• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.623-628
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• 2004

This paper describes autonomic nervous system activities caused by hyperthermia of far-infrared ray on human body. Designed protocol and analysis algorithm were evaluated by experiments on 20 subjects to analyze the characteristic of heart rate variability(HRV) signals which could be analyzed by FFT power spectrum and time-frequency analysis. Using Poincare' plot analysis, LF and HF were compared with SD1 and SD2. During the experiment, subject was exposed to hyperthermic effects of far-infrared radiation. We could confirm that far-infrared ray, which was known to improve the blood circulation, stress state and enhancing thermal effect into human body, had an effect on human nervous system. As the hyperthermic temperature of far-infrared ray increased, the activity of cardiovascular system to sustain the homeostasis was observed by means of investigating the increase of the sympathetic activity.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2023

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is known to be effective in improving symptoms of numerous diseases such as depression and epilepsy by increasing vagus nerve activity through electrical stimulation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of vagus nerve stimulation on the activity of autonomic nervous system and the changes in postprandial blood glucose levels. Seven healthy adults participated in a non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation experiment. taVNS (25 Hz, 200 ㎲, biphasic pulse) was applied to the cymba concha (taVNS group) or the earlobe (Sham-taVNS group) of the left ear. As autonomic nervous system signals, skin conductance level, skin temperature, and heart rate were recorded during the application of taVNS. Postprandial blood glucose changes due to food intake were recorded at 5 min intervals for 25 minutes after taVNS or sham-taVNS. The taVNS showed a significantly lower skin conductance level than the shamtaVNS (p < 0.05). The increase rate of postprandial blood glucose was significantly lower in the taVNS than in the sham-taVNS (p < 0.05). These results showed that taVNS reduced the activity of the sympathetic nerve system and alleviated early rise in postprandial blood glucose. Although further studies in diabetic patients are needed, this study suggest that taVNS has a potential for clinical use to improve postprandial blood glucose.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.113-124
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• 2005

Objectives : The purpose of this case-control research was to investigate the effects of acupuncture stimulation on autonomic nervous system for patients with PSV and to find out relationship with anti-stress effects. Methods : The study group consists of 24 patients with self-recognition of stress as the case group, and 20 normal person as the control group by similar age. We measured PSV of case and control groups before acupuncture stimulation, prick acupuncture in Hegu(LI4), Taichong(Liv3), Shenme(H7), Neiguan(P6), Zusanli(S36). After treating for 20 minutes, measurement values of PSV were compared for pre-acupuncture and post-acupuncture Results : 1. Pupil size of the case group were decreased significantly after acupuncture stimulation in the 1st 2nd experiments. Pupil size of the control group was decreased significantly after acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. 2. Pupil size of the case group were decreased significantly between the 1st and 2nd experiments before acupuncture stimulation. Conclusion : The results suggest that acupuncture stimulation is associated with changed activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Measurement values of PSV is suitable to estimate the activity of automatic nervous system.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.197-209
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• 2004

Objectives : The purpose of this case-control research was to investigate the effects of acupuncture stimulation on autonomic nervous system for patients with HRV and to find out relationship with anti-stress effects. Methods : The study group consists of 24 patients with self-recognition of stress as the case group, and 20 normal person as the control group by similar age. We measured HRV of case and control groups before acupuncture stimulation, prick acupuncture in Hegu(LI4), Taichong(Liv3), Shenme(H7), Neiguan(P6), Zusanli(S36). After treating for 20 minutes, measurement values of HRV and PSV were compared for pre-acupuncture and post-acupuncture. Results : 1. LF norm, HF norm, LF/HF between the case and control groups were significant different in HRV before acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. 2. HRT, SDNN, SDSD, LF norm, HF norm, and LF/HF of the case group were significant different in HRV after acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. HRT of the case group was significantly different in HRV after acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. 3. LF norm, HF norm, LF/HF of the case group were significant different between the 1st and 2nd experiment in HRV before acupuncture stimulation. 4. LF norm, HF norm, and LF/HF were significant different between the 1st and 2nd experiment in HRV of patients whose symptoms improved. But HRV of patients whose symptoms unimproved didn't show significant difference. Conclusion : The results suggest that acupuncture stimulation is associated with changed activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Measurement values of HRV is suitable to estimate the activity of automatic nervous system.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.241-250
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• 2009

Objectives : To study autonomic nervous system dysfunction of Low Back Pain(LBP) patients, using spectral analysis of Heart Rate Variability(HRV). Methods : HRV of 190 patients was measured and seperated into two groups, those with LBP(n=95) and healthy controls(n=95). HRV was measured by SA-6000(Medicore, Korea) for 5 minutes after 5 minutes' resting. Results : 1. Mean heart rate(MHRT) of the experimental group was slightly higher than that of the control group, but did not show significant difference(P=0.428). The square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals(RMSSD), logarithmic very low frequency power(Ln VLF) and low frequency power/high frequency power ratio(LH/HF ratio) were not significantly low between experimental group and control group(P=0.16, 0.130, 0.537). 2. The standard deviation of all the normal-to-normal intervals(SDNN), logarithmic total power(Ln TP), logarithmic low frequency power(Ln LF) and logarithmic high frequency power(Ln HF) were significantly low between experimental group and control group(P=0.03, 0.005, 0.001, 0.007). 3. Ln LF of acute group was significantly low compared with those of chronic group(P= 0.039). Conclusions : This study suggests the activity and imbalance of autonomic nervous system in LBP is low. Also sympathetic nervous system of acute LBP is lower than that of chronic LBP. Further study of HRV related to LBP is needed in the clinical medicine.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.261-265
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• 2018

