• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.223-233
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• 2004

Objective: As a manual accupucture method, the twirling-needle treatment has been known more effective in relieving pain than the conventional simple accupuncture treatment. Finding a proper treatment condition is difficult because of the lack of a quantative measurement of the alleviation of pain made by acupuncture. In this research, the authors propose the use of infrared thermal images in a formalin test to quantatively verify the effect of twirling. Methods: After injecting 10%~20% formalin into the tail of rats, the infrared thermal images(ITI) have been obtained to estimate the thermal distribution caused by inflammation. The authors propose a processing method to measure the thermal distribution from the thermal images obtained from the infrared camera as a pain model of the formalin test. Results: The pain model obtained from the infrared thermal image has two phases. The first phase, which is a transient period, is the initial 20 minutes when the pain is developed after the formalin injection. The second phase, which is a steady state, is where the development of pain lasts for 60 minutes or more after the first stage. This characteristic of the proposed model based on ITI is consistent with that of the pain model reported by other researchers whose works are based on the time-course of flinching and licking/biting, following a different concentration of formalin. It is noticed that the response of the thermal distribution obtained from ITI shows very high correlation to the behavioral response in the formalin test performed by Kazuhiro Okuda and four others5). In addition, the authors propose an ITI method to determine the pain-reducing effect of the acupuncture. The thermal distribution obtained from the experiment shows that there is significant pain reducing effect made by the twirling-needle method.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.93-108
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• 2012

Objectives : This study aims to review randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for shoulder pain according to Jadad Scale and revised STRICTA. Methods : Seven electronic databases including PUBMED, SCOPUS, RISS were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupuncture for shoulder pain. Results : 16 RCTs were included: 14 were published in English and 2 were published in Korean. According to Jadad scale, 15 RCTs had high quality. However, most of the studies could not meet the double blindness criteria. All RCTs meet 12.9 items on average in STRICTA. Conclusions : This systematic review shows four conclusions as follows. Traditional Chinese Medicine is often used in style of acupuncture. Spots of LI15, TE14, GB21 and LI11, stainless steel needle($0.3mm{\times}40mm$), 20 retention time, manual stimulation, $Deqi$, and 2 times a week treatment (total 12) are often used. Double-blinded clinical trials needs to be conducted. It is controversial to use minimal acupunctures on controlled groups of RCTs on acupuncture for shoulder pain. Description about practitioner's background needs clarifying.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제25권5호
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• pp.151-165
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• 2008

