• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.365-371
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• 2006

Bee Venom aqua-acupuncture (BVA) simultaneously exerts pharmacological effects of biologically active compounds, existed in the whole bee venom, and medicinal effect of the stimulation of acupuncture points. BVA has been considered as a promising therapeutic method for treating various chronic diseases, mainly accompanying severe pain and inflammation. As a painless injection device, jet injectors have been commercially marketed for various clinical applications including insulin injection and vaccination. Among them, a pressure-driven jet injector system could be used for intradermal delivery of a variety of drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effects of the BVA using a needle-free injector (Biojector $2000^{\circledR}$, Bioject Inc., OR, USA), compared to the conventional BV aqua-acupuncture using a typical syringe. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with bee venom $(0.08mg/kg,\;50{\mu}l)$ using Biojector $2000^{\circledR}$ (BVA-B) or a syringe (BVA-5) into the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint, 30 minutes before plantar injection of 2% formalin. It was found that BVA-B-, or BVA-5-treated rats, compared to controls, exhibited significantly less licking behavior during the late phase in the rat formalin test, when compared to controls. During early phase, however, those effects were not significant but substantial. The analgesic effect of BVA-B was also compatible with that of the conventional BVA-5. In the immunohistochemical studies, BVA-B significantly suppressed the expression of formalin-evoked c-fos, a biomarker of neuronal activity, in the lumbar dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These results indicated that BVA-B waseffective in the modulation of pain in the rat formalin test, compared to BVA-5. Taken together, the needle-free jet injector system could be substituted for the conventional aqua- acupuncture with the advantage of little pain.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.85-97
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• 2008

Objectives : Moxibustion therapy is one of the most popular oriental treatments in Korea. In this study, we operate the in-depth interview for use of moxibustion therapy in Korea. Methods : Survey questions were developed based on consensus of acupuncture professors. The list of the Korean medical doctors with experiences more than 10 years is provided by the Association of the Korean Oriental Medicine. The in-depth interview was conducted in 30 Korean medical doctors who answered in the previous telephone survey that they use moxibustion therapy for more than 30 % of patients everyday. Interview survey with them were conducted by the well-trained interviewers of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine in medical researcher from 22th May to 28th June 2007. Results : Korean medical doctors prefer to use the moxibustion with moxa stick (83.9%). The most common treatment disease was musculo-skeletal disorder (28.9%), gynecology (14.1%), digestive disorder (28.6%). The most common treatment area was the abdomen (35.3%), back (22.5%), lower extremity (15.8%) and upper extremity (16.9%). Indirect moxibustion’s was as frequent as 73.5% of moxibustion method. The most common instrument for treating was mini-moxa of manufactured goods (39.3%). Most Korean medical doctors (48.8%) took up the position that bring symptom relief following good treatment area. 'High preferences of patients' (32.7%) was one of moxibustion strong points but 'Lots of smell and smoke' (54.7%)' was a weak points. The most common side effects was the 'slight burn' (34.9%), 'skin rash' (22.5%), 'skin pruritus' (23.8%) Conclusions : This survey provides unique insight into the perception of the Korea medical doctor at moxibustion therapy. Future research needs to provide more in-depth insight into doctor views of the experience.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.1-13
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• 2017

