• 대한전자공학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 대한전자공학회 2002년도 하계종합학술대회 논문집(5)
• /
• pp.141-144
• /
• 2002

Acupuncture effect principle on meridians is what physical stimulation does on general physiology so that it gets into new equilibrium from the fallen function state of human body. However, it is generally accepted that western medicine has regarded the action passageway of various kinds stimulation as nerve fluids tissue or nerve-endocrine-immune system. These regard any action for all meridians as a response to the stimulation. These are not treatments for transmission of the energy. This paper compares the change of electric potential when operator's bio-energy is passed on and when is not. As a result of it, the effect of acupuncture is different when a operator's bio-energy is passed on to meridians and it isn't. Therefore, it means that the general acupuncture is more effective than the insulation one. Moreover, we could certify that there is close relation between an operator's energy transmission and acupuncture effect.

• 대한한의학회지
• /
• 제33권4호
• /
• pp.50-59
• /
• 2012

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of high frequency electroacupuncture, low frequency electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system in stroke patients by using a heart rate variability measuring device. Methods: Thirty-nine participants were recruited and each participated in the high frequency electroacupuncture group, low frequency electroacupuncture group, manual acupuncture group and non-acupuncture group. Some participants received needle insertion with 100 Hz stimulation, with 2Hz stimulation and manual stimulation under mental arithmetic stress during 2 sections. Other participants maintained in the supine position without acupuncture under mental arithmetic stress during the 2 sections. Acupuncture needles were directly inserted perpendicularly to the right Liv 3 acupoint followed by delivery of electric pulses to these points for 8 minutes. Heart rate variability was measured 8 minutes before and 16 minutes after acupuncture stimulation by a heart rate variability measuring system. Results: We found a significant elevated HF total power between 1 section and 2 section and between 1 section and 4 section in the non-acupuncture group, between 3 section and 4 section in the 100Hz electroacupuncture group, and between 1 section and 2 section in the manual acupuncture group and with no change in the 2Hz electroacupuncture group. We also found a significant VLF total power between 2 section and 3 section in the 2Hz electroacupuncture group and between 1 section and 4 section and between 2 section and 4 section in the 100Hz electroacupuncture group. All four groups showed no significant differences in other parameters including heart rate mean, low-frequency power, and the ratio of low-frequency power to high-frequency power. Conclusions: This study may be a basis for research about effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture because the parameters measured, heart rate variability, showed differences according to acupuncture.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제27권1호
• /
• pp.137-148
• /
• 2010

Objectives : To research the changes of electroencephalogram(EEG) signals for acupuncture stimulation and to establish the hereafter direction for the study on EEG. Methods : We reviewed the domestic papers searched by search engine of Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society and Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. Results : We have searched 31 articles in 10 journals. The 13 articles were concerned with acupuncture. 1. All articles were published after 2001. In 2007 there were 10 articles. 2. The studies dealing with the changes of EEG signals were 24, the studies dealing with correlation of EEG signals were 5, and the studies analyzing EEG with Korean medicine were 2. 3. In the studies dealing with the changes of EEG signals, the case-control studies were 9, the non case-control studies were 14, and the case study was 1. 10 studies used electro-acupuncture, 1 study used herbal acupuncture, and 2 studies used manual acupuncture. Conclusions : We need more various kinds of studies. 1. Excited condition by acupuncture stimulation may reduce $\alpha$ wave. 2. There may be the acupuncture point-specific variation of EEG signal patterns. 3. The number of responding channels for acupuncture stimulation may correlate with the quantity or variety of acupuncture effect.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제30권1호
• /
• pp.71-80
• /
• 2013

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the difference of abdominal skin temperature responses following moxibustion comparing stimulation method. Methods : Moxibustion was applied on the acupuncture points of $CV_4$, $CV_6$, $CV_{12}$. Thirty healthy men were randomly divided into two groups, one receiving a single moxibustion stimulation in three locations '$CV_4{\cdot}CV_6{\cdot}CV_{12}$'(n=15) and the other receiving triple moxibustion stimulations in one location '$CV_{12}$'(n=15) for 30 min. To obtain the skin temperature on abdominal region, a thermograph was used. Three arbitrary frames(the upper abdominal, lower abdominal, whole abdominal regions) were made to analyse skin temperature. Thermographic images were obtained at before and after the procedure of indirect moxibustion and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 min afterwards. Results : An increase in skin temperature on the three abdominal regions was observed following both one point and three points moxibustion administrations. Significant increase in skin temperature of the whole abdominal region was observed at 30 min after the procedure of three points moxibustion compared with one point moxibustion stimulation. A tendency of skin temperature changes over time was observed. Conclusions : In this study, skin temperature of lower abdominal region does not increase after triple moxibustion stimulations on $CV_{12}$. Administration of single moxibustion on $CV_4$, $CV_6$, $CV_{12}$ makes greater changes in skin temperature on the whole abdominal region than triple moxibustion on $CV_{12}$.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제18권1호
• /
• pp.76-87
• /
• 2001

