• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.35 no.7
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• pp.1325-1332
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was designed to examine the effects of abdominal meridian(Kyongrak) massage on menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea. Method: Eighty-five women (of 110 screened) enrolled in this study and were employed full-time with more than 6.0 points(in $0\~10.0$ VAS scale) in menstrual cramps or more than 20 points on the dysmenorrhea scale(range $13\~52$). The forty-two participants in the experimental group received abdominal meridian massage for 5 minutes per day during 6 days from the fifth day before menstruation to the first day of menstruation and the forty-three participants in the control group didn't receive any treatment. Data were collected from June 1st to August 30th, 2003 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, $x^2-test$, and t-test. Result: Menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea of the experimental group were significantly lower after abdominal meridian massage than those of the control group (p<.001). Conclusion: Abdominal meridian(Kyongrak) massage was very effective for relief of menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea. Therefore, we suggest that abdominal Kyongrak massage can be a useful nursing intervention for women with menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.167-174
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• 2008

Objectives : Acupuncture points and meridians have been usually depicted as a two dimensional drawing and verbal description. Recently, imaging and three-dimensional image processing technologies have been introduced into medical fields such as anatomy and virtual operation, for the purpose of enhanced efficiency in research and education. This study attempted an image modelling of the meridian and acupoint in the upper limb region. Methods : A vector image model of an arm was produced and medical information on the meridian and acupoint of the arm region was incorporated. Results : A 3D modelling of the acupuncture meridian and acupoint in the upper limb region was produced along with a user console to control the presentation of related information and to facilitate visualization of the 3D model images. Conclusions : A 3D modelling of the acupuncture meridian and acupoint will be an efficient platform for an education and research.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.17-29
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was carried out to investigate the correlation of meridian system in oriental medicine and muscular system in western medicine. Methods : Muscles were assigned to meridians by their main functions and the acupoints on them. New mutual relationships between meridians in lower limb were studied based on the muscular function. Results : In gluteal & femoral region, iliopsoas & quadratus femoris are assigned to spleen & stomach meridians, gluteus maximus & hamstrings to urinary bladder & kidney meridians, adductor muscle groups to liver meridian, gluteus medius & minimus & iliotibial tract to gall bladder meridian. In crural region, anterior crural muscles are assigned to stomach meridian, lateral crural muscles to gall bladder meridian, suferficial posterior crural muscles to urinary bladder (& kidney) meridian, deep posterior crural muscles to liver, spleen, kidney meridians. In lower limb, urinary bladder meridian and stomach meridian lead the muscular functions and correspond to each other, while spleen meridian assists stomach meridian, and kidney meridian assists urinary bladder meridian. Conclusions : Muscles may be assigned to meridians by their functions and the acupoints on them. From the view of muscular function, Yang meridians lead Yin meridians in lower limb.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.89-105
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• 2009

Objectives : Hyun-Ga therapy, a creative method that involves meridian pathways for isometric exercise, has displayed the possibility of treating and alleviating idiopathic scoliosis in terms of theory. The researcher explored current research trends and introduced Hyun-Ga therapy in which meridian pathways theory is applied. Methods : We examined theses and books of oriental or western medicine that cover idiopathic scoliosis. By doing these, we looked into the role of Hyun-Ga therapy towards the prevention and treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, and gained the following results. Results and Conclusions : Hyun-Ga therapy, the manual technique that has introduced the concept of silence and movement into rectifying the body through isometric exercise on meridian pathways in the limbs, can be practiced more easily than other conventional manual techniques. Hyun-Ga therapy based on meridian pathways theory is highly evaluated for its clinical insight on the structural and functional roles of meridian pathways. The theory of Hyun-Ga therapy, however, needs to be supported by more objective and sufficient complementary data. For this, continuing research and analysis are required in the future.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2023

Traditional Korean medicine and traditional Korean (Hanbang) nursing are very similar disciplines in terms of philosophy, values, and identity. Traditional Korean medicine views that harmonious and balanced human body and mental state can be formed through the flow of Qi and blood using meridians and acupressure points. This view can be applied to research, practice, theory, and education in Hanbang nursing. The meridian is a pathway through which Qi and blood, the energy necessary for life activities, pass through. Acupressure points are important meridians where physical, mental, and psychological health conditions appear as a response. Pressing and stimulating acupressure points to facilitate and communicate the flow of qi and blood in the meridians can create positive effects and enable the treatment of various symptoms and syndromes of our bodies. Hanbang nursing nursing, which is also based on the use of meridians, may be used to control various symptoms and syndromes and prevent and treat diseases. Currently, Hanbang nursing are growing along with the professionalism of Hanbang nursing practice, vitalization of Hanbang nursing research, and the development of Hanbang nursing education and theory. The growth of Hanbang nursing requires active participation of nursing scholars and efforts to converge beyond the walls of medicine and nursing.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.164-171
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to study the effects of acupuncture on Young-gol and Dae-back on night fever and investigate the meridian and collateral aspects of Dong-Si acupuncture through cases of night fever due to Yin deficiency. Methods : Patients have received acupuncture on both sides(Young-gol and Dae-back) at 10 pm. The acupuncture treatment lasted for 15 minutes. Body temperature, pulse, and Numeric Rating Scale(NRS) scores for dryness of mouth were measured for the evaluation. Results : Both patients reported symptomatic reduction including night fever, pulse rate, NRS about dry mouth following the described treatments. The night fever disappeared after acupuncture treatment. The mean of pulse rate changed from 82.6 to 74.8(case 1), from 83.5 to 74.3(case 2). The mean of NRS changed from 4.2 to 1.7(case 1), from 3.3 to 2.4(case 2). Conclusions : In both cases, acupuncture was effective in relieving night fever symptoms. This can be considered from meridian and collateral aspects and the Korean medicine physiological perspective. In the future, systematic and diverse studies related to this will be needed.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.10-23
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• 2000

