• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.44-51
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• 2019

Objectives : Teaching the standardized acupuncture point locations and improving the accuracy of acupoint locations through objective evaluation is a very important part of Korean medicine education. The aim of this study is to develop a dummy system for evaluation and support of teaching acupoint location in meridian and acupoints classes and to introduce the developed system. Methods : We established a protocol for the development of the system. The protocol included definition of usage purpose, definition of its essential performance, and set of scope. The system compares the amount of light at the target acupoint with the amount of light at the other sites to determine whether the target acupoint is properly specificated. Results : A prototype of the system was built according to the protocol and consists of light emitter, dummy, control/operation, input part and output part. The light emitter projects laser beam passing through the skin of the dummy. Light sensors were attached inside the acupoints of the dummy. Three types of light sensors were selected depending on the location of the acupoints. The arithmetic, input, and output parts were constructed using Arduino and Raspberry pi boards. The developed system was applied in class. Conclusions : It is thought that the dummy system for evaluation and support of teaching acupoint location can be used as a training model in order to help teach standardized acupoint locations and objective evaluation.

• 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.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2008

Objectives : Accurate location of acupoints is a prerequisite for both practice and research into acupoint specificity. Given that accurate location of acupoints is one of the most important issues in meridianology education, this study aimed at evaluating if the elastic ruler method for locating acupoints is suitable for meridianology practice class. Methods : Fifty-six students who took meridianology practice class participated in the experiment. Firstly, they were asked to locate PC6, CV12 and ST36 without any assisting tools and the distance between standard acupoint and their acupoint location was measured. Secondly, they were again asked to locate the same points this time with an elastic ruler. Then the first and second measurements were compared using a paired t-test. Results : Analysis of the results found using an elastic ruler significantly improved the difference between the student's acupoint location and the standard acupoint: there was a significant difference between 1st and 2nd measurements for PC6 (1.87${\pm}$0.29mm vs. 1.28${\pm}$0.19mm, P=0.037) and for ST36 (2.70${\pm}$0.22mm vs. 1.38${\pm}$0.15mm, P<0.0001). Conclusions : Using an elastic ruler as an assisting tool for locating acupoints in meridianology practice class should be considered for improving accuracy in acupoint location.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.77-88
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• 2022

The purpose of this review was to identify research trends in acupuncture training systems and models and to analyze acupuncture training using phantom models. Articles on acupuncture training were retrieved from domestic and foreign electronic databases (PubMed, CNKI, CiNii, NDSL, KISS, RISS and KMBase). The search included studies conducted from January 1, 2010 to October 1, 2021. Acupuncture training was analyzed by categorization into acupoint location training and needling training. Acupuncture training was most frequently studied in China, acupoint location training was the most studied in 2012, and needling training was the most studied in 2013 and 2020. Among them, a silicone model with a sensor was used for training in acupoint location, and silicone and agarose gel were frequently used for needling training. Classifications of the phantom models for needling training by topic included phantom development, phantom-based education and evaluation system, phantom-based quantitative measurement, comparison of kinematic characteristics of hand motion between experts and beginners, and phantom models for acupoint location and needling training. Further research on the development of acupuncture practice training systems to improve practical skills is needed.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-3
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• 2019

Objectives: "Exploring the origin of acupuncture medicine (針灸逢源)", a classical title of acupuncture medicine in the 19th century, has been reviewed with focus on its impact on the standardization of acupoint in the history of acupuncture medicine as an approach of yin-yang balancing medicine like the Temporomandibular joint Balancing Medicine. Methods: A narrative review of literature was performed with a focus on continuous development and revision of the knowledge system of acupuncture medicine in medical education and clinical application. Results: This title has provided a systematized knowledge on acupoint-acupuncutre including 361 acupoints, acupoint location, and acupoint-meridian association, which was adopted as a frame of core knowledge in modern acupuncture medicine. Critical review and rational reasoning on previously accepted but apparently incongruous strips of knowledge led to the accomplishment of this title. Conclusions: This title provided a revised and standard knowledge system in the field of medical education and clinical practice of acupuncture medicine, and also provided an exemplary model of unrelenting change and development of an approach based on the concept of yin-yang balance such as acupuncture medicine and the Temporomandibular joint Balancing Medicine.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.267-274
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• 2021

