• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.209-219
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• 2004

Objective : This study was designed to compare acupuncture sensation index among three different acupuncture devices. Methods : A, B and C acupuncture devices were inserted into Quchi(LI 11) of the subjects. After 5 minutes the subjects completed a questionnaire rating the intensity of 21 kinds of acupuncture sensation; hurting, penetrating, sharp, aching, intense, spreading, radiating, tingling, pricking, stinging, pulling, heavy, dull, numb, electric, shocking, hot, burning, cool, pulsing, and throbbing. We compared subjective evaluations of acupuncture sensation among the groups. Results : The acupuncture sensation index when administrated among three different acupuncture devices(A, B and C) was not significantly different. The acupuncture sensation of B acupuncture devices showed significant difference than A or C in Spreading, Dull, Numb item. But, the other items of acupuncture sensation were not significantly different among three acupuncture devices. Conclusions : We found that acupuncture sensation index when administrated among three different acupuncture devices. Further study is needed to know different acupuncture sensation among acupuncture devices.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.135-140
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• 2023

Objectives : Moxibustion-related standards have been established by organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Korean Standards Association (KSA), among others. Methods : We summarized moxibustion-related standards that have been published by ISO and KSA. Results : Technical Committees 249 (ISO/TC 249), which was established in 2009, has been established moxibustion devices standards in working group (WG) 4. International standards have been established for moxibustion devices, smokeless moxibustion devices, moxa floss quality, and electric heating moxibustion equipment. Work on international standards for infrared moxibustion-like instruments and moxibustion device terminology is currently in progress. Conclusions : Korea has taken a central role establishing international standards for a wide range of moxibustion devices, supported by fundamental research data in this field. To continue its influence in establishing these international standards, further studies providing the basis for moxibustion device standardization are required.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• 제4권4호
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• pp.195-219
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• 2015

Acupuncture therapy has been proved to be effective for diverse diseases, symptoms, and conditions in numerous clinical trials. The growing popularity of acupuncture therapy has triggered the development of modern acupuncture-like stimulation devices (ASDs), which are equivalent or superior to manual acupuncture with respect to safety, decreased risk of infection, and facilitation of clinical trials. Here, we aim to summarize the research on modern ASDs, with a focus on featured devices undergoing active research and their effectiveness and target symptoms, along with annual publication rates. We searched the popular electronic databases Medline, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and analyzed English-language studies on humans. Thereby, a total of 728 studies were identified, of which 195 studies met our inclusion criteria. Electrical stimulators were found to be the earliest and most widely studied devices (133 articles), followed by laser (44 articles), magnetic (16 articles), and ultrasound (2 articles) stimulators. A total of 114 studies used randomized controlled trials, and 109 studies reported therapeutic benefits. The majority of the studies (32%) focused on analgesia and pain-relief effects, followed by effects on brain activity (16%). All types of the reviewed ASDs were associated with increasing annual publication trends; specifically, the annual growth in publications regarding noninvasive stimulation methods was more rapid than that regarding invasive methods. Based on this observation, we anticipate that the noninvasive or minimally invasive ASDs will become more popular in acupuncture therapy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2016

Objectives : When we understand the characters of certain person or object, we try to follow each one's or its past up. Korean Journal of Acupuncture is one of the most significant journal in acupuncture study fields in Korea. To understand the trends of study in acupuncture study fields, I made a subject with Korean Journal of Acupuncture. Methods : I made an evaluation and classification for all 713 articles' headline from vol. 17(2000 year) to vol.32(2015 year). Results : 1. Experimental Reseach : There were major portion articles for pharmaco-acupuncture study out of studies for acupuncture, moxibustion, chiropratics, devices and so on. 2. Bibliographical Research and Basic Theory Research : There were major portion articles for medians and acu-point study out of studies for article review and text book itself. Also, there were major portion articles for meridian and acupuncture study out of studies for Qigong, pulse, anatomy and so on. 3. Clinical Research : There were major portion articles for acupuncture study out of studies for moxibustion, chiropratics, devices, complex treatments and so on. 4. Others : There were major portion articles for diagnosis and measurement devices out of acupuncture, laser, pulsing device and so on. Also, there were surveys for recognition of patients and medical services and evaluations for measuring diagnosis utility and those effects. Conclusions : With thise results, I hope that several researchers could consider scope and subject when they submit articles for Korean Journal of Acupuncture.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.61-76
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• 2007

