Objectives : By reviewing NIH's SPARC program and NCCIH's TARA project, we would like to suggest the direction of research on acupoint utilization in Korea. Methods : The goals, operation methods, result linkage strategies, collaborative activities, and research contents of the SPARC program and TARA program were reviewed and summarized. Results : SPARC connects the identification of medical device mechanisms, clinical efficacy, regulatory approval, and industrialization through nerve stimulation, and the research results are provided to researchers and companies as an open access database. The TARA program creates an open access database of anatomy, physiology, and pathology information on acupuncture points and links it with SPARC to increase understanding and utilization of acupuncture points in the development of medical devices and conducts international cooperation with Korea, China, Japan, etc. Korea's acupuncture point utilization research lacks medical device industrialization connectivity and international cooperation planning. Conclusions : Korea's research on the use of acupuncture points should be planned and managed so that it can be linked to medical device industrialization. In addition, it is necessary to anticipate the demand for bioelectronic medical devices and conduct joint research through open access database linkage and international cooperation.

Objectives : Acupuncture is recognized as a significant therapeutic method in traditional medicine, underscoring the importance of precise understanding of acupoint locations and anatomical structures. The aim of this study is to investigate trends in anatomical studies of acupoint using imaging devices in China through literature search. Methods : This study utilized Chinese databases CNKI, WANFANG, and WEIPU to search for articles. The analysis focused on the publication status of articles by year, types of imaging devices, research subjects and methods, and criteria for acupoint locations. Results : A total of 15 articles were selected in this study. The first article was published in 1996. Articles were published at a rate of less than one per year until 2020, but rapidly increased to three and six in 2021 and beyond. Studies using ultrasonography were the most prevalent, followed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) and Computed Tomography(CT) scans. There were eight studies conducted on healthy volunteers, six studies observing both healthy volunteers and cadavers, and also studies involving patients with specific medical conditions. Various criteria were employed to determine acupoint locations, including the WHO standard, national administration of traditional Chinese medicine nomenclature and location of acupoints, as well as references from literature. Conclusions : In China, researches are actively being conducted to observe the anatomical structure of acupoints using various imaging devices. Recent trends indicate an increase in studies utilizing ultrasound and there is a growing focus on exploring the locations that elicit the sensation of "obtaining qi" rather than just the anatomical locations of acupoints. Through this study, it is hoped that the appropriate utilization of imaging devices will lead to various studies aimed at elucidating the characteristics of the anatomical tissues actually stimulated during acupuncture, thereby increasing the safety and efficacy of acupuncture treatments.

Objectives : We aimed to identify the effects of acupuncture treatment on alleviating pain and depression and modulating brain neural activity in the neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity mouse model (PDCM). Methods : We performed partial sciatic nerve ligation on the right hind paw of mice to induce neuropathic pain and injected reserpine (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) for 10 days from the day of the surgery to induce pain and depression. Acupuncture treatment was performed for 10 days at the following locations: 1) ST36 and SP6 (Joksamni and Sameumgyo; JS), 2) KI1 and HT7 (Yongcheon and Sinmun; YS), 3) LR1, PC9, KI10, and PC3 (Pericardium tonification; PT), or 4) LR1, HT9, KI10, and HT3 (Heart tonification; HT). Pain-like behavior was measured using the von Frey test and depressive-like behavior was assessed using the open field test. Then, the c-Fos expression was analyzed in the brain regions of neocortex, striatum, hypothalamus, hippocampus, midbrain, and medulla to examine brain neural activity. Results : In PDCM, pain-like behavior was alleviated by acupuncture treatment on the JS, YS, PT, and HT, and depressive-like behavior was improved by acupuncture treatment on the JS and YS. JS and YS were derived as an optimized acupoint combination for improving neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity. Brain neural activities in the neocortex (infralimbic cortex) and hypothalamus (paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus; PVN) were commonly altered by both JS and YS acupuncture treatments. In addition, neural activities in the neocortex (prelimbic cortex; PrL) and midbrain (substantia nigra, lateral part of the dorsal raphe nucleus) were altered exclusively by JS acupuncture treatment, while changes in the area 2 of the anterior cingulate cortex and the cornu ammonis 3 of the hippocampus were specific to YS acupuncture treatment. Brain neural activity in the PrL and PVN regions was significantly correlated with changes in pain behavior. Conclusions : Both JS and YS acupuncture treatments alleviated pain and depressive-like behaviors, which were associated with modulation of neural activities in the neocortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and midbrain.

