• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.159-168
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• 2010

Objective: ZhangJinYoPian(藏珍要編, ZJYP) is a book witten by Song-WooGe in the late 19th century. While Korea has lost this book to tell us Korea traditional acupuncture treatment in the late 19th century, This book appeared as a manuscript in Japan. There is no reaserch or study carried out for this book. Furthermore, a few people know existence of this book. So I analyzed acupuncture treatment of the ZJYP and sort out the distinctive feature of it. Method: For that, I studied bibliographic information of this book and classified contents of it into three parts - medical thought, needle manipulation and acupoint selection to consider it's caracteristics. Results and Conclusions: 1. The author of ZJYP thought that weakness of good power in the body and strongness of evil power out of the body cause a disease. so Doctor should examine quality of both to care patient's pain. 2. The author of ZJYP thought that needle manipulation is one of the most important thing. Doctors can use needle manipulation to control patient condition. Especially, he suggested cooling and heating manipulation except reinforcement and reduction. 3. He stressed viscera and bowels. he located viscera and bowels theory in front of the book to explain relationship of these. It shows us that ZJYP maintained academic characteristics of acupuncture in Chosun-Korea. 4. While He minimized the number of acupoints used in treatment, he multiplied its combination. He selected one or two acupoints from each meridian pathway. It include Eight Confluent points(八脈交會穴). But these points were used in different ways to control the viscera and bowels, not to care the eight extra meridians.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.133-139
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• 2021

Objectives : Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a decrease in the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The abnormal expression of solute carrier family 6 member 4 (Slc6a4) has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods : In this study, we used MPTP to examine the changes in the expression of Slc6a4 in the brain of mice with Parkinson's disease and investigate its effect on dopaminergic neuronal cell death. Results : In the examination of the Slc6a4 expression in the substantia nigra of MPTP-treated mice for 4 weeks. The gene expression was increased compared to the normal group. To investigate the relationship between Slc6a4 and dopaminergic neurons, we performed a study using siRNA of Slc6a4 in the dopaminergic neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y. Using the siRNA of Slc6a4 to evaluate gene expression, it revealed that the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression increases when Slc6a4 decreases. Moreover, this confirms its effects on the dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, through the evaluation of factors related to apoptosis, in particular, it was established that the value of bax/bcl2 decreased and was affected. These results suggest that a decreased Slc6a4 expression induces an increase in TH expression, providing a mechanism of action for dopaminergic neurons regulated by Slc6a4 expression. Conclusions : Slc6a4 is deemed to be involved in the regulation of dopaminergic neurons, suggesting that an increased Slc6a4 expression induced by MPTP may influence a reduction of dopaminergic neurons.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.158-167
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• 2014

Objectives : The results from randomized controlled trials on traditional medicine have been negative or ambiguous. The appropriateness of the research methodology started to be questioned. However, the research methodology appropriate for studying traditional medicine has not been well-established. This study aims to explore the appropriate research methodologies for clinical studies on acupuncture. Methods : Clinical researches evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture for back pain were systematically searched and evaluated focusing on research methodology. The acupuncture treatment protocol is evaluated by 9 items which is individual treatment based on diagnosis, combining proximal and distal acupoints, exact location of acupoint, De Qi, adequate stimulation, duration of acupuncture, treatment sessions, treatment interval, and establishing relationship between patients and doctors. Results : Systematic review of acupuncture researches on low back pain suggested that observational studies and pragmatic trials rather than explanatory studies could incorporate these elements. Qualitative studies also could help understanding complex characteristics of acupuncture treatment which could not be evaluated by quantitative studies. Conclusions : In designing clinical researches on acupuncture, various study designs, especially observational study and pragmatic study, should be considered according to research objectives and subjects. The efforts to incorporate the core characteristics of acupuncture practiced in everyday clinical setting are also essential.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.1-15
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• 2022

