• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.129-140
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• 2021

Psychotherapy in Korean Medicine is characterized not only by management of mental issues, but also a holistic perspective of the mind and body, which includes physical treatment. In this case report, we describe the efficacy of Korean psychotherapy for couples with physical symptoms of heartache, emotional tension and marital relationships by addressing the challenges at the Mind and Body levels. For the physical treatment of the couple, the wife was treated with a Bunshimgi-Eum and the husband was administered a Cheonwangbosimdan, combined with a psychiatric interview based on Korean Medicine. It involves listening to the couple's story, YiJungBeongi therapy, understanding and learning about vases and defense mechanisms, self-understanding and understanding of the husband through self-understanding and expansion, and husband's understanding of the wife's position, self-interpretation and acceptance. Based on counseling, the couple's personal characteristics and expansion for self-growth, the progress and results of the couple's challenges and relationship improvement in a relatively short period of time are presented. In response, we hope that the evidence based on Korean Psychotherapy supporting the counseling for couples will continue to accumulate. We would like to report and share a few opinions.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.83-94
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• 2023

Objectives: To investigate the correlation of anxiety or depression mood with physical stress of 59 participants (29 who complained of chronic headache and 30 who did not complain of headache) using a questionnaire on chronic headache symptoms, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Methods: In this study, medical records of 59 participants (29 who complained of chronic headache and 30 who did not complain of headache) who completed the BAI, BDI, HRV, and Questionnaire for chronic headache symptoms were evaluated. All data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 26.0). Descriptive Analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi square test (Fisher's exact test), and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. Results: 1. The chronic headache group had significantly lower SDNN, RMSSD, TP, LF, and HF values on HRV than the general control group. 2. As BAI and BDI scores of the chronic headache group increased, the overall HRV value tended to decrease, indicating a deep association. 3. There was a negative association between BDI and HRV values in the chronic headache group, although such association was not statistically significant. Conclusions: BDI can be negatively correlated with HRV (SDNN, RMSSD, TP, LF, HF) in chronic headache patients.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.219-234
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• 2021

Objectives: The objective of this study was to review and analyze domestic research trends of ear acupuncture and ear acupressure (EAs) in elderly population. Methods: We searched five domestic databases to collect relevant original clinical studies up to July 2, 2021. Conditions of elderly participants and results reported in included studies were analyzed. Methods of EAs used were analyzed referring to STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture. Results: A total of 17 studies including nine randomized controlled trials were analyzed. As for the target condition, sleep disorder was the most common (n=9), followed by pain condition (n=6). There were three studies on participants with specific Sasang constitution. Procedures of EAs used in nursing studies were generally similar to those of Korean medicine (KM). Conclusions: Domestic studies have reported that EAs might be helpful in improving the health of the elderly. In the future, more research studies using EAs for the elderly are needed in KM field. Collaborative research with KM nurses is recommended. EAs should be further investigated as a promising KM intervention in terms of health and welfare for the elderly.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.289-297
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• 2003

In this paper, we propose accurate classification method of an EEG signals during a mental tasks. In the experimental task, subjects achieved through the process of responding to visual stimulus, understanding the given problem, controlling hand motions, and select a key. To recognize the subjects' selection time, we analyzed with 4 types feature from the filtered brain waves at frequency bands of $\alpha$, $\beta$, $\theta$, $\gamma$ waves. From the analysed features, we construct specific rules for each subject meta rules including common factors in all subjects. In this system, the architecture of the neural network is a three layered feedforward networks with one hidden layer which implements the error back propagation learning algorithm. Applying the algorithms to 4 subjects show 87% classification success rates. In this paper, the proposed detection method can be a basic technology for brain-computer-interface by combining with discrimination methods.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1-14
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• 2003

