• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.125-135
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• 2014

Objectives : Warm needling is the method combining the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion. In modern clinics, warm needling is only affected by treatment time or frequency. We need to study the physical characteristics of warm needles currently used in clinics in order to develop more efficient and economical treatments. Methods : We collected various warm needle specimens and analyzed chemical constitutions, measured heat transfer velocity, micro Vicker's hardness and specific resistance. We studied the relationship between heat transfer velocity and micro Vicker's hardness as well as that between heat transfer velocity and specific resistance. Results : The heat transfer velocity of the Silver_HL was 3.3 mm/sec, of the Au alloy group was 1.3~2.6 mm/sec, and Silver_IN, Silver_ZK and SS groups was less than 0.3 mm/sec. We therefore concluded that the needle composed of Ag has the best heat transfer velocity. In the Micro Vicker's hardness test, Vicker's hardness of the Au alloy group was 159~170 Hv, of Silver_HL was 181 Hv, and of the Silver_IN, Silver_ZK, SS group was 450.8~519 Hv. In the Silver_IN, Silver_ZK and SS groups, hardness was inversely proportial to thermal conductivity. In the specific resistance test, the specific resistance of Silver_HL was the lowest, that of the Au alloy group was the second lowest, and that of the Silver_IN, Silver_ZK, SS groups were the highest. Conclusions : We concluded that the needle composed of Ag has the best heat transfer velocity, highest electric conductivity and thermal conductivity, therefore the needle composed of Ag is suitable for warm needling.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.252-263
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• 2013

Objectives : Skin color deformation by cupping has been widely used as a diagnostic parameter in Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM). Skin color deformation such as ecchymoses and purpura is induced by local vacuum in a suction cup. Since existing studies have relied on a visual diagnostic method, there is a need to use the quantitative measurement method. Methods : We conducted an analysis of cross-polarization photographic images to assess the changes in skin color deformation. The skin color variation was analyzed using $L^*a^*b^*$ space and the skin erythema index(E.I.). The meridian theory in TKM indicates that the condition of primary internal organs is closely related to the skin color deformation at special acupoints. Before conducting these studies, it is necessary to evaluate whether or not skin color deformation is influenced by muscle condition. Hence, we applied cupping at BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20 and BL23 at Bladder Meridian(BL) and measured blood lactate at every acupoint. Results : We confirmed the high system measurement accuracy, and observed the diverse skin color deformations. Moreover, we confirmed that the $L^*$, $a^*$ and E.I. had not changed after 40 minutes(p>0.05). The distribution of blood lactate levels at each part was observed differently. Blood lactate level and skin color deformation at each part was independent of each other. Conclusions : The negative pressure produced by the suction cup induces a reduction in the volumetric fraction of melanosomes and subsequent reduction in epidermal thickness. The relationship between variations of tissue and skin properties and skin color deformation degree must be investigated prior to considering the relationship between internal organ dysfunction and skin color deformation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.97-109
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• 2010

Objective : To examine whether any correlation between tendency towards depression and tenderness at special acupuncture points exists, thus to explore the potential diagnostic property of acupuncture points. Methods : A total 31 subjects were included in this study. They filled out questionnaires about their mental [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Stress Response Inventory (SRI), Profile of Mood States (POMS)] and physical (fatigue due to overexertion, and food accumulation) symptoms. Identical weight around Alarm points (CV17, CV12, ST25, CV5, CV4, and LR13) and transport points (BL14, BL20, BL21, BL22, BL25, and BL27) was given using an algometer and the subjects rated their pain on an 11-point numerical rating scale. Heart rate variability (HRV) was also measured. Results : The subjects were divided into two groups, normal and depressive tendency groups with a cut-off point of nine on BDI. The depressive tendency group reported significantly higher values in SRI, POMS, and questionnaire for fatigue due to overexertion. In the pressure pain measurement, depressive tendency group had more pressure pain at CV12, left side of BL20, BL14, BL22 and both sides of BL21, BL25, BL27, significantly (each p<0.05). The data of HRV did not show significant differences between groups. Conclusions : People with a tendency towards depression may be prone to stress, negative mood, and fatigue due to overexertion. In addition, they may be more likely to develop tenderness at alarm points and transport points compared with healthy people. Further research is needed to confirm this finding.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.1-17
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• 2007

