• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.65-76
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• 2011

Objectives : The aim of this study is to survey adverse events of acupuncture in the course of peripheral facial palsy treatments. Methods : The prospective observational study included patients hospitalized to receive acupuncture treatments for peripheral facial palsy. All patients were surveyed daily for adverse events associated with the acupuncture treatments applied the day before. Results : A total of 50 patients received $37.68{\pm}20.37$ acupuncture treatments in average. 36 patients reported experiencing at least one adverse event. Total 163 adverse events were reported. Common adverse events were bleeding(62), bruise(33), pain(30), tiredness(11), hematoma(7). The others were paresthesia(4), erythema(3), delay of removing needles(2), edema(2), aggravation of symptoms(2), declining of appetite(2), pruritus(1), drowsiness(1), anxiety(1), sweating(1), headache(1). Conclusions : Acupuncture has adverse events, like any therapeutic approaches. However, it is a relatively safe treatment. In future study, organized large scale prospective survey should be carried out to fully prove that acupuncture is safe.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.846-852
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• 2021

Objective: This study evaluated a clinical case of a patient with Rovazet-induced abnormal liver function treated with intradermal acupuncture. Method: A 59-year-old woman with abnormal liver function induced by Rovazet ceased taking the drug and instead received intradermal acupuncture treatment. After 15 days, clinical symptoms and laboratory test results were evaluated. Results: Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels decreased, and clinical symptoms such as nausea and fatigue improved after treatment with intradermal acupuncture and cessation of the Rovazet. Conclusion: This study meaningfully examined a clinical case of a patient with abnormal liver function induced by a lipid-lowering agent, which is uncommon in Korea. Unfortunately, the lack of clear evidence and the use of only one case are limitations of the study.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.67-77
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• 2011

Objectives : The survey was conducted to find out ear acupuncture usage of clinical traditional Korean medicine doctor and lay a foundation for the standards for its clinical application. Methods : An e-mail was sent to Korean medicine doctors whose email addresses are registered at the Association of Korea Oriental Medicine twice over two weeks. 280 completed questionnaires were used for the analysis. Results : 66.07% of respondents answered in use, whereas the answer that "less than 10 per 100 patient applied" was more than majority of 54.29%. The major field of treatment is addictive disorders such as smoking and the 80.11% patients got less than 3 days of treatment. Ear region was the most commonly treated area with 66.67%. Since the self removal frequency was high as 65.05% in compared to the case of visiting clinic. The rate of side effects was less than 10% (96.70%), and these side effects showed light symptoms such as "pain" (46.95%), itchiness (29.27%), flare (19.51%). The Acquired complements for improving ear acupuncture treatment was "the development of effective treatment manual" (28.57%) and "increasing insurance costs" (27.86%). Conclusions : Based on the survey, the vast majority of the TKM doctor used ear acupuncture but the frequency of use was low. We hope this study can be the basis for development of treatment manuals for various indications and safe treatment guidelines.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.69-77
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• 2016

Objectives : The objective of this study is to review external approaches using acupuncture and related treatments of hyperpigmentation disorders and their classification in traditional medicine. Methods and Results : Hyperpigmentation was recorded for the first time in Treatise on the Pathogenesis and Manifestations of All Diseases published in 610 A.D. This suggests that the symptom has already been recognized as an independent disease in East Asia for more than 1,400 years. Over the course of several centuries, there has been a significant evolution in the traditional treatments for hyperpigmentation. There are many different types of therapy, including body acupuncture, intradermal acupuncture, ear acupuncture, ear acupressure, blood-letting treatment, pharmacopuncture, plum-blossom needle therapy, burning acupuncture therapy, moxibustion, and guasha. In addition, the traditional classification of hyperpigmentation has been changing shape. However, no attempts have been made to establish the academic linkage between the modern classification of hyperpigmentation disorders and the traditional one, on account of different concepts and names of the ailment. This study was designed in an attempt to identify the linkage of the categorization of the Korean Standard Classification of Disease (KCD) and the traditional classification. Conclusions : Through this literature review, we found that there has been a significant evolution in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders in East Asia. Traditional medical treatment for skin disease, including hyperpigmentation, is expected to be further developed with the advancement of science and technology.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.290-299
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• 2012

