• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of further acupuncture research as an effective alternative and safe treatment for abdominal pain control in patients with pancreatitis. Methods and Results : This study is an open-label, assessment-blind, parallel designed pilot clinical trial. Thirty participants will be assigned to the acupuncture group(n=15) and usual care group(n=15). All patients will receive the conventional standard-of-care(SOC) therapy, but only the experimental group will receive acupuncture therapy six times a week, and the duration of acupuncture therapy will be held up to 12 weeks or until the pains are to be resolved. For the conventional SOC therapy, painkiller will be given. In treatment group, the subjects will receive the identical SOC therapy in combination with electroacupuncture therapy on twelve acupuncture points(LI4, PC6, SP6, GB39, ST36, ST37), and auricular acupuncture therapy on five auricular acupuncture points(Sympathetic, Shen Men, Abdomen, Pancreas gall, and Spleen). The primary outcome will be measured using the visual analogue scale(VAS), and the secondary outcome will be measured using the painkiller demand, quality of life index and severity of pancreatitis by abdominal computed tomography(CT). Assessments will be made at baseline and at week 1, 4, 8 and 12. Results of abdominal CT will be evaluated at baseline and at week 12. Conclusions : The result of this trial will provide a basis for the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for abdominal pain in patients with pancreatitis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.3
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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.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.4
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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.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.151-163
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• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in cases and to find the general tendency of herbal medicine treatment and to establish the primary treatment direction of Atopic dermatitis. Methods : In the domestic databases, Oriental medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System(OASIS), Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal(KTKP), National Discovery for Science Leader(NDSL), Research Information Sharing Service(RISS), we selected among the papers published in the last 20 years using search terms related to "Atopic dermatitis & Cases". Reports based on Sasang constitutional medicine and Six meridian pattern identification were excluded and a total of 21 papers were finally selected. Results : 113 herbal medicines were retrieved from 21 papers. The most commonly used herbs are Scutellariae Radix(黃芩), Rehmanniae Radix(地黃), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(甘草). Atractylodis Rhizoma(蒼朮), Akebiae Caulis(木通), Smilacis Rhizoma(土茯?), Paeoniae Radix(芍藥) used mostly when Oozing exists, Trichosanthis Radix (瓜蔞), Asparagi Radix(天門冬), Persicae Semen(桃仁), Carthami Flos(紅花) used mostly when Dryness, Lichenification, and Pigmentation exist. The average score of SCORAD index was improved after Herbal medicine treatment. Conclusion : Through this study, we could find out the tendency of herbal medicine to treat Atopic dermatitis along with Symptoms.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.3
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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.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.49-76
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• 2024

Objectives : The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanism and treatment of the Zangfu warm disease in the Beijiqianjinyaofang. Methods : This study examined the Zangfu warm disease content in the Beijiqianjinyaofang, Shanghanzongbinglun, Saninfang, based on the Neijing explanation of the pathological mechanism. Treatment was analyzed among the three texts in terms of their similarity and difference. Results & Conclusions : 1. Zangfu warm disease is caused by seasonally inappropriate qi, which is infectious, epidemic, and seasonal. 