• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.133-150
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• 2005

Objective : The purpose of this study is to examine the tendency of experimental studies on the physiological effects of acupuncture at $ST_{36}$(Zusanli). Methods : We investigated 69 theses (10 Korean and 59 international) which were searched by the keyword 'Zusanli' through PubMed website, and that were experimented with manual acupuncture or electroacupuncture on healthy human subjects or normal animals. Results : The 69 theses were classified into iou groups based on the main topic which is related with the influence of acupuncture stimulation at $ST_{36}$(Zusanli), such as digestive system, nervous system, immune system, and cardiovascular system. The main results found in this study are : 1. Acupuncture at $ST_{36}$(Zusanli) increases gastric mobility. And such effect is related with vagal nerve and opioid pathway. 2. Acupuncture at $ST_{36}$(Zusanli) is valuably related with cerebral cortex. And it influences on the cerebrum activities. 3. Acupuncture at $ST_{36}$(Zusanli) has noticeable analgesic effect, which is related with Opioid mechanism, Gate control and SP 4. Acupuncture at $ST_{36}$(Zusanli) increases immunity Conclusion . Acupuncture at $ST_{36}$(Zusanli) has many effects on digestive system, nervous system, immune system, and cardiovascular system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.133-150
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• 2003

Objective: Recently. many studies have showed the evidences of the effect of the Electro-acupuncture treatment through scientific. Methods : One of these methods is functional MRI. We performed electro-acupuncture on Zusanli(St36) and observed the change of brain activation using fMRI. Zusanli(St36) is located on the lateral side of the lower leg. 3 cun(寸) inferior to the Patella of the lower border. Theoretically and clinically. this point has been considered very important for gynecological disorders. spleen and stomach disorders. and psychological disorders. To see the effects of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Zusanli(St36). the experiment was carried out on twelve healthy volunteers. using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body fMRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right Zusanli(St36). 2 Hz 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 with SPM99. Results ad conclusion : The electro-acupuncture stimulation on Zusanli(St36) activates Brodmann Area 6, 13, 2, 19, 21, 22, 39, 40, 38, 3which indicates the pathways of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on Zusanli(St36) and the possibility of the relationship of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on Zusanli(St36) with autonomic nervous system, internal organic system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.107-117
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• 2003

Objective: This study was examined for effects of acupuncture of Zusanli(ST36) on the facial thermography in health subjects. Methods: The voiunteers who participating in this study had taken rest for 15 mins in room temperature ($19-21^{\circ}C$) before the examination and informed them what to prohibit smoking. drinking and administration of drug for the previous day. The thermography of face was taken using Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging (D.I.T.I.: Dorex. DTI-16UT1. U.S.A.) by time interval of 35 minutes at 15 min before and 20 min after acupuncture stimuiation. Thermal temperature of Daying(ST5). Juliao(ST3) and Quanliao(SI18) was measured and compared. Results: The results showed that acupuncture of Zusanli(ST36) significantly decreased the Absolute defference of temperature between Daying(ST5) and Juliao(ST3) (p<0.05, Data were represented meant ${\pm}$S.E.M.(n=33)). The results showed that acupuncture of Zusanli(ST36) significantly decreased the Absolute defference of temperature between Quanliao(SI18) and Juliao(ST3)(p<0.01, Data were represented mean${\pm}$S.E.M. (n=33)). But, acupuncture of Zusanli(ST36) particularly decreased the absolute defference of temperature between Daying(ST5) and Quanliao(SI18). Also. it was observed that acupuncture of ST36 decreased variety of the color tone of thermographic contour line and decreased thermal distribution. Conclusions: The results showed that acupuncture of Zusanli(ST36) significantly decreased the absolute defference of temperature of partial facial surface. Hereafter. study about if acupuncture of Zusanli(ST36) significantly decrease the absolute defference of temperature of all the areas of facial surface is requested. Also. continued study of effects of acupuncture of other meridian on the facial thermography is requested.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.426-442
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• 2018

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of Zusanli and nonacupoint electroacupuncture stimulation on ultrasonographic gastric emptying and vital signs in eight healthy participants. Gastric emptying and its rate of change were analyzed to search for correlation with physical characteristics such as body mass index (BMI), sternocostal angle, and abdominal wall thickness. Methods: Eight healthy participants with no gastrointestinal disorders were enrolled in this study. Each participant went through three abdominal sonographies for gastric emptying assessment. At the second and third visits, participants received Zusanli and nonacupoint electroacupuncture stimulation in a random order. During the study period, we examined the BMI, sternocostal angle, and abdominal wall thickness of all participants. Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature) were also examined before and after the electroacupuncture stimulation. Results: Electroacupuncture stimulation at Zusanli significantly improved gastric emptying when compared to nonacupoint stimulation. Gastric emptying showed a positive correlation with BMI, sternocostal angle, and abdominal wall thickness, but this correlation was statistically insignificant. The improvement rate of gastric emptying by Zusanli electroacupuncture stimulation showed a positive correlation with BMI and sternocostal angle and a negative correlation with abdominal wall thickness. However, such results were also statistically insignificant. Among vital signs, only heart rate showed a significant decrease according to Zusanli electroacupuncture stimulation. Conclusions: A significant effect of Zusanli electroacupuncture was confirmed through ultrasonographic gastric emptying in healthy participants.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.76-87
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• 2001

