• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.431-440
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• 2012

Objectives : Recently, network science is very popular topic in various scientific fields and many studies have reported that it gives meaningful results on studying characteristics of a complex system. In this study, based on network theory, we made acupoints network using data of combined acupoints which appeared at "Beijiqianjinyaofang". We focused to find out the distinctive roles of remote and local combinations on the network. Furthermore, we aimed to identify the possibility of numerical and quantitative application to acupuncture researches. Methods : Based on examples of combined acupoints in "Beijiqianjinyaofang", the network consisted of 291 nodes and 2,431 links. The spatial distances between combined acupoints were calculated by the human dummy model. We removed the links step by step for the three cases - remote, local, and random cases, and observed the characteristic changes by calculating path lengths, similarity indices, and clustering coefficients. Also cluster analysis was carried out. Results : The network had a small number of remote links, and a large number of local links. These two links had the distinct characteristics. Whereas the local links formed a cluster of nearby nodes, remote links played a role to increase the correlation between the clusters. Conclusions : These results suggest that acupoints network increases the connectivity between the distal part and the trunk of human body, and enables various combinations of the acupoints. This finding conclusively showed that mechanism of combined acupoints could be interpreted meaningfully by applying network theory in acupuncture researches.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.17-35
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• 2007

Objectives : To consider same or not the positions of acupoints on the meridian in the old acupuncture books. Methods: On the basis of old acu-books, We count the number of acupoints that are on pulse. Thru the three books-"Yijongkumkam(醫宗金鑑)","Chimkuhak 1st(鍼灸學-上)", Kyunghyulhakchongseo(經穴學叢書)"-We Compared the way of positioning of acupoints, also did on the location of acupoints, vein, vascular system, around the acupoints, based on the anatomical structures(esp. artery) Results : On the basis of old acu-books, the number of acupoints(only in the twelve meridian) on the pulse is 35, and the number of points not in the old books but on the pulse is 6, sum is 41 points. Comparion from Sambukuhu consultation method(三部九候診法) in "Somun(素問)", Some points, Taeyang(太陽, not in the twelve meridian), Yimun(耳門) and Koryo(Yimun and Koryo are in) are on pulse. Like Chonbu(天府) and Hyupbaek(俠白), We can feel the pulse on ulna side of biceps muscle, noton radial side. Shikdu(食竇) was described as on pulse in the "Chimkushimbopyokyul(鍼灸心法要訣)", but we could hardly feel it. Conclusions : It'll be right to add the Yimun(耳門) and Koryo to the points on pulse, of course two points are not in the twelve meridian. We must take the points Chonbu(天府) and Hyupbaek(俠白), on ulna side of biceps muscle. Shikdu(食竇) must be excepted, because we cannot feel the pulse in consultation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.47-57
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• 2016

Objectives : Six command points are individual points that have strong and broad effects on their related part of the body, but there is a controversy about which acupoints are should be included in the six command points. This research was reviewed which acupoints are suitable for the construction of the six command points. Methods : We searched acupoints mentioned six command points in literatures, then investigated the effects of the acupoints to identify that they can be included in the six command points. And we deliberated which acupoints are suitable for the six command points. Results : Acupoints mentioned the six command points are LU7, LI4, ST36, BL40, PC6, TE6, GV26, ouch point, GB34 and SP6. Among the acupoints, LU7, LI4, ST36, BL40 and PC6 was included in the six command points in all of searched literatures. And GV26, ouch point, GB34 and SP6 were excluded because GV26 and ouch point were not fit the definition of the six command points, ST36 can be an alternative to SP6 based on their effects, and GB34 has a similar but little effect compared to TE6. Conclusions : Based on the definition of six command points and the effect of the acupoints, we suggest that the six command points should be composed of LU7, LI4, ST36, BL40, PC6 and TE6.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.84-90
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• 2022

Objectives : Acupoints are divided into three categories: classical acupoints, extra-acupoints, and Ashi points. The aim of this study was to understand the meaning and features of Ashi points. Methods : We examined the original meaning of Ashi points from the classical medical texts, including the Beijiqianjinyaofang, the Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies, and the Huangdi Neijing, the Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine. Results : First, the Ashi method is to locate the points for the acupuncture and moxibustion based on the patients' reactions mainly manifested by sensations of comfort and pain, which can help identify not only Ashi points but also classical and extra-acupoints. Thus, Ashi points may or may not match to classical or extra-acupoints, and we propose that Ashi points should not be classified mutually exclusive to classical or extra-acupoints. Second, there are several similarities between Ashi points and myofascial trigger points. They are located by palpation and have no fixed anatomical positions. Patients experience painful but pleasant feeling when Ashi and myofascial trigger points are pressed, and stimulation of these points have treatment effects. Conclusions : We suggest that Ashi method be used to identify the acupoints based on how patients react when these points are pressed. Ashi points may or may not correspond to classical or extra-acupoints, and share traits with myofascial trigger points.