Objectives : To evaluate the effects of Head Acupuncture versus Upper and Lower Limbs Acupuncture on signal activation of Blood Oxygen Level Dependent(BOLD) fMRI on the Brain and Somatosensory Cortex. Subjects and Methods : 10 healthy normal right-handed female volunteer were recruited. The average age of the 10 subjects was 30 years old. The BOLD functional MRI(fMRI) signal characteristics were determined during tactile stimulation was conducted by rubbing 4 acu-points in the right upper and lower limbs($LI_1$, $LI_{10}$, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$). After stimulation of Head Acupuncture in Sishencong($HN_1$), $GB_{18}$, $GB_9$, $TH_{20}$ of Left versus Upper and Lower Limbs Acupuncture($LI_1$, $LI_{10}$, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$ of Right) and took off needles. Then the BOLD fMRI signal characteristics were determined at the same manner. Results : 1. When touched with cotton buds(sensory stimulation), left Parietal Lobe, Post-central Gyrus, primary somatosensory cortex(BA 1, 2, 3), and primary motor cortex(BA 4) were mainly activated. When $ST_{36}$ was stimulated, Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Cerebellum, and Posterior Lobe as well as Inter-Hemispheric displaying a variety of regions. 2. In signal activation before and after Head Acupuncture reaction, it showed signal activation after removing the acupuncture needle and right Somatosensory Association Cortex, Postcentral Gyrus, and Parietal Lobe were more activated. 3. In reactions of before and after Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture, it also showed signal activation after removing the acupuncture needle and bilateral Occipital Lobe, Lingual Gyrus, visual association cortex, and Cerebellum were activated. 4. After acupuncture stimulation, In Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture Group, left frontal Lobe, Precentral Gyrus and Bilateral parietal lobe, Postcentral Gyrus and Primary Somatosensory Cortex(BA 2) were activated. In Head Acupuncture Group, which has most similar activation regions, but especially right Pre-Post central Gyrus, Primary Somatosensory Cortex(BA 3), Primary Motor Cortex, frontal Lobe and Parietal Lobe were activated. Conclusions : When sensory stimulation was done with cotton buds on four acup-points($LI_1$, $LI_{10}4, $LV_3$, $ST_{36}$), while bilaterally activated, contralateral sense was more dominant. It showed consistency with cerebral cortex function. When $ST_{36}$ was stimulated Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Cerebellum, Posterior Lobe as well as Inter-Hemispheric were stimulated. In Head Acupuncture, it showed more contralateral activation after acupuncture. In Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture, it showed typically contralateral activation and deactivation of limbic system after acupuncture stimulation. Therefore, there were different fMRI BOLD signal activation reaction before and after Head Acupuncture vs Upper and Lower Limb Acupuncture which might be thought to be caused by acu-points' sensitivity and different sensory receptor to response acupuncture stimulation.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.57-62
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• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the single-dose intravenous toxicity of Guseonwangdo-go glucose 5% pharmacopuncture (GWG5). Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of five males and five females per group: an intravenous (IV) injection of 1.0 mL of normal saline solution per animal was administered to the control group; IV injections of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mL of GWG5 per animal were administered to the experimental groups (G: 0.1, G: 0.5, and G: 1.0). Observation of clinical signs and body weight measurements were carried out for 14 days following the injections. At the end of the observation period, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological tests, as well as necropsy examinations, were performed on the injected parts. Results: No mortalities or adverse clinical signs were observed in any of the groups. The body weights of all groups continuously increased. In the hematological and the biochemical tests, females in G-0.1 had minimal changes, but those changes were not dose dependent. On necropsy examination, no abnormalities were observed. In the histopathological test, focal inflammatory cell infiltrations were observed in two female rats, one in the control group and one in G-1.0. Also, one female rat in the control group had an epidermis crust. These changes were concluded to have been caused by the insertion of the needle into a vein. Conclusion: The above findings suggest that the lethal dose of GWG5 administered via IV injection is more than 1.0 mL per animal in both male and female rats. Further studies are needed to establish more detailed evidence of its toxicity.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.49-62
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• 2010

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effect of manual acupuncture, invasive laser acupuncture and laser skin irradiation at LU8, LR4, HT8 and LR2(Liver Seunggyeok) on D-galN-induced liver injury in rats. Method: Liver injury was induced with D-galN. The experimental rats were divided four groups(Control group, EXP-1, EXP-2, EXP-3). In the Control group, liver injury-induced and not treated. EXP-1 group was liver injury-induced and carried out manual acupuncture with Young-Su(against the meridian course and following the course of the meridian) & Won-Bang(by twisting and rotating the needle) acupuncture method at Liver Seunggyeok. EXP-2 group was liver injury-induced and carried out invasive laser acupuncture at Liver Seunggyeok. EXP-3 group was liver injury-induced and carried out laser skin irradiation at Liver Seunggyeok. Result: In the change of body weight(in 1 week), EXP-1, EXP-2 and EXP-3 groups were significantly increased as compared with control group. In the change AST & ALT, EXP-1 and EXP-2 groups were significantly decreased as compared with control group. In the change of SOD, EXP-1, EXP-2 and EXP-3 groups were significantly increased as compared with control group. In the change of WBC, EXP-2 group was significantly increased as compared with control group. Conclusion: Manual acupuncture, invasive laser acupuncture and laser skin irradiation at Liver Seunggyeok had hepatotherapeutic effect on the treatment of hepatocytotoxity. Invasive laser acupuncture was as effective as manual acupuncture on the treatment of hepatocytotocity.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.182-198
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• 2010

