• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제20권4호
• /
• pp.114-133
• /
• 2003

Objective : The meridian theory in oriental medicine explains that Sp9(Yinlingquan) has been considered very important for gynecological disorders, spleen and stomach disorders, and water metabolic disorders. Functional MRI is the best method of showing the evidences of the effect of the Electro-acupuncture treatment through scientific methods. On this supposition, Electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan) was carried out on six healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). Methods : Electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan), the experiment was carried out on six healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right Sp9(Yinlingquan), 2Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds, repeated five times, with 30 seconds' intervals. The Image analysis including motion correction, talairach transformation, and smoothing was done using SPM99. Results : The electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan) activates Brodmann Area 13, 19, 22, 39, 40, 47 which may be the central pathways of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan). We also hypothesize that those brain areas may be directly or indirectly related with the mechanism of the effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제19권6호
• /
• pp.193-204
• /
• 2002

Interstital cystitis(IC) is a disease of the bladder that is characterized by inveterate irritation due to non-specific chronic inflammation. The symptoms of IC are chronic pain, frequency, urgency and sleep deprivation These symptom's are contained to the Lunbing(淋病) in oriental medicine. We observed 4 cases of patient with Interstitial cystitis, the results are as follows. Methods & Results : All patients were treated by the same method. Treatment was performed by means of Hapgokja(合谷刺, The needle arrived to the bladder wall) with electroacupuncture(electric stimulation was 5mA mixed pulse, low frequency 2Hz and high frequency 30Hz, intensity was adjusted to inside the scope where the patients perseveres.) The electrodes were placed CV2 to CV3, both K11, K12. Conclusions : 1. As the result, uses the Hapgokja(合谷刺), with the electroacupuncture, symptoms are remarkably improved and got the satisfactory effect in the treatment. 2. In Hunner's ulcer type, the first treatment was not satisfactory, and second time, after 15 times treatment, there were maintain urgency, 8 times nocturia, 70 percents bladder pain. 3. 3 patients of nonulcer type were treated for 44.8 times(average) and improved started after 5 times treatment. After 2 month's treatment, there were no frequency, no urgency, and remain 1 or 2 nocturia, 30 percents bladder pain.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제28권5호
• /
• pp.135-142
• /
• 2011

Objectives : This study was to investigate on the hominis placenta pharmacopuncture of FBSS patient who were diagnosed as the cauda equina syndrome which has been described as a complex of low back pain, bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia and hypoesthesia in the lower extremity with bladder and bowel incontinence. Methods : The patient was treated with hominis placenta parmacopuncture at Samchosu($BL_{22}$), Shinsu($BL_{23}$), Sangryo($BL_{31}$), Charyo($BL_{32}$), Jungryo($BL_{33}$) and Haryo($BL_{34}$) with oriental medical conservative treatment. We estimated by visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index and nerve level dermatome test for evaluate the effect of Hominis Placenta Pharmacopuncture with oriental conservative treatment. Results : After treatment, patient's visual analogue scale score, Oswestry disability index score, bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia and hypoesthesia in the lower extremity with bladder and bowel incontinence were generally decreased. Conclusions : The hominis placenta pharmacopuncture with oriental medical conservative treatment might be an effective method to treat the FBSS patient who were diagnosed as the cauda equina syndrome.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제19권2호
• /
• pp.231-237
• /
• 2002

Objective : This study evaluated the effect of Moving Cupping therapy for the edematous hands of the three person with flaccid hemiplegia. Method : The subjects were from 1 month to 4 month post-cerebrovascular accident with flaccid hemiplegia. Each subjects routine therapy program was maintained throughout Single subject ABA withdrawal design. During the first week, baseline data were gathered, during the second week the intervention was provided(20 minutes of Moving Cupping therapy), during third week data were gathered with treatment withdrawn. Edema was measured with a hand volumeter and a measuring tape. Results : The Moving Cupping had an effect in reducing edema in the hands of the three subjects. Conclusion : The Moving Cupping therapy is a readily available tool that could enhance the treatment of edematous hands of persons with flaccid hemiplegia by offering a contribution to already established treatment protocols. Further research is needed, however, to establish guidelined for use.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제27권2호
• /
• pp.23-30
• /
• 2010