Objective : This discussion was performed in order to find a meaning of Mahwang, Gyeji, Sesin, Buja and Related Prescriptions connected to the distribution problem of body fluid caused by inflammation. Methods : The pharmacological effects of the prescriptions including Mahwang, Gyeji, Sesin, Buja and these herbs which are used as an individual case were investigated literally. Results : Mahwang, Gyeji, Sesin, Buja and the prescriptions including these herbs have the effect of strengthening heart and increasing cardiac output. Therefore it can be thought that the effect of distributing body fluid is included in the Mahwang, Gyeji, Sesin, Buja and Related Prescriptions. And especially the effect of mahwang could not be restricted to the diaphoretic effect. The effect of Mahwang could be interpreted as the distributing body fluid effect through the stimulation of sympathetic nervous system and inhibition of parasympathetic system. Conclusion : Mahwang, Gyeji Sesin and Buja and related prescriptions have the effect of distributing body fluid via stimulation of sympathetic system.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.25-36
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• 2007

Objectives : Acupuncture restores the flow of vital energy in the body by stimulating the organ-specific meridians and enhances cardiac vagal activity and suppresses sympathetic activity. The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate the acupuncture studies on autonomic nervous system (ANS). Methods : We conducted a PubMed search to obtain a fair sample of acupuncture studies related ANS published in English in 2007. Each article was reviewed for study objectives and outcomes, as well as acupuncture points, experimental and control interventions. Results : We reviewed a total of 15 studies published from 1997 to 2007. In normal states, acupuncture enhanced either vagal or sympathetic tone depending on the stimulated acupuncture point sites. On the other hand, most of studies demonstrated that acupuncture restored the autonomic dysfunctions in various kinds of stressful states. Conclusions : We reviewed studies that contributed to an understanding of the autonomic mechanisms of acupuncture with the hope that this review will be of benefit to the future studies. Although the relationship between acupuncture and ANS response is still uncertain, acupuncture would be a noteworthy modality for modulating autonomic dysfunction.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2000

The present study was conducted to investigate the possible role of the sympathetic nervous system in two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. 2K1C and DOCA- salt hypertension were made in Sprague-Dawley rats. Four weeks after induction of hypertension, systolic blood pressure measured in conscious state was significantly higher in 2K1C $(216{\pm}18\;mmHg)$ and DOCA-salt $(205{\pm}29\;mmHg)$ groups than that in control $(128{\pm}4\;mmHg).$ The third branches (＜300 ${\mu}m$ in outer diameter) of the mesenteric artery were isolated and cut into ring segments of $2{\sim}3$ mm in length. Each ring segment was mounted in tissue bath and connected to a force displacement transducer for measurement of isometric tension. The arterial rings were contracted by application of norepinephrine (NE) in a dose-dependent manner. The amplitude of the NE-induced contraction of the vessels was significantly larger in hypertension than in control. The NE-induced contraction was significantly enhanced by neuropeptide Y (NPY) in hypertension. Reciprocally, NPY-elicited vasocontraction was increased by NE in hypertension. These results suggest that the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the development of 2K1C and DOCA-salt hypertension.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.402-407
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• 2019

Background: To investigate the neurobiological evidence supporting the adaptogenic effects of Korean Red Ginseng in reducing the harmful consequences of stress using a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Method: Sixty-three subjects with high stress levels were randomized to receive an orally administered, double-blind, 6-week treatment with Korean Red Ginseng (n = 32) or placebo (n = 31). All participants underwent a comprehensive psychological evaluation using Beck Depression Inventory and Stress Response Inventory, cognitive evaluation using the continuous performance test, biological evaluation by measuring blood levels of lipids, catecholamines, inflammation markers, and heart rate variability at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: At baseline, both groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, years of education, Beck Depression Inventory, and Stress Response Inventory. After 6 weeks, triglyceride levels were significantly increased within the normal limit in the Korean Red Ginseng group (F = 4.11, p = 0.048), and the epinephrine level was decreased in this group (F = 4,35, p = 0.043). The triglyceride increase was significantly associated with epinephrine decrease (B = 0.087, p = 0.041), suggesting that Korean Red Ginseng may stabilize the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, we detected a significant group by time effect in the visually controlled continuous performance test, suggesting positive effects of Korean Red Ginseng on cognition. Conclusion: Korean Red Ginseng might help to stabilize the sympathetic nervous system and improve cognition in individuals with high stress.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.108 no.3
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• pp.440-453
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• 2019

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of watching a two-dimensional (2D) forest video and a virtual reality (VR) forest video on stress reduction in adults. Experiments were conducted in an artificial climate room, and 40 subjects participated. After inducing stress in the subjects, subjects watched a 2D gray video, 2D forest video, or VR forest video for 5 mins. The autonomic nervous system activity was evaluated continuously in terms of measured heart rate variability during the experiment. After each experiment, the subject's psychological state was evaluated using a questionnaire. The 2D forest video decreased the viewer's stress index, increased HF, and reduced heart rate compared with the 2D gray video. The VR forest video had a greater stress index reduction effect, LF/HF increase effect, and heart rate reduction effect than the 2D gray video. Psychological measurements showed that subjects felt more comfortable, natural, and calm when watching the 2D gray video, 2D forest video or VR forest video. We also found that the 2D forest video and VR forest video increased positive emotions and reduced negative emotions compared to the 2D gray video. Based on these results, it can be concluded that watching the 2D forest and VR forest videos reduces the stress index and heart rate compared with watching the 2D gray video. Thus, it is considered that the 2D forest video increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, and the VR forest video increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system upon watching the VR forest video is judged to be positive sympathetic nerve activity, such as novelty and curiosity, and not negative sympathetic activity, such as stress and tension. The results of this study are expected to be the basis for examining the visual effects of forest healing, with hope that the utilization of VR, the technology of the fourth industrial revolution in the forestry field, will broaden.