• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.401-424
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• 2022

Objectives: As effective treatments for dementia are lacking in Western medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is considered a useful option. While the quality of life (QoL) is a vital outcome for patients with dementia, the QoL of patients receiving CAM for dementia remains ambiguous. This study aimed to determine the effect of CAM on QoL outcomes in dementia patients. Methods: A search was performed using the keywords "dementia," "Alzheimer's," "cognitive impairment," "Chinese," "Korean," "oriental," "herbal," "acupuncture," and "quality of life". All quantitative data were synthesized using R version 4.1.1. Results: Twenty-five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 16 pre-post trials, and two cohort studies were selected for the systematic review. QoL in Alzheimer's disease (QOL-AD) (n=11, 25.6%) and geriatric QoL in dementia (GQOL-D, n=9, 20.9%) were the most utilized QoL instruments. Significant benefits in QoL were observed after receiving mind, body, combined mind and body, nursing, oriental medicine, and acupuncture therapies. In the meta-analysis, the combined effect was shown to significantly increase QOL-AD compared to before CAM interventions (standardized mean difference, SMD: 0.507; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.191~0.824; p<0.01). The overall synthesized estimates in the GQOL-D showed a significantly improved QoL (SMD: 0.537, 95% CI: 0.238~0.837 p<0.01; one group; SMD: 1.465, 95% CI: 0.934~1.996, p<0.01). The seven studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of CAM reported uncertain outcomes. Conclusions: This study showed that CAM interventions benefited patients with dementia by improving their QoL. While additional standardized research is required, CAMs are suggested as effective clinical management for patients with dementia. They are also suggested as complementing therapies for these patients.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.61-74
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to analyse: 1) the clinical effectiveness and safety of traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) and frequency of TKM therapies used and their relationship with conventional treatments. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 6-78 months (n=126). The children who used herbal medication for >30 days or acupuncture treatment >12 sessions within 6 months were defined as the integrated rehabilitation (IR) group; the remaining participants were included in the conventional rehabilitation (CR) group. Results: Changes in the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) were greater in the IR group (6.4±6.1) than in the CR group (4.6±5.8). The reduction in the number of other health problems was greater in the IR group than in the CR group. The GMFM-66 improvement was greatest in gross motor function classification system level 1. There was no between-group difference in the frequency of rehabilitation therapy (10.9±6.6 and 12.0±9.9 in the IR and CR groups, respectively). Conclusion: TKM may offer additional benefits in terms of the GMFM-66 score and other health problems. However, there is a need for further randomized controlled trials involving a restricted CP type and a controlled treatment type and intensity to confirm these findings.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.89-102
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• 2015

■ Objectives This study aimed to investigate the domestic research trend about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) treated with Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM). ■ Methods Searches of two major TKM databases were conducted for articles published up to July 2015. Searching keyword was "Lou Gehrig's disease" OR "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis". Studies dealt TKM for ALS were included. ■ Results 18 studies were met our inclusion criteria(two prospective studies, one retrospective study, one follow-up study, 14 case reports). Complex TKM intervention of herbal medication, acupuncture and pharmacopuncture was the most frequently used treatment. Individually, herbal medication was the most frequent followed by acupuncture. Short-term assessment showed improvement in ALS symptoms but long-term assessment showed progression of disease. Accessory symptoms including depression, anxiety and insomnia were improved in four studies. ■ Conclusion For more definite evidence, larger studies with long-term follow-up period are needed. Moreover, benefits that TKM can provide for ALS patients as a part of multi-disciplinary approach should be studied in depth.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.279-289
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• 2024

Objectives: To report effects of M&L psychotherapy combined with Korean medical treatments on a patient with chronic low back pain. Methods: We treated a patient with chronic low back pain using M&L psychotherapy alongside a combination of Korean medical treatments, which included acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine. The patient was diagnosed based on the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for chronic primary pain. To evaluate the patient's progress, we used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: After three weeks of inpatient treatment and two months of outpatient treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in both pain and psychological symptoms. The NRS score decreased from 7 to 2. The BDI score decreased from 54 to 11 and the BAI score decreased from 33 to 9. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that M&L psychotherapy combined with Korean medical treatments can significantly reduce chronic low back pain and improve psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The patient's notable improvements in NRS, BDI, and BAI scores suggest that an integrated treatment approach addressing both physical and mental health aspects is effective for managing chronic pain. These findings support potential benefits of holistic and multidisciplinary strategies for treating patients with chronic pain.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.51-60
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• 2018

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the opinions of Korean medical doctors on how to elucidate possible remedial measures for expanding the health insurance benefits coverage item of Korean medicine (KM). Methods: An online survey was conducted to all members who had registered e-mail address in the association of Korean medicine from 1 to 17 November, 2016. Statistical analysis was performed and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were calculated by each subgroup. Results: A total of 743 members answered the questions and the response rate was 4.1%. The priorities for expanding health insurance benefits were as follows: thermographic imaging, Sasang constitution typing test, and pulse wave among examinations; pharamacopuncture, embedding acupuncture, and acupotomy among procedures; Chuna manual therapy, manual therapy for meridian muscle, and Daoyin exercise therapy among manual therapies; low-frequency electrical therapy, traction, paraffin bath, and light therapy among physical therapies; and aromatherapy, enema therapy, and color therapy among activities of KM. Conclusions: It should be covered by the national health insurance (NHI) of KM that thermographic imaging, pharmacoacupuncture, Chuna manual therapy, low-frequency electrical therapy, aromatherapy as a top priority. We also suggest that basic medical tests, such as blood, urine, or imaging, should be included in the coverage of the NHI of KM. It is necessary to review the expertise and public opinions about the plans and priorities for the conversion of the desired medical services to be covered by the NHI.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.315-331
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• 2024

