• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.371-384
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• 2012

Objectives : The meridian system is a systematic complex of empirical knowledge, which functions as a basis of acupuncture treatment. In this article, we reviewed the visualization methods of meridian and acupuncture points through the investigation of the characteristics of Diagram of Meridians, Mingtang Diagram, Diagram of Meridians and Collaterals, Bronze Statues and Diagram of Bronze Statue. Methods : We investigated the characteristics of Diagram of Meridians, Mingtang Diagram, Diagram of Meridians and Collaterals, and Bronze Statues. We reviewed the visualization methods of meridian and acupuncture points in those classical Diagrams and analyzed their relationships among them. Results : In order to explain the meridian and acupuncture points easily, ancient people usually used drawings which are named Mingtang Diagram, Diagram of Meridians and Collaterals, by their own characteristics. Owing to their limitations of drawings on the 2 dimensional plane, Chinese people designed the Bronze Statue for Acu-moxibustion and its first invention was invented in Tiansheng age of Song dynasty. For several decades and centuries, these models and drawings were inherited, also reflecting variations of meridian system. As the Bronze Statue has a deficiency in the educational use because of its limitations of mass production, Diagram of Bronze Statue drawn on the 2 dimensional plane was invented. At the beginning of Mingtang Diagram, Diagram of Meridians and Collaterals, Diagram of Bronze Statue and Bronze Statue, their own characteristics were significantly differed with other diagrams and statues. We found that both diagrams and statues were gradually combined with description of the relationship between internal organs and the skeletal structure and the meridian system. Conclusions : Our findings suggest that Diagram of Meridians, Mingtang Diagram, Diagram of Meridians and Collaterals, and Bronze Statues are the basic form of data visualization, one of the infographics. We suggest that ancient Chinese people intend to explain the empirical knowledge using the ancient infographics of meridian system, but have limitations on reflecting theorical or abstractional meaning.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.109-118
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• 2012

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue. Methods : A randomized, controlled pilot trial was conducted. Twenty-four participants were randomized into one of the two groups: an acupuncture group(n=12) and wait-list group(n=12). The treatment group received 12 sessions of acupuncture over 4 weeks. Eight points($GV_{20}$; bilateral GB20, $BL_{11}$, $BL_{13}$, $BL_{15}$, $BL_{18}$, $BL_{20}$, and $BL_{23}$) were selected for needling. The control group did not receive acupuncture treatment during study period and follow-up were done in the $5^{th}$ and $9^{th}$ weeks after randomization in both groups. The primary outcome was fatigue severity scale(FSS) and the secondary outcomes included a short form of stress response inventory(SRI-short form), beck depression inventory(BDI), and insomnia severity index(ISI). Safety was assessed at every visit. Results : There were statistically significant differences in the between group values of FSS at $5^{th}$ weeks after randomization(p=0.0002), SRI-short form, BDI, and ISI at $5^{th}$, $9^{th}$ weeks after randomization(p<0.01). There were no adverse events. Conclusions : The results suggest that acupuncture is associated with benefits on the short-term outcomes in chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.290-299
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• 2012

Objectives : 'Obtaining qi(deqi)' is a sensation experienced by a patient or an acupuncturist during acupuncture treatment, and it is considered to be an important factor in acupuncture treatment. However, previous studies reported conflicting results about the relationship between 'obtaining qi(deqi)' sensation and the effect of acupuncture treatment. Also, most of the previous studies investigating 'obtaining qi(deqi)' and the acupuncture effect, dealt with the analgesic effect of acupuncture. The objective of this study was to analyze the relation between the 'obtaining qi(deqi)' and the anti-itching effect of acupuncture treatment. Methods : Twenty one healthy subjects participated in this study. At the first visit, itch was induced to all subjects using intradermal injection of histamine on the lower arm. At the second visit, acupuncture treatment was applied using LI11 and 'obtaining qi(deqi)' was assessed. After acupuncture treatment, itch was induced again, and itch VAS and skin flare were assessed. Results: At the 6,8,10 minutes after histamine injection, the change of itch VAS between before and after acupuncture treatment was significant. Among 'obtaining qi(deqi)', subjects reported that 'dull ache', 'pricking', 'heavy' were most strong. Total score of 'obtaining qi(deqi)' sensation was not related to the change of itch VAS or skin flare. The 'electric shock' sensation is related to the change of itch VAS, and 'bruised' and 'heavy' sensations were related to the change of skin flare. Conclusions : Total 'obtaining qi(deqi)' is not related to the anti-itching effect of acupuncture, but several sensations showed relationship with the effect of acupuncture on itch severity and skin flare. Further researches based on various symptoms or acupuncture points, are needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.36-44
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• 2000

