• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.135-140
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• 2005

Objectives : There have been several studies about the quality of acupuncture needle tip recently. We have investigated the condition of the tip of the acupuncture needles in the last studies. In the former studies, we discovered the metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities of the acupuncture needle tips under the microscope. But, no information was available on those foreign materials' identity. Methods : We have selected 200 needles of 1000 pieces from several companies by randomized methods. And we observed the tip of the 6 needles selected finally at ${\times}1000\;or\;{\times}3000$ magnification and analyzed the components of the metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities of the needle tips with a SEM-EDX analyser. Results : We found that the identity of the metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities of the needle tips were metallic materials and silicon. For example, A point was composed of Fe(69.78%), Cr(17.71%), Ni(8.11%), Zn(2.04%), Si(1.23%), Mn(1.12%), and B point was composed of Si(66.40%), Fe(26.76%), Cr(6.84%). Conclusion : The results of this study confirm that there is a real possibility of the remaining of metallic materials and silicon in body of patient, after acupuncture treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify our efforts to make needles of good quality and to concentrate on manufacturing process of acupuncture needles completely to be free from danger in acupuncture treatment.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.27-41
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• 2002

Objective : The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of two other groups(Group A and B) which were treated with two other auricular acupuncture therapy to quit smoking. Methods : Seventy three high-school students were devided in two groups. Group A was treated with auricular acupuncture therapy by burying a needle in one side ear. Group B was not only treated with auricular acupuncture therapy by burying a needle in one side ear, but also treated with venesection on the other side ear. The effects of auricular acupuncture therapy to quit smoking were evaluated at two weeks and six months after the therapy. Results : Group A's score to quit smoking after the auricular acupuncture therapy was higher than Group B's score. Conclusions : Treating with auricular acupuncture therapy by burying a needle in one side ear and venesection on the other side, was effective neither on decreasing the amount of smoking nor on decreasing the desire to smoke compared with the only needle burying treatment.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.219-224
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to report the clinical effects of needle-embedding acupuncture therapy combined with Korean medicine on a lumbar herniated intervertebral disc. Methods : We treated one patient with a lumbar herniated intervertebral disc with needle-embedding acupuncture therapy combined with Korean medical treatment. We checked the numeric rating scale(NRS), oswestry low back pain disability index(ODI) and straight leg raising test(SLRT). Results : In this case, the numeric rating scale decreased, while the straight leg raising test results improved. Conclusion : Needle-embedding acupuncture therapy could be effective for pain-reduction for a lumbar herniated intervertebral disc.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.87-93
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• 2012

Objectives : The present study is to verify whether the deformation of ear acupuncture needle tips that are currently on the market is caused during the process of initial packaging. Methods : Ear acupuncture needles distributed from three different companies were collected to measure the size of the groove on the transparent plate which is used in for the intial packaging. Then the tolerance range for off-centered tips, which represent the range of the groove size that is safe from damaging the needle tip, was determined based on the vertical length measured from tip to handle. 200 ear acupuncture needles were dipped in alcohol and scanned to confirm the position of the needles. Stereo-microscope was used to observe the needle tips that were located outside the tolerance range. Results : The increased number of ear acupuncture needle tips placed outside the tolerance range were seen from in the order of C company, A company and B company. The increased deformation of the needle tips caused by initial packaging was observed in the order of A company, C company and B company. Conclusion : Only the ear acupuncture needles from B company showed the strong correlation between needle tip deformation and initial packaging. It has been observed that the deformation of the ear acupuncture needles is mainly due to manufacturing process, not the packaging process.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.33-43
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• 2023

Objectives : Floating acupuncture (FA) is a kind of newly developed acupuncture technique that contains its own apparatus. The technique has unique points that the body of the acupuncture needle stays intradermal space and manipulation is performed by shaking the needle horizontally; after manipulation, part of the needle remained in the intradermal space for 2~3 days. FA is not a common acupuncture methodology while various clinical study claims its efficacy on musculoskeletal disorders. In this study, the authors aimed to enhance the use of FA by comparing related theories. Methods : The authors reviewed classics, books, and articles related to FA, Meridian Muscle (MM), Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), and Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture (WAA), and compared its characteristics by related theory, related symptoms, apparatus, and performing procedures. Results : FA was related and had various common parts with MM, MPS, and WAA, however, there were unique parts in the manipulation, apparatus, and stimulation location. FA is based on MM and MPS which pointing 'ashi points' or 'trigger points' as a treating target while FA does not stimulate the points directly. FA also targets subcutaneous space by inserting the needle horizontally as WAA does, while FA remains the needle handle part in the subcutaneous area for 2~3 days for more stimulation. Conclusions : FA has a unique manipulation procedure and potential benefit for musculoskeletal disorders despite the crude theological base written by Fu himself. Thus, developing a new explanation and patient-friendly methodology/apparatus is required for further down-to-earth studies.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.114-119
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• 2009

