• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.167-181
• /
• 2004

Objective : Carthami Flos has been used as a herb to promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis in oriental medicine for many centuries. To investigate treatment of cerebral vascular disease(CVA) by promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis(活血化瘀法), we observed the experimental Effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Carthami Flos on the Regional Cerebral Blood Flow and Mean Arterial Blood Pressure in Rats. Method : When aqua-acupuncture of Carthami Flos(ACF) was injected into LI4, Liv3, B23, B62, GV16, experimental effects of ACF on the regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) and mean arterial blood pressure(MABP) is not known. Therefor, this study was designed to investigate the effects of ACF on the change of cerebral hemodynamics. The changes of rCBF and MABP were tested by Laser Doppler Flowmetry(LDF). Results : When ACF was injected into LI4, change of rCBF and MABP were decreased in a injected time-dependent manner. When ACF was injected into Liv3, change of rCBF and MABP were decreased in a injected time-dependent manner. When ACF was injected into B23, change of rCBF was significantly increased in a injected time-dependent manner, MABP did not change. When ACF was injected into B62, change of rCBF was increased in a injected time-dependent manner, change of MABP was significantly decreased after injection 60min. When ACF was injected into GV16, change of rCBF and MABP were similar to the change of normal. Conclusions : In conclusion, I suggested that ACF(LI4, Liv3) has an effect that depress the blood pressure & cerebral hemodynamic acceleration and ACF(B23, B62) has an anti-ischemic effect through the improvement of crebral hemodynamics.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.63-79
• /
• 2007

Objectives : Korean traditional acupuncture Theory, Sa-am's 5 phases acupuncture method was originated in 1644-1742, in the middle of the Cho Sun dynasty. This study was to verify the effect of Sa-am Acupuncture Treatment on dysmenorrhea of Women. Methods : The subjects were 49 volunteers who were suffering for dysmenorrhea, employed using Measure of Menstrual Pain (MMP) questionnaire. Subjects were divided into two groups including Sa-am acupuncture treatment group(n=23) and minimal acupuncture treatment group(n=26). They had agreed to take part in tIris experiment, with didn't take any anodyne drugs. In the acupuncture group, subjects were stimulated at $GB_{41}$, $SI_3$, $GL_{66}$, $SI_2$(Small intestine jung-guk) and $SP_6$. In the control group, subjects were needled at $L_{10}$, $S_{40}$, $P_5$, $G_{40}$ points have any effect on dysmenorrhea. A total of 5 acupuncture sessions were performed for each patient depending on the individual menstruation cycle. The MMP score by using 7 questions and the Menstrual Symptom Severity List(MSSL-D) were measured before and after menstruation cycle. Collected data were analyzed as frequency, percentage, paired t-test, independent t-test using SPSS 10.0 WIN Program. Results : Acupuncture treatment produced a significant improvement on dysmenorrhea in two groups, but a statistically significant difference was not shown in the acupuncture group compare to control group. Conclusions : Based on the above results, it was verified that Acupuncture Treatment was effective in decreasing the symptom of Dysmenorrhea.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.75-87
• /
• 1999

We reported that acupuncture on $LI_4$ effected thermal change on $LI_4$ and ST25 area, And this study was performed on 100 healthy students to observe the effects of acupuncture at Hap-kok ($LI_4$) according to the meridian and qi-xue(氣血) phenomenon of oriental medicine's theory, The results was 1. In healthy man, mean skin temperatures of $LI_4$, ST25, CV12 areas(Control) were decreased, 2. In left $LI_4$ acupuncture group, the temperature of abdominal skin and $LI_4$ area had the tendency of increase, both right and left $LI_4$ acupuncture group, the temperature of abdominal skin and $LI_4$ area had not significant tendency. 3. In the research of thermal difference which eliminate a special region temperature, in the control group, the thermal changes had not significant tendency, in the left $LI_4$ acupuncture group and both right and left $LI_4$ acupuncture group, the thermal changes had tendency to be increased, 4. In the deviation analysis which mean of each group is excluded, in the control group, it turned out that deviation is regular for 10 minutes; in the left $LI_4$ acupuncture group and both right and left $LI_4$ acupuncture group, it turned out that deviation is more larger than the control group for 10 minutes. The above results indicates that Digital Thermography is a useful method to observe effects and changes by acupuncture stimulation on objective evaluation of phenomenon for the meridian system. Thus, acupuncture on $LI_4$ affects to thermal changes of the abdominal skin and $LI_4$ area, but exact examination of thermal changes on abdominal skin will have to be done.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.53-60
• /
• 2015

