency and intensity of EA. Also to know if mechanical allodynia and the analgesic effects of EA is related to the sympathetci nervous system and/or the purinergic system. Methods : mechanical allodynia-induced rats were produced by resecting S1-S2 nerve. The zusanli(ST36) was used for acupoint and the rats were divided into 4 groups. Each group was given different stimuli[low frequency low intensity-EA(LFLI-EA), low frequency high intensity-EA(LFHI-EA), high frequency low intensity-EA(LFHI-EA), high frequency high intensity-EA(HFHI-EA)]. Futhermore, to make sympathectomy6-OHDA and phentolamine were administered intraperitonially and the concentration of norepinephrine(NE) were measured. As a ATP blocker, suramin was applied for this study. Results : Comparing to control group, each of the 4 groups(LFLI-EA, LFHI-EA, HFLI-EA, HFHI-EA) showed a significant reduction of response frequency of mechanical allodynia. LFHI-EA was more effective than that of LFLI-EA. The LFHI-EA group also had longer lasting effects from the stimulation than the other groups. Sympathectomy didn't show any reduction of response frequency of mechanical allodynia.(Each n=6, n=4). Nor did both sympathectomy and ATP block. The response frequency wasn't reduced by sympathectomy or by sympathectomy and ATP block, but was significantly reduced with LFHI-EA Conclusions : These results suggest that EA has a significant analgesic effect on mechanical allodynia which has no connection with NE and/or ATP.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.53-61
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• 2016

Objectives: Considering high prevalence of myopia in Asian countries, social cost paid for myopia may gradually increase in Korea. However, studies for developing myopia treatment are deficient. The study was to evaluate whether the periocular acupressure with a medical massager is effective for suppressing myopia progression. Methods: This study was an investigator-sponsored, prospective, open-labeled, and superiority pre and post single-armed study. 14 myopia children aged 7-12 years wore a medical massager for 15 minutes to stimulate periocular acupoints. For 24 weeks, the participants used the device twice a day. Based on prior studies, the refraction change of naturally proceeded myopia was set as -0.38 D. The axial length change of naturally proceeded myopia was set as 0.228 mm. To assess the safety, we performed vital sign check, physical examination, visual acuity test, slit lamp examination, IOP measurement, and fundus examination. Results: The refraction and axial length of the participants increased. For 24 weeks, the change in refraction was -0.38 D at the right eye and -0.40 D at the left. The change in axial length was 0.21 mm at the right and 0.22 mm at the left. In the safety assessment, any adverse event did not occur. Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the control group and the intervention group. The effect of growth may have more contributed to our result than that of acupressure. Based on our result, a full-scale study will not be conducted.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.407-414
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• 2016

This study was performed to investigate whether the spinal cholinergic and serotonergic analgesic systems mediate the relieving effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic cold allodynia in rats. The cold allodynia induced by an oxaliplatin injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.) was evaluated by immersing the rat's tail into cold water ($4^{\circ}C$) and measuring the withdrawal latency. EA stimulation (2 Hz, 0.3-ms pulse duration, 0.2~0.3 mA) at the acupoint ST36, GV3, or LI11 all showed a significant anti-allodynic effect, which was stronger at ST36. The analgesic effect of EA at ST36 was blocked by intraperitoneal injection of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist (atropine, 1 mg/kg), but not by nicotinic (mecamylamine, 2 mg/kg) receptor antagonist. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of $M_2$ (methoctramine, $10{\mu}g$) and $M_3$ (4-DAMP, $10{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, but not $M_1$ (pirenzepine, $10{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, blocked the effect. Also, spinal administration of $5-HT_3$ (MDL-72222, $12{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, but not $5-HT_{1A}$ (NAN-190, $15{\mu}g$) or $5-HT_{2A}$ (ketanserin, $30{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, prevented the anti-allodynic effect of EA. These results suggest that EA may have a significant analgesic action against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain, which is mediated by spinal cholinergic ($M_2$, $M_3$) and serotonergic ($5-HT_3$) receptors.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2010