Objectives : Extra Meridians are important conception for the proper comprehension of the defensive Gi & the defensive Gi, and the principle of the Gi (氣)‘s flow or diffusion. Methods : Extra Meridians could be explained by an anatomical feature and a functional stage. We should analyze the principle of samhap (三合) to have application to meridians. The study of the relationship between Extra Meridians and regular meridians (12正經) is useful to understand origination of the defensive Gi & the nutritive Gi. Results : The origination of the nutritive Gi & the defensive Gi could be interpreted by the principle of samhap correctly. The energic patterns in the flow of Gi (氣) are changed by cooperation with Extra Meridians and regular meridians (12正經). Conclusions : We could inferred that growth, disease, health, etc are controlled in cooperation with Extra Meridians (寄經脈) and the nutritive Gi & the defensive Gi (營衛). Extra Meridians take many parts in origination of the nutritive Gi & the defensive Gi, in the flow or diffusion of them but various energies are controlled basically by regular meridians (12正經). The defensive Gi is originated by Penetration Vessel (衝脈)) and it seems to be made by the principle of samhap (三合) in the process of the nutritive Gi flow (瀯氣流注).

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.117-124
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to understand the meaning and the yin-yang properties of the six qi and the three yin and three yang as well as to understand the relationship between the six qi and the three yin and three yang. Methods : As the concept of six qi is the six climatic influences after all, I tried to grasp the yin and yang properties of the six qi on the basis of the meteorology and Yun Qi theory. Based on this I studied the concept and properties of the three yin and three yang. Results and Conclusions: (1) Among the six qi, cold and heat refer to temperature, dryness and dampness to humidity, and wind and ministerial fire to atmospheric pressure. Wind is an ascending air current while ministerial fire is a descending air current. Therefore, wind, heat, and dampness are the yang, and ministerial fire, dryness, and cold are the yin. (2) Three yin and three yang represent changes of ying and yang of all things following six qi changes. Simple deviation of qi can be described by yin and yang, but consequent changes in form required further developed concepts of three yin and three yang. In other words, the changes of the form caused by wind, heat, and dampness are namely reverting yin, lesser yin, and greater yin respectively, while the changes of the form caused by ministerial fire, dryness, and cold are expressed as lesser yang, yang brightness, and greater yang respectively.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.317-323
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to report a case diagnosed with cellulitis and ankle joint synovitis after acupuncture treatment. An 85-years old female suffering from low back pain was managed by acupuncture including BL60. After treatment, unintended ankle pain occurred. The pain was diagnosed with cellulitis and synovitis by MRI. The patient was transferred to the Western medical hospital, and ankle joint arthroscopic synovectomy was performed. It was difficult to find a clear relationship between acupuncture and ankle joint synovitis. But it would be reasonable to assume that cellulitis was associated with acupuncture needling and synovitis was followed. Serious adverse effects, such as septic arthritis, are rare, but need significant attention. For acupuncture treatment on the ankle, especially using BL60, the depth and manipulation should be carefully performed along with sterilization.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.44-53
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• 2023