Purpose : This study aimed to prove that surface electromyography(SEMG) can be used to identify the degree of symptoms of diseases in the upper extremities; it also aimed to confirm various potential therapeutic effects through an inquiry into the value measured by the SEMG on certain acupuncture points in the upper extremities. Methods : Fifty healthy people received instructions for the method of exercise: wrist flexion, extension and hand grasping. Disposable electrodes were attached to acupuncture points of Susamni($LI_{10}$), Naegwan($PC_6$), Oegwan($TE_5$) and below Sohae($HT_3$) two cun on both sides in flexion, extension and grasping to measure the SEMG values. The research results were analyzed using SPSS statistics Ver. 22.0(IBM, USA). Results : The average value was highest on Naegwan($PC_6$) in grasping, and the average SEMG value was higher in the order of grasping, extension and flexion. The asymmetry index of each point was Susamni($LI_{10}$) $16.26{\pm}13.59%$, Oegwan($TE_5$) $20.38{\pm}15.59%$, below Sohae($HT_3$) two cun $20.89{\pm}16.77%$, Naegwan($PC_6$) $22.49{\pm}14.91%$ in wrist extension, Susamni($LI_{10}$) $25.99{\pm}21.44%$, Oegwan($TE_5$) $21.15{\pm}15.94%$, below Sohae($HT_3$) two cun $19.62{\pm}15.46%$, Naegwan($PC_6$) $19.93{\pm}16.85%$ in wrist flexion, Susamni($LI_{10}$) $16.60{\pm}12.21%$, Oegwan($TE_5$) $10.94{\pm}8.29%$, below Sohae($HT_3$) two cun $15.20{\pm}12.60%$, Naegwan($PC_6$) $11.68{\pm}7.77%$ in grasping. Conclusions : In this study, to identify the degree of symptoms of diseases in the upper extremities and confirm therapeutic effects, it is necessary to analyze the calculated percentage and compare the SEMG measurement of special points with those of other points, and with the asymmetry index.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.243-252
• /
• 2005

Objective : This study was performed to investigate the effect of blood-letting cupping treatment for acute ankle sprain because there are few studies with evidence-based approach. Method : Twenty-nine patients, who had no fracture and had injured by external force and had less than 1 week passed since onset and had not been treated, were randomly divided into control or treatment group by tossing a coin. The treatment group received blood-letting cupping. After 3rd treatment, the outcomes were assessed using Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AHS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Result : Nineteen out of 29 patients were finally assessed. The treatment group (n=11) was significantly different from the control group (n=8) in AHS and NRS (p=0.041, 0.026, respectively). Conclusion : The blood-letting cupping has an objective effect on reduing pain for acute ankle sprain.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.71-81
• /
• 2005

Objective : Dear antler (Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe) used for traditional immunosuppressive and immuno-activating action. The effect of deer antler herbal-acupuncture(DAH) solution, prepared by water extract method, on cathepsin activities in bone tissues (cartilage and synovial) cells from mouse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model was studied. The cysteine endoprotease cathepsin mediates degradation of the MHC class II invariant chain (Ii) in human and mouse antigen-presenting cells. The studies described here examine the functional significance of cathepsin inhibition on autoantigen presentation and organ-specific autoimmune diseases in a murine model for RA. Methods : An animal model for RA in BALB/c mice thymectomized 3 days after birth (3d-Tx) was constructed All 3d-Tx BALB/c mice developed autoimmune lesions in the bone tissue cells, starting at 3 weeks of age, and the disease mediated by CD4+ T cells was chronic and progressive. Significant inhibitory effects of DAH solution on cathepsin S and L were observed in each organ in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we confirmed that cathepsin S and L activity in each organ were clearly inhibited by DAB solution. When we examined the inhibitory effects of DAH solution against autoantigen-specific T cell responses in vitro, in regional lymph node cells, but not in spleens, from model mice, a significant inhibitory effect of DAB solution was observed in a dose-dependent manner. DAH solution do not block T cell proliferation to Con A, indicated that the dose of DAB solution 10 to $20\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ was sufficient to inactivate the autoantigen-specific T cell responses in vitro. In vivo therapeutic effects of DAB solution were examined in a murine model for RA, autoantigen-specific (C-II-specific) T cell response were significantly inhibited in LNCs from DAH solution-treated mice. Results : Iinhibition of cathepsin S and L in vivo alters autoantigen presentation and development of organ-specific autoimmunity in RA model. Conclusion : These data identify selective inhibition of cysteine protease cathepsin S and L as a potential therapeutic strategy for autoimmune disease process such RA. Thus, DAH solution will served as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agents for treatment of human RA.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.135-142
• /
• 2013

