• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.159-170
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• 2001

The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the effects of hand moxibustion therapy to decrease pain and relieve coldness of the body in women who had a hysterectomy. The conceptual framework of this study was derived from Ying-Yang, Khi and other corresponding theories. The data were collected from February to May 1997. A Graphic Rating scale was used to measure the degree of pain and Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(D.I.T.I) was used to examine the degree of coldness. The subjects were women who resided in Seoul and had a hysterectomy within five years. An experimental group was composed of five women who received moxibustion and a control group was composed of five who did not. The research procedure began with having both the experimental group and control group describe their general characteristics and the degree of pain they perceived. Then, Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(D.I.T.I) was conducted. Moxibustion was only given to the experimental group on both hands twice every day for a total of five weeks. Their perception of pain and D.I.T.I were examined weekly. The control group received no therapy. After finishing therapy, the perception of pain and D.I.T.I for both groups were also measured. According to this study, moxibustion therapy resulted in a change of body temperature on the right shoulder joint(p=0.00074), abdomen(p= 0.0047), waist(p=0.0068) and hands(p=0.0317) respectively. Also, the study results showed significant decrease (p=0.0001) in pain over time and significant improvement over body coldness.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 2003

Objective: Hapkok(L14) and Taechung(Liv3) are acupuncture points located on both sides of each foot and hand of the human body. These two points are called sakwan points. Matching these acupuncture points have a significant reason in pints of not only regulating the circulation of Yin-Yang as a source point of each meridian, but also playing a basic role of twelve meridian by controlling circulation of ki and blood in the whole body. There are already related documents and studies on stimulating sakwan points. Since those papers mostly studied on either hapkook or taechung, we came to have a doubt of stimulation the two point at the same time when an unbalance of Yin-Yang and ki-blood appears. Accordingly, we got to investigate how thermogram of body changes after applying an acupuncture on sakwan points. Our study is as follows ; Method : Our study was performed on 30 normal cases(M:F=17:13) with no past history to observe the effects of the acupuncture. We measured temperature of abdomen and the back of both hands by D.I.T.I(Digital infrared Thermographic Imaging) before and after acupuncture on sakwan points. Results and Conclusions: The thermographic change on abdomen was $0.51{\pm}0.71^{\circ}C$. Temperature of abdomen after acupuncture was higher than before acupuncture with high validity(p<0.01). And the thermographic changes on the back of both hands were right hand $0.54{\pm}1.17^{\circ}C$, left hand $0.56{\pm}1.28^{\circ}C$. Temperature on the back of both hands after acupuncture was higher than before acupuncture, but the difference between them had little validity(p<0.01). In addition, we found that it doesn't necessarily follow that the thermographic changes on abdomen and back of both hands after acupuncture on sakwan points happen concurrently.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.109-120
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• 2013

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the effects of oriental medicine on 2 patients with premature ovarian failure. Methods: The patients who had amenorrhea caused by premature ovarian failure were treated by oriental medicine such as herb medication, acupuncture and moxibustion. We evaluated the results of treatments by change of symptoms, serum hormone assay, basal body temperature and Kupperman's Index. Results: After oriental medicine, the patients could have their normal menstrual cycle. Also serum hormone assay, basal body temperature and Kupperman's Index were improved. Conclusions: This study shows that oriental medicine has effects on patients with premature ovarian failure. And serum hormone assay, basal body temperature and Kupperman's Index would be valid measurement to evaluate the effect of treatments for premature ovarian failure.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.188-199
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was performed to find the desirable remaining time of needle in the acupuncture treatment. Methods : The 21 volunteers were given acupuncture at LU9 vertically and needles were remained for 2 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, respectively. The thermographic change induced by acupuncture was measured with Digital Infrared Thermographic Image at the following acupoints: LU11, LU10, LU9, LU8, LU5, LU1, and PC7. The statistical significance of thermographic change was evaluated using paired t-test and post hoc Wilcoxon test. Results : The most significant changes after acupuncture were produced when needles were remained for 10 min or 15 min. LU11, LU5, LU1, and PC7 were the point at which all of the remaining time produced significant change commonly. At LU11, the biggest change was produced when needle was remained for 15 min, while at LU5, LU1, and PC7, the biggest change was produced when needle was remained for 30 min, and the smallest change was produced when needle was remained for 10 min at all of acupoints of LU11, LU5, LU1, and PC7. The unbalance between left side and right was decreased the most largely in 15 min group. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that the desirable remaining time of acupuncture needle might be 15 min.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.204-214
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• 2003

