• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.1-15
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• 2011

In the latter half of the Joseon(朝鮮) Dynasty, the medical world was encountering a great change. It is said that a large stream between the first half and the latter half of the Joseon Dynasty was a qualitative transition from official relationships to private relationships, that is, from adjustments by governmental power to contractual relationships between individuals. Doctors who can be said to be the core of the medical world became to be left in severer competition. The fact that the number of people engaged in medical practice increased to the extent that doctors had to compete with each other implies that not only demand for medical care was increasing but also that medical care was becoming social service that must be shared by all people in the Joseon Dynasty rather than by small numbers of men of power. Anyway, it seems like that, in the competition that was becoming fiercer, they tried to establish their authority in diverse methods unlike before. As an authority to determine the social positions of doctors in the latter half of the Joseon Dynasty, the government was still occupying an important position, but doctors tried to show off their medical techniques utilizing excellent teachers or books. Meanwhile, they were making efforts to improve treating skills and thereby they were contributing to the development of medical techniques although they were sometimes criticised because of radical treatment or fierce drugs. In this process, it seems like that some doctors made efforts to establish the social meaning of medicine and their identity. In the short dialogue with Hong Yangho(洪良浩), Cho Gwangil(趙光一) was presenting the image of doctors as active and subjective beings. Pointing out the fact that in the society where feudal position systems were still impregnable, even the Confucian scholars who could be considered as a leading group could not but be passive in front of the sovereign power, he emphasized the fact that doctors could practice treatment as they liked. In that he re-discovered the meaning of treating people's diseases as a professional intellectual and that he was forming a subjective sense that medical techniques are active self expression, it can be carefully said that Cho Gwangil was obtaining his identity as a doctor. In the society in the Joseon Dynasty where the position systems were still valid and the value system under Neo-confucianism(性理學) supporting the system was impregnable, this change can be thought to be small yet quite meaningful.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.255-260
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• 2019

Oriental Diagnosis System(ODS) is an artificial intelligence program that utilize entered diagnosis knowledge, determine patient's disease and decide right medicine. The purpose of this study is to find a correlation between pattern Identification in Korean medicine and each sasang types(So-Yang, So-Eum and Tae-Eum) by analyzing ODS diagnosis result. Eventually our study secure availability of using ODS program at clinical training or developing diagnosis program. Subject of this study is 32 students participating in Sasang medical practice(12 subjects were So-Yang, 7 subjects were So-Eum, and 13 subjects were Tae-Eum). We analyze subject's clinical practice result reports by using ODS program and obtained result about pattern Identification. We used SPSS statistics 23 in analyzing the differences of the scores of Eight Principle Pattern Identification, Qi-Blood Pattern Identification, Bing-xie Pattern Identification, and Visceral Pattern Identification in each Sasang types (So-Yang, So-Eum, Tae-Eum). In the case of Heat-moisture, Tae-Eum showed higher score than So-Eum, but So-Yang showed no difference from the other two Sasang types(p<0.05). And in the case of Food-accumulation, Tae-Eum and So-Yang showed significantly higher score than So-Eum(p<0.05). It is hard to generalize the result because subject of this study was not enough. However, we explained correlation between pattern Identification in korean medicine and each sasang types based on quantifiable and objective evidence system. Therefore use of ODS program in student clinical practice training help to understand the relationship and correlation between different pattern Identification and will help standardization of clinical practice education.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.61-76
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• 2007

Objectives : Accurate and reproducible location of an acupuncture point (AP) have been considered an essential component of meaningful acupuncture research as well as clinical practice. Several kinds of devices have been developed and widely used for the convenience of locating APs. However, the accuracy and convenience of these devices have not been systematically evaluated. The present study was performed to find out the most suitable tools for the location accuracy and location easiness of APs among the devices respectively. Methods : Twenty subjects attempted to locate APs, including PC5 and SP6 in the arm and leg, using four different AP positioning methods: one Conventional Ruler method and three alternative methods including Cunometer, Transparent AP meter, and Elastic Ruler method. The position marked on each AP was plotted onto a thin, flexible, and transparent plastic film, and the dispersion rate of the positions was determined and recorded. The elapsed time for locating each AP was measured. After that each subject was answered to a short questionnaire regarding the degree of convenience and confidence of use of each method for AP location. Results : All of three alternative methods took less time than Conventional Ruler method did. Among these alternative methods, the accuracy of Elastic Ruler method was markedly higher than others. The degree of convenience of the Cunometer and the confidence of Elastic Ruler method were the highest among these alternative methods. Conclusions : The present study indicates that the Elastic Ruler method was the most compatible for the conventional Ruler methods. However, there are many factors need to be reconsidered. Improved devices for locating AP are imperatively needed for clinical practice.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.94-105
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• 2022