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the general effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation of the ankle joint acupuncture points(BL62 and KI6) on the brain waves of elderly women as a pilot study to figure out the possibility of candidate non-invasive and non-chemical stimulation method for the enhancing the brain function. Methods : A randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial was performed in 31 healthy women(mean age, 54.5 years) within a treatment duration of 12 sessions. In the experimental group, low-frequency electrical stimulation was applied using the maximum range of the individual insensible strength(mean current, $0.04{\mu}A$). The control group received sham stimulation. The background electroencephalographic activity was measured before and after the12 sessions. Results : After 12 sessions of stimulation, the relative power of the alpha wave increased(32 of 32 channels: significant difference in 11 channels, p<0.05); the theta(30 of 32 channels: significant difference in 10 channels, p<0.05), beta(31 of 32 channels), and gamma(30 of 32 channels: significant difference in 7 channels, p<0.05) powers were also decreased compared with the sham group. Conclusions : Electrical stimulation on the ankle joint acupuncture points(BL62 and KI6) seemed to stabilize the elderly women brain by inducing the alpha power and reducing beta, theta, and gamma powers. These results provide insight into the action mechanism of the stimulation and can assist the future developement of a non-invasive and non-chemical treatment technique for stressor related cognitive problems.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.55-67
• /
• 2021

Objectives This review aimed to investigate studies of Chuna manual therapy (CMT) for low back pain and the evidence of their effects in order to suggest a better research method in the future. Methods We investigated studies on CMT for low back pain by searching Korean web databases from 2020 to 2021. As a result, 72 research papers were analyzed according to their published year, the titles of journals, the types of studies, the techniques of Chuna, and the instruments used for assessment. Results The results were as follows: 1. There were three papers published initially in 2000. this number showed a steady increase, and a total of 72 papers were published that year. 2. Studies on CMT were mainly published in the Journal of Korea Chuna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves. 3. When categorized according to the methods of studies, a simple case report was used more often than the sum of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs. 4. The most frequently adopted technique of Chuna in the examined studies was the COX flexion and distraction technique. 5. The Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index were used as primary means of assessment. Conclusions Based on the analysis, it was observed that this review provided limited evidence of CMT use in patients with LBP. Therefore, further investigation using well-designed RCTs is required to obtain higher evidence.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.51-62
• /
• 2022

Objectives Objective of this study is to investigate the role of paraspinal muscles by examining the correlation between slip percentage (SP) of spondylolisthesis and fatty infiltration of lumbar paraspinal muscle. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 45 patients diagnosed with spondylolisthesis based on medical records. Using T2-weighted axial magnetic resonance imaging, cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of psoas major (PM), multifidus (MU) and erector spinae (ES) were calculated and divided by CSA of lower level vertebral body (VB). SP was measured using sagittal T2-weighted images. Correlation of SP with muscle relative cross-sectional area (RCSA) and muscle fatty infiltration by Goutallier classification was respectively analyzed using Spearman correlation. Statistic assessment conducted by Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired t-test using program GraphPad prism 5 (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Results Spondylolisthesis forward slip percentage by Taillard's method was negatively associated with both side MU RCSAs. No significant correlation was found between PM RCSA, ES RCSA and SP. Forward slippage was significantly correlated with fatty infiltration of lumbar paraspinal muscle measured by Goutallier classification. Conclusions This study is to understand the role of paraspinal muscle affecting spinal instability by investigating correlation between statistical deviation of lumbar muscle characters (RCSA, fatty infiltration of lumbar muscle) and SP. We found that spondylolisthesis SP is positively related to fatty infiltration of lumbar paraspinal muscle. and is negatively associated with both side MU RCSAs.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.6-17
• /
• 2022

Objectives: This study describes the implementation of a training course that aimed to increase the competency of undergraduate students of Korean medicine at a single college to obtain informed consent and perform bee venom acupuncture using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Methods: We developed and implemented a short training course for 111 fourth-year students of Korean medicine during their clinical rotation at the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine. Lectures were conducted on the effects of and hypersensitivity reactions to bee venom acupuncture, obtaining informed consent, performing skin test and bee venom acupuncture. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some students were offered online lectures, and some could not experience the performance of OSCE in person. A survey with 16 closed and three open questions was used to investigate self-efficacy, opinions about the online lectures, and the OSCE. Results: Out of 111 questionnaires, 104 were completed (94%). Students were generally satisfied with the online lectures and OSCE. For the subjective questionnaire about what was helpful in the training of bee venom acupuncture techniques and OSCE, the authenticity of the teaching method was recorded the highest. Conclusions: This study showed that online lectures were effective in teaching clinical skills of Korean Medicine. It is necessary to produce standard educational materials for clinical skills of Korean Medicine, and studies to analyze the reliability and validity of OSCE are needed.