Objective : Zusanli(ST36) and Hoku(Li4) are analgesic acupuncture points frequently used for acupuncture in Oriental medicine. The present study was conducted to see the antinociceptive effects produced by electroacupuncture combined two frequencies(Low, High) and two different acupuncture points(LI4, ST36) in the rat tail flick test. Method : In this study the Rats (Sprague-Dawley, 250-300g) were partially anesthetized with thiopental sodium(40mg/kg, i.p.). The basal reaction time for the tail-flick was 3${\pm}$0.5 sec. Low frequency(3Hz, 5V, biphasic) and high frequency(100Hz, 5V, biphasic) were applied to the inserted needle for the period of insertion(twenty minutes). Experimental groups are divied as follow; a) electroacupuncture stimulation groups at Hoku with or high frequency(L-EA, H-EA), b) electroacupuncture stimulation groups at Zusanli with low or high frequency(1-EA, h-EA), c) low frequency at Hoku and Zusanli(LIEA), d) low frequency at Hoku and high frequency at Zusanli(LhEA), e) high frequency at Hoku and low frequency at Zusanli(HIEA), f) high frequency at Hoku and Zusanli(HhEA) Results : The individual stimulation at either Hoku or Zusanli with low frequency has stronger and longer analgesic effect than high frequency stimulation. In addition, the combined stimulation at Hoku and Zusanli with low frequency has superior effect to individual stimulation with low frequency. LhEA and LIEA have superior effect to other stimulation groups among the combined groups. In order to determine the involvement of opioid system on the different antinociceptive effects, Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, was used in the combined groups. LIEA is the most sensitive when naloxone was administrated among study groups. HhEA is the least sensitive in the administration of naloxone. Conclusion : From results, this study confirmed that the opioid system is involved in analgesic effect of low frequency stimulation of acupuncture point, and we also can suggest the stronger analgesic effect of combining stimulation points is due to the theory of spatial summation in the nervous system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.87-94
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• 2013

Objectives : In this study, we intended to make the foundation of the development of acupuncture tissue model as comparing the needle sensation of six kinds of tissue models and Zusanli ($ST_{36}$) with the needle force measurement system. Methods : When practitioners did twisting-rotating acupuncture needle manipulation after inserting the needle into six kinds of tissue models, they quantified the similarity sense to the sensation of Zusanli ($ST_{36}$) with the NRS (Numeric Rating scale). As needle force measurement system did twisting-rotating Acupuncture needle manipulation after inserting needle into Zusanli ($ST_{36}$) of human and six kinds of tissue models, it can calculate the coefficient of viscosity by measuring the torsion friction. We compare the NRS of practitioners' needle sensation to the coefficient of viscosity of needle force measurement systems. Result : As practitioners' NRS assessment to quantify needle sensation, apple and cucumber showed 70% similarity to Zusanli ($ST_{36}$). As needle force measurement system's coefficient of viscosity, apple and cucumber's coefficient of viscosity were similar to Zusanli ($ST_{36}$)'s. Conclusions : In this study, We compared the practitioners' needle sensation of Zusanli ($ST_{36}$) and six kinds of tissue models with needle force measurement system that can quantify the needle sensation. As the result, we concluded that practitioners' needle sensation is similar to measured needle sensation. It seems that the acupuncture practice model implementing the needle sensation to specific acupuncture points can be built based on the system in this study.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.756-763
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• 2002

