• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.37-53
• /
• 2022

Objectives This study was conducted to investigate a randomized controlled trial study on the clinical treatment of herbal medicines for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Methods By March 2022, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was reviewed about randomized controlled trial studies on the herbal treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head through. The publication year, evaluation criteria, treatment period, treatment method and effectiveness were analyzed for articles published from 2017 to 2022. Results 16 articles were selected and 14 kinds of herbal medicines were used. In most studies, Western medical treatments such as injection therapy, oral drug administration, traction therapy and mid-frequency electric therapy were treated alone in the control group, and a combination of Western medical treatment and herbal treatment was administered to the experimental group. Conclusions In China, there have been many studies on herbal treatment for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. In Korea, more clinical studies on the herbal treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head are needed. This study will be helpful for future research in Korean medicine on avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.20-39
• /
• 2020

Objectives: This study was performed to examine the domestic study trends on premature ovarian failure (POF) treated with Korean medicine. Methods: We investigated the studies on Korean medicine treatment for premature ovarian failure via searching 4 online databases. Results: 13 clinical studies were selected. All studies were the noncomparative studies, and mainly case reports. Studies were publicated from 2001 to 2019 and the number of studies with 1 subject was the greatest (76.9%). In accompanying symptoms, there was a study which did not report entire cases. In the 11 case reports (13 subjects), the most accompanying symptoms was hot flush (69.2%). In treatment of premature ovarian failure, the most used treatment was herbal medicine, which was used in all studies. Acupuncture treatment was used in 6 studies (46.2%) and moxibustion treatment was used in 8 studies (61.5%). The most common acupuncture point was 內關 (SP6) in acupuncture treatment, and was 關元 (CV4) in moxibustion treatment. The duration of treatment was between 1 month and 20 months, the average 7.76 months. Used outcome measurements were hormone test (84.6%), menstruation (76.9%), Visual analog sclale (VAS) (15.4%), ultrasonography (15.4%), Numeral rating scale (NRS), Body basal temperature (BBT) and Kupperman index (7.7%). In total 70 subjects, 13 subjects (18.6%) became pregnancy and 25 subjects (35.7%) had no effect. Follow up was reported in 6 studies, and the average duration of follow up was 141.63 days. Conclusions: Further clinical trials are needed to establish the evidence for Korean Medicine treatment for premature ovarian failure.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.92-99
• /
• 2014

Background: Korea's primary care clinics are seeking increase in consultation fees by expanding supply within the frame of the health insurance system, but inequality of physician income between regions and individuals is exacerbating. The purpose of this study lies in analyzing the distribution of patients of primary care clinics, their specialized field, and the degree of inequality between medical fee income according to region. Data was acquired from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on charged bills made by clinic-size medical institutions from 2008 to 2011. Methods: By comparing the outpatient number per clinic according to the clinic's specialized field, results showed that ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dermatology, orthopedics, and internal medicine showed high numbers whereas plastic surgery, neuropsychiatry, cardiothoracic surgery had fewer outpatients. The number of outpatients for clinic according to region showed Chuncheonnam-do, Jeju-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Ulsan to have higher numbers of outpatients. For those four years, clinics in the Seoul area had a rather lower number. Results: As a result of comparing the decile hierarchy distribution ratio between specialized fields according to primary care clinics income from National Health Insurance, the inequality degree showed that obstetrics and gynecology and general medicine were each 0.130, 0.280 for the decile distribution ratio, which was the highest degree of inequality within the specialized field. Their Gini coefficient were also relatively high at 0.691, 0.528 respectively. On the other hand, the decile distribution ratio for otolaryngology and orthopedics were 0.510, 0.468, respectively, while their Gini coefficient each at 0.318, 0.314 makes their inequality degree relatively lower than other fields. Conclusion: This study is limited in that the data used was the health insurance charges submitted by clinics, which does not provide total information of the doctors' income. However, because most clinics are largely dependant on their income to come from health insurance reimbursements. Therefore, the results of this study can be used effectively. In the future, research that includes data on non-covered service income should be conducted to closely examine policy plans with a new medical fee policy which can resolve the medical fee income inequality issue between clinics as well as revitalize primary medical care.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.33-48
• /
• 2023

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the latest research trends regarding the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of plantar fasciitis and suggest the direction for future research. Methods We investigated recent clinical studies about traditional Chines medicine treatment for Plantar fasciitis through searching the electronic database of China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We analyzed the characteristics of selected studies according to study design, criteria for diagnosis and evaluation, periods, treatment methods. Results Twenty-six clinical studies published from 2018 to 2022 were analyzed. Acupuncture, herbal medication, herbal fumigation and washing, herbal integration, herbal external application, and manual therapy were performed for the treatment of plantar fasciitis in China. In particular, studies on acupuncture, herbal fumigation and washing, and manual therapy were actively conducted and all of these treatment methods were effective. Conclusions Various Chinese medical interventions are being studied in China for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. However, in order to reinforce evidence for effectiveness of treatment, additional high-level clinical studies are required. It is considered that additional research related to the Korean medicine treatment for plantar fasciitis is needed in the future in Korea.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.99-107
• /
• 2008

