• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.57-69
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• 2008

Objectives : To review the controlling methods used in RCTs (randomized controlled trials) of auricular acupuncture. Methods : To investigate the controlling methods used in clinical trials of auricular acupuncture, 46 articles were retrieved from PUBMED (from August 1976 to August 2007, with limits: english, clinical trial) using the key words of "ear acupuncture", "auricular acupuncture", "auriculo-medicine", and sorted out according to the types of control treatments. Among them, 10 articles were selected based on STRICTA (Standards for Reporting Intervention in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture), and the controlling methods used in those articles were reviewed. Results : In clinical trials of auricular acupuncture, 'sham acupoints (non-acupoints and non-treatment acupoints included)', 'minimal acupuncture', 'pseudo-intervention', and 'placebo devices' have been used as controlling methods, but their 'inactivity' have been in question. To compensate the disadvantages of 'minimal acupuncture', and 'pseudo-intervention' control, placebo auricular acupuncture needles have been developed, although these needles didn't satisfy the conditions of 'blinding' and 'physical inactivity' simultaneously. Conclusions : Further researches on 'sham acupoints' and new development of 'placebo auricular acupuncture needles' are needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.121-136
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• 2004

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical effects of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Methods : Auricular acupuncture treatments were prescribed to 29 dysmenorrhea patients 1 time a week for 13 weeks. Results : After the treatment, numerical index for the pain was obviously reduced 'tot' point 2.61. It means that pain index as the patient has difficulty in daily life was reduced to 2 grades enough to do ordinary experience. Conclusions : This study shows that auricular acupuncture treatment has remarkable effects on dysmenorrhea.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.55-63
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was performed to examine the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture to adult men on smoking cessation. Methods : 47 smoking people was divided two groups : experimental group(treated with auricular acupuncture therapy, n=22) and control group(not treated with auricular acupuncture therapy, n=25). We used Lung point, Shenmen point and Endocrine point twice a week for 4 weeks to experimental group. We assessed the changes in amount of daily smoking, desire of smoking, taste of smoking and nicotine dependence as well as subjective symptoms were studied. Results : The experimental group showed significant decrease in amount of daily smoking, desire of smoking, taste of smoking and nicotine dependence. Subjective symptoms also showed improvement comparing to control group. Conclusions : Acupuncturing lung, shenmen, and endocrine point showed effectiveness on decreasing smoking rates and subjective symptoms. Therefore the auricular acupuncture therapy is expected to helpful to smoking cessation and improve the health of smokers.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.16-26
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• 2024

Objectives : The Purpose of this study is to identify the anatomical correlates of the three Hand Yang meridians in the head (HYMH), i.e. the arteries of the head. Methods : The original text describing the HYMH in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Cannon is presented and translated into Korean. Anatomical literature related to the arteries of the head are reviewed to identify those that correspond to the HYMH. Results : Arteries corresponding to the HYMH are as follows: The Hand yangming large intestine meridian corresponds to the facial artery and the superior and inferior labial arteries. The Hand Taiyang small intestine meridian's first branch corresponds to the superficial temporal artery, the zygomatico-orbital artery, and the anterior auricular artery. The second branch corresponds to the transverse facial artery. The Hand Shaoyang triple energizer meridian's first branch corresponds to the posterior auricular artery, the superficial temporal artery, and the transverse facial artery. The second branch corresponds to the posterior auricular artery, the anterior auricular artery, and the zygomatico-orbital artery. Conclusions : The HYMH correspond as arteries, specifically branches of the external carotid artery. It is anticipated that arteries corresponding to other meridians in the head can also be identified.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.173-180
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• 2005

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to assess the effect auricular acupuncture for acute mental stress using power spectrum analysis of the heart rate variability(HRV). Methods : 10 healthy volunteers participated in this study. After 5 minute rest, the first mental stress was provided for 5 minute. And then subjects rested for 15 minute. The second mental stress was provided for 5 minute. The acupoint, Shin-Mun point of the ear was stimulated for 15 minute. HRV was recorded before and after the first and second mental stress, and after auricular acupuncture stimulation. Results : After mental stress, normalized LF and LF/HF ratio is significantly increased. Before and after simple rest, normalized LF and normalized HF is significantly changed, but LF and LF/HF ratio is not significantly changed. On the other hand, before and after auricular acupuncture treatment, normalized LF, normalized HF is significantly changed, and also LF and LF/HF ratio is significantly decreased. Conclusion : The result suggest that auricular acupuncture can decrease more significantly in cardiac sympathetic activity due to mental stress than simple rest.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.59-70
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• 2004

The purpose of this study were to determine the changes between pre, during, intermed, post of each two groups of 16 persons and to compare the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) at shenmen of auricular point on experimental pressure pain and tactile threshold measured at both ulnar styloid process and medial malleoli. Sixteen healthy adult men and women, aged 20 to 28 years, were assigned randomly to eight of one groups. Control group received TENS to exception of auricular point. Experimental group received TENS to shenmen of auricular point. Experimental pressure pain and tactile pain threshold at the both ulnar styloid process and medial malleoli was determined with algometer and von frey filament before 10 minute, during 10 minute, intermediate and post 30 min of treatment. In pressure pain and tactile threshold showed a statistically significant increase(p<0.05) ipsilateral and contralateral of treatment group. These results suggest that TENS at shenmen of auricular point has the capability to higher pressure pain and tactile threshold in whole body.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.625-642
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• 2022

