• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.1-19
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and mechanisms of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) herbal acupuncture. Methods : Anti-diabetic and anti-steatotic activity of the AS herbal acupuncture was investigated on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. After random grouping at the age of 9 weeks, the herbal acupuncture groups were injected subcutaneously at the left and right Gansu (BL18) corresponding acupuncture points alternately on exactly the same time every day with 0.1ml of either 400 mg/kg or 800 mg/kg of AS (AS400 and AS800) for 8-week period. As a positive control, metformin was administrated at a dose of 300 mg/kg (MT300). Body weights were measured weekly, and on every other week blood was collected for blood glucose analysis. At the end of study, blood was also collected for determination of plasma insulin and lipid levels, after which they were killed and periepidydimal fat, liver, muscle, and pancreas were immediately removed. The removed tissues were instantly soaked in liquid nitrogen and stored at $-70^{\circ}C$ for morphological examination and mRNA analysis. Results : The AS herbal acupuncture significantly prevented weight gain on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. The AS herbal acupuncture lowered blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. The increase of insulin response during the OGTT was inhibited by the AS herbal acupuncture. Insulin sensitivity of skeletal tissue was enhanced. Plasma lipid levels were significantly improved in the AS herbal acupuncture groups. The AS herbal acupuncture decreased hepatic lipogenesis and hepatic triglyceride production, and increased fatty acid (FA) transporter that involves in FA uptake. The AS herbal acupuncture inhibited the increase of liver mass by prevention of the accumulation of TG but did not inhibit weight gain of fat tissue on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. Conclusion : In summary, we have demonstrated several unique properties of the AS herbal acupuncture in decreasing body weight, and reversing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice. This AS herbal acupuncture acts as an insulin sensitizer and specifically decreases circulating glucose and lipids, and suppresses hepatic lipogenesis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.772-783
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• 2018

The aims of this study were to use the Rydoraku test, electrogastrography, and enterotachography to examine the presence of familial gastric dysmotility among monozygotic twins and their mothers; to determine the relationship between the symptoms and the indexes of the Rydoraku test, electrogastrography, and enterotachography; and to observe the therapeutic reaction for each differential treatment between twins with familial gastric dysmotility. The same herbal medication (Banhasasim-tang extract three times/day and Sojuckkunbi-tang extract three times/day) was given to each twin, but the younger twin also underwent manual acupuncture on the CV 10, 12, and 13 points of the abdominal wall and electrical stimulation of both ST 36 points of the lower leg 2-3 times per week. Evaluation of the therapeutic effect was followed after six weeks. The presence of familial gastric dysmotility was shown in the autonomic nerve system and gastric muscle and was thought to be a common pathophysiology induced by genetic co-ownership. Only the younger twin showed any marked relief of the dyspeptic symptoms associated with improvement of pyloric sphincter function, which was induced by acupuncture treatment. The Rydoraku test, electrogastrography, and enterotachography results showed the presence of familial gastric dysmotility. Although Korean traditional medicine had no effect on the familiar gastric dysmotility associated with genetic influences, the acupuncture treatment had a beneficial effect on the secondary disorder of pyloric sphincter function, which is associated with the relief of dyspeptic symptoms.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.107-131
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• 2009

After having comparison, the Bunchon-ga in nine books -"Chimguchwiyeong(鍼灸聚英)", "Nengmunjeonsudong-injihyeol(凌門傳授銅人指穴)", "Chimgumundae(針灸問對)", "Gyeongrakgo(經絡考)", "Gyeongrakhoepyeon(經絡匯編)", "Geumchimbijeon(金針秘傳)", "Jagusimbeop-yogyeol(刺灸心法要訣)", "Chimgubongwon(鍼灸逢源)" "Chimgusinseo(鍼灸神書)", and invested the difference based on "Chimguhak(鍼灸學)", "WHO standard acupuncture point location" I got some conclusion like below. Two kinds of Bunchon-ga are similar in "Chimguchwiyeong", "Nengmunjeonsudong-injihyeol", and also in "Gyeongrakgo(經絡考)", "Gyeongrakhoepyeon(經絡匯編)", and "Geumchimbijeon(金針秘傳)" Bunchon-ga of twelve meridian is different from their order - Stomach meridian(胃經), Bladder meridian(膀胱經), Kidney meridian(腎經), Triple Energizer meridian(三焦經), and Gallbladder meridian(膽經). In nine kinds of Bunchon-ga, missing acupuncture points(漏落穴) are generally located on the first line of Bladder meridian(膀胱經) - from Daejeo(大杼) to Baekhwansu(白環兪), and Pungsi(風市), Haegye(解谿), Yangsi(羊矢), Geummaek(急脈) are not appeared in them, Hyeopdang(脇堂), Michung(眉衝), Yanghyeol(陽穴) are recorded. There are some parts adapted different way of proportional bone chon - from Yanggok(陽谿) to Gokji(曲池) in Large Intestine meridian[大腸經], from Sanggu(商丘) to Umreungcheon(陰陵泉) in Spleen meridian[脾經], and from Oegwan(外關) to Sadok(四瀆) in Triple Energizer meridian[三焦經]. The acupuncture points explained by structure, there are many different finger chons between some books. Bunchon on breast and abdomen, is generally explained by vertical, horizontal finger chon based on Governor vessel[任脈], vertical explanations of each book have little difference opinions, but horizontal have many. Especially, the locations of Eunmum(殷門), Bukeuk(浮郄) and Wiyang(委陽) are extremely different from "Chimguhak(鍼灸學)", and "WHO standard acupuncture point locations".

