• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.89-93
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• 2019

Objectives: There are substantial variations on the methods of identifying Sa-sang typology in clinical practice. This review aimed to describe the clinical experiences on the classification of Sa-sang typology based on index signs for practice of Tae-Geuk acupuncture. Methods: Core physical signs and interpretation of treatment response for the classification of Sa-sang typology are suggested based on 42-year clinical experiences of the expert (the first author). Results: Epigastric tenderness and hepatic dullness sound are the most important physical sign in the classification of Sa-sang typology. Clinical experiences indicate that there may be a positive association between the presence of epigastric tenderness and hepatic dullness sound. Four sets of acupuncture points are matched for four types of Sa-sang institution, respectively. Appropriate match will resolve epigastric tenderness and hepatic dullness sound, while this will not happen if inappropriate match is employed. Conclusion: I suggest that two physical signs (i.e., epigastric tenderness and hepatic dullness sound) are essential for the classification of Sa-sang typology in Tae-Geuk acupuncture.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.111-117
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• 2011

Objectives : This study aimed to report observed effectiveness and safety of Taegeuk acupuncture for patients in sub-health status. Methods : We analyzed clinical medical records of 36 outpatients who have visited the Pusan national university Korean medicine hospital between March and June, 2010. Patients received 6 sessions of Taegeuk acupuncture according to their constitutional types. Hepatic dullness sound and symptom reduction were used for the evaluation of clinical effectiveness of Taegeuk acupuncture. One traditional Korean medicine doctor performed all treatment procedures and assessments. Patients were allowed to continue their previous medication during acupuncture treatment. However, no additional traditional Korean medicinal interventions except the acupuncture were conducted during the whole treatment period. Results : After 6 sessions of Taegeuk acupuncture, mean hepatic dullness sound scores (0~100) were reduced from $97.3{\pm}9.0$ to $24.3{\pm}23.7$ with statistical significance (n=36, p<0.001). Mean symptom reduction scores (0~100) were changed from 0 to $53.3{\pm}29.6$ with statistical significance (n=24, p<0.001). 24 patients reported 44 cases of additional improvements of perceived health condition during or after the treatment course. No serious adverse events related to the Taegeuk acupuncture treatment were observed. Conclusions : Taegeuk acupunture may be a feasible, effective and safe treatment intervention for patients with chronic symptoms. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm those observed improvements and evaluate benefits of Taegeuk acupuncture.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.219-226
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean medicine treatment on a patient with brachial plexus injury. Methods : The patient with symptoms of pain and dysesthesia on right forearm and hand was treated with acupuncture treatment, herbal medicine, moxibustion and physical treatment. Improvement of the patient's symptoms was evaluated by Hepatic dullness sound, NRS, VAS, SF-36 bodily pain, grip strength. Results : After 42 days of treatment, NRS score significantly decreased. VAS score, SF-36 bodily pain and grip strength showed moderate improvement. Conclusions : This results suggest that Korean medicine treatment may be effective in reducing the symptoms of brachial plexus injury.