Objectives : This paper serves to explore current trends of systems biology in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and examine how it may influence the Traditional Korean medicine. Methods : Literature review method was collectively used to classify Introduction to systems biology, diagnosis and syndrome classification of systems biology in TCM perspective, physiotherapy including acupuncture, herbs and formula functions, TCM systems biology, and directions of academic development. Results : The term 'Systems biology' is coined as a combination of systems science and biology. It is a field of study that tries to understand living organism by establishing a theory based on an ideal model that analyzes and predicts the desired output with understanding of interrelationships and dynamics between variables. Systems biology has an integrated and multi-dimensional nature that observes the interaction among the elements constructing the network. The current state of systems biology in TCM is categorized into 4 parts: diagnosis and syndrome, physical therapy, herbs and formulas and academic development of TCM systems biology and its technology. Diagnosis and syndrome field is focusing on developing TCM into personalized medicine by clarifying Kidney yin deficiency patterns and metabolic differences among five patterns of diabetes and analyzing plasma metabolism and biomarkers of coronary heart disease patients. In the field of physical therapy such as acupuncture and moxibustion, researchers discovered the effect of stimulating acupoint ST40 on gene expression and the effects of acupuncture on treating functional dyspepsia and acute ischemic stroke. Herbs and formulas were analyzed with TCM network pharmacology. The therapeutic mechanisms of Si Wu Tang and its series formulas are explained by identifying potential active substances, targets and mechanism of action, including metabolic pathways of amino acid and fatty acid. For the academic development of TCM systems biology and its technology, it is necessary to integrate massive database, integrate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as systems biology. It is also essential to establish a platform to maximize herbal treatment through accumulation of research data and diseases-specific, or drug-specific network combined with clinical experiences, and identify functions and roles of molecules in herbs and conduct animal-based studies within TCM frame. So far, few literature reviews exist for systems biology in traditional Korean medicine and they merely re-examine known efficacies of simple substances, herbs and formulas. For the future, it is necessary to identify specific mechanisms of working agents and targets to maximize the effects of traditional medicine modalities. Conclusions : Systems biology is widely accepted and studied in TCM and already advanced into a field known as 'TCM systems biology', which calls for the study of incorporating TCM and systems biology. It is time for traditional Korean medicine to acknowledge the importance of systems biology and present scientific basis of traditional medicine and establish the principles of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. By doing so, traditional Korean medicine would be innovated and further developed into a personalized medicine.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.193-200
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• 2013

Objectives : This study is to examine the effects of moxibustion at Junggeuk(CV3), Singwol(CV8) on women's urinary incontinence and quality of life. The study is a research based on the non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Methods : The subjects of the study were 45 women who were using either of 2 health clinics located in Ulsan. They were sampled in accordance with predetermined standards and then divided into the experimental and control groups, respectively consisting of 22 and 23 members. In treating those women through moxibustion, this researcher applied 2 sheets of 'shingigu' to each of the women on 40 min, per time basis. This experiment was conducted 6 times in total for 2 weeks on every two day basis. Data from all of the measurements were statistically processed and analyzed using SPSS/WIN 12.0. Demographic characteristics of the subjects were examined and indicated in frequency and percentage. The homogeneity test of the two groups was conducted using $x^2$-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Hypotheses set for the study were verified through t-test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Results : The experimental group who take moxibustion will be lower in the severeness of urinary incontinence than the control group who do not was supported(p<0.001). 2. The experimental group who take moxibustion will be higher in score for life quality than the control group who do not was supported(U=42.00, p<0.001). Conclusions : These findings suggest that moxibustion can be an effective intervention for women having urinary incontinence because it treats the symptom with no adverse effect and it is non-invasive and easily applicable.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.107-125
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immuno-regulatory effect of NR-HA(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture) at Pyesu(BL13) on OVA(ovalbumin)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental sloops, except the Normal group and the NR-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The mice in the NR-HA group and the OVA-NR-HA group were treated with NR-HA(1%) at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Needle-prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at Pyesu(BL13). NR-HA, saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week Results : in vitro 1. The populations of granulocytes, $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$cells, $CD69^+/CD3e^+$ cells, $CD4^+\;cells\;and\;CD23^+/B220^+$ cells in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse lungs decreased significantly by NR-HAS(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture solution). 2. The lung weight and total cells in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 3. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the OVA-NR-HA group decreas ed significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 4. The collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group. 5. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 6. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+,\;CCR3^+,\;CD3e^+, \;CD19^+,\;CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 7. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 8. The NR-HA group did not show my considerable difference from the Normal group. The OVA-saline group and the OVA-Needle prick group showed suppressive effects on OVA-induced asthma however they were not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that NR-HA at Pyesu(BL13) is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.77-84
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• 2003

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the effect of the Hwangryunhaedock-tang Herbal Acupuncture Therapy on Chronic Conjunctivitis or Xerophthalmia Methods : We injected distillation of the Hwangryunhaedock-tang(0.2cc) on both B-15(Shinsu-心兪), B-18(Kansu-肝兪) of patient and dropped it(0.6cc) in both eyes. We examined therapeutic value of Chronic Conjunctivitis or Xerophthalmia Results & Conclusions : The Hwangryunhaedock-tang Herbal Acupuncture Therapy was effective on reducing the symptoms. But further studies are required to concretely prove the effectiveness of the Hwangryunhaedock-tang Herbal Acupuncture Therapy for treating Chronic Conjunctivitis or Xerophthalmia.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of further acupuncture research as an effective and safe treatment for reducing cancer-related upper abdominal pain in patients treated with Neurolytic celiac plexus block(NCPB). Methods : This study is a randomized controlled pilot clinical trial of 3-week duration. Fourteen patients will be recruited and randomly allocated to 2 groups: an acupuncture plus NCPB group(experimental group) and a NCPB group(control group). All patients will undergo one session of NCPB, but only the experimental group will receive three acupuncture sessions a week for 2 weeks(6 in total). The primary outcome will be measured using the visual analogue scale, and the secondary outcome will be measured using the Painvision system and the consumption of additional analgesics. Assessments will be made at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 weeks thereafter(that is, the 3-week assessment will be made 1 week after treatment cessation). Conclusions : This clinical trial will inform the design of a full-scale trial. The outcomes will provide information to facilitate the incorporation of acupuncture into existing pain management methods such as NCPB in the treatment of cancer-related upper abdominal pain patients.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.13-33
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• 2012

