• 한국한의학연구원논문집
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.84-103
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• 1996

The physiological signals measured by Oriental Medicine instruments have been analyzed quantitatively in the view of the rule of promoting and counteracting relation of five evolutive phases theory. We tried to reduce the physiological signals measured by EAV(Elec-tro-Acupuncture according to Voll) and IR thermography to the representation of five evelutive phases. The EAV index and local skin temperature on acupuncture points of each phases measured and normalized so that the total value of five phases became unity. We assumed that the normalized EAV index and local skin temperature mean the deficiency or excess of Qi for each phases. The state of Qi distribution for each phases were approximately agree with the diagnostic pattern of O. M. doctor. Taking account of the Qi distribution state of·or the five evolutive phases, we performed a proper needle insertion on acupuncture points to induce the distinct change of Qi for each phases. We compared the measured results with the predictions of Qi variation by the rule of pro- moting and counteracting relation over the five evolutive phases. For all cases, the variation of Qi in the own phase on which a needle insertion was performed were exactly same to the theoretical prediction and partial agreement was shown for the other four phases. The same analysis was carried to the results of skin temperature measurements at accupoints. We found that the local skin temperature at accupoints of each phases shelved a finite change by the needle insertion and the behavior- of its change were strongly correlated to the rule of promoting and counteracting relation of five evolutive phases.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.125-145
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• 2009

Objectives : To analyze the inclusion criteria of participants, control group interventions, and the results of prior studies of acupuncture for OA. Also to identify aspects of the procedure that are associated with positive outcomes in order to establish ideal acupuncture treatment model. And to assess the methodological quality of the trials with modified Jadad score and FEAS in order to evaluate the quality of prior studies and find out whether or not acupuncture has a positive effect in treating OA. Methods : Articles up to the date of November 2008 were searched via computerized databases of PubMed, Journal of Korean Oriental Medicine, The Journal of Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society and Journal of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine. Bibliographies of reviewed papers were also searched and reviewed. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews concerning the effects of acupuncture or electroacupuncture (EA) on symptoms of osteoarthritis of the human knee, published in English and Korean were included. The acupuncture treatment methods of the reviewed trials were assessed based on STRICTA. And the methodological quality of the trials was assessed by modified Jadad score and FEAS. Results : Twenty one trials of acupuncture for OA were analyzed. Based on the results of this review the following factors might contribute to optimal results from acupuncture treatment. 1) Usage of $ST_{35}$, $GB_{34$, $EX_{32}$, $ST_{36}$ and $SP_9$ acupuncture points. 2) More than four acupuncture points should be used. 3) More than 15 minutes of needle retention time. 4) Needle length-40mm and diameter-0.30mm 5) Usage of EA 6) more than 10 times treatment 7) Treatment frequency of more than once a week, 8) Treatment duration longer than 6 to 8 weeks. Conclusions : High quality clinical trials of Acupuncture for OA is still in lack. Future investigators must concentrate their attentions on the quality of acupuncture treatment itself used in the trials as well as the methodological quality of trials.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.225-233
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• 2002

Objective : There are little report on treatment of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis(DISH) in Traditional Korean Medicine. We suggest to treat DISH with a Korean Bee-Vonom Therapy and would like to suggest treatment plan for the further treatments. Methods : Under the assumption that Korean Bee-Venom Therapy may be affective for treatment DISH, the following points were administreted :Hua-Tuo-Jia-Ji-Xue Results : After 14 weeks of treatment-especailly Korean Bee-Venom Therapy, a remarkable improvement was made for DISH. Conclusion : Significant improvement in DISH was obtained with through Korean Bee-venom Therapy, Four needle technique, Common Acupucture Treatment and Herbal medication. Although this case yielded favorable result, more study should be made to prove the effectiveness of Korean Bee-Venom Therapy for treating DISH.

