• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.31-39
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• 2009

Objectives : To characterize the thermal properties of several Korean electric moxibustion apparatus and to suggest methods for improving their quality for related industry as well as the welfare of Korean. Methods : We reviewed previous literatures on traditional moxibustion to find necessary factors for electric moxibustion apparatus. We measured the thermal characteristics of electric moxibustion apparatus commercially available by using an automatic temperature acquisition system in a controlled environment. Uniformity and heat loss of the apparatus were also analysed. We followed the user's manuals of apparatus provided by manufacturers. Results : Temperature control of all apparatus could not be achieved by automatic manners. Most of them were dependent on user's discretion. Maximum temperatures obtained were barely in the therapeutic temperature of $40-45^{\circ}C$. Unnecessary heating of moxibustion parts was detected. Chemicals from moxa were not properly delivered to the human skin. Conclusions : Temperature control of all apparatus needs to be improved in terms of temperature setting, retention time and maximum temperature. Design should be altered to utilize pharmacological effects from moxa to obtain its maximum efficacy. User's manuals should be revised for its clarity.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.193-199
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate electric moxibustion on patients with back pain caused by road traffic accidents. Methods: This was a retrospective study (n = 112) comparing treatment with Korean medicine combined with electric moxibustion (n = 56), and Korean medicine alone (n = 56). Patient gender, age, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) was recorded for each group at the time of hospital admission. Mean NRS measured weekly, mean ODI and EQ-5D scores were measured 2 weeks post-treatment, and evaluated by paired sample t test. using the Statistical Program for Social Science v. 25.0 for Windows. An independent, two-sample t test was used to test for a significant difference in the decrement of NRS, ODI and increment EQ-5D scores between groups. Results: NRS scores decreased in both groups after 1 week of treatment (electric moxibustion, from $5.13{\pm}0.79$ to $3.86{\pm}0.67$; Korean medicine alone, from $5.18{\pm}0.92$ to $4.30{\pm}0.94$; both p < 0.001). There was a significantly greater reduction in NRS score in the electric moxibustion group ($1.27{\pm}0.59$) than in the Korean medicine alone group ($0.88{\pm}0.61$; p = 0.001). After 2 weeks of treatment, EQ-5D scores increased significantly in the moxibustion group ($0.19{\pm}0.12$) compared with the Korean medicine alone group ($0.13{\pm}0.20$; p = 0.043). After 2 weeks of treatment, NRS and ODI scores decreased in both groups. EQ-5D increased in both groups. Conclusion: We suggest that electric moxibustion treatment may be effective for reducing early-stage back pain in patients with road traffic accident injuries.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.75-86
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• 2010

Objectives : We developed and proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric moxibustion apparatus (class II medical device). Methods : We drafted the guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric moxibustion apparatus by referring the existing standards, guidelines and measurement data from commercially available products. Temperature characteristics such as maximum temperature and ramp time, and physical characteristics such as weight, noise and diameter were measured. User friendliness was also evaluated for commercial devices. Results : This guideline only can be applied to the electric moxibustion apparatus where moxa is being heated by electricity for medical proposes. Maximum temperature of higher than $50^{\circ}C$ can be achieved mostly. Ramp rate of temperature seems to be reliable. Control of temperature is needed to be improved. Moxa and its derivative products seem to be regulated for reliable temperature performance for clinical application. Requirements for design and development of electric moxibustion apparatus are suggested : temperature indicator, temperature control and its accuracy, safety measure, surge protection, user friendliness and instruction for use (IFU). Design recommendation of the reduction of noise level and energy loss are suggested for better products. Conclusions : We proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric moxibustion apparatus to improve the quality of relating products and aid their commercialization by aiming higher industrial competitiveness of the medical device sectors in Korea. Discussion with related institutes such as industry, academy and government is further required. Public hearings also need to be held prior to the establishment of a final guideline and standard.

• 대한암한의학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.23-31
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• 2019

Objective : Peripheral neuropathy refers to the symptoms caused by damage to peripheral fibers, inflammation and degeneration. This study reports the effects of moxibustion, electric moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture including GeonChil(Rhus verniciflua stokes, 乾漆)and Whalhyul(活血) pharmacopuncture on patients with peripheral neuropathy induced by anti-cancer drugs and chemotherapy. Method : We administered moxibustion, electric moxibustion, GeonChil and Whalhyul pharmacopuncture to two patients who showed peripheral neuropathy induced by anti-cancer drugs and chemotherapy. The symtoms were evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy assessment tool (CIPNAT). Results : Following observations were made after treatments. Case 1 : After nine procedures, the score of VAS was decreased. Feeling of cold and numbness were improved, and as rotation movement of ankle was also possible, gait disturbance were improved. Case 2 : After, seven procedures symptoms of both shoulder pain were improved, and the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy were eliminated. Conclusion : We found the possibility of symptom improvement after moxibustion, electric moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture treatment on peripheral neuropathy caused by anti-cancer drugs. Clinical studies of pilot study and control settings will need to be carried out later.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.135-140
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• 2023

Objectives : Moxibustion-related standards have been established by organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Korean Standards Association (KSA), among others. Methods : We summarized moxibustion-related standards that have been published by ISO and KSA. Results : Technical Committees 249 (ISO/TC 249), which was established in 2009, has been established moxibustion devices standards in working group (WG) 4. International standards have been established for moxibustion devices, smokeless moxibustion devices, moxa floss quality, and electric heating moxibustion equipment. Work on international standards for infrared moxibustion-like instruments and moxibustion device terminology is currently in progress. Conclusions : Korea has taken a central role establishing international standards for a wide range of moxibustion devices, supported by fundamental research data in this field. To continue its influence in establishing these international standards, further studies providing the basis for moxibustion device standardization are required.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.101-110
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• 2009