Objective : The aim of this study is to find the therapeutic meaning of Pericarpium Granati and Cortex Betulae Platyphyllae in herbal medication. Methods : About the origin, the component, the processing the drug, the properties and tastes of drugs, the meridian tropism, the effects, the treating disease, the contraindication and the method of adminictration, I have researched 23 literatures and 10 disquisitions to mention the Pericarpium Granati and Cortex Betulae Platyphyllae. Result : 1. Pericarpium Granati is pericarp of mature fruit of The Pomegranate belongs to Punicaceae and Cortex Betulae Platyphyllae is bark of Betula platyphylla var. japonica (Miquel) Hara belongs to Betulaceae. 2. Pericarpium Granati consists of tannin 10.4~21.3%, lead 0.8%, resin 4.5%, mannitol 1.8%, sugar 2.7%, gum 3.2%, inulin 1.0%, musilage 0.6%, gallic acid 4.0%. Cortex Betulae Platyphyllae consists of betulin about 35%, various higher fatty acid about 35%, tannin about 7%. 3. The properties and taste of Pericarpium Granati is acid, astringency, warm, nontoxic and the meridian tropism is mainly stomach and large intestine meridian. The properties and taste of Cortex Betulae Platyphyllae is bitter, cold, nontoxic and the meridian tropism is mainly stomach meridian. 4. Pericarpium Granati has come into general use to treat roundworm, tapeworm, old diarrhea, anal prolapse, melena, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, stomachache from worms, scabies etc. because it is effective on insecticiding, stopping diarrhea, controling hemorrhage and leukorrhea. Cortex Betulae Platyphyllae has come into general use to treat shigellosis, diarrhea, jaundice, cough, sputum, tonsillitis, pneumonia, nephritis, furuncle, prurigo, acne etc. because it is effective on cooling down heat, circulating humidity, removing phlegm, stopping cough, neutralizing poison. 5. Pericarpium Granati and Cortex Betulae Platyphyllae is useful method to external care. To use the herba, pulverize amount of property and then apply to the affected part. Conclusion : This study showed that Pericarpium Granati and Cortex Betulae Platyphyllae is useful herb to treat of skin disease and useful method to external care.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.119-133
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• 2009

Objectives : The object of this study is to report on the theory of Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy. Methods : The theory of Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy(OHAT; 五行和針法) is a part of the Five Elements Theory unique to Korea. This research Classic of Difficulty Issues-Nan Jing review Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture Therapy. Results : OHAT, created and developed by Jae-hoon Song, integrates the victor-vanquished as well as the son-mother relationship of the Five Elements of breakdown and restoration of balance between yin and yang. And also, it provides resources and data on The seventy fifth Nan(75難), The sixty ninth Nan(69難) of Classic of Difficulty Issues - Nan Jin 75, 69. OHAT establishes objectiveness and accuracy of diagnosis based upon the traditional method and procedure of pulse taking. In OHAT, a person's state of illness is diagnosed by applying the comparative examination of the palpitation of the pulse. It is the fact that the pulse varies according to the state, and that OHAT treatment has proven the positive results by using the victor-vanquished relationship on The Nan Jin 75. On the basis of this, it is necessary to add the sixty ninth Nan(69難), to research the theory of the generation of the Five Element. Conclusions : Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture is very effective in treating the wide range of illness, and thus it has gained an increasing attention of many scholars and practitioners in the field of traditional Korean oriental medicine. However, it is the first theoretical attempt to the clinical research and scientific methodology of Ohaeng(Five) Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture, and more active Ohaeng-Hwa Acupuncture R&D is being conducted nationwide.

• 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.