Objectives : 'Obtaining qi(deqi)' is a sensation experienced by a patient or an acupuncturist during acupuncture treatment, and it is considered to be an important factor in acupuncture treatment. However, previous studies reported conflicting results about the relationship between 'obtaining qi(deqi)' sensation and the effect of acupuncture treatment. Also, most of the previous studies investigating 'obtaining qi(deqi)' and the acupuncture effect, dealt with the analgesic effect of acupuncture. The objective of this study was to analyze the relation between the 'obtaining qi(deqi)' and the anti-itching effect of acupuncture treatment. Methods : Twenty one healthy subjects participated in this study. At the first visit, itch was induced to all subjects using intradermal injection of histamine on the lower arm. At the second visit, acupuncture treatment was applied using LI11 and 'obtaining qi(deqi)' was assessed. After acupuncture treatment, itch was induced again, and itch VAS and skin flare were assessed. Results: At the 6,8,10 minutes after histamine injection, the change of itch VAS between before and after acupuncture treatment was significant. Among 'obtaining qi(deqi)', subjects reported that 'dull ache', 'pricking', 'heavy' were most strong. Total score of 'obtaining qi(deqi)' sensation was not related to the change of itch VAS or skin flare. The 'electric shock' sensation is related to the change of itch VAS, and 'bruised' and 'heavy' sensations were related to the change of skin flare. Conclusions : Total 'obtaining qi(deqi)' is not related to the anti-itching effect of acupuncture, but several sensations showed relationship with the effect of acupuncture on itch severity and skin flare. Further researches based on various symptoms or acupuncture points, are needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.133-141
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• 2011

Objectives : Although the thermo-sensitivity test in Well points in 12 Meridians(井穴知熱感度測定法) has been used for several decades, it is still performed by a manual way, and lack in objectivity consequently. To make it more objective, accurate and convenient test, we have developed a novel system to test thermo-sensitivity in Well points. Methods : To enhance the blindness of the test, we made a shielded system which give heat to some fingers of subjects in random way. To perform the test in quantitative manner, we developed a fully automated, computer-controlled system composed of heating bulbs and response button array. Results : The developed system showed linearity in heating the finger phantom. It also gave acceptable but interesting features in pilot tests with several young adult subjects. Conclusions : By the developed system, we could improve objectivity and convenience of the thermo-sensitivity test in Well points.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.66-76
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• 2016