목적 : 뇌의 신경세포 증식은 해마 치상회와 뇌실하영역에서만 나타나는 현상이다. Kainic acid(KA)를 이용한 간질 동물모델을 연구하던 중 침이 해마 치상회의 신경세포증식을 촉진하는 현상을 발견하여 이를 보고하고자 한다. 방법 : 수컷 ICR계 생쥐를 Saline(n=8), KA(n=8), KA+Acu(n=8)의 세 군으로 나누고, 모든 생쥐들에게 KA 주입 3일 전부터 1일 1회씩 5'-bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)을 3일간 주입하였다. Saline군에는 멸균된 생리식염수를 뇌실 내에 주입하였고, KA군 및 KA+Acu군에는 $0.1{\mu}g$의 KA를 뇌실 내에 주입하였으며, KA+Acu군에 속한 쥐들에게는 KA 주입 2일전, 1일전, 주입 직후에 양쪽 소부(少府)(HT8)에 자침하였다. KA 주입 3시간 후 쥐의 뇌를 적출하고 해마 치상회부위의 BrdU 및 neuropeptide Y (NPY)의 발현을 측정하였다. 결과 : 소부(少府) 자침이 KA의 독성으로 인한 신경세포의 파괴를 줄여주었으며, BrdU 양성 세포 및 NPY를 유의하게 증가시켰다. KA 주입시 세포증식이 일어나긴 하나, 3시간 안에는 거의 일어나지 않는다. 결론 : 소부(少府) 자침이 해마 치상회의 신경세포증식을 촉진하며, 이는 KA의 효과가 아닌 KA 투여 전 소부(少府) 자침으로 인한 것으로 사료된다.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.175-185
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• 2008

Objective : Acupuncture (from the Latin acus, "needle," and pungere, "to prick") is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles at specific points on the body. As a placebo acupuncture needle device was developed based on the visual impact of needling, it has been raised that it is useful only when acupuncture points and needling are visible to subjects. To examine the visual factor of the placebo acupuncture, the present study was aimed to compare the blinding index of the verum and placebo acupuncture between masked and unmasked situation. Methods : Thirty-six patients were randomly alloted to be stimulated with a verum or placebo acupuncture in a cross-over design. They were asked to guess a right answer whether they were stimulated with the verum or placebo acupuncture at LI4 in an unmasked or masked situation. The penetrating, pain, and deqi sensations were also measured after the stimulation using modified visual analogue scale. Results : The correct answer rate of the placebo acupuncture was 22.2% and 16.7% in an unmasked and masked situation, respectively (P>0.767). The blinding index of the placebo acupuncture was -0.56 (95%CI -0.84 to -0.27) and -0.67 (95%CI -0.91 to -0.42) in an unmasked and masked situation, respectively. The penetrating and deqi sensation of the verum acupuncture were significantly higher than those of the placebo acupuncture in both unmasked and masked situation. The pain sensation of the verum acupuncture was significantly higher than that of the placebo acupuncture in masked situation, but not in unmasked situation. Conclusion : Blinding of the placebo acupuncture was successful both in the unmasked and masked situation. These finding indicate that visual factor might not play a critical role in blinding of the placebo needle. We suggest that placebo needle would be also useful in a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan even when the subject could not see the placebo needle.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.19-35
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to show effectiveness of Acupuncture treatment on gastrointestinal dysfunctions after Cesarean section by analyzing randomized controlled clinical trials. Methods: We searched randomized controlled clinical trials related with acupuncture treatment on gastrointestinal dysfunctions after Cesarean section through national and overseas database and analyzed them in detail. Results: 6 articles were included according to our selection criteria and 1,084 women were involved. 3 studies used TEAS (Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation), 2 studies used Elastic band and 1 study used Acupressure by hand. Their results were statistically more effective than control groups. The most frequently used acupoints were Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36) followed by Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (IL4). Conclusions: There was significant difference in the effectiveness of the intervention including Acupuncture treatment. Based on analysis, it could be an effective way for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunctions after Cesarean section in clinical practice.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2018