Objectives : This experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of herbal eye drops(Sean-tang, Jinpi-san, Tangpo-san, Copitdis Rhizoma) on Staphylococcus aureus keratitis. Methods : After administering various herbal eye drops on Staphylococcus aureus, I measured MIC and the size of inhibition zone. MIC was measured by dropping from 20 to $50{\mu}{\ell}$ according to density. Anti-bacterial potency was measured by the size of inhibition zone with change of volume under 2 days culture condition. Also continuous antibacterial potency of herbal eye drops was measured by the size of inhibition zone according to 2 days and 6 days culture each under the $50{\mu}{\ell}$condition. Results : 1. MIC on Staphylococcus aureus in Sean-tang, Jinpi-san and Tangpo-san was 100%, $20{\mu}{\ell}$. 2. MIC on Staphylococcus aureus in Coptidis rhizoma was 10%, $30{\mu}{\ell}$. 3. MIC on Staphylococcus aureus in Cravit was 0.1%, $50{\mu}{\ell}$. 4. Under the 2 days culture condition, the size of inhibition zone on Staphylococcus aureus by volume for Sean-tang was 12.0mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$, Jinpi-san was 19.0mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$, Tangpo-san was 15.0mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$, Coptidis rhizoma was 32.7 mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$ and Cravit was 31mm in $50{\mu}{\ell}$, Coptidis rhizoma showed the highest anti-bacterial potency. 5. Under the $50{\mu}{\ell}$ condition, the size of inhibition zone on Staphylococcus aureus by 2 and 6 culture days for Sean-tang was 12.0mm, Jinpi-san was 19.0mm, Tangpo-san was 15.0mm, Coptidis rhizoma was 32.7mm and Cravit was 31.0 mm, which showed sameness anti-bacterial potency in 2 days and 6 days. Conclusions : The present author think that the herbal eye drops can be used to cure Staphylococcus aureus keratitis and if further study is performed, the use of the herbal eye drops will be valuable and beneficial in the clinical medicines.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.15-24
• /
• 2013

Objectives : This study was accomplished to investigate the effects of venesection with cupping therapy at Jeonjung($CV_{17}$) on the heart rate variability(HRV) in healthy adults. And based on that, we tried to find out how venesection with cupping therapy at Jeonjung($CV_{17}$) affects the activity and the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Methods : We investigated on 60 healthy volunteers consisted of 30 subjects in venesection with cupping therapy group and 30 subjects in control group. The study was established by randomized trial. venesection with cupping therapy was applied at Jeonjung($CV_{17}$) for 10 minutes in venesection with cupping therapy group. No treatment was executed in control group. We measured HRV 3 times : First, baseline measurement and two more times after treatment in venesection with cupping therapy group(after rest in control group). The SPSS 12.0 for Windows was used to analyze the data by paired t-test(in both group), independent-test(between the groups) and Chi-square test(between the sexs). Results : 1. In venesection with cupping therapy group, SDNN, Ln(TP), Ln(LF), Normalized LF, and LF/HF ratio increased significantly. Normalized HF decreased significantly. Mean HRT, RMSSD, PSI, Ln(HF), and Ln(VLF) were not affected. 2. In control group, Ln(HF) decreased significantly. Mean HRT, SDNN, RMSSD, PSI, Ln(TP), Ln(LF), Ln(VLF), Normalized LF, Normalized HF, and LF/HF ratio were not affected. Conclusions : This study suggests that venesection with cupping therapy at Jeonjung($CV_{17}$) increases the activity of the autonomic nervous system and has effects on the balance of the autonomic nervous system.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.650-659
• /
• 2013

