• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제24권5호
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• pp.105-111
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• 2007

Objectives : The electroacupuncture(EA) was often used in Oriental medicine clinic and basic researches. However, there have been neither any national standard of acupuncture needles in Korea nor many studies about the property of acupuncture needles for applying electrical stimulations. Therefore we investigated the electrical corrosion property of acupuncture needles used for EA stimulation in clinic. Methods : We observed the occurrence of electrical corrosion like changes in the surface of acupuncture needles after EA stimulation with various parameters(electrical stimulation intensity, treatment duration, diameter of needle) under a light microscope. We performed EA stimulation on Baekhoe($GV_{20}$) or Joksamli($ST_{36}$) of rats with intensity of 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5mA at a 10Hz frequency. Results : The electrical corrosion-like changes were found on the surface of needles when the EA stimulation was given over 0.05mA of intensity. When electrical stimulation was treated for 10min, the electrical corrosion-like changes were low, but the electrical corrosion-like changes gradually increased by the treatment duration(20, 30min). We also found that acupuncture needles of 0.2mm diameter were produced more extensive electrical corrosion-like changes than acupuncture needles of 0.3 or 0.4mm diameter by electrical stimulation. Conclusions: These results suggested that EA stimulation could produce electrical corrosion-like changes of acupuncture needles through intensity of current, duration of electric stimulation and/or diameter of needle.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.177-186
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• 2004

Introduction : Recent studies Suggested that there is a strong correlation between acupuncture stimulation and its related cortical activation. Anther study showed that either positive or negative BOLD effects could be observed depending on anatomical structure in acupuncture stimulation. In ttis study, we investigated a new acupoint $KI_6$ (照海), which was known as motor-related acupoint and obtained an evidence that the stimulation of $KI_6$ resulted in either negative or positive BOLD response to stimulation. Methods & Results : 1. Subjects and paradigms : Two separate stimulation paradigms were performed on five healthy (aged 22-23 yrs) in this study. First, the paradigm of acupuncture stimulation was that the acupuncture needle was inserted in acupoints $KI_6$, which is located in lateral side of the foot and then continuously twisted(補瀉를 除外한 捻轉法) for 70 seconds for 10 cycles of activation. During rest period (70 seconds), the needle was completed removed from acupoint. Total 60 cycles were performed and 10 images were obtained per cycle. Second, nonacupoint was randomly selected and the same paradigm was performed as acupoint stimulation. The stimulation protocol comprised 10 cycles of alternating. activation and rest (10 images per cycle). Total 60 cycles were performed and each cycle take about 1.5 sec for motor task. Subjects take an at least 15 minutes break before starting anther paradigm. 2. fMRI mapping : Multi-slice functional images were obtained on a 1.5T Magnetom Vision MRI scanner (Simens Medical, Erlangen, Germany) equipped with high performance whole-body gradients. The BOLD T2 * - weighted images were acquired with acho planar imaging sequence (TR = 1.2 sec, TE = 60 msec, and flip angle = $90_{\circ}$). The other sequence parameter are : FOV = 210 mm, matrix=$64{\times}128$ or $64{\times}64$, slice number=10 and slice thickness = 5 or 8 mm. the anatomic images were obtained with Spin-echo T1-weighted images. The resulting images were then anaiyzed with STIMULATE (CMRR, U. of Minnesota) to generate functional maps using a student T-test (p < 0.005) and cluster analysis. Both positive and negative response were evaluated. Conclusions : We have observed the activation of the motor cortex by stimulating motor-related acupoint ($KI_6$). Among five subjects, negative BOLD response was shown in four and positive response in one. All subjects showed positive response to conventional finger flexion-extension task. To understand the detailed mechanisms of correlation between acupuncture stimulation and BOLD fMRI changes and two typs of response, further study strongly required.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.39-61
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• 2008

