• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.66-88
• /
• 1998

This study was performed from March to September 1997 on 95 healthy students to observe the effects of acupuncture at Hap-kok (LI4) according to the meridian and qi-xue(氣血) phenomenon of oriental medicine's theory. Skin temperature on the Hap-kok (LI4) and Chun-Choo (ST25) were measured by D. 1. T. I. (Digital Infrared Thermograph Imaging) before acupuncture stimulation and 1min, 10 min after acupuncture stimulation. 1. In healthy students, the left and right mean temperature of LI4 and ST25 was $29.04\;^{\circ}C,\;29.12\;^{\cir}C\;and\;30.29\;^{\circ}C,\;30.22\;^{\circ}C$ respectively. 2. In control group, the time dependent changes for 10 min of LI4 and ST25 were $-0.32\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.36\;^{\circ}C\;and\;-0.5\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.46\;^{\circ}C$ respectively, however, the thermal differences of both sides LI4 and ST25 were not changed for 10 min. 3. In acupuncture stimulation of both sides LI4, the time dependent changes of ST25 were $-0.13\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.06\;^{\circ}C$, and the thermal differences of both sides ST25 were reduced, but not changed significantly. In acupuncture stimulation of right side LI4, the time dependent changes of LI4 were $-0.1\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.32\;^{\circ}C$ respectively, and the thermal differences of both sides LI4 were increased more than control, but not significantly. Also, that of ST25 were changed by $-0.69\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.63\;^{\circ}C$ respectively, but not significantly. 4. In acupuncture stimulation group, it was classified following the thermal differences of both sides LI4 and ST25, and the effects of acupuncture were observed by changes of classification. The acupuncture of both sides LI4 results in temperature of the left side ST25 to be high after acupuncture. The acupuncture of right side LI4 results in increased ratio of the left side higher than right LI4. The above results indicates that D. I. T. I. was a useful method to observe follow-up the effects and changes by acupuncture stimulation on objective evaluation of phenomenon for the meridian system. Thus, acupuncture on LI4 affects to thermal changes of ST25 and LI4, but exact examination of thermal changes on ST25 will have to be.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.159-177
• /
• 2008

Objectives : Crohn's disease is a severe chronic inflammation that is treated mainly by immunosuppression, which often has serious side effects. There is need to develop new therapeutic methods or drugs that have few side effects in order to treat this disease. Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at Cheonchu (ST25) has anti-inflammatory properties, but the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory actions is unclear. We investigated the protective effects and speculated the mechanisms of acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis in mice which is a well known Crohn's disease animal model. Methods : 5 % TNBS was treated at day 1 and day 7 into rectum of mice. To investigate therapeutic effects of acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25, acupuncture was carried out on day 3, and day 6. For the data analysis, we observed macroscopic and microscopic findings of the colon. Weight and width of the colon, degree of damage, changes of body weight, and myeloperoxygenase (MPO) activity were checked. For analysing protein expression, we carried out immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. For analysing mRNA expression, RT-PCR was carried out. Results : TNBS induced damages on the colon of mice, while acupuncture of Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed TNBS mediated damages similar to those on the colons of mice in the control (not treated with TNBS) group. The average body weight of TNBS treated mice (77.4%) was decreased compared with that of the control mice (105%), and acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed the loss of body weight caused by TNBS (from 77.4% to 95.3%). TNBS induced infiltration of immune cells in all layers of the colon while acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed infiltration of immune cells caused by TNBS. Furthermore, acupunctured with Moxi-tar at ST25 suppressed macro-, micro- colonic damages caused by TNBS. Acupunctured with Moxi-tar at ST25 dramatically improved the clinical and histopathological symptoms such as the increase in weight of the distal colon and the MPO activity in TNBS-induced colitis. Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 down-regulated the nuclear transcription factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) activity and suppressed tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-1${\beta}$), and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressions caused by TNBS. Conclusions : Acupuncture with Moxi-tar at ST25 helps recovery from the TNBS-induced colonic damage by down-regulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity and suppressing of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$, and ICAM-1 expressions. This may be an important method for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.5-20
• /
• 2006