• 대한중풍순환신경학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.25-40
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• 2022

■Objectives This study aimed to collect and analyze clinical studies on the significance of acupuncture in the treatment of hypertension among Korean patients. ■Methods Among Korean patients with a blood pressure (BP) of 120 mmHg or higher and a diastolic BP of 80 mmHg or higher, those, treated with acupuncture only, were included. A literature search was conducted through 'Embase', 'Medline', 'Science and Technology Information Integration Service (NDSL)', 'Traditional Korean Knowledge Portal (OASIS)', 'PubMed', and 'Scopus'. The search keywords were (hypertension OR 'blood pressure') AND acupuncture. The papers, published before the day of the search (02. January 2022), were included in this study. ■Results Among the 12 selected papers, seven involved randomized controlled trial (RCT), four before-and-after studies, and one case series. The number of RCTs has increased yearly. The treatment methods used in the studies included needle acupuncture in eight studies, auricular acupuncture in two, pharmacopuncture in one, and si-acupuncture in one. The average numbers of patients enrolled in RCTs, before-and-after studies, and case series were 21.1, 30, and 23 respectively. Six studies were conducted on prehypertensive patients, two on stage 1 hypertension patients, and four on stage 2 hypertension patients. The involved acupoints have been reported to be ST36 in eight papers, LI11 in four papers, and PC6 in three papers. The treatment period lasted for < 1 week in eight studies and 8 weeks in four studies. Acupuncture successfully lowered blood pressure in nine out of 12 studies ■Conclusions Acupuncture is a viable alternative treatment option for prehypertensive patients, who are not taking medications. Additionally, it is also useful in further lowering the BP of patients with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension in the short term. Large-scale and long-term studies on acupuncture for hypertension should be conducted.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.45-51
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• 2011

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of needle electrode stimulation at various frequencies on change in wound healing in excision wound rats Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley adult male rats were assigned to one of four groups: control (n=6), acupuncture group (n=6), low rate (2 Hz) percutaneous electrical stimulation group, high rate (100 Hz) percutaneous electrical stimulation group (n=6). We analyzed morphological effects by measuring the area of the excision wound, the contraction rate, and chromatic red. A digital camera and an image analysis program were used to measure and analyze the wound area,which was also used for the contraction rate. Chromatic red was obtained by calculating red, green, and blue (RGB) values of the wound area. Results: The electro acupuncture stimulation groupsshowed significant healing effects compared to the control and acupuncture groups. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that various frequencies of percutaneous electrical stimulation have a therapeutic effect on wound healing.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.177-186
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• 2004

Introduction : Recent studies Suggested that there is a strong correlation between acupuncture stimulation and its related cortical activation. Anther study showed that either positive or negative BOLD effects could be observed depending on anatomical structure in acupuncture stimulation. In ttis study, we investigated a new acupoint $KI_6$ (照海), which was known as motor-related acupoint and obtained an evidence that the stimulation of $KI_6$ resulted in either negative or positive BOLD response to stimulation. Methods & Results : 1. Subjects and paradigms : Two separate stimulation paradigms were performed on five healthy (aged 22-23 yrs) in this study. First, the paradigm of acupuncture stimulation was that the acupuncture needle was inserted in acupoints $KI_6$, which is located in lateral side of the foot and then continuously twisted(補瀉를 除外한 捻轉法) for 70 seconds for 10 cycles of activation. During rest period (70 seconds), the needle was completed removed from acupoint. Total 60 cycles were performed and 10 images were obtained per cycle. Second, nonacupoint was randomly selected and the same paradigm was performed as acupoint stimulation. The stimulation protocol comprised 10 cycles of alternating. activation and rest (10 images per cycle). Total 60 cycles were performed and each cycle take about 1.5 sec for motor task. Subjects take an at least 15 minutes break before starting anther paradigm. 2. fMRI mapping : Multi-slice functional images were obtained on a 1.5T Magnetom Vision MRI scanner (Simens Medical, Erlangen, Germany) equipped with high performance whole-body gradients. The BOLD T2 * - weighted images were acquired with acho planar imaging sequence (TR = 1.2 sec, TE = 60 msec, and flip angle = $90_{\circ}$). The other sequence parameter are : FOV = 210 mm, matrix=$64{\times}128$ or $64{\times}64$, slice number=10 and slice thickness = 5 or 8 mm. the anatomic images were obtained with Spin-echo T1-weighted images. The resulting images were then anaiyzed with STIMULATE (CMRR, U. of Minnesota) to generate functional maps using a student T-test (p < 0.005) and cluster analysis. Both positive and negative response were evaluated. Conclusions : We have observed the activation of the motor cortex by stimulating motor-related acupoint ($KI_6$). Among five subjects, negative BOLD response was shown in four and positive response in one. All subjects showed positive response to conventional finger flexion-extension task. To understand the detailed mechanisms of correlation between acupuncture stimulation and BOLD fMRI changes and two typs of response, further study strongly required.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.50-59
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• 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.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2003