목적 : 좌골신경 압좌손상으로 유발된 쥐의 모델을 이용하여 손상된 말초신경의 재생효과에 관한 침자극 효과를 세포분자학적, 조직학적 관점에서 연구하였다. 아울러 손상 좌골신경을 지배하는 척수신경근과 가까운 부위 경혈자극과 좌골신경이 지배하는 말초부위 경혈자극과의 침자극 효과를 비교 연구하였다. 방법 : 한쪽 좌골신경에 압좌손상을 유발 한 실험쥐들을 1주, 2주로 나눈 뒤 각각에 대해 격일로 1주군은 3회, 2주군은 6회의 침자극을 시행하였다. 손상 좌골신경의 재생효과를 비교실험하기 위해 정상군, 압좌손상만을 유발한 실험군, 침자극 군으로 나누었다. 침자극 군 중 한 군은 손상신경을 지배하는 척수신경근에 가장 가까운 2개의 화타협척혈(EX B2)에 자침(근위부 자극군)하였고, 다른 한 군은 말초부위에 위치한 족삼리혈(ST 36)과 위중혈(BL 40) 2곳에 자침(원위부 자극군)하였다. 실험 후 각각의 조직을 분리하여 Western blotting 혹은 Hoechst staining으로 Gap-43, Cdc2, Cdk2, Erk1/2 단백질을 분석 및 좌골신경의 각 세포수를 측정하였다. Retrograde tracing을 통해 L5의 DRG와 척수에서 말초신경 재생 효과를 관찰하였고, Immunofluorescence staining을 통해 신경돌기 가지의 신장 정도를 파악하였다. 결과 : 좌골신경 손상 7일된 실험쥐의 근위부와 원위부 침자극군에서 GAP-43와 Cdc2 단백질수준이 향상된 것으로 나타났다. Cdk2 단백질수준은 압좌손상 실험군에서 강하게 증가하였지만 침자극군과 비교해서 별다른 차이는 보이지 않았다. Phospho-Erk1/2 단백질수준은 침자극군에서 향상된 것으로 나타났다. 손상 7일과 14일 된 실험쥐의 손상 원위부에서 슈반세포 수가 증가하였으며 특히 근위부 침자극군에서 더욱 증가한 것으로 나타났다. Retrograde tracing을 이용한 검사 결과 침자극군에서 L5의 DRG와 척수의 염색 세포 수가 증가된 것으로 나타나 침자극이 축삭재생에 효과적인 것으로 나타났다. L5의 DRG 감각신경의 신경돌기 가지 신장정도 및 GAP-43 단백질의 발현 정도를 측정한 결과 근위부 침자극군에서 효과적으로 GAP-43 단백질의 발현 및 신경돌기 가지가 신장된 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 본 실험결과 침치료가 손상 좌골신경의 재생에 효과적인 것으로 보여지며, 특히 손상된 좌골신경을 지배하는 척수신경근 주위 화타협척혈에 대한 침자극이 말초부위의 침자극에 비해 신경재생에 더욱 효과적인 것으로 나타났다.

• 혜화의학회지
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.113-127
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• 2008

Method : We consider some books on scalp acupuncture and reports of scalp acupuncture published in korea, and survey motor cortex stimulation. The results are as follows. Result : Scalp acupuncture was based on theory of meridian pathway and functional cerebral cortex. Scalp acupunctur was used especially for CVA(Cerebral Vascular Accident) out of cerebral diseases many time. and this acupuncture shows better effect when used with different treatments than when used singly. Motor cortex stimulation is brothers to scalp acupuncture, and give medical treatment on neuropathic pain. Conclusion : The possibility of curing illness through scalp acupuncture have been shown factually and clinically. Based upon such facts, it is regarded that further scientific research along with additional clinical approaches involving scalp acupuncture should be performed.

• 한국의학물리학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국의학물리학회 2003년도 제27회 추계학술대회
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• pp.75-75
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• 2003

Purpose: To investigate whether or not acupuncture of GB34 produces a significant response of the modulation of somatomotor areas by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. Methods: The acupoint, GB34, located in the back of the knee, is known to be effective in recovering motor function after stroke. Using 3T MRI scanner, functional MR imaging of the whole brain was performed in 12 normal healthy subjects during two stimulation paradigms; acupuncture manipulation on GB 34 and sham points. This study investigates the activation of the motor cortex elicited by a soft and an intensified stimulation of GB 34. Three different paradigms were carried out to detect any possible modulation of the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) response in the somatomortor area to motor stimulation through acupuncture. Results: Group analysis from seven individuals showed that bilateral sensorimotor areas (BA 3,4,6 and 7) showed stimulation related BOLD signal contrast of approximately 6% whereas very few areas were activated when sham stimulation is given. Conclusions: The present study shows that acupuncture fMRI study can be safely conducted in 3T MRI environment, and acupuncture stimulation in GB34 modulates the cortical activities of the soma- to motor area in human. The present findings may shed light on the CNS mechanism of motor function by acupuncture and form a basis for future investigations of motor modulation circuits in the stroke patients. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by a grant of the Mid and Long Term Nuclear RID Plan Program, Ministry of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea.

• 척추신경추나의학회지
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.87-95
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of spinal cord stimulation acupuncture therapy for lower limb numbness resulting from lumbar herniated intervertebral disc(HlVD). Methods : From 8th August, 2015 to 30th October, 2015, 1 male patient diagnosed as herniated intervertebral disc at L5/S1(Diffuse bulging disc with smooth ventral thecal sac indentation at L5-S1) was treated with spinal cord stimulation acupuncture and general Korean medicine therapy(acupuncture, herbal injection). Numerical Rating Scale(NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) were recorded during the treatment. Results : 1. The patient's chief complaints were remarkably improved - Rt. lower limb numbness remained 15% compared before treatment, Rt. lower limb paresthesia and gait disturbance almost disappeared after 25 times of treatment during 3 months. 2. NRS score decreased from 7 to 3, ODI decreased from 16 to 7. Conclusions : This study demonstrates that spinal cord stimulation acupuncture therapy with Korean medicine treatment has notable effect in improving lower limb numbness induced by lumbar HlVD.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.414-423
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• 2020