Objectives : This study was carried out to identified the effects of distilled cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture to the obesity. Methods : Cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture was administered on the points of chung-wan(CV12), $Ch'{\breve{o}}nch'u$(ST25), and Chok-samni(ST36) on lowering lipid and oxidative capacity in biochemical and molecular biological aspects were investigated in obese rats fed with high fat diet. Results : 1. The contents of plasma ${\beta}-lipoprotein$ showed a tendency to decrease in the pharmacopuncture groups compared to the control group. In the pharmacopuncture groups, the values of ST25 and ST36 pharmacopuncture groups showed lower value. 2. The contents of plasma free fatty acids showed a tendency to decrease in pharmacopuncture groups compared to the control group. However, in the pharmacopuncture groups, the values were not significantly different. 3. Plasma triglyceride and glucose showed lower value in the ST25 pharmacopuncture groups compared with the other groups. 4. The activity of AST showed a tendency to decrease in the pharmacopuncture groups. However, the activity of ALT was not significantly different in all the treatment groups. 5. Plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol showed lower value in the ST25 and ST36 pharmacopuncture groups and HDL-cholesterol showed higher value in the CV12 pharmacopuncture groups than that of the other treatment groups. 6. Liver total cholesterol values didn't show significant difference in all the treatment groups, and triglyceride showed lower value in the pharmacopuncture groups. 7. The contents of plasma TEARS showed lower value in the ST25 pharmacopuncture group and contents of liver TBARS showed a tendency to decrease in the pharmacopuncture groups. However these values didn't show significant difference in the pharmaco puncture groups. 8. Liver super oxide dismutase activity showed higher value in the ST25 and ST36 pharmacopuncture groups, and the value of liver glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity showed a tendency to increase in the pharmacopuncture groups. However, these values showed no significant difference in the pharmacopuncture groups. 9. Expression of apo-B and E mRNA in liver cells was lower in the ST25 pharmacopuncture group than that of the other treatment groups. However, expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and leptin mRNA in adipose cell showed no difference among all the treatment groups. 10. ST25 pharmacopuncture group showed a good histological character of liver. It showed similar to that of normal group. However other treatment groups and control group showed slight vasodilation and slight fat accumulation. Conclusion : These results indicate that distilled cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture suppressed adipose tissue mass and lipid peroxidation, and increased antioxidant capacity.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.6
• /
• pp.1544-1548
• /
• 2008

The aim of this study is to learn the effects of ST36 ST44 and ST25 ST36 electroacupuncture stimulation on high fat diet-induced obese mouse. The control group was provided with high fat diet without electroacupuncture stimulation, while the experimental group received a electroacupuncture stimulation on ST36 ST44 and ST25 ST36 with three frequencies (10Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz) for 5 times a week during five week periods with the high fat diet. We investigated the body weight, weight gain, and food intake. After the electroacupuncture stimulation, a significant inhibition of increase in weight was found in the experimental group compared with the high fat diet group. But there were no significant differences made by the change of acupoint combinations and frequencies. After the electroacupuncture stimulation, no significant change was found in the food intakes, but the weight gain a week was decreased compared with the high fat diet group. Electroacupuncture stimulation may be effective in treatments of obesity to high fat diet, But no significant difference was found between three frequencies.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.109-127
• /
• 2023