Objectives: This study investigated public opinion on the use of modern diagnostic medical devices by Korean Medicine doctors. Methods: A questionnaire looking into perceptions on the use of modern medical devices was developed. It was distributed by a third party and data was collected. Results were analyzed through frequency analysis, chi-square analysis (χ²-test), frequency and cross analysis using R program. The measurement variable in the study was the respondent's perspectives and expectations on the use of modern diagnostic medical devices by Korean Medicine doctors. The maximum significance level was 0.05. Results: There were a total of 3,000 responses and 80.8% of the respondents replied that there is a need for government-level discussion on endowing rights to Korean Medicine doctors as supervisors for safety management of radiation generating devices. Also, 83.3% of the respondents agreed the use of ultrasound imaging equipment in Korean Medicine clinics should be legalized. Conclusions: According to this study, respondents strongly support the use of modern diagnostic medical devices by Korean Medicine doctors. This is the first study to investigate public opinion in this area and it provides a significant insight into the public needs and desires for a wider scope of practice for Korean Medicine in the healthcare system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.215-224
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• 2009

Objectives : Low back pain is the most prevalent condition for receiving Korean traditional medical treatment. The aim of this review is to provide fundamental data for development of low back pain classification and assessment criteria which can be used in clinical trials and clinical practice. Methods : Domestic and international clinical studies on oriental medicine treatment for low back pain were searched through on-line databases. The searched articles were reviewed and the evaluation tools used in the studies were investigated. Results : A total of 38 possibly relevant articles in Pubmed were identified, of which 34 articles included assessment criteria for low back pain. And 38 articles were reviewed in the Journal of Korean Oriental Medicine and the Journal of Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society. 29 articles used pain scales, 24 used functional scales, and 20 among 34 articles in PubMed used both pain and functional scales. The majority of articles which published in Korea used worthless assessment scales of simple grades. There was no articles which used assessment scales related to the concepts of Korean traditional medicine. Conclusions : Our review of articles suggests that we would use both pain and functional scales. Future assessment scales should include the concepts of Korean traditional medicine.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.57-64
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• 2010

Background : Meditation is one of the healing therapies used to prevent and cure ailments and to improve health through regular practice. Although Meditation is within the paradigm of modern Western medical science, effects on the human body could be possible. Objectives : This study performed a systematic review of the literature published in Korea focused on mindfulness meditation (MM), which is being applied as mind-body therapy around the USA lately. Method : Three hundred sixty six articles were found after searching with keyword, 'mindfulness meditation (MM)' in 6 journals and web databases. Ninety papers related MM were analyzed trend, Seventeen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 38 controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were researched by systematic review. Result : Most of them were studies about relationship between MM and syndrome such as stress, depression, anxiety and MM was also applied to some disease like hypertension, temporomandibular joint disorder in some cases. In 55 studies, It was shown that MM has positive effects on various symptoms and sometimes the effect of MM showed at post and follow-up study although there was no significant difference between control group and experimental group in some cases according to outcome measurement. Interestingly, there was no study reported about side effects of MM after the application. Conclusions : MM is being clinically applied at both western and oriental hospital in Korea, but more clinical trials with the high quality are needed to support its scientific basis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.347-366
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• 2012

The aim of this new statement is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on stroke management for clinical practitioners. Many countries are already well engaged in developing and releasing their own clinical practice guidelines, whereas Korean Medicine (KM) is still beginning. It will take time and effort to develop evidence-based guidelines and recommendations of KM or other traditional medicine because they are weak in the area of scientific evidence. The clinical practice guideline of Korean medicine for stroke was formulated through extensive review of published literature and consensus meeting of Korean medicine specialists. This project was supported by a grant of the Oriental Medicine R&D Project, the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Referring to guidelines developed in other countries, the experts in the subject tried to organize and develop guidelines and recommendations adequate for domestic medical circumstances. In December, 2008, a multi-disciplinary team called the Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Group (EBCPGsDG) for Stroke was organized. The writing committee was comprised of experts in internal medicine, acupuncture, rehabilitation, and Sasang constitution. Outside specialists and associated panels were invited for consultation. The scope of the guideline encompasses acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal medicine (including Korean medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Kampo medicine) as interventions for stroke patients. It includes statements about ischemic stroke (I63), stroke not specified as hemorrhage or infarction (I64), and sequelae of cerebrovascular disease (I69) according to the International Classification of Disease (ICD). The committee subdivided the description of herbal medications into acute stroke management, subacute stroke management, post-stroke management, and secondary prevention of stroke. Guidelines on the practice of acupuncture and moxibustion were described in order for acute stroke management, subacute stroke management, chronic stroke management, and post-stroke rehabilitation. Clinicians who are working in the field of stroke care can adopt this guideline for their practice.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.169-179
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• 2001