Objectives : This study examined the historical evolution of the GV26 acupuncture point, focusing on its location, therapeutic indications, and anatomical relevance to the philtrum region. Methods : We reviewed 18 historical acupuncture texts, analyzing the descriptions of GV26's location and associated indications. Results : The location of GV26 has varied over time. Early texts like the A-B Classics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion described it at the center of the philtrum groove, while some 16th-century texts shifted it closer to the nasal cavity. However, many sources continued to emphasize the central philtrum groove as the correct location. GV26 was historically indicated for conditions such as cold-type headache, epilepsy, edema, nasal and eye symptoms, respiratory issues, post-stroke symptoms, jaundice, pestilence, mouth-related symptoms, and low back pain. Epilepsy, edema, and post-stroke facial symptoms were consistently cited across texts, while other indications varied. Cadaveric studies show that the superficial orbicularis oris muscle divides into the upper nasalis and lower labialis portions. Needling the upper third of the philtrum stimulates the thinner, closer-to-maxilla upper nasalis portion, potentially providing stronger stimulation, while needling the center targets the lower labialis portion. Conclusions : Historical variations in GV26's location reflect an evolving understanding of its anatomical and therapeutic significance. The upper third of the philtrum groove may be more effective for acute conditions requiring strong stimulation, whereas the central groove may better address a broader range of conditions. These findings highlight the importance of historical and anatomical context in optimizing GV26's clinical use.

Objectives : Cervical myofascial pain syndrome (C-MPS), a key aspect of Visual Display Terminals (VDT) Syndrome, leads to acute and chronic pain due to muscle shortening, potentially causing headaches and movement disorders. This study examines the effectiveness of Pharmacoacupuncture at the intersection of the Splenius Capitis (SC), Levator Scapulae (LS), and Serratus Posterior Superior(SPS) muscles under ultrasound guidance, known as the "SLS triangle" in treating C-MPS. Methods : Three patients (aged 30 to 37) with acute C-MPS presented at two Korean medicine clinics with severe neck pain and restricted cervical rotation. The evaluation of symptoms before treatment, immediately after treatment, and one day after treatment was conducted using the cervical rotation Range of motion (ROM) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for cervical pain. Treatments included Acupuncture, Cupping therapy, Chuna manipulation, Physical Therapy, and Pharmacopuncture (Jaha-geo extract, 2cc at the SLS triangle). Results : All three patients showed significant improvement post-treatment. Immediately after treatment, Patient 1's NRS improved from 7 to 2, Patient 2's NRS improved from 4 to 1, and Patient 3's NRS improved from 6 to 2. Directly after the procedure, there were no significant adverse reactions except for one patient experiencing temporary dizziness. When the patients were followed up by phone 24 hours later, no adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions : This study demonstrates that ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture can significantly reduce pain and improve cervical rotation in patients with cervical myofascial pain syndrome. The findings suggest this non-invasive treatment is both safe and effective, warranting further research through larger-scale clinical trials to validate its efficacy and establish standardized protocols.

Objectives : The objective of this study is to report a case of a patient with a fracture of the 1st metatarsal bone, whose symptoms improved after receiving Complex Korean Medical treatment mainly focused on acupuncture. Methods : During admission treatment, the patient received 2 sessions of acupuncture treatment, 1 session of pharmacopuncture treatment, and electromoxibustion daily. To assess the patient's condition regarding the 1st metatarsal bone fracture, X-rays were performed on the affected area of the patient on a weekly basis, along with a daily follow up on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), degree of swelling (measured in cm via measuring tape), and the temperature of the affected area. The Foot Function Index (FFI) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were also used to add credibility in assessing the patient's current condition. Results : After 4 weeks of hospital admission treatment, the NRS of the pain in the affected area decreased from 4 to 1, with the night pain NRS of the affected area also being reduced from 8 to 0. There was a general improvement in the swelling and temperature of the affected area, as well as the FFI and HAQ of the patient. Conclusions : The study shows that complex Korean medical treatment can be effective in treating patients with bone fractures even without interventions involving traditional Korean herbal medicine.

A stroke is a condition where an ischemic injury occurs in the brain tissue due to blockage or rupture of cerebral blood vessels. The damage to the brain nerve cells caused by a stroke is irreversible. Significant recovery is generally observed within the first six months after the onset, but the natural recovery rate decreases after six months. Therefore, intensive rehabilitation therapy is necessary within the first six months of the onset. This case report presents three cases of patients in the sequelae phase of stroke, where treatments based on integrative medicine system between traditional Korean medicine and Western medicine were applied. The treatments included scalp acupuncture from traditional Korean medicine and rehabilitation exercises and electrical therapy from Western medicine. In this case report, we evaluated the Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and the patients' subjective symptom interviews before and after the implementation of the integrative treatment. As a result, significant improvements in MMT and MBI were observed in acute stroke cases, whereas the improvement was minimal in cases with chronic progression. However, in all cases, the patients expressed high satisfaction with the treatment during the interviews.