Objectives : It was conducted to experimentally analyze the effects of acupuncture treatment at CV12, ST25, and ST36 on weight, FBCS, fat metabolism, microbiome, and metabolome changes in the general diet rat and the high-fat diet rat. Methods : It was classified into four groups: general diet & non-treatment group (ND), general diet & acupuncture treatment group (ND+AT), high-fat diet & non-treatment group (HFD), and high-fat diet & acupuncture treatment group (HFD-AT). After acupuncture treatment was performed on CV12, ST25, and ST36, changes in body weight, FBCS, fat metabolism, microbiome, and metabolome were analyzed. Results : Compared to the ND group, acupuncture treatment performed on CV12, ST25, and ST36 in the ND+AT group had no significant effect. Compared to the HFD group, CV12, ST25, and ST36 acupuncture in the HFD+AT group reduced weight, fat weight, inflammatory cytokine IL-6 expression, and lipid droplet accumulation in liver tissue. Acupuncture can promote fat metabolism and relieve inflammatory conditions. Differences in diversity between ND and HFD groups were clear in changes in microbiome, fecal metabolites, and serum metabolites. As a result of some microbiome and metabolites involved in fat decomposition, intestinal lipid absorption, and blood lipid concentration control, such as Intestinimonas, Ruminococcus 1, pyroglutamic acid, tryptophan, and inositol, it was observed that the acupuncture treatment effect was evident in the disease-induced imbalance. Conclusions : Acupuncture treatment performed on CV12, ST25, ST36 clearly observed various regulatory actions on obesity induced by high-fat diet, confirming that the action of acupuncture treatment mainly plays a role in controlling an unbalanced state.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.61-67
• /
• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate the safe needling depth of Cheonchu($ST_{25}$) retrospectively by using an abdomen abdomen computed tomography(CT), and to analyze the correlation between needling depth and the characteristics of the subjects. Methods : We marked spots 50 mm away from both sides of the umbilicus in the abdomen CT and measured the vertical distance to the parietal peritoneum from the skin surface as well as waist circumference. Correlations between measured depth of Cheonchu($ST_{25}$) and variables such as age, gender and waist circumference were analyzed. Results : Average depth of the Cheonchu(n = 90) was $3.21{\pm}0.87cm$, the minimum was 1.31 cm and the maximum was 5.63 cm. A definite positive correlation was noted between needling depth and waist circumference and a significant difference was observed in needling depth according to waist circumference groups. Conclusions : Needling depth of Cheonchu($ST_{25}$) varied depending on the patient's waist circumference; safe needling depth of Cheonchu($ST_{25}$) measured by abdomen CT is 1.31~5.63 cm.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.1-13
• /
• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of various concentrations of Hwangnyeonhaedok-tang (HTT) pharmacopuncture on ST25 (天樞) in rats with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.Methods Colitis was experimentally induced by feeding rats with water mixed with 5% (w/v) DSS for 20 days. The rats were divided into 5 groups: the normal group (Nor, n=5), the control group - colitis induced rats with no treatment (Con, n=5), the acupuncture group - colitis induced rats with acupuncture applied on ST25 (Acu, n=5), the pharmacopuncture group 1 - colitis induced rats with 0.729 mg/250 g/40 μl of pharmacopuncture applied on ST25 (PA-1, n=5), the pharmacopuncture group 2 - colitis induced rats with 3.645 mg/250 g/40 μl of pharmacopuncture applied on ST25 (PA-2, n=5). The changes in weight, excrement concentration and hemafecia were observed 5 times every 2 days. The colon lengths were measured from appendix to the end of colon after the experiment. Hematological and serological exams were conducted the day after the last treatment by cardiac puncturing anesthetized rats.Results ST25 is the abdominal front point (募穴) of large intestine meridian and is known to have effect in colitis. Various concentrations of HTT pharmacopuncture (HTTP) applied on ST25, in rats with DSS-induced colitis inhibited decrease in colon lengths and body weight in both PA-1 and PA-2 groups. Hematological and serological exam results also showed that HTTP has significant effect on colitis in both PA-1 and PA-2 groups.Conclusions Colon lengths were significantly increased in the acupuncture group, PA-1 group and PA-2 group, compared to the control group. The body weight was significantly increased (p<0.05) in PA-2 group after the first treatment, compared to the control group. TNF-α, IL-6, AST were significantly decreased in PA-1 and PA-2 groups, compared to the control group.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.213-226
• /
• 2015

Objectives : This study was aimed to show the effect of electroacupuncture combined with magnetic acupuncture on abdominal obesity without patient dieting, exercise or use of herbal medication. Methods : Women over 85 cm in waist circumference were treated with electroacupuncture combined with magnetic acupuncture. Acupuncture points were located at the abdomen ($CV_{12}$, $CV_6$, $ST_{25}$, $ST_{21}$, $SP_{15}$, $SP_{14}$), extremities ($LI_4$, $LI_{11}$, $ST_{36}$, $ST_{44}$) and were stimulated 30 minutes with 2.1~3 Gaus, 500 Hz, tolerable strength. The Interference wave forms were by Whata 153 (Medi Lab, Korea). Two or three treatment sessions per week (five or ten sessions in total) were done. Before treatment, and after the last treatment, we measured waist circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio, thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat, body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio, visceral fat area, free fat mass, body fat mass and skeletal muscle mass. We also measured the subcutaneous temperature of the abdomen($CV_{12}$, $ST_{25}(Rt)$, $ST_{25}(Lt)$, $CV_6$) by using digital infrared thermal imaging(DITI). Results : In this study, significant reductions were shown in waist circumference, hip circumference, thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat, body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio and body fat mass. There were no significant differences in waist hip ratio, free fat mass or skeletal muscle mass. There were also significant increases of the subcutaneous temperature on $CV_{12}$, $ST_{25}(Rt)$, $ST_{25}(Lt)$. Conclusions : From the above results, electroacupuncture combined with magnetic acupuncture might be an effective treatment for abdominal obesity.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.25-34
• /
• 1995