The purpose of this study is to arrange the acupuncture therapy on the asthma from the oriental medical literature. The results obtained as follows. 1. The cause of the asthma is the intrinsic factors and the over-sensitive reactions. The decreased function of the lung and the kidney are chronically affected to the asthma. 2. The typical sign of the asthma is tachypnea and wheezes to be heard throughout the lung field, particularly during expiration. 3. Bladder meridian, Conception vessel, and Lung meridian used frequently for the acupuncture therapy, and Bladder meridian, Conception vessel, Stomach meridian, and Lung meridian used frequently for the moxibusrion on the asthma. The acupuncture points of Lung meridian used most frequently on the asthma, but the acupuncture points of Heart meridian have not used. 4. Acupuncture point at B13, CV22, LI4, CV12, CV17, 536, B12 used used frequently for the acupuncture therapy, and the acupuncture point at B13, CV22, B12, CV17, B43 used frequently for the moxibustion on the asthma Particularly B13 and CV22 used most frequently for the acupuncture therapy on the asthma.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.197-204
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose on this study is to show the clinical effects of oriental medical treatments for labral tear. Methods : The patients were treated using acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medication, moxibustion, physical treatment and cupping treatment. And the effects for labrum tear have measured in VAS, ROM of shoulder joint. Results : VAS of shoulder pain went down to 2 in case 1, 4 in case 2. ROM of shoulder joint was improved. Conclusions : From the above results, It is demonstrated that oriental medical treatments is effective on labral tear.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.167-174
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• 2008

Objectives : Acupuncture points and meridians have been usually depicted as a two dimensional drawing and verbal description. Recently, imaging and three-dimensional image processing technologies have been introduced into medical fields such as anatomy and virtual operation, for the purpose of enhanced efficiency in research and education. This study attempted an image modelling of the meridian and acupoint in the upper limb region. Methods : A vector image model of an arm was produced and medical information on the meridian and acupoint of the arm region was incorporated. Results : A 3D modelling of the acupuncture meridian and acupoint in the upper limb region was produced along with a user console to control the presentation of related information and to facilitate visualization of the 3D model images. Conclusions : A 3D modelling of the acupuncture meridian and acupoint will be an efficient platform for an education and research.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.99-106
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose on this study is to report clinical effects of oriental medicine for traumatic brachial plexus injury. Methods : The patient was treated using acupuncture, electroacupuncture, beevenom acupuncture treatment, herbal medication, moxibustion and physical treatment. And the effects for traumatic brachial plexus injury have measured in VAS, sthenometry and dermatome of upper limb. Results : 1. VAS of upper limb pain was changed to go down at less than half. 2. Sthenometry was improved slowly than VAS. 3. Dermatome of upper limb were improved gradually. Conclusions : Oriental medical treatment showed positive effect on traumatic brachial plexus injury.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.37-45
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• 2020

Objectives : Mitochondria are typically known as intracellular double membrane-bound structures that supply energy for intracellular metabolism including Krebs cycle and beta-oxidation. Also, acupuncture has been known to stimulate the flow of energy. To explore the effect of acupuncture on the mitochondrial respiratory chain activities in rat's heart and kidneys, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I to IV were observed. Methods : The rats were divided into 11 groups; Normal (no acupuncture treatment and under anesthesia for 10 min), heart meridian five-transport-points (acupuncture treatment at HT9, HT8, HT7, HT4 and HT3 under anesthesia for 10 min), and kidney meridian five-transport-points (acupuncture treatment at KI1, KI2, KI3, KI7 and KI10 under anesthesia for 10 min). All rats were sacrificed and the heart and kidneys were examined for the changes of respiratory chain activities. Results : Acupuncture at HT7 increased the activity of succinate dehydrogenase; acupuncture at KI2 increased the activity of ubiquinol cytochrome C oxidoreductase; and acupuncture at HT9, HT8, HT3 and KI1 increased activities of cytochrome C oxidase. Conclusions : Acupuncture assists mitochondrial repiratory chain activity via the Cytochrome C oxidase signaling pathway in heart and kidney of rats.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.49-57
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of this study was to show the rationale of point-selection on the methods of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Shin section(in the Naegyeong chapter) of the Donguibogam. Methods : First, We summarized the cause of each disease in the Shin section(in the Naegyeong chapter) of the Donguibogam. Then, We explained the rationale of acupuncture point-selection referring to the cause of disease, physiology of the Oriental medicine, exposition of acupuncture point name, character of each acupuncture points, flow of meridian pathways and specific acupuncture points etc. Results and Conclusions : Total 44 acupuncture points were used in the Shin section(in the Naegyeong chapter) of the Donguibogam. Most of acupuncture points were specific acupuncture points. but, some rationale of acupuncture point-selection were explained by the cause of disease, physiology of the Oriental medicine, exposition of acupuncture point name, flow of meridian pathways etc.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.17-24
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• 2013

Objectives : To broaden understanding about meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture on headache and to evaluate the effect of meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture on headache. Methods and Results : From Feb. 2012 to Jan. 2013, the 64 patients were outpatients for treatment of headache in Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Traditional Korean Medical Hospital, Semyung University and treated with meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture. To evaluate the effect of meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture, we devide 3groups(21 occipital-headache patients, 27 temporal-headache patients, 16 frontal-headache patients) upon pain area and search pain intensity(VAS were used), different frequency, duration time. As a result, headache are improved remarkably within two weeks. Conclusions : Meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture was found to be helpful to patients who wish to recover from headache. In order to make this meridian tendino-musculature acupuncture more available, we should pay more attention to improving treatment appliance and acupuncture techniwue.