• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.9-17
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• 2011

Objectives : Contradictions for Oncology acupuncture were searched and reviewed to establish fundamentals for the appropriate contraindication guideline. Methods : In order to search contraindications for oncology acupuncture, domestic journals, books and online database of Pubmed were searched using the terms, cancer, tumor, acupuncture, safety, contraindications and guideline were below. Results : We found 7 papers and 1 book by the above methods. We reviewed and suggested the contraindications. Contraindications for oncology acupuncture are neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count : ANC less than $500/mm^3$), thrombocytopenia (platelets less than $50,000/mm^3$), anticoagulant use, spinal instability, tumour nodule, lymphedema, prosthesis, intracranial deficits, confused patients, significant arrhythmia, patient refusal to treatment, severe neurotic patients and intracardiac defribillator. Contraindications for using semi-permanent needles are neutropenia (ANC less than $500/mm^3$), splenectomy, valvular heart disease, B, C hepatitis and keloids. Conclusions : Acupuncture for cancer patients pose significant risks but these guidelines are proposed in the hopes of providing certain boundaries in practicing oncology acupuncture. A more systematic and rigorous research is needed to establish a more reliable oncology acupuncture guidelines.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.403-411
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• 2021

Background: This case report shows the effect of Hyulbuchuko-tang on a patient with a contraindication to anticoagulants who complained about dyspnea caused by pulmonary embolism (PE). Case report: A PE patient with dyspnea was treated with herbal medication, Hyulbuchuko-tang, for 28 days. Evaluations took place by assessing time for oxygen application time per day, follow-up chest CT, and D-dimer test results. Oxygen application time per day decreased, and oxygen therapy ended on the 14th day of Hyulbuchuko-tang treatment. Follow-up chest CT showed resolution of PE. The D-dimer level decreased on the 24th day and decreased more after 1 month later. Conclusion: This clinical case study suggests that Hyulbuchuko-tang might be effective in the resolution of PE and can be an option as a treatment for PE patients with contraindications to anticoagulants.