Objectives: To report the effectiveness of a comprehensive Korean medical approach, incorporating acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chuna therapy, and traditional Korean psychotherapy, in the management of a patient with cerebellar ataxia and major depressive disorder. Methods: A 45-year-old female patient diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia and major depressive disorder received a comprehensive Korean medicine treatment, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, Chuna therapy, and traditional Korean psychotherapy such as Giungoroen therapy, IiGyeungByunQi therapy, M&L therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). The efficacy was assessed through both subjective symptom reports and a range of psychological assessment tools, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), Korean Symptom Checklist-95 (KSCL-95), Korean Beck Depression Inventory-II (K-BDI-II), Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory XYZ form (STAI-XYZ), Korean version of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-K), Padua Inventory-Washington State University Revision (PI-WSUR), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and the Korean Version of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI-K). Results: Throughout treatment, the patient experienced marked improvements in physical symptoms, notably dizziness, and gait instability. Psychological evaluations demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The overall quality of life was enhanced, with sustained benefits observed during follow-up assessments. Conclusions: This case suggests that a comprehensive Korean medicine approach that integrates acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chuna therapy, and traditional Korean psychotherapy may be effective in alleviating both physical and psychological symptoms associated with cerebellar ataxia and major depressive disorder.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.143-147
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• 2007

Objective To derive further studies evaluating the effectiveness of Cultured Wild Ginseng Pharmacopuncture (CWGP) Therapy on squamous cell carcinoma as a first line. Methods Three cycles (4 weeks/cycle) of CWGP were administered as a dosage of 10 ml per day. Patient was diagnosed with stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma and refused all therapy of conventional medicine because of old age and cardiac invasion of tumor. Intensive treatment of CWGP for 3 cycles was done on the patient. Computed Topography (CT) was performed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Results After the intravenous infusion of 2 cycles of CWGP, chest CT revealed the mass size and pleural invasion sustained stable disease. After the point injection of 1 cycle of CWGP, chest CT revealed progressive disease. The disease free survival rate was 1 month. Conclusion This case may provide us the possibility that CWGP offers potential benefits for patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma. But this is a single case study and further case-series research should be compensated.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.58-63
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• 2010

Objective: We present a case of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain with the aim of driving further study evaluating the effectiveness of Oriental medical treatment on patients with neuropathic pain. Method: We prescribed Bogijetong-tang (BJT) two times a day and performed acupuncture and moxibustion once a day over one month of hospitalization. Laboratory tests were performed twice a month during this period. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, Total Symptom Score (TSS) or Visual Analog Score (VAS) was examined at intervals of 7 days. Result: Laboratory data showed no abnormal signs compared with those of initial examination. The patient's subjective symptoms were rapidly relieved within one month. Also, the sums of TSS scores (upper limbs/lower limbs) decreased from 13.64/7.32 to 3.32/3.32 points, and VAS scores (upper limbs/lower limbs) improved from 19/10 to 6/8 points. Conclusion: This case presents a possibility that Oriental medical treatment may offer potential benefits (from an approach aimed at relieving of pain) for patients with chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.13-19
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• 2008

Objectives To investigate the therapeutic effects of intravenous cultivated wild ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) pharmacopuncture(CWGP) in treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Design Prospective case series. Setting This study was conducted at the East-West Cancer Center of Dunsan Oriental Hospital, Daejeon University. Patients Two non-small cell lung cancer patients. Intervention Two non-small cell lung cancer patients were injected CWGP(20mL/day) mixed with 0.9% normal saline(100mL) intravenously. Each patient received a total of 16 and 9 cycles, respectively. One cycle is composed of 14 days. Outcome Measures The effect of intravenous CWGP was measured by scanning with computed tomography(CT) after every 2 cycle and Positron emission tomography- computed tomography(PET/CT) after every 6 cycles. Response and progression was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST) Committee classification of complete response(CR), partial response(PR), progressive disease(PD) and stable disease(SD). Results They were treated with intravenous CWGP for 8 and 5 months respectively. time later, each tumor remains stable disease(SD). Conclusion These cases may give us a possibility that intravenous CWGP offers potential benefits for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean Medicine Treatment (KMT) on the advanced gastric carcinoma (AGC) patient. Method : One advanced gastric carcinoma patient was treated by Korean Medicine Treatment composed of pharmacopuncture, acupuncture and herbal medicine. At the same time, he received chemotherapy (S-1 and Cisplatin) and radiotherapy. The effect of KMT was measured by scanning with Computed tomography (CT) and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Response was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) Committee classification. Result : The tumor was disappeared after the treatment during 13 months (Complete Response (CR)). As treatment was performed, chemoradiation therapy induced complication was alleviated. Conclusion : This case provides us a possibility that Korean Medicine Treatment offers potential benefits for advanced gastric carcinoma patient.