2. While the Qingjinqian disease pattern was explained in terms of the relationship between Shaoyin and Shaoyang, the actual disease pattern happened more in the Taiyang channel, and partly in the Shaoyang channel. For treatment of Fu deficiency pattern, the Chaihudihuangtang was listed in the Qianjinyaofang and the Shanghanzongbinglun, while in the Sanyinfang, the formula was modified to extinguish heat and thin phlegm, while reinforcing healthy qi. 3. The Chimaifei disease pattern was explained in terms of the relationship between Shaoyin and Taiyang that is deeply associated with Wei qi. For treatment of Fu deficiency the Qianjinyaofang and Shanghanzongbinglun used the Shigaodihuangtang, while the Sanyinfang reinforced healthy qi and eliminated pathogenic qi. 4. The Huangrousui disease pattern was explained as being caused by problems in the Taiyin and Yangming, in which the Triple Burner fails to control and manage cold dampness. In treating Zang excessiveness, the Qianjinyaofang and Shanghanzongbinglun used the Xuanshenhanshuishitang, while the Sanyinfang instructed to reinforce healthy qi and eliminate pathogenic qi. In treating Fu deficiency, the Sanyinfang instructed to warm the center and dry dampness, tonifying the Spleen and reinforcing qi. 5. The Baiqili disease pattern was explained within the relationship between Taiyin and Taiyang. In treating Fu deficiency, the Qianjinyaofang and Shanghanzongbinglun used the Shigaoxingrentang, while the Sanyinfang instructed to reinforce healthy qi and eliminate pathogenic qi. In treating Zang excessiveness, the Qianjinyaofang and Shanghanzongbinglun used the Shigaocongbaitang, while the Sanyinfang instructed to reinforce healthy qi and eliminate pathogenic qi. 6. The Heiguwen disease pattern was explained as being caused by stagnation and obstruction in the Triple Burner due to clash between Taiyang and Shaoyin. In treating Zang excessiveness, the Qianjinyaofang and Shanghanzongbinglun used the Kushenshigaotang, while the Sanyinfang instructed to reinforce healthy qi and eliminate pathogenic qi. The Zangfu Warm Disease is a infectious disease concept which is based on the Five Zang that integrates the meridian aspect together with the Six Fu with which there is an external/internal relationship. This concept and treatment could be considered in dealing with COVID-19.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3 s.67
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• pp.187-200
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• 2006

Objectives: Acupuncture has been applied in Asia for thousands of years, especially to rehabilitation after stroke. It has been reported that acupuncture increased cerebral blood supply and stimulated the functional activity of brain nerve cells shown by using brain imaging techniques. This study was to evaluate the effect of GB 34-GB 39 electro-acupuncture (EA) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in stroke patients and normal volunteers using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods: The study procedure was divided into two parts: patients and volunteers studies. For the patients study, ten ischemic stroke patients (3 males, 7 females, mean age $68.5{\pm}8.9$ years old) were selected. Baseline brain SPECT was done with triple head gamma camera (MultiSPECT3, Siemens, USA) after intravenous administration of 1,110 MBq of $^{99m}Tc-ECD$. Fifteen-minute EA at GB 34 and GB 39 were applied on the affected limb. The same dose of $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ was injected during the EA, and the second set of SPECT images wasobtained. Using the computer software (ICON 7.1, Siemens, USA), 3 SPECT slices (upper, middle, lower) surrounding the brain lesion were selected and each slice was divided into 10-16 brain regions. Asymmetry indexes (AI) were analyzed in each brain region. We regarded over 10% changes of AI between before and after EA as significance. For the volunteers study, 10 healthy human volunteers (5 males, 5 females, mean age $28.1{\pm}6$ years old) were selected. In the resting state, $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ brain SPECT scans were performed. On the 7th day after the resting examination, 15 minute EA was applied at GB 34 and GB 39 on the right side of the subjects. Immediately after EA, the second SPECT images were obtained inthe same manner as the resting state. Significant increases and decreases of rCBF after EA were estimated by comparing their SPECT images with those of the resting state using paired t statistics at every voxel, which were analyzed by statistical parametric mapping with a threshold of p = 0.01, uncorrected (extent threshold: k=100 voxels). Results: In stroke patients, six of the eight (75%) had significantly increased perfusion in post-acupuncture scans compared to their baseline state. In normal volunteers, GB 34-GB GB EA increased rCBF in both hemispheres including right ventral posterior cingulate (Brodmann area (BA) 23), left superior temporal, anterior transverse temporal (BA 22, 41), left parastriate, peristriate (BA 18, 19), right occipitotemporal, angular (BA 37, 39), left rostral postcentral, caudal postcentral and preparietal (BA 2, 3, 5). However GB 34-GB 39 EA decreased rCBF in the right hemisphere including triangular and middle frontal lobes. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that OB 34-GB 39 EA increased cerebral perfusion in ischemic stroke patients and increased rCBF grossly in temporal lobes of normal volunteers. It is also suggested that there may be a correlation between the GB meridian and the territory of the middle cerebral artery.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.4
