• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.113-122
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mental stress measured with heart rate variability(HRV) in healthy adults and to evaluate the effects of laserneedle acupuncture therapy in healthy adults. Methods : 25 healthy volunteers participated in this study. The volunteers were divided randomly, the real laserneedle acupuncture therapy group or the sham laserneedle acupuncture therapy group. First, After 5 minute rest, mental stress was given with stroop color word task and calculation task. And then laserneedle acupuncture therapy or sham laserneedle therapy was done on HT8(少府) for 15 minute. HRV was recorded in 3 period-before stress, after stress, and after laserneedle or sham acupuncture therapy. Results : LF was significantly increased after mental stress. And there was no significant difference between the real laserneedle acupuncture therapy group and the sham laserneedle acupuncture therapy group. Conclusions : This results show that mental stress-stroop color word test and calculation test for 10 minute- contribute to activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2007

Objectives : Functional dyspepsia is a prevalent disease. It impedes subjective quality of life. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of acupuncture treatment for functional dyspepsia. Methods : In this randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled study, we compared active acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Volunteers who satisfied the requirements were enrolled in study. Severity of dyspepsia was measured by Nepean Dyspepsia Index(NDI) and Functional Dyspepsia Quality fo Life(FD-QOL) before and after treatments. Results : 68 subjects finished study. There were not difference between two groups on age, sex, weight, height, severity of dyspepsia, subtype, Byeonjeung, surmise of treatment. After treatment total key symptoms score, improve rate of key symptoms were decreased than before treatment in active acupuncture group, but there were no statistical significance compared with sham acupuncture group. After treatment "pressure in upper abdomen" and " cramps in upper abdomen" were more decreased in active acupuncture group compared with sham acupuncture group(p=0.001, p=0.014). After treatment total symptom score and QOL of NDI were decreased than before treatment in active acupuncture group, but there were no statistical significance compared with sham acupuncture group. After treatment eating status of FD-QOL in active acupuncture group was significantly increased than sham acupuncture group(p=0.008). After treatment liveliness status of FD-QOL and total score of FDQOL in active acupuncture group was increased than sham acupuncture group though statistically insignificant(p=0.095, p=0.077). Conclusion : Acupuncture treatment is effective to improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.1108-1118
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of hand acupuncture therapy on sleep quality by means of a sleep questionnaire, polysomnography and a cerebral blood flow test in $30{\sim}59$ year old adults. Methods: The study was a sham controlled design. Twenty-two adults were assigned to the pellet stimulating group (11) or sham group (11). The pellet stimulating group received hand acupuncture therapy using New Seoam Press Pellets number 1 for 4 weeks. On the other hand, the sham group used the same Adhesive tape in terms of shape, size and quality as New Seoam Press Pellets number 1 for 4 weeks. A Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography and Carotid Duplex Ultrasonography examination were used for evaluating cerebral blood flow. Data was analyzed using the SPSS 12.0 version program with $X^2-test$, Fisher's exact test and Mann Whitney U-test. Results: In the pellet stimulating group, subjective sleep quality significantly improved more than that of the sham group. Among the sleep indices of the polysomnography, total sleep time and sleep latency of the sham group significantly improved. The cerebral blood flow test didn't show any differences. Conclusion: These results suggest that hand acupuncture therapy is effective for subjective sleep improvement only, not polysomnographical sleep indices and cerebral blood flow.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.107-112
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• 2014

This study aimed to prove the effects of acupuncture treatment on acupoint Joksamni(ST36) related to gastrointestinal movement. Electrogastrogram (EGG) data were obtained in 11 healthy subjects treated by real or sham needle in single-blinded condition for 40 min, including before, during acupuncture treatment, and after removing needle. According to frequency analysis of EGG, median frequency(MF) was increased by real needle in 4 subjects, MF for another 2 subjects were increased by real and sham needle and no trend shift in MF showed in other 5 subjects. Our result showed that acupuncture treatment on Joksamni has some effects on gastrointestinal movement. In this study we have applied both real acupuncture and sham acupuncture on the same subjects. So its blinding was regarded as good but was effective in about 36%~55%. Two subjects were assumed that they showed placebo effects on both real and sham acupuncture. Therefore it is necessary to perform further study on case-control and a larger number of subjects with functional dyspepsia, in order to confirm our findings.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.46-54
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• 2007