Objectives : To investigate the increasing effect of veterinary acupuncture (VA) on the eggs-laying rate, we carried out the experiment in old hens. Methods : Twenty four old hens (ISA Brown; 1,200 - 1,400 g) over 75 weeks old whose eggs-laying rates were under the 50% for recent 15 days were used. In experimental group, VA treatments were performed seven times during 10 days. Unang point at the end of bilateral wing and Migun point at the tail bone were stimulated about 30 seconds by the stainless steel needle (0.3 mm o.d.). In control group, similar manual stress were performed at same frequency. The numbers of laid eggs were observed for 26 days after the beginning of treatment. Bloods were sampled two times from wing veins during and after the treatment period and serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and Estradiol were detected. Results : Eggs-laying rates of experimental group $(34.29{\pm}2.79%)$ were significantly increased than that of control group $(27.56{\pm}2.00%,\;p<0.05)$ with the significant increasing of LH serum concentration in experimental group $(from\;0.77{\pm}0.13\;IU/I\;to\; 1.42{\pm}0.22\;IU/I,\;p<0.05)$. Conclusions : Increasing effect of VA treatment on the eggs-laying rate in old hens were proved in this study, and it may be the first prompt on the experimental investigation and development of VA.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.172-182
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• 2020

Objectives : In this study, we conducted a focus group interview among expatriates living in Korea, to investigate their experiences and perceptions of acupuncture and Korean Medicine in order to improve the usage of Korean Medicine in the medical tourism market. Methods : The inclusion criteria for the focus group interview was: (1) participants between the age of 20 to 75 years old; (2) those who had lived in Korea for more than 90 days, and (3) those who were able to express their thoughts freely in English. The participants were informed that the interviews will be recorded and transcribed. We ended recruitment once saturation of materials was met. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data was analyzed after each interview. Results : The interviews were held between June to December 2016. Twenty-four participants were recruited but four dropped out and a total of twenty participants successfully finished the interviews. Six focus group interviews were conducted. Analysis revealed that Korean Medicine was relatively less known compared to Traditional Chinese Medicine or Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Participants automatically associated acupuncture with the management of pain or stress and replied that these were the areas that they thought acupuncture would be most effective. Positive experiences with acupuncture and with the acupuncture practitioners were factors that promoted the use of acupuncture whereas lack of awareness, accessibility and accreditation were factors that hindered its use. Other factors that hindered the use of acupuncture was needle phobia and the perception that acupuncture lacks scientific evidence. Conclusions : Awareness on Korean Medicine and acupuncture is low. Participants lack awareness on what diseases acupuncture can treat, the scientific evidence behind the mechanism of action, and the rigorous education system that Korean Medicine doctors must go through to get their license. Rigorous marketing should be encouraged, which includes greater exposure in the media, more honest reviews from patients, and promotion of the scientific evidence base.

• 한국한의학연구원논문집
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.43-50
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• 2010

Background : The varieties of manifestations referred to headache and vertigo have been long complicated physicians in the efficient diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Objectives : Establish a distinctive and efficient acupuncture method for the treatment of headache and dizziness based in literature research. Method : We reviewed four Korean medical literature, "治腫指南Guide to Swollen Sore Treatment", "東醫寶鑑Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine", "鍼灸經驗方Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion", and "舍岩鍼法Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Master Sa-am", and analyzed the therapeutic characteristics in the treatment of headache and vertigo. Result : 1. "治腫指南Guide to Swollen Sore Treatment" inserted needle in GV20百會 and waited until the skin erupts and heat burns, then applied in those regions affected. 2. "東醫寶鑑Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine" mostly applied moxibustion on headache, however, needling acupoints such as GV20百會, GV24神庭, GV23上星, GV22顖會 were also considered important. 3. "鍼灸經驗方Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion" used moxa cones on headache in order to disperse heat and direct Gi downward. 4. "校勘 舍岩道人鍼法Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Master Sa-am" defined the cause of dizziness, wood excavates earth and earth kills water. Conclusions : After previous study on eye, oral, glottal, labial, dental diseases and stroke, we could also find various efficient methods according to headache and vertigo, through literature research of Korean medical classics. This study will concurrently result in establishing distinctive therapeutic method characteristic of Korea.