We have previously demonstrated that repeated injections of nicotine produced an increase in locomotor activity, dopamine(DA), release and c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens, one of the major projection areas of the central DA system. Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely used for the treatment of many functional disorders such as substance abuse and mental dysfunction. And many studies have shown that Coptidis Rhizoma has a suppressive effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and can affect the neurotransmitter systems in the CNS. In order to investigate whether acupuncture and Coptidis Rhizoma have an influence on nicotine-induced reinforcing and behavioral effects, we examined the effect of zusanli(ST36) and Coptidis Rhizoma on repeated nicotine-induced locomotor activity, and zusanli(ST36) on c-Fos expression as an important maker of postsynaptic neuronal activity in nucleus accumbens. Male SD rats received Coptidis Rhizoma (100mg/kg, p.o.) 30 min before injections of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) for 7 days. Rats were followed withdrawal for 3 days and one challenge for 1 day. Systemic challenge with nicotine produced a much larger increase in locomotor activity. Pretreatment with acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma decreased in nicotine-induced locomotor activity. These results demonstrated that reduction in locomotor activity by acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma may be mediated by reduction of dopamine release. Our results suggest that acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma may have therapeutic effect on nicotine addiction.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was performed to compare the effects between Mountain-burning fire method and Heaven-penetrating cooling method on thermographic change. Materials and Methods : The experiment was conducted to 20 students of College of Oriental Medicine, Woosuk University from July 12, 2011 to July 26, 2011. Acupuncture stimulation was applied at left $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$) with Mountain-burning fire method in A group(n=10) and Heaven-penetrating cooling method in B group (n=10). To estimate thermographic change, temperature of left $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$), $Shuigou$($GV_{26}$), $Zhongwan$($CV_{12}$) were measured by DITI(digital infrared thermographic image) before acupuncture stimulation and 30sec, 10min after needle removal. Results : In A group, the temperature of left $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$), $Shuigou$($GV_{26}$), $Zhongwan$($CV_{12}$) were decreased at 30sec after needle removal, statistically. And the temperature of $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$), $Zhongwan$($CV_{12}$) were decreased at 10min after needle removal, statistically. In B group, the temperature of $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$), $Zhongwan$($CV_{12}$) were decreased at 10min after needle removal, statistically. But, there was no significant difference between two groups on thermographic change, statistically Conclusions : Acupuncture stimulation applied at left $Zusanli$($ST_{36}$) with Mountain-burning fire method has more widespread effects than Heaven-penetrating cooling method. But further studies will be needed such as thermographic change with no stimulation and with more subjects.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.621-628
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• 2008

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate changes of gastric vagal nerve activity and pyloric valve function after execution of combination treatments of both electroacupuncture at Zusanli(ST36) and manual acupuncture at other acupoints in patient with functional dyspepsia. Methods : Bowel sounds of 49 patients (18 male, 31 female) were recorded and their % of bowel sound (%BS) and ratio of dominant frequency (DF) were analyzed. Postprandial %BS was used to indicate the gastric vagal activity after eating. Ratio of postprandial/fasting dominant frequency was used to present the degree of pyloric valve function. According to values of %BS and DF ratio, each patient was classified into normal or abnormal (<6 %BS, hypoactivity: <1 DF ratio, dysfunction) group. For 2 weeks, patients received a treatment consisting of both electroacupuncture stimulation at Zusanli (ST36) and acupuncture at other meridian points. Variation of parameters shifting normal to abnormal or abnormal to normal was observed, and total cure rate was calculated. Results : Total cure rate of %BS was 16%, and that of DF was 37%. Patients who improved to normal value from abnormal or aggravated to abnormal level showed both significant difference in both vagal nerve hypoactivity and pyloric valve dysfunction, respectively. Conclusions : Analysis of bowel sound might be useful to evaluate both gastric vagal nerve activity and pyloric valve function. Combination effects of Zusanli (ST36) electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture of other acupoints showed a bidirectional effect in which their activity and function were in general improved. sometimes from aggravated to abnormal level.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.91-99
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• 2019

Objectives The loss of maternal care during early postnatal period may increase development of mood-related disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. In this study, the effect of acupuncture on depression in relation with cell proliferation in the hippocampal gyrus dentatus was investigated using maternal-separated rat pups. Methods On the postnatal 14th day, rat pups from six dams were grouped into following groups: maternal care group, maternal separation group, maternal separation and non-acupoint-acupunctured group, maternal separation and Zusanli-acupunctured group, and maternal separation and fluoxetine-treated group. Acupuncture was performed from postnatal 28th day to postnatal 37th day. The rat pups that belong in the maternal separation and fluoxetine-treated group were injected subcutaneously with 5 mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride once a day for the same period of time. To evaluate activity of the rat pups, open field test was performed. Immunohistochemistry for serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in the dorsal raphe and for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in the hippocampal gyrus dentatus was conducted. Results The present results reveal that the activity was decreased by maternal separation. In contrast, acupuncture at Zusanli overcame maternal separation-induced hypoactivity. Maternal separation suppressed TPH expression and 5-HT synthesis in the dorsal raphe and decreased cell proliferation in the hippocampal gyrus dentatus of rat pups. In contrast, acupuncture at Zusanli alleviated maternal separation-induced decrease of 5-HT synthesisand TPH expression. Conclusions The present results demonstrate that acupuncture at Zusanli ameliorated depressive state through increasing cell proliferation and enhancing 5-HT synthesis.