• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.83-93
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether acupuncture at $SP_6$ attenuates esophageal inflammation on refluxed-induced esophagitis. Methods : Acupuncture at $SP_6$ was stimulated by acupuncture torsion technique for 30 seconds four times every hour after an operation induced reflux esophagitis(RE), and its effects were assessed in comparison with RE rats without acupuncture, and normal rats. Results : $SP_6$ acupuncture stimulation markedly ameliorated mucosal damage in the histological evaluation. Reflux-induced esophagitis rats exhibited the down-regulation of antioxidant-related protein expression levels such as heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the esophagitis; however, the associated levels with $SP_6$ acupuncture stimulation were significantly higher than those in RE rats without acupuncture stimulation. Moreover, $SP_6$ acupuncture stimulation significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins through mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)-related signaling pathways. The increased protein expressions of inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), by nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-kB) activation were significantly suppressed through $SP_6$ acupuncture stimulation. Conclusions : Our findings support the therapeutic evidence for $SP_6$ acupuncture stimulation alleviating the development of esophagitis via regulating inflammation through the activation of the antioxidant pathway.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.47-56
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• 2010

Objectives : The moxibustion is the method using the heat stimulation done by attached and burned a moxa on a healing point or acupuncture point with chemical stimulation of a resin made from burning them. The purpose of this study is to find the physical and thermal characteristics of moxibustion in order to standardize the moxa therapy method. Methods : In this study, the thermal changes were observed by means of a testo 845 device, which is an infra-red thermometer to measure the thermal changes. Results & Conclusions : 1. The thermal changes on the external surface of moxibustion did not depend on the weight of the moxa; the external surface temperature was about $500^{\circ}C$. 2. The central thermal changes depend on the weight of moxa; the central temperatures ranged from $500^{\circ}C$ to $700^{\circ}C$. 3. The burning duration of moxibustion depend on the weight of moxa but that of external surface temperature did not depend on the weight of moxa in high degree : about $400^{\circ}C$. 4. The integral values of central and external temperature curves were proportional to the weight of moxa; that is central temperature curves were higher than that of external.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.81-87
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• 2000

This study has been carried out to understand histochemical and ultrastructural changes by acupuncture stimulation at the acupoint of the Zusanli (St. 36) in the rat. A lot of mast cells are observed in the peripheral of the hole with a sparrow-pecking and twistin -needle manipulation to the acupoint Zusanli for induction of 'Qi'. These cells contained a lot of granules with varied electron density and exocytosis granules were observed near the mast cell. H-bands of the muscle fiber that situated near the hole were shortened. It is assumed that these muscles are contracted by acupuncture stimulation. These results imply that functional relationship between mast cells in the dermis and Qi-sensation induced by acupuncture plays an important role on the specific receptor response to the mechanical stimulation.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.469-473
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• 2007