Objectives This study aims to investigate current status of the Korean medicine treatment on the cerebral palsy (CP) via interviewing the doctors who have expertise in CP children. Methods From June 2015 to May 2016, the surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted on the fifteen Korean medicine doctors. Results Based on the surveys and interviews, widely-used treatments were body acupuncture and herbal decoction. Scalp acupuncture, intradermal acupuncture and manipulation were also used frequently. Experts stated Korean medicine could be more effective in younger patients, patients with cognitive or language problem. They also stated that Korean medicine has its advantage on strengthening the body to help grow and develop in CP children. However, the absence of guideline related to Korean medicine treatment in CP children as well as high cost are the problems. Finally, the issues regarding Korean medicine treatment in CP children, based on the in-depth interviews, emerged when western medicine is used simultaneously, when having seizure during treatment. Further research is needed for better understanding. Conclusions This study provided current status of the evidence-based Korean medicine treatment in CP children. However, further studies about the addressed issues are needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.207-219
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was to investigate the effect of low frequency electro-acupuncture (EA) at ST36 acupoint on the Freund's Complete Adjuvant(FCA)-induced arthritis in rats. Methods : Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of FCA into base of tail. Experimental groups were divided into 4 groups; Normal, Control, ST36 and Non-Acupoint(NA). ST36 group was treated by 2 Hz EA at ST36 acupoint. Body weight, paw edema volun1e and ankle joint thickness were measured after treatment. And we investigated the effects of 2 Hz EA via WBC count, segment neurophil, lymphocyte, PGE2 assay and NADPH-d histochemistry. Results and Conclusion : The mean of body weight and ankle joint thickness of ST36 group was increased compared with control group. The mean of paw edema volume, WBC count, segment neutrophil and lymphocyte of were not decreased with control group. The mean of PGE2 concentration and NADPH-d positive neurons were changed significantly compared with control group.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.51-65
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was built to investigate the effect of Trachelospermi Caulis herbal-acupuncture on the Collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) in rats. Methods : Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of Bovine type II collagen solution into base of tail. Experimental group were divided into 5 groups ; Normal(N) group, Control(C) group, Trachelospermi Caulis high(TH) group, Trachelospermi Caulis low(TL) group, Saline(S) group(n=7 for each group). Normal group was had no management. Control group was injected with Bovine type II collagen solution and taken no treatment. Trachelospermi Caulis high group was injected with Bovine type II collagen solution and taken high-intensity(10mg/kg) herbal-acupuncture treatment on $ST_{36}$. Trachelospermi Caulis low group was injected with Bovine type II collagen solution and taken low-intensity(5mg/kg) herbal-acupuncture treatment on $ST_{36}$. Saline group was injected with Bovine type II collagen solution and taken saline injection on $ST_{36}$. Body weight, paw edema volume and ankle joint thickness were measured during experimental day. On the last experimental day, we analyzed WBC count, TNF-$\alpha$ & IL-$1{\beta}$ concentration, c-fos immunohistochemistry and NADPH-d histochemistry for evaluating the effect of Trachelospermi Caulis herbal-acupuncture. Results : The results were as follows ; 1. In the change of paw edema volume, TH group only has significant difference compared with C group. 2. In the change of ankle joint thickness, TH group only has significant difference compared with C group. 3. In WBC count of serum, TH, TL groups have significant decrease compared with C group. 4. In TNF-$\alpha$ concentration of effusion, TH, TL groups have significant decrease compared with C group. and TH group has significant decrease compared with TL group. 5. In IL-$1{\beta}$ concentration of effusion, TH, TL groups have significant decrease compared with C group. and TH group has significant decrease compared with TL group. 6. In c-fos positive neurons of S1S2(cortex) region, TH, TL, S groups have significant decrease compared with C group. 7. In NADPH-d positive neurons of CPu(caudate putamen) region, TH, TL groups have significant decrease compared with C group. 8. In NADPH-d positive neurons of Tfp(transverse fibers of pons) region, TH, TL, S groups have significant decrease compared with C group. and TH group has significant decrease compared with S group. Conclusions : According to above results, we hope that Trachelospermi Caulis herbal-acupuncture may have the effect that decreases progression and development of CIA. And it can be suggested that Trachelospermi Caulis herbal-acupuncture may reduce the expression of c-fos and NOS.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.365-371
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• 2006

Bee Venom aqua-acupuncture (BVA) simultaneously exerts pharmacological effects of biologically active compounds, existed in the whole bee venom, and medicinal effect of the stimulation of acupuncture points. BVA has been considered as a promising therapeutic method for treating various chronic diseases, mainly accompanying severe pain and inflammation. As a painless injection device, jet injectors have been commercially marketed for various clinical applications including insulin injection and vaccination. Among them, a pressure-driven jet injector system could be used for intradermal delivery of a variety of drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effects of the BVA using a needle-free injector (Biojector $2000^{\circledR}$, Bioject Inc., OR, USA), compared to the conventional BV aqua-acupuncture using a typical syringe. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with bee venom $(0.08mg/kg,\;50{\mu}l)$ using Biojector $2000^{\circledR}$ (BVA-B) or a syringe (BVA-5) into the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint, 30 minutes before plantar injection of 2% formalin. It was found that BVA-B-, or BVA-5-treated rats, compared to controls, exhibited significantly less licking behavior during the late phase in the rat formalin test, when compared to controls. During early phase, however, those effects were not significant but substantial. The analgesic effect of BVA-B was also compatible with that of the conventional BVA-5. In the immunohistochemical studies, BVA-B significantly suppressed the expression of formalin-evoked c-fos, a biomarker of neuronal activity, in the lumbar dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These results indicated that BVA-B waseffective in the modulation of pain in the rat formalin test, compared to BVA-5. Taken together, the needle-free jet injector system could be substituted for the conventional aqua- acupuncture with the advantage of little pain.