• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.169-186
• /
• 2009

Obejectives : The electroacupuncture(EA) on regional fat is often used by oriental medicine doctors in Korea. However, there have been few studies about safety and biocompatibility of its application. Therefore we investigated the safety and change of mechanical character of electroacupuncture after its application on localized fat deposit. Methods : Online surveys were completed from Aug 21 2008 to Aug 28 2008, by email, the online survey data were obtained from nearly 10,002 Korean medical doctors who listed their email address on the website of association of korean oriental medicine. This study includes an experiment on the physical strength and biological property of long needles. We represent each method which were collected in advance survey, then sealed the needles off and did laboratory experiment, which includes surface observation, analysis, vickers hardness test, and also biocompatibility and toxicity test. Results : There was no considerable difference about the physical property after applying electric current, the cell survival rate did not change in comparison with controlled group either. Conclusions : Although it seems there are no considerable acupuncture-related problem, we still need additional studies about clinical effectiveness difference related operation condition. Besides, it will need research on the actual condition, standardization, and criteria about the comsumed needle in Korea.