Recently, there has been an increasing interchange between South Korea and North Korea. Accordingly, there has been active research to understand the society and culture of North Korea, it has been attempted to have comparative study about nursing education to increase understanding between South and North Korea. In the current educational system, 12 years of education is required for entering a nursing college or university in South Korea, but there are only 10 years for entering nursing college in North Korea. After finishing undergraduate studies one can enter graduate school for a masters degree and or a doctoral degree, but there is a longitudinal relation to medical education in North Korea. Regarding the number of nursing educational institutions, there are 50 BSN programs & 61 Diploma programs in South Korea and 11 Diploma programs in North Korea. In regards to curriculum, South Korea has diverse subjects for general education for freshmen, then is subjects to basic specialities sophomore year, and speciality subject and clinical practices from junior year corresponding to the student's intentions. North Korea has minor subjects for general education and basic specialities in freshmen, speciality subjects sophomore year, speciality subjects and clinical practice in the junior year that may not correspond with the student's intentions. The most outstanding difference in the curriculum is North Korea has various subjects for oriental medicine with clinical application. North Korea also does not teach computer science and English is at a very low level. In clinical practice, South Korea has various settings for clinical practice including community health institutions under the nursing professor or clinical instructor. However, North Korea has limited settings for clinical practice (general hospitals) under a doctor's instruction. Also both South and North Korea have a similar licensing system. Therefore, there must be many more studies regarding North Korea, especially in nursing and nursing education in order to decrease differences and confusion between the Koreas and to prepare for a future unification.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.143-159
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of and seek for measures to activate Korean medicine in stroke care. Methods: This is an e-mail survey targeting the members of Korean medical doctors registered at the association of Korean medicine. The project team of the society of stroke on Korean medicine for the development of clinical practice guideline for stroke has devised the items for the questionnaire. The survey was conducted for 15 days in November 2016. Results: The percentage of the respondents who have treated patients with stroke for the past month was 11.2% in the acute phase, 20.5% in the convalescent phase, and 32.4% in the chronic phase. Approximately 80% of the respondents answered they had a decrease in the number of patients compared to 10 years ago, regardless of the stroke phase. Most of the respondents were using Western medicine together with traditional Korean medicine for physical examination. Acupuncture and herbal medicine were the main therapeutic interventions. The two measures chosen by the most respondents to activate the Korean medicine usage for stroke care were the expansion of the insurance coverage (34.9%) and the generation of evidence on the effectiveness of traditional Korean medicine (25.1%) Conclusion: It is necessary to actively show the role of the Korean medicine through the establishment of the evidence on the effectiveness of Korean medicine and the promotion based on the evidence. In addition, optimal treatment methods should be derived based on the traditional knowledge and modern scientific research and the methods should be educated to every Korean medical clinics and hospitals so that they can be implemented in clinical practice. At the same time, the government should provide policy support to ensure that the optimal treatment can be timely and appropriately implemented.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.101-114
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• 2010

Background: Currently, evidence-based medicine is widely propagated as a reference for proper clinical practice. As a result, there is an increasing need for more clinical trials based on Oriental diagnostic methods to evaluate the efficacy of Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and herbal medicine. The purpose of this study was to confirm which symptoms are adequate indicators of effects of Ojeock-san for lower back pain and develop a questionnaire to evaluate its effects. Methods: We interviewed 102 Oriental medical doctors working in Seoul with a preformed questionnaire which included questions about symptoms of lower back pain and indicators for Ojeock-san. We sampled respondents who answered that they trust the effectiveness of Ojeock-san in telephone survey carried out using multistage stratified random sampling technique from March to April, 2009. We categorized the respondents into two groups, differentiating them by gender, career, workplace, and trust level of Ojeock-san effect. Results: About half of the respondents selected 13 questions as the adequate indicators of Ojeock-san for low back pain. There were no differences in the top 11 selected indicators in total selection and top 3 ranking selection. The comparison of frequency of top 13 questions in total selections between the two groups showed no difference. Conclusions: There were 13 symptoms which were considered adequate indicators of effects of Ojeock-san for lower back pain found by many Oriental medical doctors. This questionnaire can be utilized as a diagnostic adjunctive tool, tested for validity and reliability of questionnaires through further studies.