Background : The varieties of manifestations referred to oral, glottal, labial and dental diseases has been long complicated physicians in the efficient diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Acupuncture has been widely used in Korea throughout the history and provides an efficient method in the treatment of them Objectives : Establish a distinctive and efficient acupuncture method for the treatment of oral, glottal, labial and dental diseases based in literature research Method : We reviewed four Korean medical literature, "Guide to Swollen Sore Treatment", "Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine", "Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion", and "Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Master Sa-am", and analyzed the therapeutic characteristics in the treatment of oral, glottal, labial and dental diseases Result : 1. According to "Guide to Swollen Sore Treatment", we could noted frequent application of blood letting methods in the affected area, then rinse ones mouth with salty water and further application of taro plaster. Also found acupuncture methods utilizing heated mole cricket or silkworm in the sublingual region. Regarding herbal method, Realgar was rubbed in the affected area. Mainly used acupuncture points in the treatment of oral, glottal, labial and dental diseases were GV20, GB20, LU5, and auricular anterior hairline 2. In "Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine", blood letting method in the sublingual region and burning needle searing method were the most frequently applied in the treatment of oral, glottal, labial and dental diseases. Moxibustion was also applied in the treatment of labial and dental diseases. Particularly, said to apply 3 moxa cones in ear zones of both sides, when no medicine is effective. This demonstrates how emphasized the importance of moxibustion in this kind of disease. Mainly used acupuncture points were GV16, CV24, LI4, EX-HN12, and EX-HN13 3. In "Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion", no other methods beside wrist. Superstitious methods like applying moxibustion on the tooth picture drawn on the roofing tile need further confirmation. Mainly used acupuncture points were LI4, ST36, and HT7. 4. "Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Master Sa-am", identified the cause of diseases according to visceral pattern identification. Stomach and Spleen in charge of vocal, lingual, and labial disease, Kidney for dental disease, and further scrutinizing identification according to Liver, Heart, Stomach, Lung, and Kidney manifestations. Used supplementation and draining needling methods of self meridians and other correlating meridians. Conclusions : After previous study on stroke and eye diseases, we could also find various efficient methods according to oral, glottal, labial and dental diseases, through literature research of korean medical classics. This study will concurrently result in establishing distinctive therapeutic method characteristic of Korea.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.49-63
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• 2021

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the trend in treating fracture with acupuncture and to evaluate the quality of case reports. Methods All case reports of fractures treated with acupuncture were extracted from four Korean web databases. We classified these studies by five fracture sites and investigated frequently used meridian and acupoint, outcome measurements, treatment period. And we assessed the quality of the case reports by the STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines. Results A total of 33 case reports were included. The outcome measurements were divided into six categories, and the outcome measurements used in more than three studies showed improvement in patient symptoms. The mainly used meridians for each fracture site were as follows: chest and abdomen (GB, LR, CV), back (BL, GB), upper limb (LI, TE), lower Limb (GB, ST, BL, SP). The most commonly used acupoints for each fracture site were as follows: chest and abdomen (Ashi points, GB24, GB25, GB26, LR13, LR14, CV16, CV17, CV18, CV19), back (BL23, BL24, BL25, BL26, BL40, BL51, BL52, BL60, GB34), upper limb (LI4, LI10, LI11, TE3), lower limb (GB34, GB40). According to the STRICTA guidelines, more than 54.54% of the reports were found to be 'not reported' or 'not sufficient' in the following categories: 'response sought', 'description of participating acupuncturist', and 'number of needle insertions per subject per session'. Conclusions The meridians and acupuncture points frequently used for acupuncture treatment of fractures were near the fracture site. Future clinical studies involving acupuncture must be reported in accordance with the STRICTA guidelines to improve transparency and uniformity.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.25-30
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the single-dose intravenous toxicity of Guseonwangdo-go glucose 20% pharmacopuncture. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of five males and five females per group: an intravenous (IV) injection of 1.0 mL of normal saline solution per animal was administered to group 1 (G1, control group); an IV injections of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mL of Guseonwangdo-go glucose pharmacopuncture per animal were administered to experimental groups 2, 3, and 4 (G2, G3, and G4), respectively. General symptoms, body weights, hematological and biochemical test results, and necropsy histopathological observation were recorded in all groups. In the statistical analyses, significance was determined by using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance level was 0.05 in all comparisons. Results: For 14 days, no deaths or abnormalities were observed in any of the 4 groups. The body weights of all groups continuously increased during the observation period. In the hematological test, the WBC count was significantly increased in female rats of G4 compared to the control group, but this difference was considered not to be statistically meaningful. No significant biochemical changes were observed. On necropsy, crust formation was observed in one rat of the control group, and granulation tissues were observed around the injection site in one rat of G4; these changes were concluded to have been caused by injection of the needle into a vein. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the lethal dose of Guseonwangdo-go glucose pharmacopuncture is more than 1.0 mL per animal in both male and female rats. Thus, we can conclude that Guseonwangdo-go glucose pharmacopuncture injection is relatively safe to use in acute toxicity tests. Further studies are needed to establish more detailed evidences of its toxicity.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.1157-1176
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• 2003