Objective : Zusanli(ST36) and Hoku(Li4) are analgesic acupuncture points frequently used for acupuncture in Oriental medicine. The present study was conducted to see the antinociceptive effects produced by electroacupuncture combined two frequencies(Low, High) and two different acupuncture points(LI4, ST36) in the rat tail flick test. Method : In this study the Rats (Sprague-Dawley, 250-300g) were partially anesthetized with thiopental sodium(40mg/kg, i.p.). The basal reaction time for the tail-flick was 3${\pm}$0.5 sec. Low frequency(3Hz, 5V, biphasic) and high frequency(100Hz, 5V, biphasic) were applied to the inserted needle for the period of insertion(twenty minutes). Experimental groups are divied as follow; a) electroacupuncture stimulation groups at Hoku with or high frequency(L-EA, H-EA), b) electroacupuncture stimulation groups at Zusanli with low or high frequency(1-EA, h-EA), c) low frequency at Hoku and Zusanli(LIEA), d) low frequency at Hoku and high frequency at Zusanli(LhEA), e) high frequency at Hoku and low frequency at Zusanli(HIEA), f) high frequency at Hoku and Zusanli(HhEA) Results : The individual stimulation at either Hoku or Zusanli with low frequency has stronger and longer analgesic effect than high frequency stimulation. In addition, the combined stimulation at Hoku and Zusanli with low frequency has superior effect to individual stimulation with low frequency. LhEA and LIEA have superior effect to other stimulation groups among the combined groups. In order to determine the involvement of opioid system on the different antinociceptive effects, Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, was used in the combined groups. LIEA is the most sensitive when naloxone was administrated among study groups. HhEA is the least sensitive in the administration of naloxone. Conclusion : From results, this study confirmed that the opioid system is involved in analgesic effect of low frequency stimulation of acupuncture point, and we also can suggest the stronger analgesic effect of combining stimulation points is due to the theory of spatial summation in the nervous system.

• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제8권2호
• /
• pp.5-10
• /
• 2005

Objectives : This study was designed to estimate the effects of BU herbal acupuncture theraphy on low back pain of sprain patients by using Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and pressure algometer. Methods : 13 volunteers were applied to BU herbal acupuncture stimulation on the BL23, BL24, BL25 and BL26 acupoints. The degree of improvement of low back pain of sprain was evaluated by VAS and pain pressure threshold(at the points of BL23 and BL24 before treatment, before 3rd treatment(after herbal acupuncture). Results : In VAS scores, there were significant differences between before and after herbal acupuncture stimulation. But there was no significant difference between before and after herbal acupuncture stimulation in pain threshold. Conclusions : The effectiveness of BU herbal acupuncture theraphy on low back pain of sprain was shown through VAS and pressure algometer. These imply that BU herbal acupuncture theraphy may be useful for low back pain of sprain. Further study is needed about BU herbal acupuncture.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제18권3호
• /
• pp.56-68
• /
• 2001

Objective : Functional brain mapping study on acupuncture stimulation using the [14C]2-deoxyglucose([14C]2-DG) autoradiography provides quantitative data and visualized pathway in central nervous system(CNS). We aimed to investigate the neural pathway and spatial distribution of metabolic activity elicited in CNS on electroacupuncture stimulation using [14C]2-DG autoradiography. Methods : The study were divided into three groups by stimulation times. 45-mins stimulation group according to Sokoloffs method, 5-mins stimulation group according to Duncun's method, and 15-mins stimulation group. ;A venous catheter was equipped into right jugular vein. The rats (Sprague-Dawley rats, 230-260g) were kept fastened loosely on a holding platform without anesthesia. Electroacupuncture stimulation (5 ms, 2 Hz, 1~3 mA) were applied on the left Zusanli (ST36) acupoint and [14C]2-DG ($25{\mu}Ci/rat$) injection was performed through the catheter. After sacrifice, the brain and the spinal cord were made to sections for film image. The film images were digitalized as the isotope concentration based upon comparison of optical densities with that of the standards and normalized by the optical density of corpus callosum. Results : 1. 15-mins stimulation group was most effective among 3 experiments. 2. On 15-mins stimulation group, medial geniculate nucleus, intetpeduncular nucleus intermedius, ventral periolivary nucleus, caudal periolivary nucleus, medial superior olive, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus, including hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were increased by more than 25% (at least, p<0.05) by electroacupuncture stimulation. 3. Especially, the metabolism in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus was increased by 90% (p<0.05). 4. The fact that arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus might play a role of interconnection area between ascending and descending pathway of acupuncture stimulation was demonstrated visually. Conclusions : Advanced study on electroacupuncture stimulation elicited significant increase of metabolic activity in various nuclei of hypothalamus will provide the important experimental basis in research of the relationship between electroacupuncture stimulation and internal visceral functions.