Objective: The first aim of this study is to determine the effects of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) via Heart Rate (HR) and Pupil Size (PS), and to compare the effects of acupuncture on the subjects' ANS when they are in a sitting position with the effects when they are in a supine position. Methods: Ten healthy male subjects were randomized to receive either verum acupuncture stimulation in a sitting position (SitV), verum acupuncture stimulation in a supine position (SupV), sham acupuncture stimulation in a sitting position (SitS), and sham acupuncture stimulation in a supine position (SupS). Acupuncture stimulation was applied to Neguan point (PC6) on the forearm. The subject's electrocardiogram (ECG) and pupil size were recorded continuously from 5 min before stimulation to 12 min after stimulation. Results: Verum and sham acupuncture stimulation were found to have reduced heart rate (p<0.01) and to have increased pupil size (p<0.01) in all the subjects. But when the reduction in HR and the increment in PS after verum acupuncture stimulation (both sitting and supine position) were compared with those after sham acupuncture stimulation, it was found that the reduction in HR (74.48 and 73.47 bpm, p<0.063) and the increment of PS (7.32 and, 6.10 mm, p<0.001) after verum acupuncture stimulation were greater than those after sham acupuncture stimulation, and that the corresponding values were statistically significant. In addition, at the baseline, it was found that the subjects had a larger PS and a faster HR in a sitting position than when they did so in a supine position. And then the reduction and increment ratio in the subject's HR and PS when they underwent acupuncture stimulation in a sitting position was significantly different from the reduction and increment in their HR and PS when they underwent the procedure in a supine position-i.e., the reduction ratio in HR was greater when they underwent the procedure in a sitting position, and such reduction ratio was statistically significant (p<0.05). As for the increment in PS, it was greater when the subjects underwent the procedure in a supine position, and such increment was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Manual acupuncture stimulation on Neguan point (PC6) has more significant influence on the autonomic nervous system rather than sham acupuncture (tactile stimulation). And the position-induced different states of ANS have different influence on the acupuncture effect.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 2004

Objectives : This research was performed to investigate the effect of herbal acupuncture(Ephedra sinica and Green tea) at Umnungchon(SP9) and Pungnyung(ST40) on weight gain, food intakes, food efficiency ratios, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid on rats fed high fat diet for 5weeks. Methods : Experimental groups were divided into normal group(Sham), high fat diet group(Con), high fat diet and Ephedra sinica-herbal acupuncture in SP9 ST40 treated group(ES), high fat diet and Green tea-herbal acupuncture in SP9 ST40 treated group (GT), high fat diet and Ephedra sinica+Green tea-herbal acupuncture in SP9 ST40 treated group(ES+GT). Herbal acupuncture was bilaterally treated at the level of 19.125mg/ml per 2 days during 5 weeks. Results : Body weight, feed intake and feed efficiency ratio were decreased in Sham, ES, ES+GT, compared with control group. The level of serum HDL-cholesterol was increased in sham, tender to increase in ES, ES+GT. The change on that of serum triglyceride was decreased in sham, ES, ES+GT and free fatty acid was decrease in sham, ES+GT. Conclusions : Ephedra sinica with Green tea-herbal acupuncture in SP9 ST40 can control the Body weight, feed intake and feed efficiency ratio, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.13-28
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• 2007

