• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.165-171
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of Korean medical treatments combined with Embedding acupuncture on patients with chronic lower back pain. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 40 patients with chronic lowerback pain hospitalized at Dongshin Korean Medicine Hospital from March, 2015 to February, 2016. They were divided into two groups: the embedding acupuncture group(20 patients) and the non-embedding acupuncture group(20 patients). To evaluate the efficacy of the treatments, the 40 patients were asked to complete a Numerical Rating scale (NRS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) four times during admission. Results : The mean NRS of the embedding acupuncture group decreased more significantly than the non-embedding acupuncture group at days three and ten of admission. The ODI change and ODI rate of change of the embedding acupuncture group were significantly greater than the non-embedding acupuncture at days three and ten of admission. Conclusion : Korean medical treatment combined with embedding acupuncture might be effective in reducing pain and improving the life quality of patients with chronic lower back pain. We hope that further studies will be done to produce more clinical data and ensure effective application of these results.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.15-21
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• 2003

Background : This study focuses on the new acupuncture method of embedding method which inserts a substance on the acupuncture points for continuous stimulation. Clinical applications and cautions were examined through literary investigations. Results : Based on the literary consideration of embedding method, the following results were obtained : 1. Embedding method is a combination of traditional and embedding technique to provide longer duration of stimulation on the acupuncture points. 2. To administer the embedding method, one needs to utilize a embedding thread besides acupuncture apparatus. Sheep gut is commonly used in China and the surgical thread is the choice in Korea. 3. Embedding method may vary from the patient to patient, depending on the nature and location of the illness. Piercing, embedding, and tying are some of the possibilities. 4. Embedding method may have different arrangement of threads based on the choice of usage. 5. Embedding method is effective for various chronic illnesses such as aches, functional diseases, and the diseases of internal organs. 6. When using the embedding methods, cautions against infection and side effects due to strong stimulation are mandatory.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.227-233
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to report the clinical effects of catgut-embedding acupuncture therapy on plantar fasciitis. Methods : Two patients were treated mainly with catgut-embedding acupuncture therapy and partly with other Korean medicine modalities. Catgut-embedding acupuncture therapy was applied once a week for three weeks, and follow-up observation was conducted by telephone survey two months after the first treatment. Results : In these two cases, the pain numerical rating scale(NRS) gradually decreased from 8 to 1, and the pain relief as well as the improvement in ambulatory function was maintained at two-month follow-up. Conclusions : Catgut-embedding acupuncture therapy could be effective for pain-reduction and functional improvement in plantar fasciitis.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.93-113
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• 2016

Objectives : The focus of the review was laid on differences in research pertaining to thread embedding acupuncture between domestic and foreign journals. Methods : We collected 53 Korean articles on thread embedding acupuncture study from 4 Korean article searching sites, and 80 foreign articles from Pubmed. We analyzed the number of the theses according to the publication year, study method, journal, and subject. Results : A total number of 134 thread embedding acupuncture articles were categorized as 100 clinical trials, 14 experimental papers, and 19 literature reviews. Of the collected clinical trials, 55 were case studies, 6 were CCTs and 39 were RCTs. The domestic clinical trials were comprised of 36 case studies, 1 CCT, and 2 RCTs, and foreign clinical trials were comprised of 19 case studies, 5 CCTs, and 37 RCTs. Although only 12 of the 39 domestic clinical trials exclusively treated thread embedding acupuncture to the experimental group, 38 out of 61 foreign clinical trials undertook thread embedding acupuncture as the sole treatment. While the 2 domestic RCTs research had no significant evidence that the experimental group was different from the control group, the experimental group demonstrated better responses than the control group in 31 of the 37 foreign RCT studies. Conclusions : Studies on thread embedding acupuncture are more intensively studied in the foreign field in comparison to the domestic field. Referring to the results from the foreign thread embedding acupuncture studies, domestic use of thread embedding acupuncture should be expanded. Also, more refined research needs to be conducted in the domestic field in order for the Koran medicine to lead the thread embedding acupuncture. This study is limited in that the literature search in the foreign journals were restricted.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.39-47
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was conducted to examine the clinical effects of thread embedding acupuncture on lumbar herniated intervertebral disc patients. Methods : This is a retrospective study based on clinical charts. Despite the treatments of acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, and physical therapy during admission period, 10 lumbar herniated intervertebral disc patients who had shown few improvements in their symptoms were selected as subjects. Thread embedding acupuncture was conducted to reduce patient pain. Patient progress was categorized into three periods based on when the embedding procedure performed. Verbal numeric rating scale (VNRS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and a 5 step evaluation scale for satisfaction were used to analyze the outcome. Results : Regarding comparison of VNRS improvement rate, both 3 and 6 days after embedding progress showed significant difference compared to before embedding progress. ODI improvement rate showed significant difference only 6 days after embedding progress. Patients' satisfaction with treatment had increased by several degrees. Conclusion : Thread embedding acupuncture for lumbar herniated intervertebral disc patients may be effective in reducing pain and improving their quality of life.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.111-119
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• 2011

