• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.79-93
• /
• 2004

Objectives and methods : To study on the anti-cancer, anti-metastasis and immune response improvement effects of Herbal-acupuncture with Sinomenii acuti Lignum infusion solution(SAL-HAS), we injected Sinomenii acuti Lignum infusion solution into Joksamni$(ST_{36})$ of C57BL/6 mouse which is corresponding to human Joksamni(ST36). We observed its effect on the number of $CD25^+/CD4^+,\;CD8^+/CD3e^+,\;CD69^+/B220^+,\;NK1.1^+/CD3e^+$ cells in mouse PBMCs(peripheral blood mononuclear cells), the number of the pulmonary colony, and the effect on MST(mean survival time) and ILS(increase in MST over control) of C57BL/6 mice implanted intravenously with B16-F10 melanoma. Results and Conclusions : 1. The spleen cells proliferation of the sample groups treated with SAL-HAS extract has increased significantly compared with that of the control group. 2. The percentage of the $CD25^+/CD4^+,\;CD8^+/CD3e^+,\;CD69^+/B220^+,\;NK1.1^+/CD3e^+$ cells in C57BL/6 mouse PBMCs of the sample groups treated with SAL-HAS has increased compared with that of the control group. 3. The pulmonary colony number of the sample groups SAL-HAS has decreased significantly compared with that of the control group. 4. MST and ILS of the sample groups SAL-HAS have increased significantly compared with those of the control group.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.73-88
• /
• 2008

Objective : The aim of this research was to investigate the effect on five element constitutional acupuncture(Sa-am acupuncture) at 4 acupoints by needle manipulation to sedate Six Fu-Organ on hyperlipidemia induced by high fat diet in rats. Method : We recorded data of weight gain, food intake, food efficiency, weight of liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, AST, ALT in serum of rats fed high fat diet for 5 weeks. Spraque Dawley rats were divided into eight groups(normal; normal diet and non-acupuncture group, control; non-acupuncture group, Acu-LI; acupuncture at $SI_5{\cdot}LI_5{\cdot}BL_{66}{\cdot}LI_2$ group, Acu-ST; acupuncture at $GB_{41}{\cdot}ST_{43}{\cdot}LI_1{\cdot}ST_{45}$, Acu-SI; acupuncture at $BL_{66}{\cdot}SI_2{\cdot}ST_{36}{\cdot}SI_8$, Acu-BL; acupuncture therapy at $ST_{36}{\cdot}BL_{40}{\cdot}GB_{41}{\cdot}BL_{65}$, Acu-TE; acupuncture at $BL_{66}{\cdot}TE_2{\cdot}ST_{36}{\cdot}TE_{10}$, Acu-GB; acupuncture at $LI_1{\cdot}GB_{44}{\cdot}SI_5{\cdot}GB_{38}$. After needles inserted, it was rotated clockwise and anticlockwise 12 times on rats fed high fat diet. Results : The body weight was decreased in Acu-SI, Acu-TE, Acu-GB group, /the food intake was decreased in Acu-TE, / the food efficiency was decreased in Acu-SI, /serum triglyceride was decreased in Acu-LI, Acu-ST, Acu-BL, Acu-GB, /serum total cholesterol was decreased in Acu-LI, Acu-BL, serum ALP was decreased in Acu-LI, Acu-ST, Acu-BL, Acu-TE, Acu-GB. While the relative weight of heart was increased in Acu-LI, Acu-SI, the relative weight of kidney was increased in Acu-SI, Acu-GB. Conclusion : These results suggest that five element constitutional acupuncture(Sa-am acupuncture) may be having an therapeutic influence on hyperlipidemia induced by high fat diet. Further researches of acupuncture manipulation are needed in the future based on our study.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.47-62
• /
• 2010