Objectives : This article examines the validity of the argument by Dorfer et al. that the tattoos of the 5200-year-old mummy, found in Tyrolean Alps in 1991, are the oldest remains of acupoints or meridians. Methods : Firstly, I reviewed the arguments by Dorfer et al. and the rebuttal by Ma et al. Secondly, I investigated whether the tattoo locations were in accordance with the acupoint locations and meridians documented in Chinese medical classics. Finally, I examined the alternative explanations on the reasoning of their locations by Kean et al. Results : Among the 18 groups of tattoos in total, only 3 groups coincided with classical acupoints, which accounts for 16.7% of total groups. Although 4 groups may also have been acupoints locations, this hypothesis could not be confirmed through an accurate standard of measurement. Conclusions : It is highly possible that the tattoos of the Tyrolean mummy do not have any relationship with classical acupoints and meridians. The tattoos are not decorative, but meant for medicinal purposes. They correspond to chronic musculoskeletal trauma and pain sites.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.25-36
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• 2007

Objectives : Acupuncture restores the flow of vital energy in the body by stimulating the organ-specific meridians and enhances cardiac vagal activity and suppresses sympathetic activity. The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate the acupuncture studies on autonomic nervous system (ANS). Methods : We conducted a PubMed search to obtain a fair sample of acupuncture studies related ANS published in English in 2007. Each article was reviewed for study objectives and outcomes, as well as acupuncture points, experimental and control interventions. Results : We reviewed a total of 15 studies published from 1997 to 2007. In normal states, acupuncture enhanced either vagal or sympathetic tone depending on the stimulated acupuncture point sites. On the other hand, most of studies demonstrated that acupuncture restored the autonomic dysfunctions in various kinds of stressful states. Conclusions : We reviewed studies that contributed to an understanding of the autonomic mechanisms of acupuncture with the hope that this review will be of benefit to the future studies. Although the relationship between acupuncture and ANS response is still uncertain, acupuncture would be a noteworthy modality for modulating autonomic dysfunction.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.183-201
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• 2010

Objective : To explore and describe chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients' experience of acupuncture treatment Methods : Eleven patients with cLBP who agreed and completed the informed consent to take part in this qualitative study were interviewed thoroughly and tape-recorded. Transcribed data were read independently by 4 researchers and analysed thematically with ground theory. Results : All participants chose acupuncture treatment for their cLBP because either they preferred, other people recommended, or felt conventional treatment being more comfortable. Most of the participants experienced improvement during acupuncture treatment and continued treatment motivated by mere expectations. Participants also expressed the specific physical responses/sensations to the effect of acupuncture; various adverse effects during the course of acupuncture treatment. Economic burden was another concern when combined with other therapies in Korean Medicine hospitals. It is considered as a specifically important to those who give acupuncture treatment to obtain a full treatment effect. Conclusions : The emotional facts that Korean patients with cLBP receiving acupuncture treatment benefited by the treatment and considering specific sensations from doctor-patient relationship were turned out to be important to have the maximum treatment effect. Findings from this study should be considered in both acupuncture research and practice.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 2023

Objectives : Our goals were to examine how the well points in the fingers came to be and how their placements have changed, as well as to determine how they relate to the EX-UE11 points. Methods : We reviewed the classic textbooks to understand the origin and the changes of locations of the well points in the fingers. We also compared the location and indications between well points in the fingers and EX-UE11 points. Results : At first, the tips of the fingers, which are now thought to be the locations of EX-UE11 points, were once described as containing well points. Currently, well points are positioned 0.1 F cun distal-medial (or lateral) to the medial (or lateral) corner of the nail. In addition to the locational commonality, we found similarities between the well points in the fingers and the EX-UE11 points in terms of their indications; for example, bloodletting at these places is frequently utilized to treat emergencies, including acute stroke and fever. Conclusions : We suggest that it is highly likely that well points in the fingers and EX-UE11 points were initially the same acupuncture point and later classified into two different acupuncture points, given their identical locations and indications. If the clinical relevance between the change process of the well points' locations in the fingers and the EX-UE11 is studied in the historical literature, it is anticipated that the significance and clinical application of well points can be expanded.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.157-171
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• 2000