To investigate the effects of facial blood flow rates(FBFR) and facial skin temperature(FST) generated by Gagam-Jawoonaek(GJ) application(appl.) after Miso Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture(MFRA). Ten people in their twenties to fifties with no skin diseases were recruited. We randomly divided subjects two groups(A, B) and set the GJ appl. site(group A - right side, group B - left side). MFRA was performed on both sides of their face. Immediately after acupuncture treatment(AT treat.), GJ was applied only half of the face. We measured their FBFR using Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging(LDPI) and FST using Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging(DITI) at pre-AT treat., immediately after AT treat., twenty and sixty minutes after GJ appl.. We analyzed data using Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon test(p < 0.05). After MFRA treat., FBFR on both sides increased. Twenty minutes after JW appl., the changes of FBFR on GJ appl. side($122.9{\pm}43.1PU$) were bigger than GJ non-appl. side($80.9{\pm}38.4PU$), a statistically significant decrease. Sixty minutes after application, FBFR on both sides were recovered almost at the same level as that of pre-AT treat. After MFRA treat., FST on both sides increased. Twenty minutes after GJ appl., the changes of FST on GJ appl. side($1.1{\pm}0.6^{\circ}C$) were comparable to that of GJ non-appl. side($1.2{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$). Sixty minutes after application, FST on both sides were recovered almost at the same level as that of pre-AT treat.. Gagam-Jawoonaek could decrease facial blood flow rates.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.506-516
• /
• 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to report five patients who had multiple rib fractures after a traffic accident who improved with the combination of Korean medical admission treatment. Methods: We collected the data of traffic accident patients with multiple rib fractures who were admitted to the Daejeon Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine from April 2018 to May 2018 to receive the combinational Korean medical treatment. We observed these cases of patients treated by Acupuncture, Pharmacopuncture, Herbal medicine, Oriental physical therapy, Chuna treatment. We measured the validity of the treatment with a numerical rating scale (NRS) and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimension (EQ5D) at admission, at two weeks, and at the discharge date of hospitalization. Results: At the end of the treatment, all patients showed a decrease in NRS scores and in increase in EQ5D. The median NRS score was 6 (5-7) at the date of admission and 4 (2-7) at two weeks and then decreased to 3 (2-6). The median EQ5D score was 0.513 (0.350-0.752) at the date of admission and 0.692 (0.418-0.913) at two weeks, and then increased to 0.783 (0.671-0.913). Conclusions: After the combination of Korean medicine admission treatment, five patients with multiple rib fractures after a traffic accident showed that the treatments were effective. However, the number of subjects was insufficient and individual efficacy was not measured in this study. Therefore, further studies are needed on this topic.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.47-67
• /
• 2004

Objectives : In the present study, the effect of Scolopendrid Water-Alcohol Extract (SWAE) applied to acupuncture point BL23 (Shinsu) on the neuropathic pain was examined. A common source of persistent pain in humans is the neuropathic pain. Anti-convulsant drugs are used to treat the neuropathic pain. In the oriental medicine, Scolopendrid was used for long time to treat convulsant syndrome and back pain, etc. Methods : On the bases of the Scolopendrid clinical application, the effect of SWAE applied to the acupuncture point was tested in the rat model of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was induced by tight ligation of L5 spinal nerve. When rats developed pain behaviors, One hundred microliter of SWAE was applied into the ipsilateral BL23 point at a dose of 10 mg/ml under enflurane anesthesia. The foot withdraw latency of the hind limb was measured for an indicator of pain level after each manipulation. Results : SWAE injection increased the mechanical threshold of the foot in the rat model of neuropathic pain significantly for the duration of 4h, suggesting a partial alleviation of pain. SWAE applied to BL23 point produced a significant improvement of mechanical sensitivity of the foot lasting for at least 4h. However, neither contralateral BL23 point, ST25 (Chonchu) point, nor LR3 (Taechung) point produce as much increase of mechanical sensitivity as ipsilateral BL23 point. And, this increase of mechanical sensitivity was dose-dependent. The improvement of mechanical threshold was interpreted as an analgesic effect. In addition, the analgesic effect of Scolopendrid 4 mg/kg injection is equivalent to that of gabapentin 50 mg/kg injection. The relations between SWAE-induced analgesia and endogenous nitric oxide(NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS)/neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) were also examined. Results were turned out that both NO production and nNOS/iNOS protein expression which are increased by nerve injury were suppressed by SWAE injection applied to BL23 point. Conclusions : The data suggest 1) that SWAE produces a potent analgesic effect on the neuropathic pain model in the rat and 2) that SWAE-induced analgesia modulate endogenous NO through the suppression of nNOS/iNOS protein expression.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.135-147
• /
• 2024

Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the research trends in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for pes anserine bursitis using the search results from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Methods We searched for clinical studies on pes anserine bursitis in the CNKI electronic database. We analyzed the publication year, study type, participant demographics, treatment methods and duration, evaluation criteria, adverse events, and the results of each article. Results Seventeen studies published from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2024 were selected. Among the 17 selected studies, 14 were randomized controlled trials and 2 were case reports. The most frequently used treatment intervention was acupuncture. Nine types of acupuncture were identified, including electro-acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, acupotomy, floating acupuncture, and other new types of acupuncture. The most commonly used evaluation outcome was effective rate. Conclusions Various TCM treatments for pes anserine bursitis were introduced, and we could identify the effectiveness of TCM in treating pes anserine bursitis. However, it is anticipated that more well-designed and high-quality evaluation studies will be required in the future.