• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.37-43
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• 2007

Electrical acupuncture has been shown to induce hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The Zusanli acupoints have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve symptoms of diabetes mellitus. But, the effects of electrical acupuncture stimulation of different frequencies are still unclear. We designed an experiment to investigate the effect of electrical acupuncture of high (100 Hz) and low (2 Hz) frequencies on Zusanli acupoint for 15 minutes in streptozotocin diabetic rats. They were divided into 4 groups, high frequency electrical acupuncture (HFEA group, n=5), low frequency electrical acupuncture (LFEA group, n=5), without any treatment (control group, n=5) and normal group (n=5). After 2 weeks of treatment, the HFEA and LFEA groups had a significantly decreased glucose concentration in serum in comparison to the control group. Additionally, the HFEA group had a significantly decreased glucose concentration in serum compared with the LFEA group. Both the HFEA and LFEA groups had a significantly decreased Immunoglobulin G concentration in serum compared with control group. The LFEA and control groups had a significantly increased cholesterol concentration in serum compared with the normal group, but the HFEA did not have a significantly increased cholesterol concentration. Thus we suggest that electrical acupuncture stimulation at the Zusanli acupoints is effective on hypoglycemic effect and immune function. Overall, the therapeutic effects of electrical acupuncture at 100 Hz was better than effects at 2 Hz.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.11-17
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• 2008

Purpose: This study examined the application of electric stimulation to the auricle acupoint (frequency 2 Hz, stimulation level: noxious) with 30 elderly people over 65 years that received treatment in a rural hospital to determine the influence of pain, gait and balance in the aged with knee joint disease. Methods: The subjects were divided into three groups; the degenerative joint diseases (DJD) group (1 male, 9 females), the total knee replacement (TKR) group (1 male, 9 females) and the control group (1 male, 9 females). Auricualr electrical stimulation (AES) was applied with low frequency, high intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for 10 seconds per each point. Results: 1. For the change of pain according to AES, there was interaction in the resting period (p<0.001) and gait (p<0.001) and pain of the DJD group and TKR group was decreased. 2. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint showed a significant difference in interaction for each group of elderly people (p<0.001) and the ROM for the DJD group and TKR group of elderly people was increased. 3. In the analysis of gait speed changes, there was a significant difference in interaction for each group of elderly people (p<0.001) and for gait speed in the DJD group and TKR group of elderly people. 4. It was found in the change of static balance that there was a significant difference in interaction for each group of elderly people (p<0.01) and balance capacity in the DJD group and TKR group of elderly people was increased. Conclusion: The aged with knee joint disease have pain, and a decreased function of gait and balance. AES was an excellent treatment for control of pain, and an excellent treatment to enhanced joint functions. AES was useful for improving gait and balance due to decreased pain.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.415-424
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• 2014

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and San-Yin-Jiao (SP6) acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea. Furthermore, the difference in effectiveness between the two methods were compared. METHODS: Twenty-six students participated in this study, and were randomly assigned to a high-frequency TENS group(experimental 1, n=9), a San-Yin-Jiao (SP6) acupressure group(experimental 2, n=9), and no treatment group(control, n=8). They were assessed and treated on the first day of their menstruation. The TENS protocol included applying 20 minutes of stimulation with a frequency of 100Hz, $100{\mu}sec$ pulse width. Four electrodes were placed on the skin 3 cm from midline at T12-L1 and S2-3 paravertebral muscles. San-Yin-Jiao (SP6) acupressure should be applied with the thumb for 10 minutes(8 seconds pressure and 2 seconds rest) on the SP6 acupoint. This procedure should be repeated for the other foot. Dysmenorrheal pain measured two pain assessment tools (VAS, DPT) pre-treatment; immediate post-treatment; 30minutes, 1, 2hours; and 3, 4, 5, 6, 24 hours after the VAS test were added. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences in pain assessments (VAS, DPT) after treatment for subjects of experimental group1 (p<.05) and experimental group2 (p<.05), whereas the between-group comparison found no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: This result supports the idea that using two methods could be effective in pain reduction among students who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SC
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.47-54
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• 2001