Objectives : Clinical character of chronic tension-type headache is bilateral, moderate intensity, persistent and chronic, repeating disease and CTTH is a common prevalent disease, but pathophysiology and likely mechanism remain unclear. It impedes subjective quality of life. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of sa-am acupuncture method for chronic tension-type headache. Methods : In this randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled study, we compared active acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment of chronic tension-type headache. Volunteers who satisfied the requirements were enrolled in study. Evaluation of chronic tension-type headache was measured by VAS and Headache Disability Inventory(HDI), Six point Linkert Scale before and after treatments. Results : 26 subjects finished study. There were not difference between two groups on age, sex, weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, Byeonjeung, sunrise of treatment. In change of VAS, there were not difference between two groups on before treatment. Before treatment per visit, VAS of 6th and 7th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.039, p=0.008) and were not decreased in sham acupuncture. In change of VAS on a withdrawing needling after treatment, VAS of 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture (each p=0.001, 0.038, 0.035, 0.008) and VAS of 2nd, 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.033, 0.032, 0.035, 0.031). In change of VAS on 2hrs after treatment, VAS of 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.014, 0.023, 0.027) and 5th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.004, 0.009). In change of VAS on 4hrs after treatment, VAS of 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.018, 0.011, 0.015) and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.020, 0.015). In change of VAS on the next day after treatment, VAS of 3th and 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.032, 0.011, 0.005, 0.012) and 4th, 5th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.001, 0.012). In change of VAS according to a current time(before treatment, after a withdrawing needling, 2hrs, 4hrs, the next day), total score of VAS was decreased more active acupuncture group than sham acupuncture group, but there were no statistical significance compared with sham acupuncture group. In change of HDI score, after treatment was decreased than before treatment in two group, but there were no statistical significance compared with two group. In change of Six point Linkert scale score, after treatment was decreased than before treatment in two group on 6th, 7th visit(active acupuncture 6th 7th each p=0.002, 0.003, sham acupuncture 6th 7th each 0.003, 0.009), but there were no statistical significance compared with tow group. Conclusion : Sa-am acupuncture treatment is effective to improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic tension-type headache.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.43-54
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture with various scales on symptoms of Idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Methods: Subjects were voluntarily recruited through newspapers and internet advertisement. All the subjects were confirmed as idiopathic parkinson's disease by a neurologist. The acupuncture therapy was performed twice a week for 4 weeks by oriental medical doctor at Kyung-hee University hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups : sham acupuncture group, acupuncture treatment group and Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment group. Acupun cture points used in acupuncture treatment group were $GB_{34}$, $LR_3$, and $ST_{36}$, which were proven to be effective in rat Parkinson's disease study. Acupuncture points used in sham treatment were non-acupoints near $GB_{34}$, $LR_3$, and $ST_{36}$. In Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment, we classfied Sasang constitution of patients by QSCCII. Acupuncture was applied based on theory of Korean medicine. The patient's symptoms were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment by one evaluator with Unified Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), modified Hoehn-Yahr(H-Y) stage, and Schwab & England activ ity of daily living and freezing of gait questionnaire (FOGQ). Results : The results were as follows ; 1. UPDRS IV score differences between sham group and Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment were statistically significant(p=0.001). 2. UPDRS total score differences between Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment and acupuncture treatment group, Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment and sham group were statistically significant(p=0.041, p=0.014). 5. FOGQ score differences between Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment and acupuncture treatment group, Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment and sham group were statistically significant(p=0.001, p=0.001). Conclusion : The results suggest Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment can be applicable to improve symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.47-56
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the effect of acupuncture at Yintang point(EX-$HN_3$) on heart rate variability in healthy adults with mental stress. Methods : 38 healthy volunteers(sham point group : 19, Yintang point group 19) participated in this study. The study was established by randomized trial. After 10 minutes rest period, mental stress was provided for 10 minutes. HRV was recorded before and after stress. And then simple acupuncture was applied at sham or Yintang point for 15 minutes. We measured HRV 3 times: before and after stress, and after acupuncture. Results : In sham point group, LF norm and HF norm changed significantly after mental stress. In Yintang point group, LF, HF, LF norm, HF norm and LF/HF showed a significant change after mental stress. In sham point group, all indicators were not affected after acupuncture. In Yintang point group, HF norm decreased significantly. LF, LF norm and LF/HF increased significantly. There were significant differences between two groups(p<0.05). Conclusions : The results suggest that acupuncture at Yintang point(EX-$HN_3$) can regulate and prevent the alteration of autonomic nerve system by mental stress.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.13-25
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was accomplished to investigate the effects of acupuncture at Jeonjung($CV_{17}$) on the heart rate variability(HRV) in healthy adults. And based on that, we tried to find out how acupuncture at Jeonjung($CV_{17}$) effects on the activity and balance of the autonomic nervous system. Methods : We investigated on 74 healthy volunteers consisted of 24 subjects in acupuncture group, 24 subjects in sham acupuncture group and 24 subjects in control group. On the other hand, two volunteers were ruled out by standard of elimination. The study was established by randomized trial. Acupuncture was applied at Jeonjung($CV_{17}$) during 10 minutes in acupuncture group and minimal acupuncture was applied at the same area in sham acupuncture group. No treatment was executed in control group. We measured HRV 3 times : baseline measurement and after treatment in acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group (after rest in control group) twise. The SPSS 15.0 for Windows was used to analyze the data by paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test (in group) and One-Way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test (between the groups). Results: 1. In acupuncture group, Mean HRT, PSI, Normalized HF decreased significantly. SDNN, Ln (TP), Ln (LF), Ln (VLF), Normalized LF and LF/HF ratio increased significantly. RMSSD, Ln(HF) were not affected. 2. In sham acupuncture group, all indicators were not affected. 3. In control group, mean HRT, Ln(TP) decreased significantly. SDNN, RMSSD, PSI, Ln(LF), Ln(HF), Ln(VLF), normalized LF, normalized HF and LF/HF ratio were not affected. Conclusions : We suggest that acupuncture at Jeonjung($CV_{17}$) increases the activity of autonomic nervous system and makes effects on the balance of the autonomic nervous system.