Objectives : Acupoints education is important in that it can determine the clinical competency of Korean Medicine Doctors (KMDs). Accordingly, we aimed to develop a practical simulator for acupoints education, acupoints training, acupoints practice, and acupoints evaluation. Methods : Korean Medicine (KM) SMART Table can be divided into hardware, server and components, and is organically linked. We develop KM SMART Table that combines the hardware of a human-sized table with a UHD display capable of multi-touch in two cases and software that can teach acupoints. We make Augmented Reality (AR) contents linked with KM SMART Table contents and develop applications that can use contents using mobile devices. By developing an AR image tracking module to react with KM SMART Table, it enables acupoint learning according to the mobile device platform and human anatomy. Results : The current system is a prototype where some 3D technology has been implemented, but the AR function will be produced later. New learning using 3D and AR will be required during acupoints education and acupoints practice. It will be used a lot in OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) practices for strengthening the competency of KMDs, and it will be of great help not only in KM education as a unique simulator of KM, but also in the practice of acupuncture and chuna for musculoskeletal diseases. Conclusions : The KM SMART Table is a technology that combines 3D and AR to learn acupoints, and to conduct acupoints OSCE practice, and we suggest that it can be usefully used for educational evaluation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.193-195
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• 2004

Objective : In March 2004, the second Informal Consultation Meeting on Development of International Standard of Acupuncture Point Locations was held in Beijing, China. Methods: Thirteen experts from WHO, Korea, China, and Japan attended the meeting, and they discussed the problems to establish an international standard of acupuncture point locations for education, research and quality of acupuncture treatment. Results and Conclusions : Based on the fundamental principles of respecting and reality, they recommended to determined the location of acupuncture points in the way of combining documentary analysis, clinical practices and factual measurements.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.184-190
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• 2022

Objectives : In our previous study, we developed the prototype of a lesson plan for meridian and acupuncture clinical skills education by applying the rapid prototyping to instructional systems design. The present study aimed to develop a teaching-learning manual, including the lesson plans, practice notes, and instructions for devices. We also aimed to present a guideline on how to use the manual in class. Methods : The manual and materials for teachers and learners were developed based on the solutions and the prototype derived from our previous study. Practical classes on meridian and acupuncture points consist of four major subjects, and the lesson plan and practice note were designed according to each topic. Results : Flipped learning, George's five-step method, peer role-play, and peer-led objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) were applied as main methodologies in the meridian and acupuncture points practical class. The teaching-learning manual, including practice notes, detailed lesson plan, OSCE checklist, and instruction manual for devices, was developed to be utilized at each stage of the learning activity. Conclusions : The application of the teaching-learning manual is expected to provide effective clinical skills education, strengthen learners' communication skills, establish professional identity, assess learners' performance, and provide immediate feedback. The educational effect of the manual for the existing class should be identified, and its feasibility should be verified by implementing it on another group. This manual could be helpful in designing classes for other subjects of Korean medicine, especially for clinical skills education.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2005

Objective : This report is written to inform of the 3rd WHO Informal Consultation on Development of International Standard Acupuncture Points Locations, held in Kyoto, Japan, on October 12-14, 2004. Results : Eight experts from China, Japan and Korea, participated in this meeting discussed the locations and the point finding methods of 92 controversial points based on the fundamental principles established through the 1st and 2nd meetings. Through the discussion in this meeting, agreements were made on most of 92 controversial points, but 8 points(LI12, ST31, PC8, PC9, TE18, LR8, GV1, GV26) still need to be researched in the next meetings. Conclusion : A reasonable and practical International Standard of Acupuncture Point Location for acupuncture education, research and practice is expected to be accomplished in the near future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to determine whether electroacupuncture(EA) is effective in reducing pain on the severe ankle sprain classified as grade 3 in rats. Methods : The severe(grade 3) ankle sprain model was induced surgically by ankle ligament injury(the anterior talofibular, the calcaneofibular and the posterior talofibular) in the Sprague-Dawley rats(180~250 g). The effects of EA on weight bearing forces(WBR) of the affected foot were examined in a rat model of ankle sprain. EA was applied to either SI6, ST37, GB34, GB39 or GB42 acupoints by trains of electrical pulses(2 Hz, 1 ms pulse width, 2 mA intensity) for 15 min. Results : Cutting of the lateral ankle ligament complex produced the severe ankle sprain symptoms as grade 3. EA of the contralateral SI6 resulted in more analgesic effect than one of ipsilateral SI6 even though there was significant effect. EA of the ipsilateral GB34 and GB39 produced potent analgesic effects on the surgical ankle sprained pain behaviors. However, there were no significant analgesic effects in the contralateral GB34 and GB39 EA groups. In addition, both side of ST37 and GB42 did not result in analgesic effect on the surgical ankle sprained rat. Conclusions : The data suggest that EA induced analgesia shows point specificity on the severe ankle sprained pain model classified as grade 3.