This study is to analyze the impedance response in human body by acoustic stimulation on acupoints and contrast parte; for objectification of the meridian substance. It is to verify meridian pathway and channel theory or bio-energy in body. This paper proposes to make an hypothesis about the underground water theory. The meridian has not tube or pipe line type channel but bio-energy flow along the channel similar to flowing pattern of underground water in body. It was analyzed the current characteristic or impedance response after acoustic stimulation by sound wave of 5 specific tones. The response characteristics of current stimulation are measured by the average current magnitude and variation ratio or meridian. The current variation ratio or Live Meridian(gung) 33.2%, Heart Meridian(sang) 30.7% Kidney Meridian (gak) 33.1%, Spleen Meridian(chi) 33.9%, Lung Meridian (wo) 30.7% are to be compared to contrast parts (non-acupoint and meridian). In experimental results, meridian is discrimination to non-meridian, and 5 vital meridians have a reciprocal relationship with sound wave of 5 specific tones.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.162-170
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• 2019

Objectives : Increasing evidence suggests that parasympathetic vagus nerve activity plays a role in modulating acupuncture-induced anti-inflammatory reaction, but the function of sympathetic nerve is not known. Here, we investigated whether splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity was involved in the regulation of splenic expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA by electroacupuncture (EA) in LPS-injected animals. Methods : DiI was injected into the stomach or celiac ganglion (CG) for retrograde labeling of the target tissues. EA was given at ST36 and the electrical stimulation on the sciatic nerve in LPS-injected mice. c-Fos signals in the tissues were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA was analyzed by real-time PCR. Results : Application of EA at ST36 or electrical stimulation on the sciatic nerve induced c-Fos expression in neurons of the spinal cord and celiac ganglion (CG). Then, the vagotomy reduced c-Fos levels in CG neurons but not in the spinal cord in animals given EA. Expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA which was induced in the spleen after LPS was significantly inhibited by EA, then the vagotomy elevated $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA level similar to that in LPS-injected animals. Splanchnectomy in animals given LPS and EA also increased $TNF-{\alpha}$ mRNA though it was less effective than vagotomy. Conclusions : Our data suggest that EA delivered to the spleen via the splanchnic sympathetic nerve may be involved in attenuating splenic inflammatory responses in LPS-injected animals.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.1157-1166
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• 2009

The effect of acupuncture that occurs at Meridians, can not be defined by western science. But we can find out the electrical effects when acupuncturing by measuring the charges meridians electric potential. So instead of using a needle to acupuncture, we used a electromagnet to give the same effect. We stimulated the meridians, with a electromagnet. Then we observed the pattern of the meridians potential, that occurred at ST-39 and ST-37. After doing clinical experiments with the acupuncture stimulation and the electromagnet stimulation. We found out the acupuncture stimulation and the electromagnet stimulations electric waves were similar. From this result, we knew it was possible to give similar effects to acupuncture stimulation by using electromagnets.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.14-25
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• 2012

Objectives : To observe physiological changes during clinical acupuncture treatment. Methods : We recruited 40 healthy volunteers who had experienced an acupuncture treatment at least once within the past three years. The experimental group was divided into four groups according to the needling site and frequency of electrical stimulation. Sites consisted of abdomen and legs. Frequencies consisted of 100 Hz and 2 Hz. The procedures of experimental treatment consisted of seven phases, Resting I phase (Resting I), Needle insertion phase (Insertion), Maintenance of needle insertion I phase (Maintain I), Electrical stimulation phase (ES), Maintenance of needle insertion II phase (Maintain II), Needle removal phase (Removal) and Resting II phase (Resting II). We measured the surface electromygraphy (SEMG) through an electrode on the frontalis muscle during all phases consecutively. Results : When SEMGs of all seven phases were analyzed, they significantly increased or decreased according to phases. SEMGs of Insertion, Maintain I, ES and Maintain II phase significantly increased more than RestingI in abdomen and legs groups. SEMGs of the abdomen group were measured as being $4.78{\pm}0.74{\mu}V$ on Resting I, $16.48{\pm}3.97{\mu}V$ on Insertion, $46.31{\pm}10.56{\mu}V$ on Maintain I, $45.88{\pm}9.72{\mu}V$ on ES, $45.56{\pm}9.69{\mu}V$ on Maintain II, $18.76{\pm}3.05{\mu}V$ on Removal, and $3.75{\pm}0.65{\mu}V$ on Resting II. SEMGs of the legs group were measured as being $3.34{\pm}0.35{\mu}V$ on Resting I, $12.11{\pm}1.76{\mu}V$ on Insertion, $36.74{\pm}6.99{\mu}V$ on Maintain I, $33.57{\pm}6.30{\mu}V$ on ES, $32.66{\pm}6.03{\mu}V$ on Maintain II, $14.08{\pm}2.15{\mu}V$ on Removal, and $2.88{\pm}0.32{\mu}V$ on Resting II. Conclusions : SEMG changed differently according to processes of acupuncture. Electrical stimulation showed different change of SEMG. Thus, acupuncture treatment may change the status of the autonomic nervous system.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.265-275
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• 2006