The following conclusions are induced from a study on the acupuncture therapy depending on hyungsang of the persons. The study is made on the basis of 'Internal classic (內經)& and &Clinical Lectures by Dr. Jeesan&. The acupuncture originated from the treatment of spasm with numbness in the southern area. The acupuncture is basically a remedy for the exterior disease of meridian but also it can be a cure for the interior disease of Jang and obstinate disease with accurate method. Three mechanisms of acupuncture are described in 'Internal classic'. The first is to make meridian circulate smoothly. The second is to regulate Ki and Hyul. The third is to regulate points through which the meridian-Ki goes in and out smoothly or adversely. There are two ways of acupuncture in 'Internal classic'. One is based on pulse and symptom and the other on the Hyungsang. The former is more generally used therapy, to which depletion method, Asi point method(阿是穴 療法), Inyoung-kigu pulse comparison method (人迎氣口脈法) and method depending on jang-bu disease belong. Acupuncture is done on Su points(輸穴) and back-su point(背兪穴) in case of jang-disease. In case of bu-disease, the treatment is done on Hap points(合穴) and Mo-points(募穴). The latter includes two methods; one according to invariable Hyungsang. And the other to variable Hyungsang. The method of acupuncture according to invariable Hyungsang usually selects Won-points(原穴). Different Hyungsang requires different method of acupuncture; In case of Dam type, the acupuncture is mainly practiced on four-Kwan points with reinforcing and reducing methods achieved by the direction of the needle tip pointing to. In case of Bangkwang type, the acupuncture is usually done on Jungwan(中脘) and Poongyung(豊隆) with reinforcing and reducing methods by means of respiration. In case of female, more effective are the acupoints on the right and lateral parts of the body selected on the basis of five su-points of the twelve meridians matching the heavenly stems and earthly branches. In case of male, more effective are the acupoints on the left, front and rear parts of the eight extra meridians. In case of acupuncture to the person with Hyungsang of five jang and six bu, each person's intrinsic Hyung, color, pulse, must be observed. Because symptoms of jang-bu disease also must be checked up. Acupuncture is done on the Won-points of the meridians related to the jang and bu where the disease starts. The disease of five jang is so obstinate that it requires both of medication and acupuncture for a long time. In case of acupuncture to the person with Hyungsang of animal types, diagnosis is made on the basis of shape, temper, function and color. And the treatment is given on the Won-points of corresponding exterior and interior meridians. For the fish type, the acupuncture is done on the kidney meridian of foot-soyin and the urinary bladder of foot-taiyang. For the bird type, on the heart meridian of hand-soyin, the pericardium meridian of hand-gualyin, and the small intestine meridian of hand-taiyang For the deer type, on the liver meridian of foot-gualyin and the gallbladder meridian of foot-soyang. For the turtle type, on the lung meridian of hand-taiyin and the large intestine meridian of hand-yangmyung.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.62-78
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aims to assess the impact of acupotomy on migraine through an examination of clinical studies conducted since 2015. Methods : We conducted a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs) related to acupotomy treatment for migraine, utilizing five Korean online databases (OASIS, Science ON, DBPIA, KISS, RISS), as well as four foreign online databases (CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library). We identified a total of 10 relevant studies for analysis. Participants characteristics, treatment points, combination treatments, treatment cycles or frequencies, evaluation indices, efficacy, and adverse events were analyzed. The risk of bias in the 10 RCTs was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). Results : A total of 931 participants were included in 10 studies. In the intervention group, the average duration of migraine morbidity ranged from 15.5±4.5 months to 15.9±4.2 years. Six studies based their diagnoses on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), while five studies relied on Chinese diagnostic criteria. All studies specified the treatment area as the region exhibiting tenderness or induration on the head and neck. Treatment cycles ranged from a minimum of 2 days to a maximum of 1 week, with the number of days per treatment course varied from 5 days to 4 weeks. The diameter of acupuncture needles used varied between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. Of the eight studies specifying needle length, the shortest was 20 mm, and the longest was 40 mm. A total of eight evaluation indices were employed, with total efficacy rate (TER) and visual analogue scale (VAS) being the most frequently used. Statistically, all intervention groups showed more significant results compared to the control groups. Adverse events were reported in only two studies within the intervention group. Overall, the risk of bias assessment for the selected RCTs ranged from 'some concerns' to 'high risk of bias.' Conclusions : This study showed that acupotomy treatments for migraine were effective.