• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.73-85
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• 2015

This paper is the result of a research conducted for "Knowledge Resource Development by Excavation and preservation and DB Establishment of Traditional Home Remedy", a part of Korean Medicine knowledge infrastructure establishment and Korean Medicine therapy development project executed by Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. This paper is a part of the plans to standardize Korean acupuncture and moxibustion and surgical techniques in order to make new techniques derived from Korean traditional medicine patentable, as presented in the Nagoya Protocol. By first reviewing traditional text sources and classifying them into index literature and index techniques, we can see a mutual relationship between these two categories. Based on current research papers, this study has established a total of 121 pieces of index literature as well as extracted 64 types of index techniques in acupuncture and surgery technique. Both index literature and index technique have been concurrently visualized in this paper in the "Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Technique and Surgical Manipulation Base Map".

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.49-60
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• 2014

Objectives The purpose of this study is to research current trends of acupuncture treatment of lumbar herniated intervertebral disc using the PubMed database. Methods We set up the search strategy and investigated clinical trials on acupuncture treatment of lumbar herniated intervertebral disc through PubMed search. This study analyzed previous researched papers published from January 1st, 2000 to April 30th, 2014, and classified them by publication year, journal names, types of literature, treatment methods and evaluation scales. To assess the quality of the reviewed literature, randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were assessed by Cochrane's risk of bias (ROB) tool and non-RCT studies were assessed by risk of bias for non-randomized studies (RoBANS). Results We found 35 studies on the acupuncture treatment of lumbar herniated intervertebral disc. Papers on this topic have been published, on average, three to four times annually in 9 journals since the mid-2000's. The journal with the largest number of publications was Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, and most of articles were classified as RCT. Acupuncture treatment was performed individually or together with other treatments. The most frequently used pain evaluation index was visual analogue scale (VAS). The index of effective rate was used frequently but there was a lack of objectivity. In regards to the quality of the studies, outcome assessment in RCT showed that random sequence generation, allocation concealment, and the blinding of participants and personnel increase potential of risk of bias. For non-RCT assessment, outcome showed that confounding variable, measurement of intervention were at high risk of bias. Conclusions In order to obtain objective clinical evidence of acupuncture treatment of lumbar herniated intervertebral disc, further clinical studies should be designed to minimize the risk of bias, using STRICTA with larger sample sizes.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.71-82
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to overview and evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Relevant randomized controlled studies (RCTs) were identified by database searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL, up to Dec 2013, and by additional hand searches. Data were extracted regarding anovulation, hyperandrogenism, obesity indices. Meta-analyses were separatedly conducted for the symptoms of PCOS. The risk of bias was assessed. Results: Three studies which were included for analysis, but they showed severly heterogeneity therefore meta-analysis could not be performed. Outcomes for evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for PCOS were anovulation index (menstrual frequency), hyperandrogenism index (free testosterone) and obesity index (body-mass index). For menstrual frequency, acupuncture treatment consistently suggested an interventional benefit. Although other outcomes did not suggest any enough relevant evidence to interventional benefit for acupuncture treatment. Conclusions: Acupuncture treatment appeared to improve menstrual frequency in PCOS patients. Since a limited number of RCTs were available in the current literature and those studies were also clinically heterogeneous, further research is needed to gather evidence to support acupuncture therapy in PCOS.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.123-135
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• 2007

Objectives : A number of instruments have been developed to measure the quality of life in patients with various shoulder disorders. Much progress has been made in this area, and currently an appropriate instrument exists for each shoulder state. The purpose of this study is to review the instruments that are currently in use for assessing the shoulder joint. Methods : A literature research was performed to choose appropriate scales for assessment of function and the disability of the shoulder. Theoretically based scales were selected for review. Therefore, 11 scales were reviewed. The status of scales involved in shoulder treatment of acupuncture throughout several countries was evaluated. Results : 11 scales: The American shoulder and elbow surgeons evaluation form(ASES), Constant Shoulder Score, The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand(DASH), Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ), The Shoulder Pain And Disability index(SPADI), The simple shoulder test(SST), Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire(OSQ), The Rotator Cuff quality-of-life Measure(RC-QoL), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index(WOSI), Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index(WOOS), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index(WORC), wereevaluated. Each measurement has its own composition and characteristics. Their validity, reliability, responsiveness and practical characteristics were already evaluated. We found 3 domestic and 10 overseas papers about shoulder treatments using acupuncture assessed with shoulder scales. Conclusions : In clinical research, the selection of the measurement scale should take account of the condition of disease, the patient's traits and the characteristics of the research. Moreover, appropriate scales, which havevalidity, reliability, responsiveness and practical characteristics, are needed to enhance the quality of research.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.234-239
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report that acupuncture of Damjeonggyeok(tonifying GB in Sa-Am acupucture) can be effective on chronic insomnia. Methods : The patients were treated with Sa-Am acupucture(Damjeonggyeok) added with HT8 and KI6, once a week. Treatments were performed for 20 minutes. The effectiveness was evaluated using total sleep hours and subjective sleep quality based on the Insomnia Severity Index. Result and Conclusions : In all patients, the sleep quality evaluated with the Insomnia Severity Index has shown amelioration and sleeping time was increased. Also, they quit the insomnia pills. Acupuncture at Damjeonggyeok added with HT8 and KI6 seems to be able to one of useful therapies for the sleep disorder in chronic insomnia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.145-155
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• 2023