Objective : The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical effect of oriental treatment for lumbago patients by comparing of Improvement index, Visual analog scale, DITI gap between common acupuncture with Dong-Si acupuncture treatment group and common acupuncture treatment group. Methods : The 38 patients who had a diagnosis of lumbago were observed from June 2002 to February 2003, were divided into two classes ; the A group was 19 cases practised Dong-Si acupuncture with common acupuncture, B group 19 cases only common acupuncture. Then the time of 2 weaks after, I compared Improvement index, Visual analog scale, DITI gap of two groups. Results : In Improvement Index, Group A is $0.4442{\pm}0.1165$ and Group B is $0.3061{\pm}0.1402$. So Group A is thought to be significant(P=0.002). In VAS(visual analogue scale), Group A is $7.4737{\pm}1.1239$ and Group B is $6.3684{\pm}1.0116$. So Group A is thought to be significant(P=0.003). In DITI, temperature differance of Group A is lower than Group B after treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.66-88
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• 1998

This study was performed from March to September 1997 on 95 healthy students to observe the effects of acupuncture at Hap-kok (LI4) according to the meridian and qi-xue(氣血) phenomenon of oriental medicine's theory. Skin temperature on the Hap-kok (LI4) and Chun-Choo (ST25) were measured by D. 1. T. I. (Digital Infrared Thermograph Imaging) before acupuncture stimulation and 1min, 10 min after acupuncture stimulation. 1. In healthy students, the left and right mean temperature of LI4 and ST25 was $29.04\;^{\circ}C,\;29.12\;^{\cir}C\;and\;30.29\;^{\circ}C,\;30.22\;^{\circ}C$ respectively. 2. In control group, the time dependent changes for 10 min of LI4 and ST25 were $-0.32\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.36\;^{\circ}C\;and\;-0.5\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.46\;^{\circ}C$ respectively, however, the thermal differences of both sides LI4 and ST25 were not changed for 10 min. 3. In acupuncture stimulation of both sides LI4, the time dependent changes of ST25 were $-0.13\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.06\;^{\circ}C$, and the thermal differences of both sides ST25 were reduced, but not changed significantly. In acupuncture stimulation of right side LI4, the time dependent changes of LI4 were $-0.1\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.32\;^{\circ}C$ respectively, and the thermal differences of both sides LI4 were increased more than control, but not significantly. Also, that of ST25 were changed by $-0.69\;^{\circ}C,\;-0.63\;^{\circ}C$ respectively, but not significantly. 4. In acupuncture stimulation group, it was classified following the thermal differences of both sides LI4 and ST25, and the effects of acupuncture were observed by changes of classification. The acupuncture of both sides LI4 results in temperature of the left side ST25 to be high after acupuncture. The acupuncture of right side LI4 results in increased ratio of the left side higher than right LI4. The above results indicates that D. I. T. I. was a useful method to observe follow-up the effects and changes by acupuncture stimulation on objective evaluation of phenomenon for the meridian system. Thus, acupuncture on LI4 affects to thermal changes of ST25 and LI4, but exact examination of thermal changes on ST25 will have to be.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.219-232
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• 2000

Objective : The meridian and the acupuncture point of oriental medicine are very important in the department of acupuncture and moxibustion. Recently, we needed to study on the phenomenon of the meridian and acupuncture point with objective data. And then, I made a study of effects on the thermal changes of Five-shu-points(五輸穴) of the Lung meridian with acupuncture on Taeyon($L_9$, 太淵), using Digital infrared thermal imaging(D.I.T.I). Method : This study researched into clinical statistics for 60 men who are in good health. The objective was divided into two groups, one was the control group(CON, N=30) and the other was acupuncture group(ACU, N=30). The first, I took a picture for 60 men with the Digital infrared thermal imaging(D.I.T.I.). After 10 minutes, I took a second picture for each group following experimental methods. Results : I. The Mean temperature of Sasang($L_{11}$), Oje($L_{10}$), Taeyon($L_9$), Kyonggo($L_8$), Choldaek($L_5$) and Taenung($P_7$) area in adult men with good health, made a no significant difference with left and right side points. 2. Acupuncture group with acupuncture stimularion on Taeyon($L_9$) had a effect on much thermal changes of Sasang($L_{11}$), Oje($L_{10}$), Taeyon($L_9$), Kyonggo($L_8$) and Choldaek($L_5$) than control group. The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Lung Meridian of acupuncture group differed from control group with significant decrease and increase following the decreasing or increasing temperature class. Each class of ascent and descent thermal change was statistically significant value compared with control group. 3. Acupuncture group with acupuncture stimulation on Taeyon($L_9$) had not a effect on thermal changes of Taenung($P_7$) area than control group. And the increasing and decreasing temperature class of the acupuncture group did not significantly differ from control group. Conclusion : I could think that the acupuncture on Taeyon($L_9$) affected the thermal change of the area which is the Five-shu-points in the Lung Meridian. And then I could relate these results with the existence of the meridian and acupuncture point.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.128-128
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• 2023