In this research, heat-acupuncture needle was coated with $Al_2O_3$ by applying a plasma spray coating method to prevent a skin burn. $Al_2O_3$, which is one of the representative bioceramics, does not have an influence on the chemical change in the body system. The ceramic coating thickness was about $100{\mu}m$. The experiments of heat conduction were performed for uncoated needle and coated needle. The results showed that the surface temperature of needle decreased as the needle was coated with $Al_2O_3$. The surface temperature of uncoated needle was about $48^{\circ}C$, while that of needle coated with $Al_2O_3$ was about $39^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.81-91
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• 2012

Objectives : There are numerous methods in treating acne scar. On the contrary there are hardly any cases on treating acne scars through Korean medicine. By observing we compared how much acne scar was treated by scar regeneration acupuncture therapy and micro-needle therapy treatment through observing pre and post case photos, KAGS, KCADI and patient satisfaction. Results : By comparing pre and post procedure through acne scar grade criteria, total of 5 patients showed improvement and could see distinct change in skin comparing case photos. After comparing pre and post procedures, total of 5 patients showed improvements in figures of Korean acne index. 4 patients replied very satisfied and 1 replies satisfied on patient satisfaction survey. Conclusions : After observing patients satisfaction, and comparing case photos, acne scar grade criteria, korean acne index, it can be considered that scar regeneration acupuncture therapy and micro-needle therapy done in our clinic to be valid treatment.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.195-204
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the improvement in patients with knee pain by the instrumentality of needle-embedding therapy. Methods : We treated 5 patients who have a disease related with osteoarthitis of the knee by needle-embedding therapy combined with Korean medical treatment. We checked numeric rating scale(NRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index(WOMAC index). Results : NRS and WOMAC index were decreased at all cases. Conclusions : This study shows needle-embedding therapy has a medical effect when applied on osteoarthritis of the knee.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Technology of Plasticity Conference
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• 2004.05a
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• pp.250-253
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• 2004

Sharpness of the tip of micro needle is very Important quality that should be controlled in the manufacturing processes. Acupuncture needle is one of the most widely used micro-needle. And the tip sharpness of acupuncture needle Is usually checked by the magnitude of resisting force obtained through sharpness test. In this study, some sharpness tests of acupuncture needle were done and the relationship between the misalignment of specimen and the magnitude of resisting force. The diameter of the needle used in the test was $250\;{\mu}m$ and the length of it was 40 mm.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.49-59
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• 2017

Objectives : This study evaluated the efficacy of electroacupuncture therapy using an insulated needle in adults with abdominal obesity. Methods : This study was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-designed pilot trial. Sixteen participants eligible according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into an insulated needle group and a control group. Insulated or common needles were inserted at acupoints located on the abdomen (CV12, CV6, ST25, ST27, SP15) and were electrically stimulated for 30 minutes (16 Hz, within tolerable strength). A total of 10 sessions of treatment were performed twice per week for 5 weeks. All participants were requested to maintain their usual diet and lifestyle. The outcome measures were waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and abdominal computed tomography (CT) of the total fat area (TFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and visceral fat area (VFA). Results : A total of 12 participants divided into the insulated needle group (n = 5) and the control group (n = 7; common needle) were treated for 10 sessions and analyzed per-protocol (PP). WC decreased significantly after 10 sessions in both groups. The WC, TFA, SFA, and VFA of abdominal CT in the insulated needle group decreased more than in the control group; however, there were no significant differences in any parameter between the insulated needle group and the control group. Patients in the insulated needle group were more strongly stimulated with electrical stimulation than patients in the control group. Conclusion : Electroacupuncture using insulated needles in adults with abdominal obesity might be a more effective treatment than common needles. Additional studies are required to compensate for the limitations of this pilot study and to verify the results and efficacy.