Objectives : The aim of this study is to review the effect of acupuncture/moxibustion on vitiligo. Methods : Using 5 databases(Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, RISS, OASIS) clinical studies about effect of acupuncture/moxibustion on vitiligo were searched. Only randomized controlled trials(RCTs) were selected to analyze. Results : Total 235 studies were searched. After screening those studies 5 studies were selected from china and Iran. 3 studies used effective rate to measure the effect of acupuncture for vitiligo. 1 study used Vitiligo Area Scoring Index(VASI) and 1 study assessed 4 grade of repigmentation to prove acupuncture's effect on vitiligo. All studies showed repigmentation in acupuncture/moxibustion group. Adverse effects reported in the five studies were temporary erythema, itching, and dryness. Conclusions : These findings suggest that acupuncture and moxibustion can be considered a safe treatment for vitiligo. However, due to the small number of RCTs conducted on acupuncture and moxibustion for vitiligo, more RCTs should be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for vitiligo.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.319-328
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• 2023

Facial nerve palsy refers to sudden, unilateral lower motor neuron facial paralysis. This study aimed to determine the importance of neck treatment in the treatment of facial paralysis. A literature search was performed on six online databases and other sources until January 15, 2023. A total of 426 papers were retrieved. After excluding duplicated and inconsistent papers, papers not including cervical treatment, and experimental papers on animals, two papers were finally selected. The type of treatment method, therapeutic effects, assessment of the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials, and non-randomized controlled trials and side effects were evaluated. Chiropractic, manual therapy, facial meridian massage, and acupotomy were applied to the face and cervical spine region. The results showed that each treatment had a significant therapeutic effect through evaluation index measurement methods, such as the visual analog scale and Yanagihara's unweighted regional grading system. This study demonstrated the importance of the cervical spine area in the treatment of facial paralysis. However, this study has many limitations. Thus, high-quality randomized controlled comparative studies on the treatment of the cervical spine area only or studies that include cervical spine area treatment as an interventional treatment while performing oriental or comprehensive treatment are needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.175-182
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• 2021

To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) a literature review was conducted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where acupuncture was used as an intervention for patients diagnosed with SIS. Relevant clinical studies (N = 181) were retrieved from several databases based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the interventions and results were analyzed. Six RCTs were selected to review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In all 6 studies, the acupuncture treatment group showed significant positive changes in indicators evaluating pain, disability, and quality of life. A significant decrease in the evaluation indicators (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, numeric rating scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Constant Murley Shoulder Assessment Score, patient's global assessment, and doctor's global assessment) and a significant increase in the questionnaire scores (UCLA, AL-score, EuroQol 5 Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand) were observed. In addition, 1 study showed similar improvements in pain and quality of life measures in the acupuncture group and corticosteroid injection group. No major side effects were reported. Acupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment for SIS however, further RCTs are required.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.123-142
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• 2010

Objectives : The knee pain is the main reason of getting acupuncture treatment. In order to have confidence in the results of a study, it is necessary to establish that questionnaire is both valid and reliable in questionnaire related study. The aim of this study was to review the instruments that are currently in sue for assessing the knee joint. Methods : A literature study was performed to choose appropriate scales for assessment for pain and the function of the knee. Theoretically based scales were selected for review. Therefore, 18 scales for knee and 9 scale for pain were reviewed. the status of scales involved in knee treatment of acupuncture throughout several countries was evaluated. Results & Conclusion : Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Cincinnati knee rating system(CKRS) are adequate for ligament injury in knee. International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system(IKDC) may become a publication requirement for journals in view of the international standing of the committee. The available outcome measure for use in osteoarthritis are Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC), Lequesne Functional Severity Index(LFI) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score(KOOS), and in rheumatoid arthritis are McMaster-Toronto Arthritis patient function preference questionnaire(MACTAR), Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale(QoL-RA Scale). Visual analog scale(VAS), verbal rating scale(VRS) are commonly used for the standard pain scale. For long term follow-up study The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36(SF-36), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales(AIMS), Health Assessment Questionnaire(HAQ) should be included. Each measurement has its own composition and characteristics. Their validity, reliability, responsiveness and practical characteristics were already evaluated. We found 20 domestic and 28 overseas papers about knee treatment using acupuncture assessed with knee scales.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.125-135
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• 2011

Objectives : This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of Ryodoraku for traditional Korean medicine practice reported in the Korean literature. Methods : A search of seven Korean databases was performed up to May 2011 using the search term 'Ryodoraku(in Korean)'. All clinical studies on diagnostic Ryodoraku characteristics were included. Results : The search yielded 59 studies, of which 5 were considered suitable for this analysis. Four were observational studies. Only one was a controlled trial. Average Ryodoraku score(RS), mean values for each measure point, physiologic limit, number of Pyesaek and Gyeokcha, and pattern classification were used as references for the analysis. Correlations were observed between average RS and idiopathic Parkinson's disease, some sub-groups of respiratory disease, chronic low back pain, and menopause. Some mean values for measure points showed particularly high or low tendencies in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, chronic low back pain, and menopause. Positive correlations were observed between the number of Pyesaek and H-Y stage in idiopathic Parkinson's disease and F2(肝) and the modified Kupperman's index with menopausal women. The four classes, organized based on Ryodoraku pattern, showed differences in various characteristics. Conclusions : Since only five studies met the experimental conditions, this evaluation of the diagnostic value of Ryodoraku in various situations is limited. Future studies should be conducted using various physiologic and pathologic situations.