Objectives : In order to make a new psychotherapeutic model in the theory of oriental medicine by means of psychoanalysis method. Methods : The research was done by comparing the contents of the Tong-Ui Po-Kam, techniques of Yang Saeng(養生術), with the psychoanalysis Results : 1. There's no difference in the mind state which a doctor has to have between the oriental doctor and the occidental doctor. You should make effort not to project yourself on a patient. A conception of 'doctor' in oriental medicine is one who trains one's mind rather than just healer. 2. Heart(心) in oriental medical conception is revealed by circulation structure of Jeong(精), Gi(氣), and Sin(神). A healthy mind comes from harmony and smooth transport of Jeong(精), Gi(氣), and Sin(神). 3. The conception similar to unconsciousness doesn't exist in oriental medicine, but the contents about the attitudes or the methods of training one's mind correspond to unconsciousness. 4. The psychotherapy of oriental medicine emphasized mutual dynamics between emotions at present, and presented a way of treatment by describing emotions from standpoint of 'Gi(氣)' 5. The special feature of psychological treatment in oriental medicine is that treatment is done by understanding emotions of present time as Gi(氣), and using dynamics of Gi(氣)(; 相生相剋). Also the balanced state can be kept even after treatment and prevention can be done by observing one‘s own unconsciousness(; training one's mind helps circulation of Jeong(精), Gi(氣), and Sin(神)) I think that we need a new realistic therapy model to develop these psychotherapy methods in oriental neuropsychiatry, through studying emotions in the theory of oriental medicine, especially Korean's emotions and spiritual training.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.221-235
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to confirm the anti-amnesic effects of Bunsimgieum (BSGE) through its favorable acetylcholine (ACh) and, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA expressions, and antioxidant effect on scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory impairment in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: Six groups, a total of 20 intact or 100 Sco-induced mice were used in this study, based on their body weight. Half of each group underwent passive avoidance tests and the measurement of hippocampus AChE activity, ACh content, and ChAT mRNA expression, The remaining half of each group underwent a Morris water-maze test and antioxidant defense system measurement as well. Results: Significant reductions in the step-through latency times from the passive avoidance test and reductions in the escape latency times from the Morris water-maze test were observed with increases of hippocampal AChE activities and, reductions in ACh contents and ChAT mRNA expression in hippocampus, as a result of Sco intraperitoneal treatment, in this study. Additionally, the increases in cerebral cortical MDA levels and, reductions in GSH contents, SOD activities, and CAT activities were demonstrated in the Sco control mice compared with the intact vehicle control mice, respectively. However, 28 days of consecutive oral pre-treatment of BSGE hot water extracts of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, markedly and dose-dependently inhibited Sco treatment-related amnesia. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the oral administration of BSGE hot water extracts reduces Sco-induced memory impairment, through preserving ACh, related to ChAT mRNA expressions, causes AChE inhibition, and enhances the cerebral antioxidant defense system.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.181-212
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• 2023

Objectives: To examine the efficacy and safety of cupping therapy for insomnia disorder and provide clinical evidence that could contribute to further research. Methods: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that verified effects of cupping therapy for insomnia disorder from 11 domestic and foreign databases. Included studies were evaluated using Risk of Bias (RoB). Results: Nineteen RCTs were selected. Wet cupping was more frequently used than dry cupping. Moving cupping was mostly used among dry cupping methods. Dry cupping was mainly performed in Bladder Meridian on the back. Wet cupping was mainly performed on BL18, LR14, and BL15. The most common treatment period was 4 weeks. The average number of treatments per week was about 2.4 times for all types of cupping, about 3.2 times for dry cupping and about 1.9 times for wet cupping. All selected studies showed a significant sleep improvement compared to the control group. As a result of the meta-analysis, in terms of effective rate, SAS score, and SDS score, the wet cupping in combination with acupuncture was significantly more effective than acupuncture alone, although the quality of selected RCTs was low. Conclusions: Cupping therapy is effective for insomnia disorder. Based on results of this study, it is reasonable to use wet cupping two times per week on BL18, LR14, and BL15 or use moving cupping three times per week in Bladder Meridian on the back for 4 weeks to treat insomnia disorder.

• Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.26-35
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• 2021

Objectives: Social function deficit is known as a core feature of schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate differences in empathic tendencies and theory of mind (ToM) skills between healthy controls and young individuals with schizophrenia, and to examine the associations between empathic tendencies, ToM skills and schizotypy, and executive function in schizophrenia. Methods: Thirty patients with schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls were enrolled and assessed using the interpersonal relationship index (IRI; perspective taking, fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress subscales), ToM-Picture Story Task (ToM-PST; sequence and cognitive questionnaire), Wisconsin schizotypy scale (revised physical anhedonia and perceptual aberration), and Stroop tests for empathic tendencies, ToM skills, schizotypy, and executive function. Results: In individuals with schizophrenia, the IRI for perspective taking and ToM-PST score for cognitive function were lower, and the IRI for personal distress was higher than those in healthy controls. The IRIs for perspective taking and fantasy were related to revised physical anhedonia, and that for empathic concern was associated with revised physical anhedonia and perceptual aberration. The ToM-PST score for sequence was associated with the Stroop test score for schizophrenia. Conclusion: These findings indicate deficits in empathic tendencies and ToM skills, which may be independently and primarily associated with schizotypy and executive function in young individuals with schizophrenia.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.71-82
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• 2023

Objectives: The existing reductionist approach has not reached complete understanding of the cause of schizophrenia. The objective of this study was to investigate yin-yang and five-element characteristics reflected on four time pillars of birth of patients with schizophrenia through comparison with the general population in the perspective of consilience-based holistic approach. Methods: This study was conducted using a random sequential recruitment method for the general population and individuals with schizophrenia aged 18 to 64 based on the exact date and time of birth using structured questionnaires. Relative positional relations of yin-yang and five-element with day master were primarily examined. In addition, the strength of day master with a score range of 0~100 points was assessed through operational score allocation. Results: Of 591 participants, 576 (346: general population, 230: individuals with schizophrenia) were analyzed. Between-group analyses showed no significant difference in the distribution of types of day master (χ²=10.41, df=9, p=0.318). However, significant between-group differences were shown in the distribution of the strength of day master (t=2.14, p=0.032) and frequency of restraining month branch (χ²=5.23, df=1, p=0.022). In logistic regression analysis, 10-point increase on the strength of day master decreased the probability of onset of schizophrenia over the age of 30 by 29.6% (p=0.002; 95% confidence interval, 0.566~0.876). Conclusions: Findings in this study suggest that four time pillars of birth might be associated with schizophrenia through yin-yang and five-element theory and synchronicity principle, implicating the plausibility of consilience-based holistic approach in the determination of risk factors or cause of schizophrenia.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the emotional characteristics of the Sasang constitution with the Core Seven Emotions Inventory (CSEI) and Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Methods: A total of 224 participants were assessed with a Sasang Constitutional Analysis Tool (SCAT) for Sasang Constitution Diagnosis, and completed the Core Seven Emotions Inventory (CSEI) and Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Results: 1. From the results of the CSEI, Soeumin showed a significantly higher fear (恐) score than the Soyangin. 2. From the results of the TCI, Soeumin showed a significantly higher harm avoidance (HA) score than Taeeumin and Soyangin. Moreover, the Soyangin showed a significantly higher reward dependence (RD) score than Taeeumin and Soeumin. 3. In the correlation tests of the CSEI sub-scales, there was negative correlation between joy (喜) and other emotions, which are thoughts (思), depression (憂), sorrow (悲) and fear (恐). There were positive correlations between the emotions except joy (喜). 4. In the correlation tests of the TCI sub-scales, there was negative correlation between HA and persistence (P), and HA and SD. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between RD and cooperativeness (C) and between P and self-directedness (SD). 5. In the correlation tests of the TCI and CSEI, joy (喜) showed a negative correlation with HA and a positive correlation with P and with SD. Anger (怒) showed a negative correlation with C and other emotions except joy (喜) showed a negative correlation with RD. Conclusions: The differences of psychological characteristics in Sasang Constitution were shown with CSEI and TCI from this study.