• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.209-230
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• 2017

Objectives : The aim of this study was to describe the details and to assess the clinical evidence of acupuncture and moxibustion for non-specific chronic neck pain. Methods : We searched seven databases including Korean, English, and Chinese databases through July 2016. Studies using acupuncture, moxibustion, pharmacopuncture, electroacupuncture, auricular-acupuncture, acupressure for non-specific chronic neck pain were included. Only controlled clinical trials or randomized clinical trials were assessed. Study design, number of subject, inclusion criteria, intervention, and results were extracted. In addition, details of intervention including needle type, retention time, acupoints were analyzed. Results : Total 64 studies(39 acupuncture, 9 laser, 6 pharmaco-acupuncture, 3 electro-acupuncture, 3 auricular-acupuncture, 3 moxibustion, 1 acupressure) were included. Among 39 acupuncture studies, 35 used acupuncture as sole intervention. Sham treatment was the most common intervention for control group, followed by no intervention. Various outcome including pain, disability, quality of life, range of motion was used as outcome measurement. The effect of acupuncture and moxibustion was different depending on the type of control and outcome measurement. The most commonly used method in acupuncture for neck pain was GB21, SI3, GB20, LI4, BL11 acupoints, 10~30 mm insertion depth, 20~30 retention time, and 1~2 times per week. Conclusions : Analyzing the details of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment could be helpful for researches and clinics. Further studies should consider the characteristics of study design, intervention, and outcome to assess the effect of TKM.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.283-296
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• 2022

In this study, the evidence of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) in treating cervical radiculopathy in randomized controlled trials was investigated. We searched 16 databases up to August 22, 2022. Of the 2,644 studies retrieved, 22 randomized controlled trials (2,483 participants) were selected. Quality assessments were performed using Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool and RevMan 5.4 software. Outcome measures in the included studies typically showed TEA had a significant therapeutic effect compared with simple acupuncture and other remedies, and TEA was better than sham TEA. Catgut and polydioxanone had no difference in effectiveness, however, catgut was considered to be less safe. TEA was shown to be more therapeutic when inserted deeper into the skin. Ultrasound guided TEA was more effective and safer than conventional TEA, and using a flat blade needle was better than conventional needles for TEA. No serious adverse events were reported from using TEA, and only a few mild side effects were observed. However, the limited number and heterogeneity of the included studies, together with the unclear methodological quality, indicate that higher-quality studies need to be conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of TEA for cervical radiculopathy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-13
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was performed to choose more effective neuro-protective acupuncture point and to verify the effect of acupuncture in promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis as a result of its neuro-vasculo-regenerative effect in middle cerebral artery occlusion model in rats. Methods : By TTc staining we chose the most effective acupuncture point with neuro-protection. We randomly divided into four groups: Such as (1) sham group(with sham-operation), (2) sham+acupuncture group(with sham-operation), (3) middle cerebral artery occlusion group, (4) MCAO+AT group. Acupuncture procedure was performed for four days. Total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent, according to the manufacturer's instructions, and was purified using an RNAeasy mini kit. Immuno-histochemistry was performed using primary antibody mouse anti-BrdU, NeuN, Dcx, and VEGF. Results : We found that $ST_{36}$ had the more neuroprotective effect than $LI_{11}$ and $SP_3$. The microarray analysis revealed that 54 genes were more expressed neurogenesis pathway in MCAO+AT group compared with MCAO group(fold changes greater than or equal to twofold change). 11 genes were more expressed angiogenesis pathway. And 7 genes were more expressed VEGF pathway. Immuno-histochemistry revealed that cell proliferation, cell migration and cell maturation were increased. Conclusions : This study demonstrated that acupuncture on $ST_{36}$ had neuro-protective and neuro-restorative effect in ischemic brain injuries. And its mechanism might be related to promote neurogenesis and angiogenesis. These results suggest that acupuncture have potential benefits for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.67-84
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• 2010