• Journal of Convergence Korean Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 2022

Objectives: Primary dysmenorrhea is a representative disease that causes intestinal pain, and it has long been known that acupuncture treatment is effective. In this study, a network analysis was conducted using acupuncture points reported in the existing systematic literature review, and the combination of acupuncture points used to treat primary dysmenorrhea was analyzed. Methods: Among of a total of 60 papers, excluding those that used ear acupuncture, the analysis results indicated that combinations of BL23, BL40, BL25, BL60, BL30, Ashi-points, BL26, GB34, and GV3 were used in combination. Results: Through this, it can be seen that previous studies to reveal the effectiveness of acupuncture on back pain mainly used the acupoints of the bladder meridian (BL), local acupoints group, and distal acupoints group. Conclusion: In order to reveal the correlation between acupoints and therapeutic effects through future studies and to provide guidelines on the principles of selecting and combining acupoints, it is necessary to employ a quantitative analysis method for therapeutic effects and to provide detailed reports on acupoints.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.204-206
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• 2002

The effects of electroacupuncture on small intestinal motility in dogs were investigated. The acupoints used in the experiment were Shao Ze (SI-1), Hou Xi. (SI-3), Yang Lao (SI-6), Zhi Zheng (SI-7) and Xiao Hai (SI-8) which belong to small intestine meridian, Xiao Chang Shu (BL-27) which belongs to urinary bladder meridian, and Guan Yuan (CV-4) which belongs to conception vessel meridian. The anupoints were stimulated with 2-4 volt and 5 Hz for 20 minutes Electroacupuncture at Shao Ze, Yang Lao, and Xiao Hai acupoints increased the intestinal motility, but at Guan Yuan decreased the motility. The acupuncture at Hou Xi, Zhi Zheng and Xiao Chang Shu acupoints showed an increase or decrease of the intestinal movement. The results indicate that the electroacupuncture at Guan Yuan acupoint may depress intestinal motility in cases such as vomiting or diarrhea, and the acupuncture at Shao Ze, Yang Lao, and Xiao Hai acupoints to promote the motility in cases of digestive disturbance may be effective in veterinary practice.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.176-181
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• 2018

Background: Low electrical impedance at acupoints is a familiar concept, and it has also been found that this increases with poor organ function. Kovich hypothesizes that organ states are communicated to their related acupoints in real time, and this experiment set out to test this. Methods: The electrical impedance at 4 digestion-related acupuncture points (acupoints) was recorded over a 14-hour period and a food diary was recorded. The readings were taken in 23 sessions, between which the participant continued his usual daily routine. Results: The impedance at all the monitored acupoints varied considerably throughout the day, and the peaks were aligned with periods of high stomach activity. Conclusion: Variations in stomach function produced corresponding variations in the impedance at key stomach-related acupoints. However, the experiment was limited in that samples were only taken at around 30-minute intervals, and further investigations are needed to explore this phenomenon in more detail.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.88-91
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• 2019

Background: The intelligent tissue hypothesis on how acupuncture works, states that real-time organ states are reflected in the tissue at an organ's related acupuncture points (acupoints). Any such changes in the tissue would produce corresponding changes in the impedance at those locations. Methods: To test this hypothesis in relation to the lungs, the impedance at key lung-related acupoints was monitored in real time while the patient breathed normally, then breathed deeply, then quickly, then held his breath. Results: When breathing deeply this produced a notable decrease in the impedance at 1 acupoint, while breathing quickly produced a decrease at another acupoint, suggesting that these different functions taxed different aspects of the lungs, which was then reflected at different acupoints. The impedance at all the acupoints also contained low-amplitude waves that reflected the base rate of the respiration pacesetter, and the amplitude of these waves also varied to reflect different real-time states in the lungs. Conclusion: These real-time impedance patterns suggested that corresponding physical patterns were present in the tissue at these acupoints, and these physical patterns mirrored the real-time variations in function strength of the related organ (the lungs). These results were consistent with the hypothesis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.90-97
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• 2014

Objective : The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of smoking on the skin bioelectrical capacitance at specific acupoints of lung meridian. Methods : Bioelectrical capacitance was measured on bilateral six source points(bilateral LU10, LU9, LU7, LU6, LU5, LU1), and the changes with time and between left and right side were analyzed. Results : The skin bioelectrical capacitance at specific acupoints of lung meridian was significantly increased after smoking. And it recovered as time passed. The change of the skin bioelectrical capacitances at specific acupoints of lung meridian with time were similar between left and right. Conclusion : Smoking increases the bioelectrical capacitance at specific acupoints of lung meridian. There is no difference between the effects of smoking on the bioelectrical capacitance at left and right specific acupoints of lung meridian.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.698-704
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to figure out which acupoints are selected to treat nuchal pain and attempt to analyze the meaning of those acupoints in current clinical trials. We searched ten electronic databases and manually checked related Korean journals and references. We included randomized controlled trials(RCT), clinical controlled trials(CCT), case reports/series, and literature reviews using acupojnts to treat nuchal pain. We investigated the frequency of selected acupoints. We included 31 articles in this study. The most frequently adopted acupoints were GB20(77.41%), followed by GB21(61.29%). In distribution according to meridian system, BL was the most(25.60%), followed by Extra points of Dong-Shi(12.19%). Selected acupoints for treat nuchal pain were considered to be affected by flow of meridian system. It is necessary for more studies to provide clinical guideline of acupoint selection.