Objectives : We developed and proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus(Class 2 medical device). Methods : We drafted the guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus by referring the existing standards and guideline, based on online questionnaire for Korean medical doctors and measurement data from commercially available products. Physical dimension of cups and inner vacuum pressure were acquired for the measurement in order to achieve the purposes. Results : This guideline only can be applied to electric cupping apparatus for enhancing blood circulation by employing negative pressure generated by electricity. Seven items of appearance and label, operation test of pump, variation test of input electricity, vacuum level test, vacuum sustain test, cup-size dependent test, noise level test are suggested for evaluation subjects and methods required for electric cupping devices. Requirements for the design and development of electric cupping devices are suggested: vacuum level indicator, vacuum generation rate, pressure control, valve detachment stability, cup comparability, safety measure, surge protection, user friendliness, instruction for use (IFU). Conclusions : We proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus to improve the quality of relating products and aid the commercialization of them, by aiming higher industrial competitiveness of the medical device sectors in Korea. Discussion with related institutes such as industry, academy and government is further required. Public hearings also need to be held prior to the establishment of a final guideline and standard.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2010

Objectives : The mechanical properties of Korean electric cupping systems are studied via experimental measurements. The study aimed at establishing the fundamentals of industrialization and systemization of oriental medicine device industry, as well as improving the quality of life for many Koreans. Methods : We reviewed the studies on traditional cupping as well as modern one to fine necessary factors for electric cupping systems. To characterize the mechanical properties of Korean electric cupping systems, we measured the pressure characteristics of commercially available electric cupping system by using an automatic pressure acquisition system and a standard cup. The pumping capability was checked at 40 seconds, and the stability of the suction cup was checked at 600 seconds. We also acquired the noise level of each system in clinical setting. To check the portability of each system, we also measured its physical dimensions. We scrutinized system manuals provided by the system manufacturers. Results : It took less than 5 second to reach the pressure if the connection between the air hose and the vacuum valve of the cupping system was secure. Pressure diminished to no more than 10% for 600s for all systems. Noise levels were 55~70 dB. Increase in pressure was too fast to control for a designated vacuum level except for one product. Conclusions : The Pumping ability of the systems is impressive and reliable. Pressure retention ability of each cup is quite reliable and reproducible. Therefore, their mechanical performances were worthy of recommendation. Some of them had noise level higher than 60 dB and they were bothersome. It was also suggested that the control for low to middle pressure needed to be accomplished by the cupping system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.193-201
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• 2020

This case report describes a 60-year-old female patient diagnosed with intercostal neuropathy and vertebral compression fractures which occurred following an electric shock injury. The patient received acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal medicine administration between February 10^th, 2020 and April 25^th, 2020. The pain level in the thoracic and left intercostal areas was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale. The Self-report of the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale were used to diagnose neuropathic pain. The Neuropathic-Pain -Scale was used to evaluate the degree of neuropathic symptoms. The Oswestry Disability Index and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions were used to assess quality of life scales and functional disorder. Following combined Korean medicine treatment, the patient exhibited reduced levels of pain and significant improvement in functional disorder symptoms and quality of life.

• 대한한의진단학회지
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.217-223
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• 2014

Objectives This study is on the implementation of the electric cauterizer with the hole for acupuncture to achieve the superposition effect of acupuncture-moxibustion therapies. Methods In this paper, we especially made a hole across the heat terminal of the electric cauterizer for acupuncture. Before the cauterization, the doctor treats a patient with needle. And after acupuncture, the heat terminal is to be superposed upon the needle along the hole to add the cauterization. Results There are 2 coupling methods that the heat terminal is to be superposed with the needle; one is the top-coupling and the other is side-coupling. The top-coupling means that the heat terminal is to be superposed upon the needle along the top of the needle, and side-coupling means that the heat terminal is to be superposed to the needle along the side of the needle. Conclusion This study was aimed to implement the electric cauterizer with the hole for acupuncture to achieve the superposition effect of acupuncture-moxibustion therapies. Not electric acupuncture but manual acupuncture is adopted. The electric cauterizer generates the heat $38{\sim}45^{\circ}C$. This heat is safe for skin not to burn. The electric cauterizer constitutes the smokeless moxa- pad which effects the skin DDS.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.217-223
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• 2006

Objectives : To see if Clinical study on 1 Case of patient with the foot drop diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy suggest further treatment plan for more effective cure. Methods : To heal foot drop diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy using herbal medicine wooseul-tangkami and electronic acupuncture on the Yangmyung channel(陽明經) selected in The Yellow Emperor's of internal Medicine and on Panggwang channel(膀胱經) considered as painful lesion. Results : we experienced a case of foot drop diagnosed as the peripheral neuropathy the patient was treated by wooseul-tangkami, and electric acupuncture on Yangmyung channel and also Panggwang channel and had a significant improvement in gait ability and the range of motion. Conclusion : Herbal medicine wooseul-tangkami, and electric acupuncture on Yangmyung channel and also Panggwang channel was prescribed in the perpective of oriental medicine when treating foot drop, Wooseul-tangkami is used to remove the wetness-heat evil and had shown significant improvement in gait ability and the range of motion.