Objectives : To review RCTs on acupuncture treatment for shoulder pain in order to establish a standard acupuncture treatment model in treating shoulder pain. Methods : RCT articles on traditional acupuncture treatment for shoulder pain were searched through online database. Quality of studies were assessed using the FEAS and the modified Jadad score. Results : Eighteen trials of acupuncture for shoulder pain were analyzed. Based on the results of these reviews the following factors might contribute to optimal results from acupuncture treatment. 1) Usage of LI, SI, TE meridians, usage of $LI_{15}$, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$, $LI_{11}$, $LI_4$, $SI_{14}$, $LI_{14}$, $TE_{15}$ acupuncture points. 2) More than four acupuncture points should be used. 3) More than 15 minutes of needle retention time. 4) Needle length-40mm and diameter-0.30mm. 5) More than 9 times treatment 6) More than 5 weeks treatment duration. Conclusions : There was no relation between quality of article and effectiveness of acupuncture. To improve the remedial value, it is necessary to mention De-qi, stimulation of acupuncture and correct variation in diagnosis with the above-mentioned. It is better that clinical trials of acupuncture treatment is designed that type of RCT and double blind. Also when it is set that sham nonpenetrating acupuncture, no treatment group as a control group, and participants don't distinguish wheather acupuncture treatment or not, it will be more meaningful.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.207-215
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• 2004

Objective : In order to prove the effect of Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture this experimental studies were performed by using rats that had neuronal damage due to the Middle Cerebral Artery Occulsion(MCAO). Methods : Microdialysis probes were implanted into the coordinate of striatum of anesthetized rats which consist of sham-operated 8 rats, MCAO-operated 8 rats and Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture administrated 8 rats before MCAO operating. The Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture(0.5mg/kg) was administrated to rats 30 minutes before having an operation causing the MCAO. The surgical excision lead the cross resected brain to the acute ischemic state. The brain was sliced in 2mm thickness and stained with cresyl violet buffer for the measurement of cerebral infarcted area and volume. Results : Based on the result of the tissue inspection for the cerebral ischemic cell, Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture significantly protect neurocytes. Conclusion : We suggest Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture produces protective effects against the neuronal damage induced by MCAO. Therefore, Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture may prevent delayed neuronal death(DND) in selectively vulnerable focal areas of the brain effectively.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.312-319
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• 2021

Background: Lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (LHIVD) is a frequently presented condition/disease in Korean medical institutions. In this study, the economics of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial comparing TEA with sham TEA (STEA). Methods: This economic evaluation was analyzed from a limited social perspective, and the per-protocol set was from a basic analysis perspective. The cost-effectiveness analysis was based on the change in visual analog scale score, and the cost-utility analysis was based on the quality-adjusted life years. The final results were expressed as the average cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and furthermore sensitivity analysis was performed to confirm the robustness of the results observed. Results: The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that TEA was 9,908 won lower than STEA, while the decrease in 100 mm visual analog scale score was 8.5 mm greater in the TEA group compared with the STEA group (p > 0.05). The cost-utility analysis showed that TEA was 9,908 won lower than STEA, while the quality-adjusted life years of TEA was 0.0026 years higher than STEA (p > 0.05). These results were robust in the sensitivity analysis, but were not statistically significant. Conclusion: In treating LHIVD, TEA appeared to have cost-effectiveness and cost-utility compared with STEA. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of cost, effectiveness, and utility indicators. Therefore, results must be interpreted prudently; this study was the 1^st to conduct an economic evaluation of TEA for LHIVD.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.120-128
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• 2018

Background: Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a common condition that includes shoulder pain and limited movement. Despite more than 100 years of AC treatment, the most efficacious treatment remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using acupuncture for AC. Methods: Thirty participants with AC were randomly assigned to acupuncture (A) or sham acupuncture (SA) groups. The participants received 15 acupuncture sessions over 6 weeks, and follow-up occurred for an additional 4 weeks thereafter. The primary clinical outcome was the numeric rating scale (NRS) for shoulder pain 6 weeks from the baseline. Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder, the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and the patient global impression of change (PGIC). Results: Thirty participants were enrolled out of 37 screened individuals. Recruitment was conducted between August 2014 until May 2015. A total of 28 participants (93%) completed the 6-week intervention, and 26 participants (87%) completed the study. NRS, ROM, SPADI, EQ-5D, PSQI, and PGIC scores improved in both the experimental group and the sham group after 6 weeks, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Adverse events were reported by 12 participants, although these events were not associated with acupuncture. Conclusion: A future RCT for AC may be feasible with some modifications to the recruitment plan and the secondary outcome measurement methods.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.165-177
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• 2006