Objectives : The second derivative of photoplethysmogram waveform(SDPTG) is a simple, convenient and non-invasive technique for pulse wave analysis. This study was designed to investigate the differences in the SDPTG between the affected side and the unaffected side in hemiparetic patients after stroke, and the effects of acupuncture at Palsa(BaXie) in hemiparetic patients after stroke. Methods : To evaluate the differences between the affected side and the unaffected side in hemiparetic patients after stroke, their SDPTG were recorded by using a Cardio Peri SA6000. To evaluate the effects of acupuncture at Palsa(BaXie) in 20 hemiparetic patients after stroke and 20 healthy subjects, their SDPTG were recorded 2 times(pre-acupuncture and post-acupuncture). The SDPTG consists of an a, b, c and d wave in systole and an e wave in diastole. Sano aging index was defined as (b-c-d)/a. Results : 1. The affected side in hemiparetic patients after stroke had higher average b/a ratio(p<0.05)and Sano aging index(p<0.05) than the unaffected side 2. In a comparison of pre-acupuncture and post-acupuncture at the Palsa(BaXie), b/a ratio(p<0.05) and Sano aging index(p<0.05) was decreased significantly in both hemiparetic patients and healthy subjects. Conclusions : These findings suggest that acupuncture at Palsa(BaXie) may be effective method of reverting some of the deleterious effects on vascular function produced by stroke.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제35권4호
• /
• pp.207-213
• /
• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Dokhwalgisaeng-tang on immobilization-induced muscle atrophy. Methods: Twenty young male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups. The rats in Dokhwalgisaeng-tang group were orally administered Dokhwalgisaeng-tang water extract, and the rats in the control group were given saline only. Hind limb immobilization was performed with casting tape to keep the left ankle joint in a fully extended position. No intervention was performed on the right leg which was used as an intact region. After 2 weeks of immobilization, all animals were sacrificed, and the gastrocnemius muscle was dissected from both legs and weighed. The morphology of the right and the left gastrocnemius muscle in both the Dokhwalgisaeng-tang and the control group was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The muscle cross sectional area was examined by image analysis (Axiovision LE software). In addition, immunohistochemical staining was carried out using the free-floating method, and the number of apoptotic related proteins were counted (anti-BAX, anti-Bcl-2). Results: Dokhwalgisaeng-tang showed a significant protective effect against the reduction of the left gastrocnemius muscle (weight and muscle cross sectional area) compared with the control group. Moreover, the treatment with Dokhwalgisaeng-tang significantly reduced protein expression of BAX and increased protein expression of Bcl-2 in the gastrocnemius muscle compared with the control group. Conclusion: Dokhwalgisaeng-tang showed protective effects against disuse muscle atrophy, potentially through altered BAX and Bcl-2 protein expression in the gastrocnemius muscle.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제22권2호
• /
• pp.163-170
• /
• 2005

Background : Over the last thirty years, majority of researches on clinical effectiveness of acupuncture have been explanatory (or experimental) randomized controlled trial. The benefits of acupuncture in clinical trials are still controversial and most studies concluded that further control studies were required. Standardized combinations of acupuncture points for all the experimental subjects in various past studies have been criticized because such treatments do not reflect current routine clinical treatment. Objective : This paper aims to review pragmatic clinical trials on the effect of acupuncture treatment and to develop the ideal clinical research methodology of acupuncture study. Method : Clinical studies of acupuncture relevant with pragmatic or individualized trials were searched mainly in Pubmed and Science direct databases. All articles were fully reviewed by researchers, and data were evaluated by usage of a standardized form. Results & Suggestion : Pragmatic acupuncture researches were tried for various symptoms (eg. low back pain, hypertension, depression during pregnancy, sleep quality in HIV disease, chronic poststroke leg spasticity, headache, etc). Individualized acupuncture treatments based on oriental disease pattern diagnosis reflexes practical treatments which is more effective than unified and fixed acupuncture treatments without any theoretical basis of oriental medical philosophy. Conclusion : To overcome the controversies and limitations of past explanatory acupuncture trials, more individualized and tailored acupuncture trials with the theoretical basis of oriental medical diagnosis is highly recommended. Also clear definition and categorization of pattern identification should be established for further active clinical researches and applications of acupuncture.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제18권2호
• /
• pp.186-199
• /
• 2001

