• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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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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• v.27 no.1
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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.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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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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• v.27 no.1
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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.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1 s.29
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• pp.370-378
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• 1995

In order to consider the clinical efficacy of moxa combustion, understand the quality and quantity of heat stimulation and get the basic data for the development of electric moxibustion apparatus, the pattern of combustion temperature was measured by size of moxa(small, medium, large and maximum size). The results were as follows. 1. The pattern of combustion temperature by moxa burning was classified into input period, consisting of preheating and heating periods, and output period, consisting of heat retaining and cooling periods, in all experimental groups. But it was difficult to observe the preheating period in small sized moxa. 2. It was inclined that the more moxa size was large, the more the heating and heat retaining periods were long and the maximum temperature was high. The characteristics of moxa combustion is primarily by the rate of combustion temperature, gradient temperature and duration of combustion, and their correlation among these factors and their clinical effects in practice.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1 s.31
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• pp.222-233
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• 1996

In order to understand the stimulation quality of Artemisine Vulgaris Folium(Bong), Mori Ramulus(Sangi) and Persicae Ramulus(Dogi) combustion, and get the basic data for the development of electric moxibustion apparatus, the average temperature, peak temperature, average gradient temperature, maximum gradient temperature and combustion time of heating period on the three moxa materials were measured. 1. The average combustion temperature was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and these were acknowledged to have a significant difference each other in the average temperature. 2. The peak combustion temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and Bong was acknowledged to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi. Sangi and Dogi however were not acknowledged to have difference each other. 3. The average gradient temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and Bong was proved to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi. Sangi and Dogi however were not proved to have difference each other. 4. The maximum temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, bong was acknowledged to have signigicant differences with Dogi and Sangi, but Sangi and Dogi were not proved to have difference each other. 5. The combustion time was short in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong. Bong was acknowledged to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi, but Sangi and Dogi were not. In order to understand well the characteristics of combustion, it is required to have a quantitative interpretation of combustion calory, and, in the future, we expect it is required to have a consistent study for the clinical effectiveness and the mutual relationship according to the combustion characteristics.