Objectives: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common impairment of gastrointestinal motility and causes a delay in postoperative recovery, as well as an increased length of hospital stay, but no single strategy has a significant recuperative effect on POI. Studies of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) have reported improvements in bowel function after surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of TKM on postoperative ileus in gastric cancer patients. Methods: We used six databases to search for studies published from January 1, 2007, until May 11, 2022. The included studies were those reporting gastric cancer patients who received TKM treatment after gastrectomy through indicators related to POI. Results: The search identified 27 RCTs that used herbal medicine (Daegeonjung-tang and Gami-leejoongtang), herbal medicine combined with acupuncture (Sama-tang, Gumiseunggi-tang, Daeseunggi-tang, and Insam-tang), acupuncture, acupuncture and moxibustion, electroacupuncture, warm needling, transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA), low-frequency electrical acupoint stimulation (LEAS), moxibustion, auricular acupressure, and ST-36 acupoint injection with neostigmine as treatments for POI. The time to first flatus was shortened by herbal medicine combined with warm needling (Sama-tang, Gumiseunggi-tang, Daeseunggi-tang, and Insam-tang), acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needling, TEA, moxibustion, auricular acupressure, and ST-36 acupoint injection with neostigmine (p<0.00001). The time to the first defecation decreased significantly in response to the herbal medicine combined with warm needling (Sama-tang, Gumiseunggi-tang, Daeseunggi-tang, and Insam-tang), acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needling, TEA, moxibustion, auricular acupressure, and ST-36 acupoint injection with neostigmine (p<0.00001). No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: TKM could be a promising option for preventing and resolving POI in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.113-121
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• 2013

Objectives : This study aimed to find out whether acupuncture at various acupoints shows any effects on appetite by regulating neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus through the expression of NPY and LR in the PVN via immunohistochemistry. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups of five mice each. The rats in the acupuncture groups were treated with acupuncture at respective acupoints, twice per a day for 3 days. The animals were sacrificed 72 h after commencement of the experiment, the brains being dissected into serial coronal sections. Expressions of neuropeptide Y and leptin receptor in the hypothalamus were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results : NPY expression in the PVN was enhanced and LR expression in the PVN was decreased by food deprivation. NPY immunoreactivity in the PVN of the food-derived rats was decreased by acupuncture at the auricular acupoint, Zusanli-acupoint, a and non-acupoint. However, acupuncture at the auricular acupoint showed most potent suppressing effect on NPY expression in the PVN of food-deprived rats. LR expression in the PVN decreased following food deprivation, and auricular acupuncture increased LR expression in the PVN of food-deprived rats. In normal conditions (fed state), LR expression in the PVN was not changed by acupuncture treatment at several sites. Conclusions : From this study, we have shown that acupuncture at the auricular acupoint exerts the most potent appetite suppressing effect on the food restriction state.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.191-198
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• 2007

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate treatment of myopia. Methods : Literature review on myopia in view of oriental and western medicine. Results & Conclusions : 1. The myopia begins from early childhood. But incidence of myopia increase as they grow older. 2. The main meridian was Bladder Meridian(Chok-taeyang), Gallbladder Meridian(Chok-soyang), Stomach Meridian(Chok-yangmyong), Governer Vessel(Dok), Lung Meridian(Shou-taeyin) in treatment of myopia. 3. Auricular Acupressure Therapy, Pig's mane Acupuncture Therapy and Plaster Therapy has good effect on myopia.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.1-32
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to understand the interrelation between 'Foot three yang meridian-muscle' and 'muscular system'. Methods : We have researched some of the literatures on Meridian-muscle theory, anatomical muscular system, myofascial pain syndrome and anatomy trains. And especially we have compared myofascial pain syndrome to anatomy trains and researched what kind of relationship is exist between them. Results : It is considered that Foot taeyang meridian-muscle includes Abductor digiti minimi m., Gastrocnemius m., Biceps femoris m., Longissimus m., Omohyoid m., Occipital m., Frontal m., Orbicularis oculi m., Trapezius m., Sternocleidomastoid m., Sternohyoid m., Zygomaticus m. Foot soyang meridian-muscle includes Dorsal interosseus m., Tendon of extensor digitorum longus m., Extensor digitorum longus m., Iliotibial band, Vastus lateralis m., Piriformis m., Tensor fasciae latae m., Internal abdominal oblique m., External abdominal oblique m,, Internal intercostal m., External intercostal m., Pectoralis major m., Sternocleidomastoid m., Posterior auricular m., Temporal m., Masseter m., Orbicularis oculi m. Foot yangmyung meridian-muscle includes Extensor digitorum longus m., Vastus lateralis m., Iliotibial band, Iliopsoas m., Anterior tibial m., Rectus femoris m., Sartorius m., Rectus abdominis m., Pectoralis major m., Internal intercostal m., External intercostal m., Sternocleidomastoid m., Masseter m., Levator labii superioris m., Zygomatic major m., Zygomatic minor m., Orbicularis oculi m., Buccinator m. and the symptoms of Foot three yang meridian-muscle are similar to the myofascial pain syndrome. Superficial back line in anatomy trains is similar to the pathway of Foot taeyang meridian-muscle. Lateral Line in anatomy trains is similar to the pathway of Foot soyang meridian-muscle. Superficial Front Arm Line in anatomy trains is similar to the pathway of Foot yangmyung meridian-muscle. Conclusions : There is some difference between myofascial pain syndrome and meridian-muscle theory in that the former explains each muscle individually, while the latter classifies muscular system in the view of integrated organism. More studies are needed in anatomy and physiology to support the integration of muscular system of Foot three yang meridian-muscle in aspect of anatomy trains.