• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.46-54
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• 2007

Objective: The first aim of this study is to determine the effects of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) via Heart Rate (HR) and Pupil Size (PS), and to compare the effects of acupuncture on the subjects' ANS when they are in a sitting position with the effects when they are in a supine position. Methods: Ten healthy male subjects were randomized to receive either verum acupuncture stimulation in a sitting position (SitV), verum acupuncture stimulation in a supine position (SupV), sham acupuncture stimulation in a sitting position (SitS), and sham acupuncture stimulation in a supine position (SupS). Acupuncture stimulation was applied to Neguan point (PC6) on the forearm. The subject's electrocardiogram (ECG) and pupil size were recorded continuously from 5 min before stimulation to 12 min after stimulation. Results: Verum and sham acupuncture stimulation were found to have reduced heart rate (p<0.01) and to have increased pupil size (p<0.01) in all the subjects. But when the reduction in HR and the increment in PS after verum acupuncture stimulation (both sitting and supine position) were compared with those after sham acupuncture stimulation, it was found that the reduction in HR (74.48 and 73.47 bpm, p<0.063) and the increment of PS (7.32 and, 6.10 mm, p<0.001) after verum acupuncture stimulation were greater than those after sham acupuncture stimulation, and that the corresponding values were statistically significant. In addition, at the baseline, it was found that the subjects had a larger PS and a faster HR in a sitting position than when they did so in a supine position. And then the reduction and increment ratio in the subject's HR and PS when they underwent acupuncture stimulation in a sitting position was significantly different from the reduction and increment in their HR and PS when they underwent the procedure in a supine position-i.e., the reduction ratio in HR was greater when they underwent the procedure in a sitting position, and such reduction ratio was statistically significant (p<0.05). As for the increment in PS, it was greater when the subjects underwent the procedure in a supine position, and such increment was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Manual acupuncture stimulation on Neguan point (PC6) has more significant influence on the autonomic nervous system rather than sham acupuncture (tactile stimulation). And the position-induced different states of ANS have different influence on the acupuncture effect.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.253-262
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• 2013

Objectives This study is on the quantifying method for the acupuncture-moxa cautery heat response index, which are based on the some definitions. Methods The magnitude of the acupuncture-moxa cautery is defined by the pain-feeling of the acupuncture-moxa cautery stimulation: the stimulation magnitude of the acupuncture is 1, that of the direct moxa-cautery is 2, and that of the indirect moxa-cautery is 0.5. The heat variation of the acupuncture-moxa cautery stimulation is defined by the heat variations of the characteristic points pre/post-stimulations in the stenosis of the lumber. The acupuncture-moxa cautery heat response index is defined by the ratio of between the magnitude of the heat variation and the natural logarithmic magnitude of the stimulation. Results With the respect of the acupuncture-moxa cautery heat response index, I experimented and estimated 4 types of stimulations in the stenosis of the lumber: the single acupuncture stimulation with 40%, the single direct moxa-cautery stimulation with 52%, the combinational acupuncture-moxa cautery stimulations with 27%, and the combinational acupuncture-indirect electronic moxa-cautery stimulations with 53%. Conclusions According to the acupuncture-moxa cautery heat response index. the combinational acupuncture-moxa cautery stimulations especially need to be changed to the combinational acupuncture-indirect electronic moxa-cautery stimulations.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.91-96
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to characterize the stimulation intensity in acupuncture manipulation techniques for tonification and sedation therapy. Methods : To describe the level of stimulation used in acupuncture manipulation techniques for tonification and sedation therapy, we reviewed the acupuncture manipulation techniques described in classical medical textbooks. Results : Based on the patients' conditions and pattern identification, acupuncture manipulation strategies for tonification and sedation therapy were chosen. For example, the excess condition was treated with sedative therapy, and the deficiency condition was treated with tonification therapy. For tonification therapy, weak to modest stimulation was applied in acupuncture manipulation techniques, whereas intense stimulation was applied for sedative therapy. Even though the intensity of acupuncture stimulation was chosen based on the clinical examination, deqi sensation is a crucial component of acupuncture treatment, and during acupuncture practice, the practitioner should choose the right intensity of acupuncture stimulation based on deqi response in each patient. Conclusions : We concluded that the tonifying and sedative effects of acupuncture treatment are related to the stimulation intensity of acupuncture manipulation techniques. For individualized medicine, the right amount of acupuncture stimulation should be administered based on the patients' conditions and responses, such as deqi responses.