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.119-126
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of Korean medical treatments combined with acupotomy on patients diagnosed with a herniated intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of twenty in patients diagnosed with a herniated intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine. They had received Korean medical treatment combined with acupotomy on tender points in the gluteus minimus muscle and piriformis muscle at Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital of Dong-Shin University from April, 2014 to December, 2014. To evaluate the efficacy of the treatments, the twenty in patients were asked to complete the Numerical Rating Scale(NRS) and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) before acupotomy, the first day after acupotomy, the third day after acupotomy, and the fifth day after acupotomy. Results : 1. NRS significantly decreased from $6.15{\pm}1.27$ to $3.90{\pm}1.45$. 2. ODI significantly decreased from $23.64{\pm}8.76$ to $15.95{\pm}7.35$. Conclusions : Korean medical treatment combined with acupotomy on tender points in the gluteus minimus muscle and piriformis muscle might be effective in reducing pain and improving the life quality of patients with a herniated intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine. We hope that further studies will be done to produce more clinical data and ensure effective application of these results.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.78-85
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• 2023

Background: Poor sleep quality is associated with psychoactive substance abuse/addiction/withdrawal. Auricular acupuncture (AA) is a nonpharmacological method used for the treatment of sleep disturbances. This study aimed to examine the quality of sleep before and after AA in participants with mental and behavioral disorders due to prior multiple drug use in the therapeutic community. Methods: This was a consecutive case series of 27 participants (25 male [92.6%]). The median age was 35.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 29.0-37.2 years), methadone/buprenorphine were not used, and the participants were treated with AA (median number of treatments, 15.0 [IQR, 12.0-18.0]) during a median period of 51.0 days (IQR, 49.0-51.0 days) according to the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)-Acudetox protocol. Sleep quality was determined using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-rated questionnaire that assesses sleep quality and disturbances over a 1-month interval. Results: The global PSQI score dropped (indicating better sleep quality) by a median of 3.0 points (IQR, 0.0-8.0 points) after treatment. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, with an increase in global PSQI score during AA by 1 point, there was a 0.73-fold reduction in the risk of poor sleep quality post-AA (adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-1.01; p<0.055; Nagelkerke's R² =0.66). Conclusion: The results revealed a positive effect of AA (by the NADA-Acudetox protocol) on sleep quality (as measured by PSQI) among participants in a treatment center with mental and behavioral disorders due to multiple drug use.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.89-96
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• 2007

Objectives : To observe the effect of acupuncture treatment in chronic shoulder pain patients. Methods : 36 voluntary patients were randomly assigned to an acupuncture treatment group(E Group, n=18) and a control group(C Group, n=18). The E Group patients received acupuncture treatment on $LI_{15}$, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$ and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for four weeks. The C Group patients received no treatment. All patients in both groups were instructed to practise self exercise in their daily lives. Evaluations were made at baseline and after four weeks of study. The Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI) and the patient's subjective pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The obtained data was analyzed. Results : The E Group showed significant(p<0.05) improvement in CSA, SPADI and VAS after four weeks of treatment. The C Group showed significant(p<0.05) improvement in CSA, but the change of SPADI and VAS was insignificant(p>0.05). CSA and SPADI of E Group significantly(p<0.05) improved compared to the C Group, but the difference of VAS change in the two groups was insignificant(p>0.05). Conclusions : Four weeks of acupuncture treatment significantly improved CSA, SPADI and VAS. The improvement of CSA and SPADI was significant(p<0.05) compared to untreated patients.