A Study on environmental Investigation in Imha Dam for the finding the degree of water quality and heavy metals was carried out at 4 sampling station during the period from August 15, 1993 to May 7, 1994. The results were as follows. 1. The ranges of values of pH for water were st. 1-7.56, st.2-7.77, st.3-7.9, st.4-7,7 on the average. Total average of pH values were 7.56-7.9 2. The ranges of values of DO for water were st.1-8.71($mg/{\ell}$), st.2-8.64($mg/{\ell}$), st.3-10. 25($mg/{\ell}$), st.4-9.01($mg/{\ell}$) on the average. Total average of DO of values were 8.64-10.25($mg/{\ell}$). 3. The ranges of values of BOD for water were st.1-1.1($mg/{\ell}$), st.2-1.0($mg/{\ell}$), st.3-0 86($mg/{\ell}$), st.4-0.99($mg/{\ell}$) on the average. Total average of BOD of values were 0.86-1.1($mg/{\ell}$). 4. The ranges of values of COD for water were st.1-1.12($mg/{\ell}$), st.2-1.4($mg/{\ell}$), st.3-0 98($mg/{\ell}$), st.4-1.46($mg/{\ell}$) on the average. Total average of COD of values were 0.98-1.46($mg/{\ell}$). 5, The ranges of values of T- N for water were st.1-0.36($mg/{\ell}$), st.2-0.49($mg/{\ell}$), st.3-0 23($mg/{\ell}$), st.4-0.83($mg/{\ell}$) on the average. Total average of T-N of values were 0.23-0.83($mg/{\ell}$). 6. The ranges of values of T-P for water were st.1-0.053($mg/{\ell}$), st.2-0.06($mg/{\ell}$), st.3-0.02($mg/{\ell}$), st.4-0.07($mg/{\ell}$) on the average. Total average of T-P of values were 0.02-0.07($mg/{\ell}$). 7. In the E. soli group distribution were counted st.1-1130, st.2-1113, st.3-152.3, st.4-1253 by the MPN test. Total distribution of E. soil group were 152.3-1253. 8. The concentration of heavy metals of Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn were measured st.1-0.59, 0.18, 0 04, 74.6( ${\mu}g/{\ell}$), st.2-0.39,0.29,0.03, 54.3(${\mu}g/{\ell}$), st.3-0.1,0.3, ND, 8(${\mu}g/{\ell}$), st.4-0.96, 0 26,0.23,45.6(${\mu}g/{\ell}$) on the average. Cd, Hg, Cr were not detected in the sampling site.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.91-108
• /
• 2009

Objectives: Single colorectal instillation of trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) causes a dose-dependent increase of visceral motor response (VMR) and severity of inflammation. In this study we compared the effects of electroacupuncture in the different acupoints in the acute colitis induced by TNBS intracolonic injection in rats. Methods: In Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing $250{\sim}400g$, a single colorectal administration of TNBS 5mg/kg and 50% ethanol under isoflurane anaesthesia after an overnight fast. Electrodes for electromyography (EMG) recording were stitched into the external oblique musculature under general anesthesia. Acupoints of LI4, ST25, or ST36 were stimulated by electroacupuncture, respectively. The balloon was inserted intra-anally and visceral motor response (VMR) to colorectal distensioin (CRD) was quantified with an EMG recording system. Results: At an observation of the visceral hyperalgesia in the day-time series, the visceromotor response increased significantly 3 days after TNBS intra-rectalcolonic injection in rats. Electroacupuncture on either ST25 or ST36 suppressed the visceromotor response to colorectal distension, but not LI4, at 3 days after TNBS injection. Pretreatment of naltrexone (10 mg/kg, i.p.), opioids antagonist, inhibited the VMR suppress of 10Hz EA to ST36 but not phentolamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Pretreatment of either naltrexone or phentolamine inhibited effects of 10Hz EA to ST25. Conclusions: Data show that EA at either ST25 or ST36 potently inhibits hypersensitivity of colorectum after TNBS induced colitis and is differently mediated through the endogenous opioid system and adrenergic system.