• 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.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3 s.39
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• pp.36-44
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• 1999

Objectives: It has been well known that electroacupuncture(EA) has an analgesic effect and there is a pain control system in the central nervous system(CNS). The pain control system is composed of three major nuclei, which are periaqueductal gray(PAG), raphe nuclei, and the pain inhibitory complex located in the spinal cord. It has been suggested that the analgesic effect of EA might be the result of activation of the pain control system in the CNS. However, there may be a possibility that other nuclei are also involved in this pain modulation. Thus, we investigated whether the posterior intralaminar thalamic nuclei (PTIN) are involved in the pain modulation. Methods: To measure the level of pain, the jaw opening reflex (JOR) was used as a pain index. The magnitude of JOR is estimated by averaging the area of 10 successive responses. JOR was evoked by tooth-pulp stimulation with bipolar electrode carrying stimulus with the following parameters: intensity ranging from 420uA to 680ulA, 0.3ms duration of square pulse, and 0.5 Hz. Hapkog($LI_4$) and Taechung ($LR_3$) were the chosen acupoints. The Hapkog point was stimulated ipsilaterally at 5V, 3 Hz, for 15min in total, and the Taechung was stimulated at 2-3 V, 3 Hz, and for a total of 15 or 30 minutes. Different intensities of stimulation were given the PITN; one was given at $300{\mu}A$ and the other was at 500uA. The position stimulated in these nuclei by Paxinos Atlas was AP; from bregma $-4.0{\sim}-4.3mm,\;L; 0.5{\sim}1.8mm,\;D;\;4.8{\sim}6.3mm$. Results: The Hapkog point had a significant analgesic effect (P<0.05). However, the Taechung point had no effect. Both types of stimulation in the PITN did not reveal any analgesic effects. Conclusions: From these results, it was suggested that the posterior intralaminar thalamic nuclei are not involved in the modulation of pain.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2015

Objectives: This study is aimed to develop a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on acupuncture treatment for the patients with post-stroke spasticity. Methods: Experts committee, consisting of stroke or methodology specialists, searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and 19 Korean medicine journals. The search terms were selected to screen the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews for the effectiveness of acupuncture on post-stroke spasticity, compared with placebo or conventional group. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendations were appraised based on Recommendations for Development of Clinical Practice Guideline in Korean Medicine. Results & Conclusions: One systematic review and 7 RCT were included to build the CPG. There was a strong evidence to support the effectiveness of electroacupuncture treatment for post-stroke spasticity. However, it did not show any sufficient evidence to treat the patients with post-stroke spasticity with the sole acupuncture. The moderate evidence was presented that over 3 times of the electroacupuncture treatments with 1-100 Hz frequency should be performed every week on the acupoints, such as LI11, LI10, TE5, LI4, ST36, GB34, ST40, or LR3, for 20-30 minutes. It was also suggested that the procedure should begin at the acute stage just after the vital signs of the patients are stabilized. Finally, there was a moderate evidence to support safety of acupuncture treatment for post-stroke spasticity.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.60-69
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• 2001

Objective : Recent studies Suggested that there is a strong correlation between acupuncture stimulation and its related cortical activation. Anther study showed that either positive or negative BOLD effects could be observed depending on anatomical structure in acupuncture. Material and Methods : 1) Subjects and paradigms : Two separate stimulation paradigms were performed on five healthy (aged 22-23 yrs) in this study. First, the paradigm of acupuncture stimulation was that the acupuncture needle was inserted in acupoints KI6(照海), which is located in lateral side of the foot and then continuously twisted(補瀉를 除外한 捻轉法) for 70 seconds for 10 cycles of activation. During rest period (70 seconds), the needle was completed removed from acupoint. Total 60 cycles were performed and 10 images were obtained per cycle. Second, non-acupoint was randomly selected and the same paradigm was performed as acupoint stimulation. The stimulation protocol comprised 10 cycles of alternating activation and rest (10 images per cycle). Total 60 cycles were performed and each cycle take about 1.5 sec for motor task. Subjects take an at least 15 minutes break before starting anther paradigm. Conclusion : In this study, I investigated a new acupoint KI6(照海) which was known as motor - related acupoint and obtained an evidence that the stimulation of KI6(照海) resulted in negative BOLD response to stimulation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.177-186
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• 2004

