• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.129-139
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• 2009

Sagittal spinal balance means standing postural balance at sagittal plane. Postural imbalance with displacement of the patient's center of gravity can cause chronic back pain and ambulatory difficulty. The sagittal spinal balance is determined based on the deviation of the C7 plumb line, originating at the middle of the C7 vertebral body, from the posterior superior endplate of S1. The line is called as sagittal vertical axis (SVA). In the traditional Korean medicine, the meridian sinews, which are the most superficial pathways of the meridian system, associated with movement, muscle balance and defense. They too are separate from the main meridians, though they intersect the main meridians. Some creative and pioneer researchers in Korea thought that the anatomy trains, which suggested by Myers is a concept familiar to the meridian sinews. A reciprocal relationship between the superficial back line and the superficial front line used to be compared to the rigging of a sailboat. Therefore, We suggest that spine may be compared to a mast of the sailboat and that the sagittal spinal balance can be maintained with systemic reciprocal interacts between the front line muscles and the back.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.151-158
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• 2012

Objectives : To broaden understanding about meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture on nerve compression syndrome of upper limbs and to evaluate the effect of meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture on nerve compression syndrome of upper limbs. Methods and Results : From June 1st to Oct. 31th, the patients were outpatients for treatment of nerve compression syndrome of upper limbs in department of acupuncture and moxibustion, traditional Korean medical hospital, Semyung University and treated with meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture. To evaluate the effect of meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture, thickness of muscle by medical skinfold caliper, coding result(arbitary values used to evaluate results) and VAS(Chief complain) were used. As a result, muscle atropy and symptoms are improved remarkably. Conslusions: Meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture was found to be helpful to patients who wish to recover from their muscle atropy and symptoms of upper limbs. In order to make this meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture more available, we should pay more attention to improving treatment appliance and acupuncture technique.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.83-96
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• 2014

Objectives Although many studies explored the topic of meridian sinew in various perspectives and the term "meridian sinew" is widely used, the theory of meridian sinew is not applied for precise diagnosis and in-depth treatment in clinical practice. The aim of the study is to provide basic data classifying muscles into meridian sinew for future studies that investigate meridian sinew based on an anatomical basis. Methods Studies were identified with searches of six major Korean databases: OASIS, KoreaMed, KMBASE, KISS, NDSL and KoreanTK. Published primary studies classifying muscles into meridian sinew were included. Results A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Twelve studies conducted the classification of muscles into meridian sinew based on meridian/ acupoints distribution and six based on meridian sinew distribution, and two based on both. Muscles with fidelity level of 50 or more were 54 (85.7%) and muscles with 100 fidelity level were 7 (11.3%): occipitalis, adductor digiti minimi, frontalis, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vatus lateralis and extensor digitorum longus. Conclusions Classification results of muscles into meridian sinew varied according to the classification criteria and interpretation of meridian sinew and acupoints distribution. To develop muscle sinew as a more useful theory in diagnosis and treatment, efforts should be made to reduce the gap between study results and build consensus on the anatomical entity of meridian sinew.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.33-43
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• 2023

Objectives : Floating acupuncture (FA) is a kind of newly developed acupuncture technique that contains its own apparatus. The technique has unique points that the body of the acupuncture needle stays intradermal space and manipulation is performed by shaking the needle horizontally; after manipulation, part of the needle remained in the intradermal space for 2~3 days. FA is not a common acupuncture methodology while various clinical study claims its efficacy on musculoskeletal disorders. In this study, the authors aimed to enhance the use of FA by comparing related theories. Methods : The authors reviewed classics, books, and articles related to FA, Meridian Muscle (MM), Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), and Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture (WAA), and compared its characteristics by related theory, related symptoms, apparatus, and performing procedures. Results : FA was related and had various common parts with MM, MPS, and WAA, however, there were unique parts in the manipulation, apparatus, and stimulation location. FA is based on MM and MPS which pointing 'ashi points' or 'trigger points' as a treating target while FA does not stimulate the points directly. FA also targets subcutaneous space by inserting the needle horizontally as WAA does, while FA remains the needle handle part in the subcutaneous area for 2~3 days for more stimulation. Conclusions : FA has a unique manipulation procedure and potential benefit for musculoskeletal disorders despite the crude theological base written by Fu himself. Thus, developing a new explanation and patient-friendly methodology/apparatus is required for further down-to-earth studies.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.136-143
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• 2015