Objectives: Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by colonic mucosal inflammation and chronic relapsing events represents. The purpose of this study is to evaluate effects of pharmacopuncture of anti-inflammatory herbal compound (AiC) applied to the different acupoints in the acute colitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) intracolonic injection in rats. Methods: In Male Sprague - Dawley rats, weighing 250~400g, TNBS (5 mg/kg) was infused intrarectally through a silicon rubber catheter into the anus under isoflurane anaesthesia. Acupoints of LI4 (Hapkok), ST25 (Cheonchu), ST36 (Joksamni), and BL25 (Daejangsu) were intramuscularly injected by AiC, respectively (injection volume & times: 0.2 ml / acupoint, twice times on the 2nd & 3rd day). Expressions of cFos protein in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), locus coeruleus (LC), nucleus of solitary tract (Sol), and the 6th lumbar spinal cord (L6 s.c.) were observed at 24 hr after TNBS induced colitis by immunohistochemistry. Results: The expression of c-Fos protein in the L6 s.c., Sol, LC and PAG increased 24 hr after TNBS injection into colorectum as compared to normal and 50% ethanol treated group. AiC to LI4 inhibited the expression of c-Fos protein in Sol and PAG but not L6 s.c. and LC. AiC to ST36 showed significant inhibition the c-Fos expression in L6 s.c., Sol and PAG. AiC to ST25 only showed the effects in L6 s.c. and PAG. AiC to BL25 inhibited significantly the expression of c-Fos protein all over the areas. To investigate whether or not endogenous opioids are involved, intrathecal injection of naltrexone (30ug/30ul) was applied before the 2nd pharmacopuncture treatment 24 hr after TNBS-induced colitis in rat. Naltrexone reversed the inhibition of c-Fos protein expression in the spinal cord and brainstem. Conclusions: These data show that pharmacopuncture of Aic potently inhibits signal pathways ascending hypersensitivity of colorectum after TNBS induced colitis and depends on the endogenous opioids according to acupoints.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2008

Objectives : This study was to investigate the effect of low frequency electroacupuncture according to acupoints combination on NOS positive neurons in the PAG and Hippocampus of Rat with adjuvant induced Rheumatoid arthritis. Methods : Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of FCA into base of tail. Experimental group were divided into 6 group ; Normal, Control, $ST_{36}$, $SP_9$, $ST_{36}+SP_9$, and NA. Normal group was injected with normal saline and not treated electroacupuncture. Control group was injected with FCA and not treated electroacupuncture. ST36 group was injected with FCA and treated by 2 Hz electroacupuncture at $ST_{36}$. $SP_9$ group was injected with FCA and treated by 2 Hz electroacupuncture at $SP_9$. $ST_{36}+SP_9$ group was injected with FCA and treated by 2 Hz electroacupuncture at $ST_{36}+SP_9$. NA group was injected with FCA and treated by 2 Hz electroacupuncture at non acupoint. Each groups were evaluated by the number of NOS-positive neurons in PAG and hippocampus by using an image analyzer and a microscope. Results : 1. The number of NOS-positive neurons of the NA group were significantly decreased in the CA2-3. 2. The number of NOS-positive neurons of the ST36 group were significantly decreased in the PAG and CA2-3. 3. The number of NOS-positive neurons of the SP9 group were significantly decreased in the PAG and DG 4. The number of NOS-positive neurons of the ST36+SP9 group were significantly decreased in the PAG, CA1 and DG. Conclusions : It is expected that low frequency electroacupuncture can be used a treatment of rheumatoid arthritic pain and that treatment of electroacupuncture at combined acupoints is more efficient than treatment of low frequency electroacupuncture at one acupoint.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.15-27
• /
• 2008

Objectives : The objective of the current study is to optimize an acupoint electrical property measurement system by using the procedures and strengths of the Taguchi method. Methods : Taguchi method was applied in the optimization of the acupoint electrical property measurement system, as in the following steps: (1) determine evaluation index; (2) execute the 1st gage R&R; (3) identify controllable and uncontrollable factors; (4) design Taguchi crossed array layout; (5) execute experiments according to trial conditions; (6) analyze testing results; (7) determine optimum run; (8) execute the 2nd gage R&R; (9) confirm optimum run. Results : The results showed that electrodes with larger diameter and efferent electric current, with music played, can produce the larger different electrical conductivity between the acupoints and the non-acupoints under various conditions. Taguchi process optimization improved repeatability and reproducibility of the acupoint electrical property measurement system. Conclusions : In the optimized condition, repeatability and reproducibility of the acupoint electrical property measurement system was acceptable.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.634-642
• /
• 2012

Objectives : The aim of the study is to find out whether effect of acupuncture is depending on the diameter of needle, which is a possible component of dose of acupuncture needling. Methods : To compare acupuncture effects in different diameters of needle, we measured the changes in muscle fatigue recovery using surface electromyogram(sEMG) in healthy 8 volunteers. Muscle fatigue was induced by 20 times sit-up for 1 min. Immediately after induction of muscle fatigue, acupuncture needle was inserted into ST36 or ST25 for 10 min by diameters of 0.20 mm, 0.30 mm, or 0.40 mm needles. The sEMG recording was followed by acupuncture for 30 min. As a control group, sEMG was recorded for the same period at rest after muscle fatigue induction. Results : In both of ST 36 and ST 25, stimulation with 0.4 mm diameter needle showed significant rapid recovery followed by short period of muscle fatigue increase. Stimulation with 0.2 mm diameter significantly suppressed the increase of muscle fatigue. Conclusions : These data suggest that acupuncture effect is, at least in part, dependent on diameter of needle. Therefore, diameter of needle is also considered to achieve effective outcome of acupuncture.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.166-175
• /
• 2016