• 대한약침학회지
• /
• 제6권3호
• /
• pp.15-21
• /
• 2003

Background : This study focuses on the new acupuncture method of embedding method which inserts a substance on the acupuncture points for continuous stimulation. Clinical applications and cautions were examined through literary investigations. Results : Based on the literary consideration of embedding method, the following results were obtained : 1. Embedding method is a combination of traditional and embedding technique to provide longer duration of stimulation on the acupuncture points. 2. To administer the embedding method, one needs to utilize a embedding thread besides acupuncture apparatus. Sheep gut is commonly used in China and the surgical thread is the choice in Korea. 3. Embedding method may vary from the patient to patient, depending on the nature and location of the illness. Piercing, embedding, and tying are some of the possibilities. 4. Embedding method may have different arrangement of threads based on the choice of usage. 5. Embedding method is effective for various chronic illnesses such as aches, functional diseases, and the diseases of internal organs. 6. When using the embedding methods, cautions against infection and side effects due to strong stimulation are mandatory.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제25권5호
• /
• pp.151-165
• /
• 2008

Objectives : To evaluate the effects of Head Acupuncture versus Upper and Lower Limbs Acupuncture on signal activation of Blood Oxygen Level Dependent(BOLD) fMRI on the Brain and Somatosensory Cortex. Subjects and Methods : 10 healthy normal right-handed female volunteer were recruited. The average age of the 10 subjects was 30 years old. The BOLD functional MRI(fMRI) signal characteristics were determined during tactile stimulation was conducted by rubbing 4 acu-points in the right upper and lower limbs($LI_1$, $LI_{10}$, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$). After stimulation of Head Acupuncture in Sishencong($HN_1$), $GB_{18}$, $GB_9$, $TH_{20}$ of Left versus Upper and Lower Limbs Acupuncture($LI_1$, $LI_{10}$, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$ of Right) and took off needles. Then the BOLD fMRI signal characteristics were determined at the same manner. Results : 1. When touched with cotton buds(sensory stimulation), left Parietal Lobe, Post-central Gyrus, primary somatosensory cortex(BA 1, 2, 3), and primary motor cortex(BA 4) were mainly activated. When $ST_{36}$ was stimulated, Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Cerebellum, and Posterior Lobe as well as Inter-Hemispheric displaying a variety of regions. 2. In signal activation before and after Head Acupuncture reaction, it showed signal activation after removing the acupuncture needle and right Somatosensory Association Cortex, Postcentral Gyrus, and Parietal Lobe were more activated. 3. In reactions of before and after Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture, it also showed signal activation after removing the acupuncture needle and bilateral Occipital Lobe, Lingual Gyrus, visual association cortex, and Cerebellum were activated. 4. After acupuncture stimulation, In Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture Group, left frontal Lobe, Precentral Gyrus and Bilateral parietal lobe, Postcentral Gyrus and Primary Somatosensory Cortex(BA 2) were activated. In Head Acupuncture Group, which has most similar activation regions, but especially right Pre-Post central Gyrus, Primary Somatosensory Cortex(BA 3), Primary Motor Cortex, frontal Lobe and Parietal Lobe were activated. Conclusions : When sensory stimulation was done with cotton buds on four acup-points($LI_1$, $LI_{10}4, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$), while bilaterally activated, contralateral sense was more dominant. It showed consistency with cerebral cortex function. When $ST_{36}$ was stimulated Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Cerebellum, Posterior Lobe as well as Inter-Hemispheric were stimulated. In Head Acupuncture, it showed more contralateral activation after acupuncture. In Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture, it showed typically contralateral activation and deactivation of limbic system after acupuncture stimulation. Therefore, there were different fMRI BOLD signal activation reaction before and after Head Acupuncture vs Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture which might be thought to be caused by acu-points' sensitivity and different sensory receptor to response acupuncture stimulation.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• 제19권6호
• /
• pp.43-47
• /
• 2007

Purpose: This study examined the effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation of the infraspinatus and teres major on the shoulder function reduction. The subjects consisted of 20 female patients with a shoulder dysfunction. Methods: The 20 female patients with shoulder dysfunction participated voluntary in this research. 10 minute electro-acupuncture stimulation (frequency: 5Hz, Intensity: below the pain threshold) with Infra-red therapy, 3 times per week given to the patients' Trigger point of the infraspinatus and teres major. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Apley's Scratch Test and Global Perceived Effect Scale (GPES) were examined before alter six applications. Results: There was a significant decrease in the VAS (p<0.05) and Apley's Scratch Test (p<0.05). In addition, there was statistically significant increase in the Global Perceived Effect Scale (p<0.05). Therefore, the infraspinatus and teres major is a very important muscle for the shoulder function. Conclusion: This data will be used to develop a treatment method for patients with a shoulder dysfunction. These results suggest that the electro-acupuncture stimulation into the infraspinatus and the teres major Trigger point is an effective intervention for patients with shoulder dysfunction and pain.