This study was performed to comparative investigate the distribution of primary sensory and motor neurons associated with Cheonji(PC1) acupoint by using neural tracing technique. A total 4 SD rats were used in the present study. After anesthesia, the rats received microinjection of $6{\mu}l$ of cholera toxin B subunit(CTB) into the corresponding sites of the acupoints Cheonji(PC1) in the human body for observing the distribution of the related primary sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia(DRGs) and motor neurons in the spinal cord(C3~T4) and sympathetic ganglia. Three days after the microinjection, the rats were anesthetized and transcardially perfused saline and 4% paraformaldehyde, followed by routine section of the DRGs, sympathetic chain ganglia(SCGs) and spinal cord. Labeled neurons and nerve fibers were detected by immunohistochemical method and observed by light microscope equipped with a digital camera. The labeled neurons were recorded and counted. From this research, the distribution of primary sensory and motor neurons associated with Cheonji(PC1) acupoints were concluded as follows. Muscle meridian related Cheonji(PC1) are controlled by spinal segments of C5~T1, C6~T4, respectively.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.93-100
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• 2014

Objectives To evaluate the clinical utility of MET performed on sternocleidomastoid muscle of acute nuchal pain patients, we measured a change of meridian electromyography. Methods We compared electrical activity before and after MET performed on sternocleidomastoid muscle of acute nuchal pain patients in same group (n=20) in isometric exercise state during five seconds. We analyzed amplitudes and areas of electrical activity and asymmetry index (AI). Results 1. After MET performed on sternocleidomastoid muscle of acute nuchal pain patients, maximum voluntary isomeric contraction (MVIC) was significantly increased more than before MET performed (p<0.005). 2. Comparing with before MET performed on sternocleidomastoid muscle of acute nuchal pain patients, muscle fatigue after MET performed on sternocleidomastoid muscle of acute nuchal pain patients decreased but there was no significant difference. 3. Comparing with before MET performed on sternocleidomastoid muscle of acute nuchal pain patients, asymmetry index (AI) after MET performed on sternocleidomastoid muscle of acute nuchal pain patients decreased but there was no significant difference. Conclusions According to above results, after performing MET on sternocleidomastoid muscle of acute nuchal pain patients, maximum voluntary isomeric contraction (MVIC) increased significantly, so it is certain that performing MET on sternocleidomastoid muscle has a clinical effect.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1-13
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• 2001

Objective : To broaden understanding about relationship between Meridian Tendino-musculature and muscles in a lumbar area and to evaluate the effect of Meridian Tendino-musculature acupuncture and release therapy on acute lumbar sprain. Materials and Methods : From Oct. 1st, 2000 to Mar. 31th, 2001, 692 outpatient's chart of Kyung Won University Hospital were reviewed. Out of them, 39 outpatients were selected. they had low back pain, were diagnosed with acute lumbar sprain, showed only straightened curvature on lateral view of lumbar spine X-ray and get the Tendino-musculature acupuncture and release therapy. Results : 1. On patients' first visit, 72% had GrIII and Gr.IV predominantly. 2. Major muscles related with low back pain were divided into two groups. One was Quadratus lumborum group and the other was Rectus abdominis group. In the correlation with Meridian Tendino-musculature, the former was mainly related with Chok-taeyang(B) and slightly related with Chok-soyang(G), Chok-taeum(SP), the latter was mainly related with Chok-taeyum(SP), Chok-yangmyong(S) and slightly related with Chok-taeyang(B), Chok-soyang(G). 3. In the evaluation of treatment effect, Exellent was 27(69%), Good was 10(6%), Fair was 2(5%) and Bad was 0(0%). Fair rate reached 100% eventually. 4. Most of Gr.Ⅲ, Gr.Ⅳ patients who had severe conditions that almost every R.O.M. was limited and Milgram test positive was shown on the physical examination, were fully recovered and lived normal daily life without admission by Meridian Tendino-musculature acupuncture and release therapy within 3 to 5, 4 to 7 days, respectively, since they had started to get their outpatient treatment. 5. Two patients was troubled with pain induced, by twitching response and acupuncure stimuli, which lasted around acupunctured muscle for about a day after treatment, so they coudn't endure the pain and quitted treatment in spite of Fair condition. conclusion : Meridian Tendino-musculature acupuncture and release therapy was found to be helpful to patients who wish to recover from their back pain induced by acute lumbar sprain as soon as possible, but the treatment actually had some problems to be overcome such as pain during or after the treatment. therefor, in order to make this treatment method more available, we should pay more attention to improving treatment appliance and acupuncture technique.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.13-20
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• 2011