This study was performed to investigate the effects of urinary acupoint (BL-23, BL-28) by acupuncture (AP) and electroacupuncture (EA) on urinary bladder in dogs. Four healthy male dogs aged within the range of 6~8 months were used in this experiment. For Electrodes implantation on the bladder, dogs were to undergo surgical operation. The purpose of investigating the effect on urinary bladder was to evaluate electromyogram (EMG) changes according to AP or EA at Shen Shu (BL-23), Pang Guang Shu (BL-28) and non-acupoint. AP and EA (2~4 V, 10 Hz) were applied for 20 min to each point. EMG was evaluated when acupuncture began stimulation and as soon as the stimulation by electroacupuncture was gone. By the experiment of investigating the effect of urinary time it was estimated to measure time up to urination from stimulation on effective acupoint, after saline was filled with 70% of whole volumes on urinary bladder. The wave of EMG on resting stage showed simple and regular, whereas that of EMG on urination showed irregularly strong peaks before urination. Acupuncture of BL-28 had an influence on changes of EMG which had irregular peaks on urination. But the changes of EMG after acupuncture of BL-28 and control were regular like resting stage. The changes of EMG after EA at BL-23 and BL-28 showed irregularly a variety of wave forms. The interval through urination from stimulation at BL-28 and control become short as measuring time by EA (p<0.01). According to the results, AP at BL-28 was effective to urinary bladder. EA at BL-23 and BL-28 was effective to urinary bladder. Especially, the interval on stimulating at BL-28 by EA was the shortest in measuring time to urination from stimulation.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.211-224
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a way to alleviate motion sickness(MS) by stimulating acupoint through PEMFs, and to assess the effectiveness of PEMFs against stimulation previously used to stimulate acupoint using biosignal evaluations and surveys. Materials and Methods: Thirteen healthy men participated in the experiment. MS was induced in the participants, and MS relief stimulation was applied for 30 minutes. There were 4 types of MS relief stimulation, and Sham, Reliefband, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS), and Pulsed electromagnetic fields stimulation(PEMFs) were used. The biosignals were measured during 30 minutes of applying MS relief stimulation, and the symptoms of MS were evaluated through a questionnaire survey. The measured biosignals are Electrocardiogram(ECG), Electrodermal activity(EDA), Respiration, Skin temperature(SKT), and Electrogastrogram(EGG). A one-way ANOVA test was performed for the rate of change by stimulation for MS relief over time. Results: Participants who were stimulated had a sharp decrease in MS symptoms. Biosignals were analyzed to evaluate autonomic nervous system activity, and the parasympathetic nervous system could be activated through stimulation. Conclusion: TENS and PEMFs were more effective in relieving MS symptoms than Reliefband. It is believed that PEMFs will be effective in consideration of the comfort of participants to be applied to actual vehicles, and studies to further verify the effects of PEMFs on MS should be conducted.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.111-120
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of acupuncture stimulation on the relationship of change in magnetocardiography (MCG). Methods : For this purpose, 30 heart deficiency volunteers were acupunctured at Shinmun (HA7) and Naegwan (PC6) acupoint. Then, we measured and observed the change of frequency parameters in MCG. Results : In the mean frequency, during and after acupuncture treated groups of PC6 were decreased the activity of $f\;_{mean-max}$ compared to the control group. In the median frequency, during the acupuncture treated group of PC6 was decreased the activity of $f\;_{median-max}$ compared to the control group. Conclusion : These results suggested that acupuncture stimulation plays an important role to the activities of MCG.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.156-168
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aimed to determine the status of thermal stimulation devices approved in Korea for medical applications over the past 10 years, and based on this, to obtain insight for future thermal treatment in Korean medical institutions. Methods : We searched the item classification list entitled "Regulations on Medical Device Items and Rating by Item" from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Notice No. 2021-24, 2021 (Enforced March 19, 2021; www.mfds.go.kr) for individually licensed heaters using the terms "heat" and "heating". Results : We identified 17 items of thermal stimulation product group, of which 1,308 devices were licensed by February 4, 2022, and 53.2% of them (n=696) were devices with valid permits for distribution in Korea. Among the licensed devices, heating pad systems under/overlay (electric, home use) were approved the most, but combinational stimulator (for medical use, home use; Grade 2) accounted for the highest percentage among the current valid permission. Moxibustion apparatuses were licensed separately for electrical use and non-electrical use, and occupied a low percentage of the total devices. We analyzed 307 devices that were accompanied by technical documents and found that the heat sources were wires in 145 (47.2%), infrared rays in 44 (14.3%) and ultrasonic waves in 42 (13.7%) devices. Most (83.1%) devices were used for pain relief, while other applications included beauty, cancer treatment, maintenance of infant body temperature, and healing fractures. Conclusions : Thermal stimulation devices accounted for about 0.9% of all medical devices, and among them, combinational stimulators and heating pad systems under/overlay had the most valid permits. Thermal stimulation devices using heating wires and infrared rays were the most prevalent, and most were used to relieve pain. In order to develop a range of thermal stimulation devices that can be utilized in Korean medical institutions, it is imperative that they have potential applications beyond pain management, addressing various medical purposes. To achieve this, foundational research is necessary to effectively apply diverse heat sources based on medical objectives.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.41-50
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• 2000

Objectives : Acupuncture is expected to have somewhat like the efficacy parallel increasing activity of immune system in Western modem medicine. There, already, are many animal researches on activating effect of acupuncture for the immune system in peripheral organs. So, we carried out this experiment to see whether acupuncture has controlling effect on interleukin-6(IL-6) activity in rat's brain. Methods and Results : We had topical application of IL-6(1U=lpg, $10{\mu}l$) on brain of rat. It reduced afferent sensory transmission to the primary somatosensory(SI) cortex from periphery. Whereas, electrical stimulation(ES, 2Hz, 1.5V, 15min) of ST36(足三里) with application of IL-6 prominently activated afferent sensory transmission. ES of non-acupoint(proximal tail) with IL-6 showed suppression of afferent transmission. ES of ST36 without IL-6 application also exerted facilitation of afferent transmission to the SI cortex. Conclusions : Electoacupuncture(EA) on ST36 has noticeable influences on modulating activation of IL-6 in central nervous system, which do major role in immune system.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.522-527
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• 2004

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Naegwan-Acupuncture stimulation on the relationship of change in electrocardiopgraphy(EGG). For this purpose, 11 normal volunteers were acupunctured at Naegwan acupoint using the method of Young-Su-Bo-Sa. Then, we measured and observed the change of augmented unipolar limb leads aVR, aVL and aVF in EGG. In aVR, Naegwan acupuncture treated groups were increased the activity of PR interval and PR segment compared to the control group. In aVL, Naegwan acupuncture treated groups were increased the activity of R wave amplitude, PR interval and PR segment. In aVF, Naegwan acupuncture treated groups were increased the activity of S wave amplitude and PR interval. These results suggested that Naegwan acupuncture stimulation play an important role to the activities of EGG.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.103-112
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• 2004

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Naegwan-acupuncture stimulation on the relationship of change in electrocardiopgraphy(ECG). Methods : For this purpose, 11 healthy volunteers were acupunctured at Naegwan acupoint using the reinforcing or reducing by inserting the needle in the same direction as the channel runs or in the opposite direction(迎隨補瀉). Then, we measured and observed the change of standard leads Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ in ECG. Results : In lead Ⅰ, Naegwan acupuncture treated groups were increased the activity of PR interval and PR segment compared to the control group. In lead Ⅱ, Naegwan acupuncture treated groups were increased the activity of PR interval. In lead Ⅲ, Naegwan acupuncture treated groups were increased the activity of R wave duration, S wave amplitude, ST segment onset, ST segment midpoint, ST segment 80ms and ST segment endpoint. Conclusions : These results suggested that Naegwan acupuncture stimulation plays an important role to the activities of ECG.