• 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.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.79-85
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• 2006

In order to study the effect of acupuncture stimulation on bone mineral density (BMD), using the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, we assessed the degree of osteopenia by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, measured the level of locomotor activity using a metabolism measuring system, and performed histological studies of bone tissue. Twenty-four female Wistar rats (8 weeks old, 160 - 180 g)were divided into three groups. Rats in the OVX-A group underwent ovariectomy followed by acupuncture stimulation. The OVX rats in the Vehicle control group were not treated with acupuncture as a control. The rats in the control group received neither ovariectomy nor acupuncture. Acupuncture stimulation for 12 weeks in the OVX-A group inhibited the reduction in BMD of the femoral bones caused by ovariectomy. Moreover, in the two OVX groups, there was no clear difference in the level of locomotor activity between the active and resting phases prior to acupuncture stimulation in each rat, and the pattern of locomotor activity was irregular. After acupuncture stimulation of the OVX-A rats, the pattern of locomotor activity became diphasic with clear active and resting phases, as was observed in the Control group. On histological studies, the continuity of trabecular bone was maintained more favorably and bone mass was higher in the OVX-A group than in the vehicle control group. These results suggest that the increased locomotor activity that had been induced by acupuncture stimulation increased the BMD.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.66-84
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• 2003

Objectve : Recent stuides suggested that there is a strong correlation between acupuncture stimulation and its cortical activation. Another study showed that either positive or negative BOLD effects could be observed depending on anatomical structure in acupuncture. Methods : 1) Subjects and paradigms: Two separate stimulation paradigms were performed in this study. To see the effects of electro-acupuncture stimulation on K7(Fuliu), the experiment was carried out on six healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right K7(Fuliu), 2 Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds, repeated five times, with 30 seconds' intervals. During the intervals while there was no electro-stimulation, the subjects performed motor task as a reference. The image analysis including motion correction, talairach transformation, and smoothing was done using SPM99. Results: The electro-acupuncture stimulation on K7(Fuliu) activated Brodmann's Areas of 9, 19, 23, 24, 31, 32, 39 which may be the central pathways of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on K7(Fuliu) and those brain areas may be related with the function of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on K7(Fuliu).

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.197-209
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• 2004

Objectives : The purpose of this case-control research was to investigate the effects of acupuncture stimulation on autonomic nervous system for patients with HRV and to find out relationship with anti-stress effects. Methods : The study group consists of 24 patients with self-recognition of stress as the case group, and 20 normal person as the control group by similar age. We measured HRV of case and control groups before acupuncture stimulation, prick acupuncture in Hegu(LI4), Taichong(Liv3), Shenme(H7), Neiguan(P6), Zusanli(S36). After treating for 20 minutes, measurement values of HRV and PSV were compared for pre-acupuncture and post-acupuncture. Results : 1. LF norm, HF norm, LF/HF between the case and control groups were significant different in HRV before acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. 2. HRT, SDNN, SDSD, LF norm, HF norm, and LF/HF of the case group were significant different in HRV after acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. HRT of the case group was significantly different in HRV after acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. 3. LF norm, HF norm, LF/HF of the case group were significant different between the 1st and 2nd experiment in HRV before acupuncture stimulation. 4. LF norm, HF norm, and LF/HF were significant different between the 1st and 2nd experiment in HRV of patients whose symptoms improved. But HRV of patients whose symptoms unimproved didn't show significant difference. Conclusion : The results suggest that acupuncture stimulation is associated with changed activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Measurement values of HRV is suitable to estimate the activity of automatic nervous system.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.47-65
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• 2000