Front Points are told to be deeply related with viscera and bowels in oriental medicine. Since the Front Points are treated as response zone, it can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of disease in viscera and bowels. The location of Front Points are very similar to the several response zones in western medicine. Diagnostic aspect of Front Points to several response zones were discussed in here based on many thesis and reported laboratorial experiments. Front Points are located in the same latitude of viscera and bowels. So, diagnosis result in Front Points represent condition of each organs. Palpitation of the Front Points can make diagnosis of body surface and the organ beneath the body surface. Such use of Front Points for diagnosis can used as the treatment points also. Only three Front Points (LU-1, LI-14, GB-24) in lung, liver and gall bladder meridian are located on its meridian. The Front Points of Stomach (CV-12) cross its meridian or closely located to it. Unlike to those four Front Points that are matched to its meridian, other eight Front Points do not located or cross its meridian at all. It seems that the location of Front Points are decided by the location of organs and the conditions at a certain organ do not delivered by the meridians but delivered by main collaterals, tertiary collaterals and superficial collaterals instead. Among visceral response zones, Five Front Points (CV-3, CV-4, CV-12, LI-14, GB-25) are exactly matched to Head's response zone and other Front Points are closely matched to the Head's response zone. There are five Front Points (CV-12, CV-14, CV-17, LI-14, GB-24) that are matched with the location of pressing palpitation point and other Front Points are closely located to the pressing palpitation point. So far, it was clear that the Front Points do have important role as response points. Symptoms expressed to the Front Points were delivered conditions or symptoms occur in corresponding organ and the anatomical location of Front Points were also found near the corresponding organ. Diagnostic and therapeutic application of Front Points for Organ theory and in the Interpromotion-restraint of the five elements in oriental medicine can be made in future to increase its potential.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.101-112
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• 2011

Objectives : This research is aimed to consider the arranging process of the expertise on acupuncture & moxibustion in the corrective process of "Uibangyuchi" by studying the relationship between "Uibangyuchi" and "Compilation of Chimgutaekil". Methods : This researcher scrutinized the compilation & corrective process of "Uibangyuchi" through royal family records and considered the relationship between "Compilation of Chimgutaekil" and "Uibangyuchi" from the historial viewpoint. Results and Conclusions : 1. In the corrective process of "Uibangyuchi", the specialized knowledge of acupuncture & moxibustion were erased. 2. The contents related to "Chimgutaekil" among the erased contents are included in "Compilation of Chimgutaekil". 3. The method of arranging the knowledge in "Compilation of Chimgutaekil" coincides with that of "Uibangyuchi", which showes this book has a deep association with "Uibangyuchi" in the aspect of the period, organization of authors, and arrangement form. 4. The "Chimgutaekil"(Pick-a-date Method) is of no big consequence in the science of acupuncture & moxibustion but considers the example of medical procedures in the royal family of the Chosun Dynasty : the "Chimgutaekil" was the operation to be done at the very first beginning in time of the medical procedures using acupuncture & moxibustion. 5. Through such historical facts, the conclusion was made that the reason why specialized knowledge of acupuncture & moxibustion of specialty book was deleted in the compilatory process of "Uibangyuchi" is that its writing staff decided to compile these separately, thereby hurriedly publishing "Compilation of Chimgutaekil" as an example.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.51-54
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• 2006

Objectives : To express an opinion on the controversy about the cold exposure as one of the risk factors of Bell's palsy. Results & Conclusions : It is widely assumed that there is a causal relationship between Bell's palsy and herpes family virus. Regarding cold exposure as one of the risk factors of Bell's palsy, however, some physicians do not accept that cold exposure could be one of the risk factors of Bell's palsy. There is no evidence supporting the hypothesis that the virus causes Bell's palsy, and it has yet to be confirmed. As there are some experimental and clinical reports suggesting that Bell‘s palsy is related to the cold exposure, we cannot exclude the possibility that the cold exposure may be one of the important risk factors of Bell's palsy. It would be necessary to undertake further studies to determine this.