Objectives : Sa-am Acupucture(舍岩鍼法), Taeguk Acupucture(太極鍼法), and 8 Constitution-Acupuncture(八體質鍼法) are largely used acupuncture therapies which utilize Yin and Yang, The Five Elements, Interpromoting and Counteracting Relation(相生 相克 關係). We are here to compare and study each acupuncture methods in order to understand their fundamental principle and theory. Conclusion : 1. When prescribing Herb to patients, we can use the Differentiation of Syndromes method(辨證論治). As there is Constitutional Medicine prescription(四象醫學處方) using constitutional Large & Small Relation of Jang and Bu organs(臟腑大小 關係), in acupuncture treatment we can use the Differentiation of Syndromes method of Sa-am acupucture, applying constitutional Large & Small feature of Jang and Bu organs(臟腑大小) in Taeguk Acupucture and 8 Constitution Acupuncture we can derive a suitable prescriptions. 2. Taeguk Acupucture and 8 Constitution Acupuncture is an acupunture method created upon the constitutional theory. Taeguk Acupucture lacks a theory and has problems with its practical use. 8 Constitution-Acupuncture has a theory, thus it can give us the chance to make derived diverse prescriptions for each diseases. 3. Sa-am Acupucture uses exclusively Manual technique(手技法), breathing Posa method(呼吸補瀉法), YoungSu Posa method(迎隨補瀉法) and also retaining method(留鍼法). Taeguk Acupunctune is directed related with WonBang Posa method(圓方補瀉法), twirling method(撚鍼法) and uses retaining method. 8 Constitution-Acupuncture works only with YoungSu Posa method and also One-insertion method(單刺法). 4. If we apply The Five Elements of five Su points and Interpromoting and Counteracting Relation(相生 相克 關係), we can control discords between Jang and Bu organs. Sa-am Acupucture, Taeguk Acupture and 8 Constitution Acupuncture which use five Su points can make better results in Jang and Bu organs disease. 5. Sa-am Acupunture needs diverse applications of Organ picture theory(臟象論), Pathogenesis theory(病機學說) and an proper prescription studies by Differentiation of Syndromes(辨證). Taeguk Acupuncture and 8 Constitution Acupuncture has a organized prescription methods by constitutional Large & Small relation of Jang and Bu organs(臟腑大小), thus we need to focus on objectification in constitutional differentiation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제28권2호
• /
• pp.89-95
• /
• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the composition of Rehmannia glutinosa's essential oils with Rehmanniae Radix herbal acupuncture Methods : I obtained the essential oils of Rehmannia Radix by hydrodistillation extraction method and supercritical fluid extraction(SFE) method, and then I analyzed those by GC/MS(gas chromatography/mass spectrum). Results : 1. With GC(gas chromatography) and GC/MS(gas chromatography/mass spectrum) analysis. I identified 9 compounds in the Rehmanniae Radix's essential oil obtained through the SFE method. The main compounds were as follows : Hexachloroethane(2.24%), N-Butyl-benzenesulfonamide(2.05%), hexadecanoic acid(1.93%), hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester(3.49%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid(z,z)(2.70%), (9E)-9-Octadecenoic acid(6.14%), ethyl linoleate(4.43%), ethyl oleate(5.80%). 2. I failed to get Rehmanniae Radix's essential oil obtained through the hydrodistillation method. 3. With GC(gas chromatography) and GC/MS(gas chromatography/mass spectrum) analysis. I identified 4 compounds in the Rehmanniae Radix's essential oil obtained through the hydrodistillation method. The main compounds were as follows : Ethylbis(trimethylsilyl)amine(1.04%), 2-(Trimethylsiloxy)benzoic methyl ester(2.65%), Hexadecanoic acid trimethylsilyl ester(12.61%), octadecanoic acid, trimethylsilyl ester(6.28%). Conclusions : The substances by hydrodistillation method may not perfectly match with the substances by supercritical fluid extraction(SFE) method in essential oils extracted form Rehmanniae Radix. But, the main substances was assumed Hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제18권4호
• /
• pp.46-54
• /
• 2001

Objective : To study correlation of the brain areas with acupoints used in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases to evaluate the hypothesis that selecting acupoints on the left side to treat disorders on the right side and vice versa is known as the crossing combination of acupoints. Materials and Methods: Rest/acupuncture-stimulation Tc-99m ECD brain SPECT using a same-dose subtraction method was performed on 5 normal male volunteers (age range from 27 to 30 years) using acupuncture at acupoint, LI4 located in the left hand. In the control study, needle location was chosen on a non-meridian focus 1cm posterior to the right fibular head. All images were spatially normalized and the differences between rest and acupuncture stimulation were statistically analyzed using SPM(R) for Windows(R). Results : Acupuncture applied at LI4 located in the left hand increased rCBF in the right hemisphere, that is, the right parietal lobe(angular gyrus) and a part of the right middle posterior temporal gyrus and the right inferior occipital lobe. In the control stimulation, no significant rCBF increase was observed. Conclusion : The results demonstrated a correlation between stimulation at acupoint with increase in rCBF to the controlateral hemisphere.