• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.161-174
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• 2001

Purpose : This study is to see the existence of the meridian and the meridian point through their response to the Young-Su-Bo-Sa. Objective and Methods : For this purpose, with acupuncture stimulation with Young-Su-Bo-Sa on the Hapkok of left hand and an the non-meridian point, and using the Digital infrared thermal image(D.I.T.I), We observed and analyzed the thermal changes of Hapkok, Samgan, non-meridian point(NA), Yonghyang, Soryo, Chonchu, Shingwol. Results and Conclusions : To sum up, We could understand Young-Su-Bo-Sa stimulation through the study findings that the acupuncture stimulation on the meridian point caused significant thermal changes of the associated meridian and meridian point, and Young-Su-Bo stimulation given in the direction of the meridian passage caused increases in the thermal changes of the associated meridian point, while Young-Su-Sa stimulation caused decreases in the thermal changes of the associated meridian point.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• v.4 no.4
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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.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.175-188
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• 2002

Objective : The effects of SP6(Sanyinjiao, 三陰交) acupuncture stimulation on bladder parasympathetic nerve activity (PNA), tibial nerve activity (TNA) as well as blood pressure were examined in anesthetized rats and the results are as follows. Methods : The parasympathetic nerve leading to the bladder was exposed retroperitoneally, and the tibial nerve in the hindlimb was exposed through inguinal area. PNA and TNA were recorded using a bipolar platinum-iridium wire electrode and it was connected to preamplifier. Blood pressure was measured using cannula that was inserted into femoral artery and was recorded with blood pressure sensor that is connected with transducer amplifier. The mean value of all parameters measured for 30 seconds before the stimulation was expressed as 100%. An acupuncture needle was inserted into the SP6 region to a depth of 4 mm. Results : Under intact state (IS), acupuncture stimulation for 120 seconds induced significant increase of PNA which was accompanied with decrease of blood pressure. At the same time, TNA showed temporary increase only with acupuncture stimulation. In 4 mg/kg of naloxone-administrated state (NAS), significant decrease of PNA was seen and it was accompanied with increase of blood pressure. TNA also showed temporary increase only with acupuncture stimulation under the NAS just like the IS. Conclusion : consider that SP6(Sanyinjiao, 三陰交) acupuncture stimulation activated parasympathetic nerve and caused vasodilation to lead into the diuresis, but naloxone reversed the effect of acupuncture for antidiuresis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.220-225
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• 2004

We undertook this study to investigate the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on colonic transit time in old age constipation persons. Twenty three volunteers were old age constipation persons(mean age 69.72±2.43 years, mean defecation rate 1.83±0.41/week). Before acupuncture was only to check the radio-opaque markers transit time all the way through gastrointestinal tract. Simple acupuncture was to apply acupuncture therapy for three days. The fourth acupoints(both ST.25, TE.6) were selected and the needle was kept for 15 minutes. Electroacupuncture was same as the simple acupuncture except for applying 2Hz electrical stimulation. After Then we compare with three method Each transit time in the whole colon, right colon, left colon and rectosigmoid colon were checked in the order of before acupuncture, simple acupuncture, and electroacupuncture stimulation. In the before acupuncture stimulation, the transit time in each part of colon was as follows 19.48±1.76 32.74±2.69 25.61±2.13 76.62±7.95 hours. Simple acupuncture stimulation, the transit time was 17.47±1.10 33.10±1.87 24.12±1.65 74.87±3.91 hours. Compared with before acupuncture stimulation, the transit time was significantly shortened(P<0.05), especially in right colon transit time of simple acupuncture stimulation was significantly shortened(P<0.05). Electroacupuncture stimulation, was 16.32±1.97 32.91±2.48 21.53±1.94 71.59±2.82. Compared with the previous two trial, transit time in right colon and rectosigmoid colon were significantly shortened(P<0.05). Acupuncture and electroacupuncture stimulation change on the right colonic transit time in old age constipation persons and rectosigmoid colonic transit time was changed as electroacupuncture stimulation. In other words, old age constipation persons who suffer chronic constipation, acupuncture and electroacupuncture stimulation reduces the total colonic transit time.