Objectives : Accurate and reproducible location of an acupuncture point (AP) have been considered an essential component of meaningful acupuncture research as well as clinical practice. Several kinds of devices have been developed and widely used for the convenience of locating APs. However, the accuracy and convenience of these devices have not been systematically evaluated. The present study was performed to find out the most suitable tools for the location accuracy and location easiness of APs among the devices respectively. Methods : Twenty subjects attempted to locate APs, including PC5 and SP6 in the arm and leg, using four different AP positioning methods: one Conventional Ruler method and three alternative methods including Cunometer, Transparent AP meter, and Elastic Ruler method. The position marked on each AP was plotted onto a thin, flexible, and transparent plastic film, and the dispersion rate of the positions was determined and recorded. The elapsed time for locating each AP was measured. After that each subject was answered to a short questionnaire regarding the degree of convenience and confidence of use of each method for AP location. Results : All of three alternative methods took less time than Conventional Ruler method did. Among these alternative methods, the accuracy of Elastic Ruler method was markedly higher than others. The degree of convenience of the Cunometer and the confidence of Elastic Ruler method were the highest among these alternative methods. Conclusions : The present study indicates that the Elastic Ruler method was the most compatible for the conventional Ruler methods. However, there are many factors need to be reconsidered. Improved devices for locating AP are imperatively needed for clinical practice.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.57-69
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• 2008

Objectives : To review the controlling methods used in RCTs (randomized controlled trials) of auricular acupuncture. Methods : To investigate the controlling methods used in clinical trials of auricular acupuncture, 46 articles were retrieved from PUBMED (from August 1976 to August 2007, with limits: english, clinical trial) using the key words of "ear acupuncture", "auricular acupuncture", "auriculo-medicine", and sorted out according to the types of control treatments. Among them, 10 articles were selected based on STRICTA (Standards for Reporting Intervention in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture), and the controlling methods used in those articles were reviewed. Results : In clinical trials of auricular acupuncture, 'sham acupoints (non-acupoints and non-treatment acupoints included)', 'minimal acupuncture', 'pseudo-intervention', and 'placebo devices' have been used as controlling methods, but their 'inactivity' have been in question. To compensate the disadvantages of 'minimal acupuncture', and 'pseudo-intervention' control, placebo auricular acupuncture needles have been developed, although these needles didn't satisfy the conditions of 'blinding' and 'physical inactivity' simultaneously. Conclusions : Further researches on 'sham acupoints' and new development of 'placebo auricular acupuncture needles' are needed.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.150-163
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• 2022