Objectives: This research aimed to develop a guideline for evaluating safety and performance of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus. With the development of medical devices like electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus with improved performance, convenience and safety measures compared to traditional warm-acupuncture needling, safety and performance guideline is a necessity. Methods: By referring to existing standards and guidelines of other electronic devices for Korean medicine with heating function, guideline for safety and performance assessment of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus was drafted Results: The guideline, presents explanation for adequate temperature and settings of the apparatus, and safety measurements providing against thermal runaway situations along with guidelines for the manual. Guideline for detailed test method for the performance of the apparatus such as accuracy of temperature increase and the timer, and safety unit was also provided. The test items and suggested test methods for the requirements of biological, electrical and electromagnetic safety were referred to Korean approval documents of ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Conclusion: We proposed the relevant items to verify performance and safety of warm-acupuncture apparatus to assure patient safety and improve the quality of currently developing devices for application in clinical field.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.57-63
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• 2003

Background : This study was to investigate existing studies on the mushroom Phellinus linteus for possible applications in treating hard to cure diseases and uses in herbal acupuncture as the above is known to have an anti-cancer effects and stimulating the immune system. Results : Based on the literary consideration, the following results were obtained : 1. Proteins and polysaccharides of the Class Basidiomycetes activate the host immune system for anti-cancer action without known side effects, thus it can be given for the prevention and treatment of cancer as a supplement. Phellinus linteus mushroom showed the most significant effects. 2. The Phellinus linteus mushroom is a fungi in the family Hymenochaetaceae and Phellinus, under the class Basidiomycetes. Phellinus linteus can be often found on the trunk of mulberry trees and other latifoliate trees. 3. The characteristics of Phellinus linteus are sweet, neutral in temperature, non-toxic, dissipate the stagnated blood, stop bleeding, invigorate the blood circulation and remove stasis, and nourish qi. It has been used for treating continuous menstrual discharge among the female patients and removing masses in the abdomen to name a few. 4. Phellinus linteus contains agaric acid, fatty acid, C23 and other numerous enzymes. 5. Phellinus linteus is known to have anti-cancer and anti-oxidant effects, stimulation of the immune system, as well as anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition of angiogenesis, and analgesic actions.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.22-31
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• 2001

Objective : This study is designed to evaluate the correlation between the data of DITI (Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging) and the clinical symptoms in the patients with low back pain. Methods : Among the outpatients with back pain who visited to Department of Acupunture & Moxibustion, Tae gu Oriental Hopital of Kyung San University from January 2000 to August, we selected 115 cases that examined DITI. We evaluated the correlation between the data of DITI examination and the clinical symptoms (Distribution of Sex and Age, Duration of Disease, Main Sign, Grade of Clinical Symptoms, Diagnosis according to Symptoms(辨證),) in the patients with low back pain. Results & Conclusion : 1. The thermal changes in terms of the duration of disease : The acutest period has the highest thermal change. Also, the longer the duration of disease was, the higher the termal change was. It increased in the order of the acutest period, the less acute period, and the the chronical period. 2. Thermal changes due to the main symptom : The degree of thermal change was as follows (from the highest to the lowest): first, back and knee pain, second, back and leg pain, third, back and buttock pain, fourth, numbness of leg, and fifth, back and dorsum pain. 3. Thermal changes in terms of the grade of clinical symptoms : The more servious the symptoms were, the higher the thermal change was. It was increased in the order of Gr 1, Gr 2, Gr 3, and Gr 4. 4. Thermal changes depdning on symptoms diagnosis : Chwaseom(挫閃) has the highest temperature, $0.87{\pm}0.49^{\circ}C$. 5. Thermal changes before and after treatment : Before treatment, the average thermal change was $0.83^{\circ}C$ but after treatment, it was decreased to $0.38^{\circ}C$. For the above symptoms, if DITI is used, the diagnosis is easier based on the medical history of the patient who has back pain, and the degree of pain. However, if thermal change is soly used for diagnosis, it will be hard to determine the nature of sickness. Therefore, it should be folllowed by other supplementary examination.