Objectives : This article examines whether 'Samni', which appears 62 times in Dongui-Bogam: Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine, means Joksamni(ST36) or Susamni(LI10). Methods : After searching the sentences which include 'Samni' in Dongui-Bogam using Medical Classics Database, we checked the original reference of them to find clues to identification of Samni. As for the statements not identified by the original reference nor by Dongui-Bogam, we judged the meaning of Samni by comparing diseases of the statements with those of Joksamni or Susamni's treatment area. Acupoints used together with Samni were also taken into account. Results : Out of 52 statements, Samni in 25 statements turned out to be Joksamni after tracing the reference; 6 statements mention stomach, and 4 statements treat Samni as an acupoint of stomach meridian; in 12 statements, diseases belong to Joksamni's treatment area. Samni of the remaining 5 statements also seem to be Joksamni since the diseases of the statements are similar to those of Joksamni. It implies that Joksamni's treatment area has expanded over time. Conclusions : All Samni in Dongui-Bogam is Joksamni.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.61-67
• /
• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate the safe needling depth of Cheonchu($ST_{25}$) retrospectively by using an abdomen abdomen computed tomography(CT), and to analyze the correlation between needling depth and the characteristics of the subjects. Methods : We marked spots 50 mm away from both sides of the umbilicus in the abdomen CT and measured the vertical distance to the parietal peritoneum from the skin surface as well as waist circumference. Correlations between measured depth of Cheonchu($ST_{25}$) and variables such as age, gender and waist circumference were analyzed. Results : Average depth of the Cheonchu(n = 90) was $3.21{\pm}0.87cm$, the minimum was 1.31 cm and the maximum was 5.63 cm. A definite positive correlation was noted between needling depth and waist circumference and a significant difference was observed in needling depth according to waist circumference groups. Conclusions : Needling depth of Cheonchu($ST_{25}$) varied depending on the patient's waist circumference; safe needling depth of Cheonchu($ST_{25}$) measured by abdomen CT is 1.31~5.63 cm.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.178-183
• /
• 2008

To investigate the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment on regions remote from the application, we measured cellular, enzymatic, and transcriptional activities in various internal tissues of healthy rats. The EA was applied to the well-identified acupoint ST36 of the leg. After application, we measured the activity of natural killer cells in the spleen, gene expression in the hypothalamus, and the activities of antioxidative enzymes in the hypothalamus, liver and red blood cells. The EA treatment increased natural killer cell activity in the spleen by approximately 44%. It also induced genes related to pain, including 5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 3a (Htr3a) and Endothelin receptor type B (Ednrb) in the hypothalamus, and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in the hypothalamus, liver, and red blood cells. These findings indicate that EA mediates its effects through changes in cellular activity, gene expression, and enzymatic activity in multiple remote tissues. The sum of these alterations may explain the beneficial effects of EA.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.19-35
• /
• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to review which acupoints and meridians are selected to treat visceral pain in articles published in international journals and to investigate quality of reporting acupuncture intervention according to the STRICTA guidelines. Methods : Electrical and hand search were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library for acupuncture studies on visceral pain in human and animals. Reporting quality of intervention was evaluated using the revised STRICTA guidelines. Results : We included 51 articles (7 clinical studies and 44 animal studies) in this study. The most frequently adopted meridians and acupoints were Stomach meridian, Spleen meridian, Conception Vessel meridian, and ST36, CV4, SP6, LI4, PC6, SP9, ST25, ST37 in clinical studies. In animal studies, Stomach meridian, Conception Vessel meridian, Pericardium meridian and ST36, ST37, CV12, PC6 were most frequently used. Animal studies showed significantly lower quality of reporting compared to clinical studies. According to the analysis on the effect of year of publication of articles, announcement of STRICTA guidelines did not improve the quality of reporting for studies on visceral pain. Conclusions : These results suggest that both proximal and distal acupoints based on meridian theory were used to study the underlying mechanisms of visceral pain both in human and animal studies. Guidelines of acupuncture intervention reporting for animal study is necessary to improve the quality of evidence, and it will also allow us the integrative understanding of the mechanisms and clinical effects of acupuncture treatment in human and animal.