Objective : Facial embedding therapy is a korean medical treatment technique for face lifting. The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of embedding therapy on facial skin elasticity and moisture content. This paper was written to provide objective datas about Facial embedding therapy. Results : Mean elasticity of both $ST_3$ increased after facial embedding therapy. skin elasticity of both $ST_3$ showed significant improvement. Mean moisture content of both $ST_3$ increased after facial embedding therapy. skin moisture content of both $ST_3$ showed significant improvement. Conclusion : Mean elasticity and moisture content of both $ST_3$ increased after facial embedding therapy. Facial embedding therapy may be an effictive treatment for improving elasticity and moisture content of skin in clinic.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.219-224
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• 2013

Objectives : The object of this study is to observe the effect of needle-embedding and acupuncture therapy on shoulder pain in Behcet disease. Methods : Needle-embedding therapy and acupuncture therapy was used to treat shoulder pain. We evaluated the patient through visual analog scale(VAS) and shoulder range of movement(ROM). Results : After weekly four times of needle-embedding therapy and daily acupuncture therapy, patient's VAS was decreased to 4 and ROM of shoulder was also improved. Conclusions : Needle-embedding and acupuncture therapy could be effective to decrease shoulder pain and improve movement of shoulder in Behcet disease patient.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.103-112
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• 2016

Objective : Thread embedding acupuncture has become popular as a minimally invasive treatment for facial wrinkles and laxity. However, there is little published clinical practice guidelines about disinfection, sterilization and aseptic technique for thread embedding acupuncture. This study is to introducing a specific guidelines about disinfection, sterilization and aseptic technique for thread embedding acupuncture.Method : We reviewed internal regulations and guidelines about hospital infection, and Traditional Korean medicine doctors, nurses, and director of central supply room discussed in depth and established a regulation of disinfection, sterilization and aseptic technique for thread embedding acupuncture.Result : The regulation of disinfection, sterilization and aseptic technique for thread embedding acupuncture consisted of ① management of supplies, ② guidelines of disinfection, sterilization, and reuse, ③ aseptic technique for thread embedding acupuncture.Conclusion : Microbial management is an essential element of medical care and quality. Traditional Korean medicine doctors will care for disinfection, sterilization, and this should not neglect to comply with the procedures and guidelines in the medical field as well as to understand the aseptic techniques.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.143-147
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of needle-embedding therapy against facial wrinkle. Methods : Ten patients with facial wrinkles were treated with needle-embedding therapy. Pictures and satisfaction questionnaire were compared before and after the treatment. And all patients were examined for adverse side effect after needle-embedding therapy. Results : After treatment, facial wrinkles were visibly improved after needle-embedding therapy. There were no adverse side effect except bruise. Conclusions : This study suggests that needle-embedding therapy can improve facial wrinkles.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.219-224
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to report the clinical effects of needle-embedding acupuncture therapy combined with Korean medicine on a lumbar herniated intervertebral disc. Methods : We treated one patient with a lumbar herniated intervertebral disc with needle-embedding acupuncture therapy combined with Korean medical treatment. We checked the numeric rating scale(NRS), oswestry low back pain disability index(ODI) and straight leg raising test(SLRT). Results : In this case, the numeric rating scale decreased, while the straight leg raising test results improved. Conclusion : Needle-embedding acupuncture therapy could be effective for pain-reduction for a lumbar herniated intervertebral disc.