Objectives : We studied the clinical utility of meridian electromyography for the assessment of erector spinae muscle in functional leg length inequality. Methods : We compared electrical activity between A group with a functional leg length inequality(n=17) and B group(n=23) in dynamic flexion-reextension state during five minutes. We anayzed amplitudes and areas of electrical activity and asymmetry index(AI). Results : 1. The short leg sides were significantly higher electrical activity than the long leg sides in the experimental group and control group(p<0.05). 2. The AI of A group significantly higher than B group(p<0.05). Conclusions : According to above results, there are correlations between erector spinae muscle and functional leg length inequality.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.121-130
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• 2014

Objectives The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of MET (muscle energy technique) and ICT (interferential current therapy) on lumbago by meridian muscle electrography (MMEG). We performed MET and ICT on quadratus lumborum muscle. Methods This study was carried out on 30 lumbago patients. 30 patients were randomly divided into MET group and ICT group. MET group take treatment 10 minutes. ICT group take treatment 15 minutes. After performing MET and ICT twice, we compared both in terms of root mean square (RMS), special edge frequency (SEF), VAS and ODI. Results 1. Both MET group and ICT group showed significant improvement in VAS and ODI after treatment. 2. Both MET group and ICT group showed significant improvement in special edge frequency (SEF) of the left side after treatment. But SEF of the right side showed insignificant improvement. 3. Both MET group and ICT group showed insignificant improvement in root mean square (RMS) for both sides. 4. There are no significant differences between both groups. Conclusions According to above results, we found out that performing MET or ICT on quadratus lumborum muscle has effect in terms of VAS and ODI. But, in terms of SEF, we found out different result for both side. And we can't found out effect in terms of RMS.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.93-103
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• 2015

Objectives The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of ultra sound (U/S) and chuna on lumbago by meridian muscle electrography (MMEG). we performed U/S and chuna on erector spinae muscle. Methods This study was carried out on 20 lumbago patients. 20 patients were divided into U/S group and chuna group. U/S group take treatment 5 minutes. Chuna group take treatment 10 minutes. After performing U/S and chuna treatment 6 times, we compared both in terms of VAS, ODI, ROM, root mean square (RMS) and special edge frequency (SEF) on erector spinae muscle. The effect of each treatments are compared by Wilcoxon's signed rank test. The difference of effect between both groups are compared by Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Results 1. Both U/S group and chuna group showed significant improvement in VAS and ODI after treatment. 2. U/S group showed insignificant improvement in both RMS and SEF. 3. Chuna group showed significant improvement in SEF at left lower point and RMS at left upper point. 4. Both U/S group and chuna group showed insignificant improvement in ROM. 5. There are no significant differences between both groups except SEF at left upper point. Conclusions According to above results, we found out that performing U/S or chuna on erector spinae muscle has effect in terms of VAS and ODI. But, in terms of SEF, we found out different result for both side. And we can't found out effect in terms of RMS and ROM of L-spine.