Objectives : Electrical acupoint stimulation(EAS) has been used to treat motor dysfunction of stroke patients with reportedly effective results. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the EAS with different frequencies in treating motor dysfunction of ischemic stroke patients. Methods : The subject of this study were forty-two ischemic stroke patients with motor dysfunction in Kyunghee oriental medicine hospital who were hospitalized for one week to one month from onset. They were treated with 2Hz or 120Hz EAS for two weeks, and motor evoked potentials(MEP) were measured before and after EAS treatment. To compare the effect of 2Hz EAS with 120Hz, the number of patients who showed MEP responses after two weeks among those who had no previous response was checked. Also measured were latency, central motor conduction time(CMCT), amplitude of MEP before and after EAS treatment. Results : After two weeks of treatment, 4 out of 15 patients(27%) in the 2Hz EAS group and lout of 19 patients(5%) in the 120Hz group showed potential responses. Yet there was no significant difference between the two groups. When MEP data of the affected side between the 2Hz group and the 120Hz group was compared, the former showed more significant improvement than the latter in latency, CMCT and amplitude(P=0.040, 0.019,0.021). When the proportion of the affected side and unaffected side in MEP data was examined, the 2Hz group showed improvement on only latency and CMCT with significant differences(P=0.040, 0.014). Conclusions : These results show that EAS with low frequency is more helpful for motor recovery after ischemic stroke than that with high frequency. This suggests that low frequency EAS activates the central motor conduction system better than high frequency EAS.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.10-18
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• 2010

This study was performed to investigate the effects of Needle Electrode Electrical Stimulation(NEES) on ischemia-induced cerebrovascular accidents. After obstruction and reperfusion of arteries in white mice, the amounts of necrosis and inflammation related substances Bax, IL-6, Caspase-3, and COX-2 were measured in neurons of the fore-brain. The following results were obtained. This study used 21 male specific pathogen free(SPF) SD rats, 8 weeks of age and approximately 300g in weight. Each exposed artery was completely occluded with non-absorbent suture thread and kept in that state for 5 minutes. The sutures were then removed to allow reperfusion of blood. Test group is control group(common carotid artery occlusion models), a GI(underwent common carotid artery occlusion), and NEES(underwent NEES after artery occlusion). The GI and NEES groups were given 12, 24, or 48 hours of reperfusion before NEES. NEES device(PG6, ITO, Japan, 9V, current, 2Hz) was used to stimulate the bilateral acupoint ST36 of the SD rats for 30 minutes while they were sedated with 3% isoflurane. An immuno-histochemistry test was done on the forebrains of the GI induced rats. Both Bax and Caspase-3 immuno-reactive cells, related to apoptosis, were greater in the GI than the NEES group. Cox-2 and IL-6 immuno-reactive cells, related to inflammation, were greater in the GI and NEES groups than the control group. We can expect that applying NEES after ischemic CVA is effective for preventing brain cells from being destroyed. And we can conclude NEES should be applyed on early stage of ischemic CVA.

• 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.