• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.77-87
• /
• 2016

Objectives : This is a pilot study for a large randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a newly developed contrast therapy device-- alternating topical heat and cold -- for patients with chronic low back pain. The main objective of this study is to confirm the feasibility of the study design. Methods : The design was a randomized, 2-arm, parallel-group, single-blind, placebo controlled trial. Patients in each group received real or sham contrast therapy in an acupuncture point 10 times over four weeks. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes were back-related dysfunction based on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), and range of motion of lumbar spine based on the modified Schober test (mSchober test), Finger-to-Floor distance (FTF distance), and Finger-to-Thigh distraction (FTT distraction). Results : A total of 30 subjects with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to a contrast therapy group (n＝15) or a sham group (n＝15). A repeated-measures analysis of variance showed statistically significant group time interaction for VAS, RMDQ, mSchober test and FTF distance (p<0.05). The treatment group showed significant improvement in pain intensity and functional disability as compared to the sham group. Conclusion : Contrast therapy may be an effective and safe treatment for chronic low back pain.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.267-280
• /
• 2013

Objective : One of the unique syndromes in Asian traditional medicine named 'heat entering the blood chamber(熱入血室, HEBC)' first appeared in Shanghanlun(傷寒論) and Jinguiyaolue(金匱要略) written by Zhangzhongjing(張仲景) who is the most famous doctor in ancient China. Method : Through comparison between Huangdineijing(黃帝內經), Shanghanlun(傷寒論), Jinguiyaolue(金匱要略) and other medical texts, the correct meaning, causes and mechanisms of HEBC can be analysed and organized to suggest new view of HEBC in modern society. Result : This syndrome is usually occurred in women during catching cold and menstruation, accompanying alternation of chillness and fever, pseudo-malaria, delirium, raveled chest(結胸), uterine hemorrhage, etc. The main sign of this syndrome, delirium belongs to the category of liver disease and fever in Huangdineijing(黃帝內經) which is a document more early published than Shanghanlun. Although there are still many other comprehensions about what blood chamber is, it could be the same as uterus according to Huangdineijing, it is relevant to the control of menstruation and emotions, and the function of liver and thoroughfare vessel(衝脈). Conclusion : HEBC is a syndrome exclusive to women, caused by their unique physical and psychological characteristics. It's beginning can be found in Huangdineijing, and by Shanghanlun and Jinguiyaolue, its concept as a single disease pattern becomes established. In other words, HEBC is a complex disease related to menstruation and its related hormonal dysfunctions, closely related to PMS, menopausal syndrome of today. Physical symptoms accompanied by psychological anxiety and fear is characteristic of this condition. Therefore gynecological approaches as well as socio-cultural issues related to women in modern society must be adopted when dealing with HEBC.