• 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 Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.130-138
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• 2000

Objectives : When sweating factor is excluded, to know the influence of acupuncture stimulation on electrical resistance. Methods : Regional anaesthesia(Lidocane 2%, 1ml, Subcutaneous injection) is applied to measured regions, 4cm round area including left Neiguan P6. So we can make adiaphoresis. Before and after acupucnture stimulation to Laogong P8, we measured the electrical resistance of anesthetized left Neiguan P6, anesthetized non-acupoint, normal left Ximen P4, and normal right Neiguan P6. For measurment, we use the 1.2V, DC system that has 100$k{\Omega}$ internal resistance Results : Under the adiaphoresis, Acupuncture stimulation makes the significant decrease of electrical resistance. In normal regions, so does it. Conclusions : When the acupuncture stimulation is applied to human boby, the decrease of electrical resistance is due not only to sweat secretion but also to other internal resistance.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.81-90
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation regarding restoration of range of motion on patients with frozen shoulder. Methods : Experimental group measured with shoulder flexion and abduction angle at pre and post electro-acupuncture stimulation. Results : There were statistically significant difference regarding change of flexion angle of electro-acupuncture stimulation(p<0.01) and the testing value of all levels had a significant difference with the value of final post-test(p<0.01). There were statistically significant difference regarding change of abduction angle of electro-acupuncture stimulation(p<0.01). Conclusions : Electro-acupuncture stimulation of distal part increased range of motion of frozen shoulder. Therefore, application of electro-acupuncture should be developed as a therapeutic method in treatment of frozen shoulder. Also, it can contribute as one of good therapeutic methods offered to patients through approach of oriental rehabilitation medicine.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.187-207
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• 2003

Objective: Recently, many studies have showed the evidences of the effect of the acupuncture treatment through scientific methods. One of these methods is functional MRI. We performed electro-acupuncture on Liv3 and observed the change of brain activation using fMRI. Methods: To see the effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3. the experiment was carried out on 12 healthy volunteers. using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right Liv3. 2 Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds. repeated five times. with 30 seconds' intervals. The Image analysis including motion correction, talairach transformation. and smoothing was done with SPM99. Results : 1. Group averaged brain activation induced by bilateral electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3 activates Brodman Area 6, 13, 18, 19, 22, 31, 39, 44, 2. Group averaged brain deactivation induced by bilateral Electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3 activates Brodman Area 4, 6, 9, 19, 36, 37, 39. 3. Group averaged brain activation induced by unilateral(right side) electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3 activates Brodman Area 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 22, 40, 42, 43. 4. Group averaged brain deactivation induced by unilateral(right side) electro-acupuncture stimulation on Liv3 activates Brodman Area 6, 18, 19, 28, 30, 31, 35, 37. 5. Brain region activated by motor stimulation activates Brodman Area 4, 6, 13, 19, 42.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.42-62
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• 2011

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effect of acupuncture at HT8 on brain activity in perimenopausal women using fMRI. Methods: 15 healthy perimenopausal women volunteered in the study. No stimulation, sham stimulation, duration of acupuncture treatment on HT8, and rotation of acupuncture treatment on HT8 were randomly given for 6 minutes, with 20 seconds' intervals. Results: 1. In comparison with sham stimulation(Sham-B) and duration of acupucture (S1-B, S1-Sham, S2-S1), the areas of fMRI signal activation areas were just like cases including no stimulation. But the areas of vision were activated in S1-Sham. 2. In comparison with duration of acupuncture(S1-B, S1-Sham, S2-S1) and rotation of acupuncture(S2-B, S2-Sham, S2-S1), the areas of vision were activated in duration of acupuncture, and Supplementary motor area(SMA) were especially activated in rotation of acupuncture. Conclusions: After using fMRI and analysing effect of acupuncture treatment at HT8, we could confirm that fMRI signal activation areas by acupuncture treatment at HT8 were different from areas by sham stimulation. And according to acupuncture stimulation methods with duration and rotation, etc, we could confirm the specific reactions of series, and could get useful basic data for research of acupuncture from now on.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.161-176
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• 2004

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acupuncture stimulation and relaxation therapy on autonomic nervous system for students with examination stress by HRV, PSV and to find out relationship with anti-stress effect. Methods : The study group consists of 42 students were classified into three groups randomly : acupuncture stimulation group(male n=8, female n=6), relaxation therapy group(male n=8, female n=6) and rest group(male n=8, female n=6). Using heart rate variability and pupil size variability, we measured the value of HRT, SDNN, SDSD, LF norm, HF norm, LF/HF ratio, Pupil area, and compared the changes the sympathetic- parasympathetic activity. Measurement value were compared before and after, during midterm examination and normal times. Results : 1. HRT, LF/HF ratio, LF norm of acupuncture group was significantly decreased and HF norm were significantly increased in HRV after acupuncture stimulation at a term of examination. While variables of the other group were no significantly different. 2. SDNN of acupuncture group were significantly increased in HRV after acupuncture stimulation at normal times. 3. Pupil area, LF norm, HF norm of three group were no significantly different in PSV at a term of examination. 4. Pupil area of relaxation group were significantly decreased in PSV at normal times. While variables of the other group were no significantly different. 5. HRT of rest group were significantly decreased in HRV between three groups at a term of examination and normal times. 6. Pupil area of relaxation group were significantly decreased in PSV between three groups at a term of examination and normal times. Conclusion : The results suggest that acupuncture stimulation is associated with changed activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Measurement values of HRV and PSV are suitable to estimate the activity of automatic nervous system.