Introduction : Recent studies Suggested that there is a strong correlation between acupuncture stimulation and its related cortical activation. Anther study showed that either positive or negative BOLD effects could be observed depending on anatomical structure in acupuncture stimulation. In ttis study, we investigated a new acupoint $KI_6$ (照海), which was known as motor-related acupoint and obtained an evidence that the stimulation of $KI_6$ resulted in either negative or positive BOLD response to stimulation. Methods & Results : 1. Subjects and paradigms : Two separate stimulation paradigms were performed on five healthy (aged 22-23 yrs) in this study. First, the paradigm of acupuncture stimulation was that the acupuncture needle was inserted in acupoints $KI_6$, which is located in lateral side of the foot and then continuously twisted(補瀉를 除外한 捻轉法) for 70 seconds for 10 cycles of activation. During rest period (70 seconds), the needle was completed removed from acupoint. Total 60 cycles were performed and 10 images were obtained per cycle. Second, nonacupoint was randomly selected and the same paradigm was performed as acupoint stimulation. The stimulation protocol comprised 10 cycles of alternating. activation and rest (10 images per cycle). Total 60 cycles were performed and each cycle take about 1.5 sec for motor task. Subjects take an at least 15 minutes break before starting anther paradigm. 2. fMRI mapping : Multi-slice functional images were obtained on a 1.5T Magnetom Vision MRI scanner (Simens Medical, Erlangen, Germany) equipped with high performance whole-body gradients. The BOLD T2 * - weighted images were acquired with acho planar imaging sequence (TR = 1.2 sec, TE = 60 msec, and flip angle = $90_{\circ}$). The other sequence parameter are : FOV = 210 mm, matrix=$64{\times}128$ or $64{\times}64$, slice number=10 and slice thickness = 5 or 8 mm. the anatomic images were obtained with Spin-echo T1-weighted images. The resulting images were then anaiyzed with STIMULATE (CMRR, U. of Minnesota) to generate functional maps using a student T-test (p < 0.005) and cluster analysis. Both positive and negative response were evaluated. Conclusions : We have observed the activation of the motor cortex by stimulating motor-related acupoint ($KI_6$). Among five subjects, negative BOLD response was shown in four and positive response in one. All subjects showed positive response to conventional finger flexion-extension task. To understand the detailed mechanisms of correlation between acupuncture stimulation and BOLD fMRI changes and two typs of response, further study strongly required.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.101-113
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Samgi-Halleak pharmacopuncture treatment on insomnia and fatigue. Methods : This study was done with 47 nurses under shiftwork schedule. Subjects were divided into two groups ; Samgi-Halleak pharmacopuncture treated group(experimental group, N=24), normal saline treated group(control group, N=23). The procedures had been conducted to the subjects injecting 0.1~0.2mL total 1mL, 0.5~1cm deep on each acupoint 2 times per week. The acupoints were Pungji($GB_{20}$), Gyeonjeong($GB_{21}$), Sinsu($BL_{23}$). Both of groups were treated total 8 times, but control group was treated additional pharmacopuncture the same way as experimental group after 8 times normal saline treatment. The collected data were analyzed with insomnia and fatigue at baseline and post pharmacopuncture using independent samples t-test, Paired t-test, ${\chi}^2$-test by SPSS 18.0 Windows program. Results : After 8 times treatment, the scores of both groups showed significant improvement in insomnia and fatigue. Comparing the experimental and control group, there were more significant improvement in experimental group than control group in the scores of insomnia and fatigue. Conclusions : Samgi-Halleak pharmacopuncture can be used for effective treatment in patients with insomnia and fatigue.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.73-83
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• 2008

Objectives : In this research, it was investigate that had effects on acupuncture techniques of $HT_{8}$(Shaofu) and $LR_{2}$(Xingjian) acupoints in high fat rats. We recorded data of weight gain, food intake, food efficiency, total cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, ALT, r-GTP, total bilirubin on rats fed high fat diet for 10 weeks. Methods : We divided experimental groups into four. Group of high-fat diet feeding and no treatment was control, group of high-fat diet feeding and acupuncture at $HT_{8}{\cdot}LR_{2}$ was Acu-1, group of high-fat diet feeding and acupuncture at $HT_{8}{\cdot}LR_{2}$ and rotated counter-clockwise 36times was Acu-2, high-fat diet feeding and acupuncture at $HT_{8}$(body direction)${\cdot}LR_{2}$(lower limb direction) and rotated counter-clockwise 36times was Acu-3. Results : In Acu-3 group, body weight on 2 weeks after starting acupuncture, food efficiency and the level of serum total cholesterol were decreased, and the level of HDL-cholesterol was increased. In Acu-1 group, the level of triglyceride was increased but ALT was decreased. Conclusions : These results suggest that treatment of acupuncture at $HT_{8}$(body direction)${\cdot}LR_{2}$(lower limb direction) and rotated counter-clockwise 36times may be having the influence on high fat by controlling the level of serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.101-110
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• 2002