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Shinsuwisaengtang (SSWST) extracts on antioxidant activity and inhibition of phototoxicity as a medicine for skin damage due to ultra violet stimulation. Methods : To determine the cytotoxicity of Hs68 cells from SSWST extracts, we investigated cell viability by MTT assay. To determine the protective effect of phototoxicity, we investigated cell viability after UVB radiation. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was examined to determine the antioxidant effect of SSWST extracts. Hoechst 33258 staining was performed to observe the protective effect of SSWST on UVB. Results : The cytotoxicity of SSWST extracts in Hs68 cells was not appeared significantly in all concentration. SSWST extracts significantly increased the viability of UVB-stimulated Hs68 cells at a concentration of 25, 50 and $100{\mu}g/ml$. SSWST extract showed higher DPPH radical scavenging than the control group. It was observed that SSWST extracts inhibited the apoptosis of the UVB-stimulated Hs68 cells through a fluorescence microscope. Conclusions : It was observed that SSWST did not induce cytotoxicity at a constant concentration and had a protective effect on phototoxicity and an antioxidant effect. Thus, it is considered that it maybe used as a medicine to cure skin damage caused by UVB and photoaging changes in the future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.84-90
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• 2022

Objectives : Acupoints are divided into three categories: classical acupoints, extra-acupoints, and Ashi points. The aim of this study was to understand the meaning and features of Ashi points. Methods : We examined the original meaning of Ashi points from the classical medical texts, including the Beijiqianjinyaofang, the Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies, and the Huangdi Neijing, the Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine. Results : First, the Ashi method is to locate the points for the acupuncture and moxibustion based on the patients' reactions mainly manifested by sensations of comfort and pain, which can help identify not only Ashi points but also classical and extra-acupoints. Thus, Ashi points may or may not match to classical or extra-acupoints, and we propose that Ashi points should not be classified mutually exclusive to classical or extra-acupoints. Second, there are several similarities between Ashi points and myofascial trigger points. They are located by palpation and have no fixed anatomical positions. Patients experience painful but pleasant feeling when Ashi and myofascial trigger points are pressed, and stimulation of these points have treatment effects. Conclusions : We suggest that Ashi method be used to identify the acupoints based on how patients react when these points are pressed. Ashi points may or may not correspond to classical or extra-acupoints, and share traits with myofascial trigger points.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Objective: There are currently no disease-modifying medications or definite long-term sustainable interventions for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), indicating an unmet treatment need. Our goal was to create a long-term sustainable intervention for PD patients that can be used in Korean medicine clinics. Methods: The Meridian Activation Remedy System (MARS) was created to stimulate a patient's 12 meridians and sinew channels using a combination of acupoint stimulation and exercise. The acupoints and motions used in MARS were selected through literature studies and expert advice. The methodologies were refined using observational and case studies. With slow and fast movements, the MARS intervention was intended to activate both slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers. Intradermal acupuncture and motion that shift the center of gravity were employed to enhance the patient's balance and proprioception. In addition, the intervention included alternating movement exercises to address the complex cognitive decline commonly occurring in PD patients. Results: The following acupoints were chosen for the MARS intervention: bilateral Hegu (LI4), Houxi (SI3), Waiguan (TE5), Neiguan (PC6), Zhongchong (PC9), Yuji (LU10), Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Taichong (LR3), Kunlun (BL60), and Taixi (KI3). We also developed actions that can stimulate the body's 12 meridians. Conclusion: We developed the MARS intervention, which combines acupuncture and exercise, to address the unmet therapeutic needs of PD patients. We hope that with additional research, the MARS intervention can be set as an effective therapeutic program for PD patients.