• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제27권1호
• /
• pp.137-148
• /
• 2010

Objectives : To research the changes of electroencephalogram(EEG) signals for acupuncture stimulation and to establish the hereafter direction for the study on EEG. Methods : We reviewed the domestic papers searched by search engine of Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society and Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. Results : We have searched 31 articles in 10 journals. The 13 articles were concerned with acupuncture. 1. All articles were published after 2001. In 2007 there were 10 articles. 2. The studies dealing with the changes of EEG signals were 24, the studies dealing with correlation of EEG signals were 5, and the studies analyzing EEG with Korean medicine were 2. 3. In the studies dealing with the changes of EEG signals, the case-control studies were 9, the non case-control studies were 14, and the case study was 1. 10 studies used electro-acupuncture, 1 study used herbal acupuncture, and 2 studies used manual acupuncture. Conclusions : We need more various kinds of studies. 1. Excited condition by acupuncture stimulation may reduce $\alpha$ wave. 2. There may be the acupuncture point-specific variation of EEG signal patterns. 3. The number of responding channels for acupuncture stimulation may correlate with the quantity or variety of acupuncture effect.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제31권4호
• /
• pp.99-108
• /
• 2014

Objectives : This study was performed to review articles referring to facial palsy sequelae evaluating scale and propose how to assess facial palsy sequelae. Methods : We searched for the medical literature to find out method of evaluating facial palsy sequelae. Then, we researched strengths and weaknesses of the scale and considered the way to appraise the facial palsy sequelae. Results : There were subjective and objective scale for evaluating facial palsy sequelae. Subjective scale could offer detailed assessment but had low objectivity and reproducibility. Objective scale had consistency and detachment but needed for specific equipments with time for measuring and calculating. Conclusions : We should evaluate the facial palsy sequelae with the strengths of subjective and objective scale and assess facial nerve function, symptoms of facial palsy sequelae and quality of life entirely. Moreover, the scale has to contain the reliability with static and dynamic assessment.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제30권3호
• /
• pp.185-192
• /
• 2013

Objectives : Many studies have investigated the electric specificity of meridian and acupoint. However, the definition about the real substance of 'Ki(Qi)' that flows in the meridian has not been established yet. The authors hypothesized that the 'Ki(Qi)' may be the very 'bioelectricity' of western medicine, from two common features that they are not visible with naked eyes and that they function in the living body only. Methods : 20 healthy adults participated in this study. Heart rate was measured before and after exercise. Acupuncture was performed at PC6 immediately after exercise with counter balance in the first experiment. In the second experiment, acupuncture group was further divided to the three groups, i.e. glove acupuncture group, manual acupuncture group, and NaCl acupuncture group. In the glove group, acupuncturist put on the two folds of latex gloves to block bioelectric currents between the acupuncturist and subject. In the NaCl group, acupuncturist had his fingertips wet with NaCl solution. Results : Exercise increased Heart Rate and acupuncture at PC6 inhibited this increase. In the second experiment, the significant difference compared to the comtrol group was the most in NaCl acupuncture and the least in Glove acupuncture. However, there was no significant difference between three groups. Conclusions : The results of this study seem to be deficient as a conclusive evidence for the hypothesis that the 'Ki(Qi)' of Korean Medicine is the 'bioelectricity' of western medicine.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제18권6호
• /
• pp.35-43
• /
• 2001

Objective : The purpose of this study is to examine the reason of choosing acupuncture and moxibustion at first and the change of preference along with the improvement of the causes of avoiding acupuncture and moxibustion. Methods : As for the methodology of the research, we had a questionnaire survey of the freshmen at Dongguk University in 2000. Out of 3095 freshmen, 2158 students (1170 males and 988 females) replied to the questionnaire and statistical analysis was carried out mainly on the items answered by the respondents. Comparison between groups concerning acupuncture and moxibustion treatment utilized x 2 test. Results : The results of the research are as follows: 1. The most frequent reason of choosing acupuncture and moxibustion initially was that it seemed to be effective, and the second reason was that they were encouraged by acquaintances. 2. The most frequent reason of revisiting acupuncture and moxibustion was that it was proved effective, and the second reason was that it did not induce pains. 3. The most frequent reason of not revisiting acupuncture and moxibustion was it was proved ineffective, and the second reason was that it induced pains. A large part of the respondents who did not revisit said they would do if the reasons of not revisiting were improved. Conclusion : The reasons of choosing acupuncture and moxibustion initially and revisiting appear to be closely related to the efficacy of acupuncture. It was shown that whether it was painful was also a crucial factor in the decisions. Based on the results, we consider that it is required to develop acupuncture manipulations that enhance the efficacy and reduce pains, as well as to invent various innovative acupuncture and moxibustion techniques and instruments.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제23권6호
• /
• pp.239-254
• /
• 2006