• 한국생물공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2005.10a
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• pp.827-831
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• 2005

Acupuncture and Low-frequency-wave stimulation at the Points (LI4, LI6, LI8 and LI11) on the large intestine meridian of hand resulted in same pattern about body temperature profiles with time. Upon 4Hz and 50Hz stimulation the temperature profiles on LI6 and LI11 were declined probably because of their relationship with Proprioceptive activity. Temperature different at the points was higher when the intensity of low-frequency-wave stimulation was stronger.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.45-58
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• 2004

It is well known that both of acupuncture and moxibustion are effective for treatment of human disease. For years, they have been utilizing a electro-acupuncture (EA) and moxibustion in attempt to manage gastric symptom. However, the data of combined EA and moxibustion on clinical effectiveness is conflicting and the action of combineAd acupoints is not well known. BL21 and ST36 which belong to bladder Meridian and stomach meridian are acupuncture points frequently used for healing gastrointestinal disease in oriental medicine. The present study was conducted to see the effects produced by combined electro-acupuncture(EA) and moxibustion using BL21 and ST36 on serum gastrin level in rats. In experiment, male Spraque-Dawley rats(body wt 140-160g) were selected. EA (2 Hz, intensity ; 10 times muscle twitch threshold) was applied for 30 minutes to ST36 under halothane anesthesia. Moxibustion($1.6{\pm}0.3 mg$, 5 times of a day) was applied during 3 days to BL21 under halothane anesthesia. Synergy effects of combined EA and moxibustion might be in according to stimulated method and used acupoints. The change of serum gastrin levels produced by combined EA and moxibustion is shown after vagotomy. These data suggested that many factors, such as the selection of acupoints, the stimulated EA methods, are capable of affecting combined EA and moxibustion effects and those effects may be not related with nervous system.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of massive clinical research and to make a basic analysis on the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion treatment on knee osteoarthritis compared to usual care. Methods and Results : This study is a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. Forty participants are assigned to the moxibustion group (n=20) and usual care group (n=20). Participants assigned to the moxibustion group receive moxibustion treatment on the affected knee(s) at six standard acupuncture points (ST36, ST35, ST34, SP9, Ex-LE04 and SP10) three times per week for four weeks (total of 12 sessions). Participants in the usual care group don't receive moxibustion treatment during the study period and follow-up are made on the 5th, 9th and 13th weeks after random allocation. Both groups are allowed to use any kind of treatment, including surgery, conventional medication, physical treatment, acupuncture, herbal medicine, over-the-counter drugs and other active treatments. Education material that explains knee osteoarthritis and current management options and self-exercise is provided for each group. The pain scale of the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Questionnaire (K-WOMAC) is the primary outcome measurement used in this study. Other subscales of the K-WOMAC, the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Physical Function test, Patient Global Assessment, and Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) are used as outcome variables to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture. Safety is assessed at every visit. Conclusions : The result of this trial will provide a basis for the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.17-27
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• 2010

Objectives: Cocaine has been well known as a representative drug of abuse for its strong reinforcing effect linked to the mesolimbic reward system including dopamine, and such reinforcement leads to the addiction. Acupuncture has been used widely in eastern Asia for the treatment of various diseases including mental disorders and psychiatric problems, and is gathering more interest as one of the complementary and alternative medicines in western countries. In a previous study, we demonstrated that acupuncture at HT7 could affect dopamine release in the mesolimbic system of rats sensitized to alcohol and morphine. This study was designed to investigate whether acupuncture at HT7 could attenuate cocaine intake or not. Material & Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 270-300 g at the start of experiment were trained to self-administer food pellets under a fixed ratio 1 schedule. After the success of acquisition of 100 pellets within 3 h for 3 consecutive days, animals were subjected to surgery whereby Silastic tubing was implanted into right jugular vein and secured with mesh under the anesthetization using pentobarbital injection (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Following recovery, rats were trained to self-administer cocaine (0.25 mg/kg) in daily 2 h sessions under fixed ratio 1 schedule over 10 days. Each treatment was performed on the next day of each establishment of baseline. Results: Results show that acupuncture at HT7, but not at control points, reduced cocaine intake significantly. Acupuncture at HT7 decreased selectively active lever response from $63.15{\pm}3.35$ to $51.46{\pm}3.99$ corresponding $82.12{\pm}5.31%$ compared to basal level. Also, it was demonstrated that the effect of acupuncture was mainly occurred at the half period. Nevertheless, acupuncture at HT7 did not influence the food taking behavior. Conclusions: From the results of this study, it may be suggested that acupuncture at HT7, at least in part, could contribute to the treatment of cocaine abuse.