Objectives : 1. Clinical trial for the efficacy evaluation of Korean acupuncture techniques in treating frozen shoulder. 2. Development of the standard clinical guidelines of the acupuncture treatment for the frozen shoulder. 3. Development of the new clinical protocol for the acupuncture treatments. 4. Verification of the hypothesis that treating at both the remote and the nearby acupoints according to the meridian theory is more effective than treating at only the nearby acupoints. Methods : 1. Research designed as Single blind, Randomized, Sham acupuncture controlled clinical Trial. 2. Assignment of 86 patients to one of three groups treated at nearby acupoints(group A), remote & nearby acupoints(group B), and sham points(group C) respectively. 3. Trial conducted at KIOM CRC of Dunsan oriental medical hospital, Daejeon Univ. 4. Estimation of the recovery rate of the frozen shoulder in subjects aged over 40. 5. Efficacy evaluation using VAS, SPADI, ROM and Improvement rate. Results : 1. There was no significant difference in VAS among the three groups. 2. Pain related scores in SPADI of the group B were significantly lower than those of the group A. 3. There was no significant difference in disability related scores of SPADI among the three groups. 4. External rotation of upper arm in the group B was significantly improved in comparison with that in the group C. 5. Abduction of upper arm in group A was improved with weak statistical significance in comparison with that in the group C. Conclusion : Acupuncture at both the remote and the nearby acupoints according to the meridian theory is effective to improve external rotation of frozen shoulder, and acupuncture at the nearby acupoints is effective to improve adduction of frozen shoulder. However it is not clear that acupuncture treatment at both the remote and the nearby acupoints according to the meridian theory is more effective than treating at only the nearby acupoints in the treatment of frozen shoulder. Since our study was a short term trial, a long term trial for a more precise evaluation of acupuncture treatment for frozen shoulder will be needed in the future.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.79-89
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• 2009

Objectives : The aim of this study was to observe the effect of acupuncture and high frequency electroacupuncture at $ST_{39}$ on intestinal motility in rats. Methods: We made over-activated state of intestinal motility with carbachol and suppressed state of intestinal motility with loperamide in rat and carried out needle retention acupuncture and high frequency electroacupuncture at $ST_{39}$ or sham point in rat divided into pre-treatment group and post-treatment group. We fed charcoal to them after the treatment and measured the travel rate of charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract to observe intestinal motility. Results : Examining intestinal motility of normal rat treated with needle retention acupuncture at $ST_{39}$ significantly suppressed intestinal motility. Pre-treatment of needle retention acupuncture significantly suppressed intestinal motility in rat which over-activated with carbachol. Pre-treatment and post-treatment of high frequency electroacupuncture significantly suppressed intestinal motility in rat which over-activated with carbachol. All of the pre-treatment and post-treatment of needle retention acupuncture, high frequency electroacupuncture showed no significant effect than control group on intestinal motility of rat which was suppressed with loperamide. Conclusions : These results suggest that acupuncture and high frequency electroacupuncture at $ST_{39}$ have preventive and therapeutic effects on over-activated intestinal motility, and high frequency electroacupuncture is more effective.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.89-96
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• 2004

Objectives : In order to prove the effect of Phospholipase $A_2(PLA_2)$ Herbal-acupuncture, this experimental studies were performed by using rats that had neuronal damage due to the Middle Cerebral Artery Occulsion(MCAO). Methods : Microdialysis probes were implanted into the coordinate of striatum of anesthetized rats which consist of sham-operated 8 rats, MCAO-operated 8 rats and $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture administrated 8 rats before MCAO operating. The $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture(0.5mg/kg) was administrated to rats 30 minutes before having an operation causing the MCAO. The surgical excision lead the cross resected brain to the acute ischemic state. The brain was sliced in 2mm thickness and stained with cresyl violet buffer for the measurement of cerebral infarcted area and volume. Results : Based on the result of the tissue inspection for the cerebral ischemic cell, $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture significantly protect neurocytes. Conclusions : We suggest $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture produces protective effects against the neuronal damage induced by MCAO. Therefore, $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture may prevent delayed neuronal death(DND) in selectively vulnerable focal areas of the brain effectively.