The 3rd Japan-Korea Workshop on Acupuncture and EBM was held at Kanazawa on June $16^{th}$. From Korea team, 4 papers were presented. Dr. Hahn introduced a new approach of data analysis on series of n-of-1 trials using the Bayesian statistics. It offered important information for the future n-of-1 trials. Dr. Park clearly demonstrated the significance of various sham devices proposed and stressed the importance of research questions when we choose the control intervention in RCT. Dr. Lee reported the results of survey in Korean Medical Doctors (KMD) for their point selection and techniques to the distal and local points. Dr. Kim presented the results of face to face survey on the KMD with 28 items for acupuncture treatment on the knee OA. Finally, a draft of protocol was introduced by Dr. Kim. The title was "multi-center, a randomized, single blinded, two arms, parallel-group study to compare the effectiveness and safety of 'individualized acupuncture' and 'standardized minimal acupuncture' in Korean and Japanese patients with knee osteoarthritis (Phase IV)". From Japan team, 7 speakers presented their comments and proposals on the protocol. Dr. Takahashi introduced several issues regarding n-of-1 trials and pointed out the importance of obtaining generalizability from n-of-1 trials. Dr. Shichidou pointed the importance of research design, selection of outcome measures and reduction of biases. Dr. Itoh presented the results of point selection for the knee OA based on the literature survey. Dr. Sumiya introduced several differences between KMD and Japanese acupuncturists based on the questionnaire used in KMD survey. Dr. Furuya demonstrated a result of press tack needle and its sham device on shoulder stiffness. Dr. Yamashita introduced the results of literature survey regarding adverse events occurred by acupuncture on knee OA. Dr.Tsukayama stressed the importance of responsibility of Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the conduction of clinical trials. After several issues were discussed, the need of continued meeting for final protocol development was agreed, then the workshop was closed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제40권3호
• /
• pp.265-271
• /
• 2023

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a disease that narrows the spinal canal, causing neurological symptoms. To date, there have been several reports on traditional Korean medicine treatments for OPLL; however, there is no study on complex acupuncture treatment. Herein, we report 2 cases of cervical OPLL involving cervical pain, upper limb radiating pain, and hypoesthesia. The patients were diagnosed using C-spine computed tomography and did not receive any treatment at any other hospital. The patients were treated with acupuncture treatments, including electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and acupotomy, at Daegu Korean Medicine Hospital at Daegu Haany University. The results were assessed using the visual analog scale, neck disability index, and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, and the results indicated an improvement in the symptoms. Thus, this study demonstrated that complex acupuncture treatment may be helpful for treating cervical OPLL and improving the quality of life.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제38권1호
• /
• pp.79-84
• /
• 2021

The degenerative spinal cord disease cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), and cervical myelopathy caused by trauma, can result in debilitating symptoms affecting quality of life. This study used acupotomy and other Korean medicine treatments (acupuncture, herbal medicine, and physical therapy) to improve the symptoms of CSM and cervical myelopathy. The visual analog scale, the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA scale), the Nurick grading system, and the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale were used as the evaluation criteria to determine the effectiveness of treatment. The functional status of both patients improved from mild to moderate, with improved gait, local sensation, and level of pain. The degree of spinal cord injury remained the same. The findings of this study suggest that combined Korean medicine treatments including acupotomy may be helpful in the treatment of CSM and cervical myelopathy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제32권3호
• /
• pp.147-161
• /
• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to review the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for the treatment of acute herpes zoster. Methods : Data was collected by two researchers. Clinical trials on PubMed were retrieved using MeSH terms including "herpes zoster" combined with "acupuncture therapy", "moxibustion", "bloodletting", "electroacupuncture", and related keywords. We excluded irrelevant studies and included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, case series and case reports. Finally, we selected a total of thirteen studies and conducted a literature analysis and an object quality assessment. Results : Twelve of thirteen studies were about acupuncture and moxibustion combined therapy. Only one study suggested that a single acupuncture therapy is expected to be equally as effective as a common western medicine therapy. There was some evidence related to the effectiveness of moxibustion, venesection and electroacupuncture, but it dealt with combining therapy and was insufficient, and with an inclusion of potential risk factors. Only one study was conducted under approval from an institutional review board. No severe treatment-related adverse events were observed. A quality assessment suggested that there was some weakness in the areas of blinding and concealment. Conclusions : There is some evidence that suggests the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion combined therapy as a treatment for acute herpes zoster.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제33권3호
• /
• pp.75-87
• /
• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at SP6(Sanyinjiao) on the temperature change of feet in healthy adults and evaluate whether SP6 has an effect on cold hypersensitivity of feet. Methods : Subjects of this study were 61 healthy adults consisting of 21 in the acupuncture treatment group, 21 in the moxibustion treatment group and 19 in the control group, selected at random. After starting the experiment, the subjects laid straight on their back and relaxed for 30 minutes. Pictures were then taken of their feet by DITI 3 times before and after treatment. The treatment was carried out by either 15 minutes of acupuncture or 2 pieces of moxibustion at SP6. Whilst the control group rested lying straight. After taking pictures the temperatures of LR2, GB42, ST42, KI1, center of the plantar, and center of the calcaneus were checked and the SPSS for Windows Version 20.0 was used to evaluate the statistical significance by the paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test(in group) and the Mann-Whitney U-test(between the groups). Results : Some temperature changes before and after treatment were observed in each of the 12 areas, most of which were not significant. But as a result of comparing the temperature difference of all the samples without dividing the area of each group, the mean temperatures in the acupuncture and moxibustion group were significantly elevated. A comparison between the groups showed the mean temperature of the acupuncture and moxibustion group to be significantly elevated, more so than the control group. Conclusion : The result of this study suggests acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at SP6 has the effect of the rising temperature of feet temporarily.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제40권1호
• /
• pp.90-96
• /
• 2023

The discoid meniscus is an innate modified form of the meniscus, characterized by middle hypertrophy and a larger than the regular diameter, leading to an absence of the characteristic "C" arrangement. Previously, no study has reported the traditional Korean medicine treatment of knee pain mainly due to discoid meniscus. Here, we report two cases of a discoid meniscus of the knee as the cause of knee pain. Patients were diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging for discoid meniscus and received traditional Korean medicine treatments, including pharmacopuncture, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and chuna. The pain was alleviated when assessed by patient-reported pain scale scores, and the general knee condition was improved. Thus, traditional Korean medicine treatments could be effective for patients who had discoid meniscus of the knee joint in this case report.