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• pp.101-126
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• 1990

At early Cheong (淸) dynasty, in medical aspect by dependent on practical studying attitude that must found a theory only by an evidence, there had been a tendancy that hoped direct research of sages' mind-eye by escaping the theory of individual classes since Geum-Won (金-元) dynasty. Yoo Chang (喩昌), born in Man-Ryeok (萬曆) 12th year of Myung (明) dynasty (A.D.1583) and dead in Gang-Hee (康熙) 3rd year of Cheong (淸) dynasty (A.D.1664). The results were as follows after studying his practical idea of medicine. 1. Yoo Chang, by recognizing the ${\ll}$Sang-Han-Ro${\gg}$ has lost its true meaning after commented by Wang Hee (王熙), Lim Eog (林億), Seong Moo-I (成無巳), etc. according to Bang Yoo-Jip's (方有執) Chak-Gan-Jung-Jeong (錯簡重訂) theory, he diversified the protocal of ${\ll}$Sang-Han-Ro${\gg}$ 397 method and arranged under Six Meridian part. (六經) 2. The theory of Sam-Gang-Jeong-Rip (三綱鼎立) can be summerized Gye-Ji (桂枝) syndrome which is the case of Wind (風) has injured Wi (衛) stage, Ma-hwang (麻黃) syndrome which is the case of Cold (寒) has injured Yeong (榮) stage, Dae-Cheong-Ryong (大靑龍) syndrome which is the case both of Wind-Cold (風寒) has injured Yeong-Wi (榮衛) stage, and there has been Sam-Gang-Jeong-Rip theory by anterior medical practitioners already but the person who formally used its Sam-Gang-Jeong-Rip term is Yoo Chang. 3. Yoo Chang seized the On Byeng (溫病) by dividing three category and in Byon-Jeung-Si-Chi (辨證施治) he influenced to many aspect of establishment of later Byon-Jeung system On-Byong (溫病의 辨證體系) pertaining to Triple-Warmer by O-Dang (吳瑭) introducing Triple-Wanner Theory. (三焦理論) 4. At Chu-Jo-Ron (秋燥論) of ${\ll}$EUi-Moon-Beop-Ryo${\gg}$, while ${\ll}$Nae-Gyeong${\gg}$ describing if humidity injury Lung, then occur a disorder in it, Yoo Chang recognized that of au tuam when dryness injure Lung there occure a disorder is it so he insisted that at this case, must use Cheong-Joe-Goo-Pye method (淸操救肺法) withherbs, pertaing to Gam-Yoo-Ja-Yoon(甘柔滋潤性) property and he invented Cheong-Joe-Goo-Pye-Tang. (淸操救肺湯) 5. Yoo Chang', so called, Dae-Gi (大氣) indicates Yang-Gi (陽氣) of chest, he insisted that man's creation and every physiological activity depends on maintainence of Dae-Gi, and it integrate Yeong-Gi (榮氣), Wea-Gi (衛氣), Jong-Gi (宗氣), Jang-Boo-Ji-Gi (臟腑之氣), Gyeong-Rak-Ji-Gi. (經絡之氣) 6. Yoo Chang's expression about partical function and character of stomach, not only bolster its theory of historical physician's expression, that is stomach is. foundatness of postnatal period, but also it has corresponding aspect with modern medicine and clinic. 7. Yoo Chang emphasized "if one cure a disease, be must understood the character of disease first and use drugs later" (先議病 後用藥) phrase about of drug usage, and his theory of Geup-Rew-Man-Joo method (急流挽舟) and three therapy of Simple Ascite (單腹腸) are all unique opinion based upon this phrase mentioned above. 8. Yoo Chang's practical idea of medicine greatly influenced to Jang Ro (張璐), Hwang Won-A (黃元御), Oh Eui-Rak (吳儀洛), Joo Yang-Joon (周揚俊), etc. and theory of Sam-Gang-Jeng-Rip (三綱鼎立), Triple Warmer Theory of On Byong (溫疫의 三焦論治), Chu-Jo-Ron (秋燥論), Dae-Gi-Ron (大氣論) etc. became important object to student of Sang-Han (傷寒) and On-Byeng. (溫病) 9. Yoo Chang's Writings has more practical meaning than other physician's, especially, later the idea of Sang-Han (傷寒) and On-Byong (溫病) greatly contributed to development of Sang-Han theory and formation of On-Byong theory.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.456-464
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• 2000