Objectives: This research aimed to develop a guideline for evaluating safety and performance of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus. With the development of medical devices like electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus with improved performance, convenience and safety measures compared to traditional warm-acupuncture needling, safety and performance guideline is a necessity. Methods: By referring to existing standards and guidelines of other electronic devices for Korean medicine with heating function, guideline for safety and performance assessment of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus was drafted Results: The guideline, presents explanation for adequate temperature and settings of the apparatus, and safety measurements providing against thermal runaway situations along with guidelines for the manual. Guideline for detailed test method for the performance of the apparatus such as accuracy of temperature increase and the timer, and safety unit was also provided. The test items and suggested test methods for the requirements of biological, electrical and electromagnetic safety were referred to Korean approval documents of ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Conclusion: We proposed the relevant items to verify performance and safety of warm-acupuncture apparatus to assure patient safety and improve the quality of currently developing devices for application in clinical field.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.28-32
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• 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to collate inventors' improvements of air extraction cupping technology by reviewing patent applications in Korea. The cost of procurement and use of air extraction cupping devices are covered by health insurance. Methods: Patents registered in Korea for air extraction cupping devices from August 1992 to January 2018 (registration, expiration, rejection, abandonment, and disclosure) were analyzed to determine technology trends. The Korean patent search engine used was Kipris (www.kipris.or.kr). Results: Sixty-seven Korean patents for air extraction cupping devices were retrieved. Most patents focused on design of the top valve of the device, the device at the bottom, an internal device, and the disposable cupping glass. In total 17.9% of patents were registered and 64.2% were abolished [either from non-payment of registration fees (93%) or expiration of the patent after 10 years (7%)]. The average registration period was 3.7 years. Conclusion: The patents retrieved for this study focused on the development of the air exhaust valve, disposable cups, and skin adhesion maintenance technology in cupping devices that use air extraction. The average registration period was 3.7 years, meaning the patents that were not commercialized, expired without additional registration renewals. It is important to acquire a New Excellent Technology certificate for a cupping device to promote commercialization.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.95-109
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• 2006

Objectives : There has been a considerable debate about how to best control for placebo effects in clinical trials of acupuncture. Recently several sham needles were developed and validated. This study aimed at summarising the validation studies of these needles and evaluating the outcomes of the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using them. Methods : Computerised literature searches were performed using 'acupuncture' AND 'placebo OR sham' with a limitation of the results to RCTs in Medline via PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Only formally validated sham needle controlled studies were included. Data were extracted regarding study design, condition, sample size, credibility testing, intervention and outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified Jadad scale. Results : Three validated sham needles by Streitberger, Park, and Fink, were identified. Acupuncture's effectiveness for various conditions was tested using these needles in 12 RCTs. Real acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture for rotator cuff tendonitis and hypertension. No significant differences between real acupuncture and sham acupuncture emerged for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, postoperative nausea and vomiting, menstrually related migraine, acute stroke rehabilitation, chronic/episodic tension-type headache, neutrophil respiratory burst in healthy volunteers, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and chronic poststroke leg spasticity. Conclusions : The new sham devices have been adequately validated and may be useful tools for investigating specific research question. In spite of the sham needle's limits, the results of RCTs using such devices tend to suggest that the clinical effects of acupuncture are largely due to a placebo response.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.68-78
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• 2024

Objectives : Acupuncture is recognized as a significant therapeutic method in traditional medicine, underscoring the importance of precise understanding of acupoint locations and anatomical structures. The aim of this study is to investigate trends in anatomical studies of acupoint using imaging devices in China through literature search. Methods : This study utilized Chinese databases CNKI, WANFANG, and WEIPU to search for articles. The analysis focused on the publication status of articles by year, types of imaging devices, research subjects and methods, and criteria for acupoint locations. Results : A total of 15 articles were selected in this study. The first article was published in 1996. Articles were published at a rate of less than one per year until 2020, but rapidly increased to three and six in 2021 and beyond. Studies using ultrasonography were the most prevalent, followed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) and Computed Tomography(CT) scans. There were eight studies conducted on healthy volunteers, six studies observing both healthy volunteers and cadavers, and also studies involving patients with specific medical conditions. Various criteria were employed to determine acupoint locations, including the WHO standard, national administration of traditional Chinese medicine nomenclature and location of acupoints, as well as references from literature. Conclusions : In China, researches are actively being conducted to observe the anatomical structure of acupoints using various imaging devices. Recent trends indicate an increase in studies utilizing ultrasound and there is a growing focus on exploring the locations that elicit the sensation of "obtaining qi" rather than just the anatomical locations of acupoints. Through this study, it is hoped that the appropriate utilization of imaging devices will lead to various studies aimed at elucidating the characteristics of the anatomical tissues actually stimulated during acupuncture, thereby increasing the safety and efficacy of acupuncture treatments.