Objectives : This study was conducted to reveal the relationship between multiple factors of traditional Korean Medicine diagnosis and consider the further probabilities of treating people with physical and mental problems not defined as diseases, which is called 'Mibyeong' in traditional Korean Medicine. Methods : 40 healthy participants were included in the observational clinical trial. The participants were asked to complete health questionnaires (e.g. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Stress Response Inventory) and they went through a traditional diagnosis process, including four stages of diagnosis (looking, listening/smelling, inquiring, and pulse taking), by a Korean Medicine doctor. Both the Korean Medicine doctor and an artery tonometry device performed the pulse diagnosis. Results : Although all participants were healthy people with no history of disease, more than half of participants had a problem related with severe level of fatigue (n=19), sleep disturbance (n=26) and stress (n=27) status according to the related questionnaires. Participants diagnosed with phlegm syndrome by the Korean Medicine doctor showed significantly greater score in phlegm pattern questionnaires than participants who were not. However, there was little agreement between the doctor's pulse diagnosis and radial artery tonometry results. Conclusions : We conducted a pulse diagnosis and measured health-related information along with the traditional Korean Medicine diagnose procedure, including four stages of diagnosis, and we found a linkage between diagnosis of phlegm and the phlegm pattern questionnaire score. The results suggest that a number of healthy participants, with no disease diagnosed, have Mibyoung symptoms which need further clinical management. Thus, we suggest that Mibyoung management programs based on qualified diagnosis tools and traditional Korean medicine diagnosis procedures be developed, and that future research using various diagnostic tools be carried out on a large population.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.119-133
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• 2009

Objectives : The object of this study is to report on the theory of Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy. Methods : The theory of Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy(OHAT; 五行和針法) is a part of the Five Elements Theory unique to Korea. This research Classic of Difficulty Issues-Nan Jing review Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy. Results : OHAT, created and developed by Jae-hoon Song, integrates the victor-vanquished as well as the son-mother relationship of the Five Elements of breakdown and restoration of balance between yin and yang. And also, it provides resources and data on The seventy fifth Nan(75難), The sixty ninth Nan(69難) of Classic of Difficulty Issues - Nan Jin 75, 69. OHAT establishes objectiveness and accuracy of diagnosis based upon the traditional method and procedure of pulse taking. In OHAT, a person's state of illness is diagnosed by applying the comparative examination of the palpitation of the pulse. It is the fact that the pulse varies according to the state, and that OHAT treatment has proven the positive results by using the victor-vanquished relationship on The Nan Jin 75. On the basis of this, it is necessary to add the sixty ninth Nan(69難), to research the theory of the generation of the Five Element. Conclusions : Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture is very effective in treating the wide range of illness, and thus it has gained an increasing attention of many scholars and practitioners in the field of traditional Korean oriental medicine. However, it is the first theoretical attempt to the clinical research and scientific methodology of Ohaeng(Five) Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture, and more active Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture R&D is being conducted nationwide.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2005

Objectives : This study is a random-controlled post-design for confirmation of headache degree, quality of life, and satisfaction to therapeutical effect on chronic headache adults after management of non-medicinal treatment (acupuncture therapy and stellate ganglion block therapy). Methods : 51 clinical experiment participants were gathered and through a questioutaire patients who experienced headache for more than 4 hours a day and more than 15 days per month were qualified as chronic headache patients. The qualified patients were classified in to two groups, acupuncture group (AT group, n=28) and stellate ganglion block group (SGB group, n=23). Treatment was applied 2 times a weeks for 4 weeks. The effects of both groups were analyzed using VAS scores, BPI (Brief Pain Inventory) and the satisfaction degree to the therapy. Results : 1. The recognized score of the headache of AT group and SGB group was reduced indicating the degree of the headache was released. 2. The recognition at damage to the quality of life was reduced post therapy of AT group and SGB group, in which general activity, mood, enjoyment of life, personal relationship, and sleeping showed significant improvement of life quality, 3. The satisfaction degree to the therapy showed lower score than expectation to it in AT group and SGB group, however, it was not significant. Conclusions : The results showed that the four-week non-medicinal treatment (AT and SGB) in chronic headache patients was effective for reducing headache and releasing its damage in daily life, however, no difference in superiority was found. Therefore, non-medicinal treatment (AT therapy and SGB) could be utilized in chronic headache patients.