Background and Purpose : Most diagnostic method for lumbago were invasive and complex. So we need to simplify and objectify diagnostic method for lumbago. Some study with EAV which is one of Physiological Signal Measuring Instruments, report significantly result as objective diagnostic method for other clinical symptom. By using EAV, we have obtained some physiological signal data from meridian-acupoints of 31 lumbago cases. Objective and Methods : This study researched into the clinical statistics for 31 case who ware in lumbago, and they ware treated with oriental medical care at the Dong-shin university oriental hospital during 6 month from June 1 2001 to November 10 2001. The data were analyzed and interpreted to compare with traditional differentiation of symptom-complexes, then further evaluated as the Five Evolutive Phases to make them differentiated. The EAV valus of Five Evolutive Phases were identified with the sequence of wood(木), fire(火), earth(土)steel(金), water(水). Results and Conclusion : These values of physiological signal were identical with standard differentiation of symptom-complexes of lumbago which is the main cause of deficiency of Qi and blood of the kidney and bladder. Among Five Evolutive Phases, Earth and wood values were increased, steel, fire and water were decreased significantly. This data imply the possibility of somewhat generalization from measuring instruments.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2005

Objectives: Although electro-acupuncture is being utilized to reduce weight in Korea, its usefulness in obesity management has not been fully evaluated yet. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Electro-acupuncture on thigh circumference. Methods: 12 healthy volunteers participated in this study. We measured the circumference of both thighs, and treated the thicker one with transcutaneous electro-acupuncture at 8 acupoints, 10 times in total. The electrical parameters were : 1st step frequency set was at 15Hz and the treatment proceeded for 50 minutes, 2nd step at 50Hz for 10 minutes and at 3rd step the acupunctures were removed and electrodes were attached on the lower limb at 166Hz for 15 minutes. In order to evaluate the effect of the treatment, total body weight, percentage of body fat and thigh circumference were measured 4 times. Before the treatment, after 5th and 10th treatment and 1 month after completion of the whole treating procedure. Statistical significance(P<0.05) was determined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. We did not control diet, exercise and lifestyle of the volunteers. Results: No significant change was shown in body weight after 10 times of treatment. Yet the thigh circumference of effect group significantly decreased after 5th treatment and 10th treatment. The circumference of control group that was not treated by electro-acupuncture significantly decreased too. At first, difference between the two thighs in circumference was obvious, but no difference was left after 10 times of treatments on the thicker thigh. Percentage of body fat was significantly decreased. 1 month after having completed the treatment, there was no significant difference of body weight, thigh circumferences and percentage of body fat. Conclusion: These results suggest that electro-acupuncture effectively regulates regional fat, body fat percentage and body shape.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.52-68
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the weight loss effects of auricular acupuncture in obese patients. Methods: Six databases (Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], Korean studies Information Service System [KISS], Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], PubMed, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI]) were searched up to May 20, 2020. Eight eligible randomized controlled trials were included the present study. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and a meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager software. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and a subgroup analysis was performed to detect the sources of heterogeneity, identify the selection of acupuncture methods and explore its contributions to the weight loss effects. Results: Among 8 trials, 5 trials used auricular acupuncture and 2 trials used auricular acupressure, 1 trial used both types of intervention. Most commonly selected acupoints were Shenmen (TF4) and stomach (CO4). Treatment duration was six to twelve weeks, and total treatment session was six to twelve. Compared to the control groups, auricular acupuncture significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) and ghrelin. For the selection of acupuncture methods, both methods performed similarly in most outcome except waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), and triglycerides (TG). Conclusions: We found that auricular acupuncture can be effective for weight loss and controlling appetite. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity. So further vigorous and well-designed studies should be conducted to strengthen the evidence of the use of auricular acupuncture for obesity.