The meridian, the meridian point and the Acupuncture-Bu-Xie(鍼灸補瀉) of oriental medicine are very important in the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Until now it has been confused at the practical use, and it showed up many transformation to the ages and many scholars. And then, I made a study of effects on the thermal changes of Sangyang($LI_1$,商陽), Igan($LI_2$,二間), Samgan($LI_3$,三間), Hapkok($LI_4$,合谷), Yanggye($LI_5$,陽谿), Kokchi($LI_{11}$,曲池), Yonghyang($LI_{20}$,迎香) following acupuncture on the Hapkok with the Rotated Acupuncture-Bu-Xie(捻轉補瀉) stimulation. This study researched into clinical statistics for 140 men who are in good health, and they are studying oriental medicine at Woosuk university in Korea. This study was covered a period of 3 months form June, 1999 to August, 1999. The objective was divided into seven groups, those are the control group(CON, N=20), the acupuncture stimulation group with non-rotation on Hapkok of left hand(A-I, N=20), the acupuncture stimulation group with non-rotation on non-meridian point(NA) of left hand(A-II, N=20), the acupuncture stimulation group with Bu-rotation(捻轉補法) on Hapkok of left hand(B-I, N=20), the acupuncture stimulation group with Bu-rotation on non-meridian point(NA) of left hand(B-II, N=20), the acupuncture stimulation group with Xie-rotation(捻轉瀉法) on Hapkok of left hand(C-I, N=20), and the acupuncture stimulation group with Xie-rotation on non-meridian point of left hand(C-II, N=20). The first, I took a picture for 140 men with the Digital infrared thermal image(D.I.T.I.). After 10 minutes, I took a second picture for each group following experimental methods, those were followed acupuncture on the Hapkok and the non-meridian point with the retentive and Rotated Acupuncture-Bu-Xie stimulation. The results are summarized as follows : 1. The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Large Intestine Meridian of the acupuncture stimulation group on Hapkok different from the control groups with significantly change. 2.The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Large Intestine Meridian of acupuncture stimulation groups on non-meridian point was not significantly different from the control group. 3. The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Large Intestine Meridian of the acupuncture stimulation group with Bu-rotation on Hapkok different from the control group with significant increase. 4. The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Large Intestine Meridian of acupuncture stimulation group with Bu-rotation on non-meridian point was not significantly different from the control group. 5. The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Large Intestine Meridian of the acupuncture stimulation group with Xie-rotation on Hapkok different from the control group with significant decrease and increase following the decreasing or increasing temperature class, and the increasing temperature class of the acupuncture stimulation group with Xie-rotation on Hapkok significantly different from the acupuncture stimulation group with Bu-rotation on Hapkok. 6. The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Large Intestine Meridian of acupuncture stimulation group with Xie-rotation on non-meridian point was not significantly different from the control group. As a conclusion, I could think that the acupuncture stimulation with Bu-rotation or Xie-rotation on Hapkok affected the thermal change of the area which is a meridian point in the Large Intestine Meridian. And then I could relate these results with the existence of the meridian and meridian point, and with the Rotated Acupuncture-Bu-Xie theory of oriental medicine.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.77-91
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• 2001

Backgrounds and purpose : The acupuncture of oriental medicine is very important in treatments. Until now it was been researched according to the meridian and qi xue(氣血) phenomenon of oriental medicine's theory. Acupuncture will show more objective index to observe the meridian. And then, I studied the effects on the thermal change of the Taeyon($L_9$) and Chungbu($L_1$) following acupuncture stimulation. Objective and Methods : This study was performed from December 1999 to February 2000 on 60 healthy students. The objective was divided into two groups, those are the control group A(N=30) that no acupuncture stimulation, the group B(N=30) of acupuncture stimulation on Taeyon($L_9$). First, in the control group A, I took a picture Taeyon($L_9$) Chungbu($L_1$) Taenung($P_7$) Chondol($CV_{22}$) area for 30 men without any stimulation with the Digital Infrared Thermograph Imaging(D.I.T.l.) and did same area, 10min after. Second, in the acupuncture stimulation group B, we took a picture Taeyon($L_9$) Chungbu($L_1$) Taenung($P_7$) Chondol($CV_{22}$) area for 30 men without any stimulation with the Digital Infrared Th - ermograph Imaging(D.I.T.I.), and then stimulate acupuncture on Taeyon($L_9$) and took a picture same area, 10min after. Results : 1. In healthy men, average skin temperture on Taeyon($L_9$) area was lower than Chungbu($L_1$) area about $3.0^{\circ}C$, in the Lt. Taeyon($L_9$) and Chungbu($L_1$) area was lower than Rt. Taeyon($L_9$) and Chungbu($L_1$) area. 2. In the acupuncture stimulation group B, the skin temperature of both side Taeyon($L_9$) area showed the increase or decrease significantly. But both Taenung($P_7$) area did not showed significantly. 3. In the acupuncture stimulation group B, the skin temperature of both side Chungbu($L_1$) area showed the increase or decrease significantly. But both Chondol($CV_{22}$) area did not showed significantly. 4. The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Lung Meridian of the acupuncture stimulation group on Taeyon($L_9$) different from other Meridian with significantly change. Conclusion : The acupuncture stimulation on Taeyon($L_9$) affected the thermal change of the area which is a meridian point, in the Lung Meridian. And then I could relate these results with the existence of the meridian and meridian point. Thus, continuous thermographic study will be needed for the existence of the meridian and meridian point.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.748-752
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• 2010

There are many hypothesis about mechanism of acupuncture, and the relationship between acupuncture stimulation and autonomic nervous system(ANS) is one of the powerful hypothesis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between acupuncture stimulation and ANS. We searched the literature and reports related with acupuncture stimulation(meridian system, meridian points) and autonomic nervous system. And we concluded acupuncture stimulation can control autonomic nervous system. 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 acupuncture treatment.