Four-constitutional theory proposed by Dr. Lee, Je-ma has been evolve for last 100years by his followers. One of the major progresses was the emergence of constitutional acupuncture proposed by Dr. Kwan Doh-won. Constitutional acupuncture included the new pulse diagnostic method to determine the body type, pulse diagrams and corresponding acupuncture method called five element acupuncture in which five-element points in 12 meridian channels are used. Dr. Sa-ahm proposed five-element acupuncture three and a half hundred years age. Conjunction of Dr Lee's theory to Dr. Kwan proposed eight constitutions with eight pulse diagrams. He also adopted eight acupuncture prescriptions out of twenty-four Sa-ahm's acupuncture prescriptions. The author, Dr. Yom Tae-hwa, proposed more inclusive theory of 24 constitutions with 24 diagnostic pulse diagrams in Las Vegas International Acupuncture Convention in 1986. This article reviews history of constitutional medicine briefly. Each step of theoretical evolution from four-constitutional theory to twenty-four-constitutional theory is explained. By understanding the theoretical connection between twelve meridian channels based on five-element theory and four-constitutional theory in the article, one will easily accept the emergence of twelve of twenty four constitutional theory. Next, the article is focused on four subcategories under Sao-Yin constitution, which are one-sixth of 24 constitution. in this section classification, pulse diagnostic method, pulse diagram acupuncture prescriptions and herbal prescriptions are explained in detail. Then, clinical trial reports of acupuncture treatment and/or herbal formulas for such constitutions are attached for the rest part of the article. the purpose of this paper is to present the new hypothesis with the result of preliminary clinical trial hoping that additional clinical reports from other practitioners in this field triggers well-designed clinical study in future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.209-230
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• 2020

Objectives : Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs), collaborations of practitioners and academic researchers, have provided platforms for conducting research to address clinical questions generated from daily routine care. This review aimed to critically analyse articles from PBRNs that are related to complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) and to suggest future directions for a PBRN which is appropriate for Korean Medicine (KM). Methods : PubMed, PBRN registries in Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and relevant PBRN websites were searched up to November 2019 for research articles from PBRNs that focused on CIM regardless of study design. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. The included studies were read in full, classified and summarised according to their topics. Results : A total of 51 articles published from 1998 through 2020 were included in this review. They were categorised into three principal themes based on research questions and findings: health services research (embracing researches examining characteristics of patients and CIM practitioners/practices, and communication between patients and practitioners); effectiveness and safety of CIM practices/interventions; and feasibility studies of instruments and interventions in PBRN settings. The study designs varied including surveys (n=30), prospective observational studies (n=6), 2ndary analyses of existing studies (n=7), protocols (n=7), retrospective chart review (n=1) and qualitative study (n=1). Quality of the included studies greatly varied. Conclusions : PBRNs can serve as a feasible platform for conducting practice-relevant research on KM and CIM. Considering growing demands on evidence-base for routine practice of KM amid various stakeholders, a PBRN in KM community and further researches nested within PBRN designs are warranted.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2008

1. Objectives This article is about how we can make use of acupuncture and apply meridians in sasang constitutional medicine. 2. Methods We made several studies of acupuncture in sasang constitutional medicine and explored the development course of meridian. 3. Result and Conclusion 1) Meridians were set up by our understanding of human bodies. 2) We cannot make a use of acupuncture and meridians exactly if we don't confirm a usage of 12 meridians. 3) We need many tries of using meridians in other way. Meridians can be used not only treatment but also diagnosis in sasang constitutional medicine.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.130-138
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• 2001

It is thought that Kim Hong-kyeong followed the existing theory of Meridian(經絡) and supplemented his unique perspectives in interpreting it. And he tried to relate Meridian with hygiene of mind. I took up with the research on the assumption that the review of Kim's method can present new perspectives to the study of relationship between Meridian and hygiene of mind. The results of my study are as follows: 1. Kim followed common theory of Meridian and then added his unique perspectives to it. His method of interpretation has one characteristic. By introducing Idealism(唯心論), he understood 'Meridian' as the path of the mind and the emotion. Especially I think his hypothesis that acupuncture can be widely used in mental diseases as well as body related diseases and its applications to treatment are very valuable. 2. Meridian and hygiene of mind are close together. I think Kim's unique trial is something new in studying relationship between Meridian and hygiene of mind but requires more research on it.