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) at acupoints suggested by oriental medicine to be related to the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: Rest/acupuncture-stimulation Tc-99m ECD brain SPECT using a same-dose subtraction method was performed on 54 normal volunteers (34 males, 20 females, age range from 18 to 62 years) using six paradigms: acupuncture at acupoints GV. 20, GV. 26, LI. 4, ST. 36 and SP. 6. In the control study, needle location was chosen on a non-meridian focus 1 cm 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 acupoint GV. 20 increased rCBF in both the anterior frontal lobes, the right frontotemporal lobes, and the left anterior temporal lobe and the left cerebellar hemisphere. Acupuncture at GV 26 increased rCBF in the left prefrontal cortex. Acupuncture at LI. 4 increased rCBF in the left prefrontal and both the inferior frontal lobes, and the left anterior temporal lobe and the left cerebellar hemisphere. Acupuncture at ST. 36 increased rCBF in the left anterior temporal lobe, the right inferior frontal lobes, and the left cerebellum. Acupuncture at SP. 6 increased rCBF in the left inferior frontal and anterior temporal lobes. In the control stimulation, no significant rCBF increase was observed. Conclusion: The results demonstrated a correlation between stimulation at each acupoint with increase in rCBF to the corresponding brain areas.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.121-136
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• 2012

The purpose of this paper is to derive the features of cold damage clinical medicine during the early days of the Chosun(朝鮮) period by analyzing discussions on cold damage published in the official medical book of the Chosun period, Compendium of Prescription from the Countryside(鄕藥集成方, CPC). Cold damage was one of the typical diseases in East Asia where there was constant seeking of the utilization of prescriptions, ways of preparations, and awareness regarding cold damage as shown in Zhang, Zhongjing(張仲景)'s Treatise on Cold Damage Disease(傷寒論, TCDD) below. Traditional Korean medicine which possessed the medical universality of East Asia also was no exception and through an analysis of the part on cold damage in CPC, it is expected that medical features of cold damage in Korea passed down from the Koryo(高麗) Dynasty to the early Chosun period will be revealed. For this, first there needs to be an organization of past discussions on cold damage surrounding the existence of infection and after checking the issues, exploring which of the writings related to TCDD and editions are being utilized through an analysis on citing literature of Cold Damage Disease Literature(傷寒門) and Heat Pathogen Disease Literature(熱病門) which have developed discussions on cold damage in CPC. In addition, by comparing Peaceful Holy Benevolent Prescription(太平聖惠方, PHBP) and Complete Record of Sacred Benevolence(聖濟總錄, CRSB), known to have greatly influenced CPC and Cold Damage Literature and Heat Pathogen Disease Literature, features of form and content used by CPC were analyzed. Features of form were examined through pattern of organization and number of citing literature were examined and for features of content, cold damage infection, classification, syndrome differentiation method, and utilization of materia medica among prescriptions were examined. Discussions on cold damage as being uninfectious as stated in Treatise on the Pathogenesis and Manifestations of All Diseases(諸病源候論) unlike pestilence, epidemic pathogen(時氣), warm pathogen disease(溫病), and heat pathogen disease were excluded in PHBP. PHBP opened the possibility of cold damage infection and later writings, CRSB and CPC also follow this. As a result of analyzing citing literature of the part on cold damage in CPC, it is uncertain which edition of TCDD is being utilized; however, the most distinctive feature was that Classified Emergency Materia Medica(證類本草) and not writings specializing in cold damage are in use. In general, although CPC in terms of form is similar to CRSB, content creation predominantly depended on PHBP. More specifically; first, in terms of the existence of cold damage infection, arguments of PHBP and CRSB are maintained. Second, in terms of cold damage classification, although CRSB is followed, heat pathogen disease is classified separately developing PHBP as is. Third, in terms of method, as Book of Keep Healthy(南陽活人書) and CRSB compiled in later times are cited, it is deemed that arguments were raised to a certain extent regarding six-meridian syndrome differentiation(六經辨證). Fourth, although the majority of utilized materia medica among cold damage prescriptions utilize Materia Medica from the Countryside(鄕藥本草) in CPC and materia medica from Korean Peninsula, this is due to the desire for the compilation performance of CPC to be propagated to ordinary citizens and not the ruling class. CPC as the official medical book compiled in the early days of the Chosun period was greatly influenced by the Song(宋) Dynasty's medical books, PHBP and CRSB shows that cold damage medicine in the early Chosun Period indeed possesses the medical universality of East Asia. Furthermore, the features of published medical theory and prescriptions reveal the existence of the cold damage medical tradition of the Chosun period serving as clues for cold damage research tradition among Korea's medical history.