Background: This study examines the clinical effect on quality of life of herbal medicine and local acupuncture point stimulation administration for a cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) patient. This case report was described in accordance with CARE guidelines. Case Report: A 25 year-old female patient suspected to be suffering from CGD was examined. The patient was treated with herbal medicine and local acupuncture point stimulation. We used the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Version 2 (SF-36v2), and verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) to assess the patient's symptoms. As new herbal medicine and local acupuncture point stimulation were applied, dizziness, headache, and neck pain symptoms improved. Quality of life affected by the symptoms significantly improved. Adverse effects were not observed. Conclusions: This study may suggest that herbal medicine and local acupuncture point stimulation may be effective therapy for the treatment of typical symptoms in patients with CGD.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.557-565
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• 2019

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of local acupuncture point stimulation and the application of a topical herbal mixed heating cream in a chronic cough patient who had not responded to various medications for more than a few months. Methods: An 81 year-old female patient who was suspected to be suffered from Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS) was examined. The patient was treated with local acupuncture point stimulation and the application of a topical herbal mixed heating cream. We used the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, Cough-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, and Verbal Numerical Rating Scale to assess the patient's respiratory symptoms. Results: Local acupuncture point stimulation and the application of a topical herbal mixed heating cream resulted in the improvement of cough symptoms. The quality of life due to the alleviation of symptoms also significantly improved. Adverse effects were not observed. Conclusions: This study suggests that local acupuncture point stimulation and the application of a topical herbal mixed heating cream may be an effective therapy for the treatment of chronic cough in patients with UACS.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제18권5호
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• pp.60-69
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• 2001

Objective : Recent studies Suggested that there is a strong correlation between acupuncture stimulation and its related cortical activation. Anther study showed that either positive or negative BOLD effects could be observed depending on anatomical structure in acupuncture. Material and Methods : 1) Subjects and paradigms : Two separate stimulation paradigms were performed on five healthy (aged 22-23 yrs) in this study. First, the paradigm of acupuncture stimulation was that the acupuncture needle was inserted in acupoints KI6(照海), which is located in lateral side of the foot and then continuously twisted(補瀉를 除外한 捻轉法) for 70 seconds for 10 cycles of activation. During rest period (70 seconds), the needle was completed removed from acupoint. Total 60 cycles were performed and 10 images were obtained per cycle. Second, non-acupoint was randomly selected and the same paradigm was performed as acupoint stimulation. The stimulation protocol comprised 10 cycles of alternating activation and rest (10 images per cycle). Total 60 cycles were performed and each cycle take about 1.5 sec for motor task. Subjects take an at least 15 minutes break before starting anther paradigm. Conclusion : In this study, I investigated a new acupoint KI6(照海) which was known as motor - related acupoint and obtained an evidence that the stimulation of KI6(照海) resulted in negative BOLD response to stimulation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.260-270
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• 2012

Objectives : Hippocampus, a region of temporal lobe, plays an important role in the pathogenic mechanisms of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, depression and temporal lobe epilepsy. This research is designed to investigate hippocampal changes after acupuncture stimulation at Shinmun(HT7) using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis(2-DE). Methods : On postnatal-day 15, rat pups were randomly devided into Normal(NOR) or HT7 group. All of Pups kept with their mothers for 7 days, but pups in HT7 group received acupuncture stimulation at HT7 daily. On postnatal-day 21, hippocampus of each rat pup was dissceted 30 minutes after last acupuncture stimulation and the protein expressions were investigated using 2-DE. Results : After acupuncture stimulation at HT7, expression of 20 proteins were significantly increased. Succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-like, transketolase, aconitate hydratase and phosphoglucomutase-1 were related to glucose methabolism. Eukaryotic initiation factor(eIF) 4A-II, eIF 4A-III, mitochondrial Tu translation elongation factor and chain A of crystal structure of the 70-Kda heat shock cognate protein involve in the protein synthesis in ribosome. Tubulin ${\beta}$-4 chain, tubulin T ${\beta}$-15 and tubulin ${\alpha}$-1B chain comprise cytoskeleton. Glutathione S-transferase(GST) ${\omega}$-1, GST P and GST Yb-3 can reduce oxidative stress. ${\beta}$-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein is required for vesicular transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase plays a major role in lipid biosynthesis, creatine kinase U-type catalyses the conversion of creatine and consumes adenosine triphosphate to create phosphocreatine and adenosine diphosphate. Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase IB subunit alpha and voltage depedent anion-selective channel protein 2 were also increased. Conclusions : The results suggest that acupuncture stimulation at HT7 may enhance glucose and lipid metabolism, protein synthesis, cytoskeletal substance and anti-oxidative stress in hippocampus.