• Journal of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medical Informatics
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.75-103
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• 2010

Lingshu, discusses acupuncture therapy in great detail. And there are many aspects in the book devoted to acupuncture, especially acupuncture description is rather and more organized. The book establishes the theory of meridians which explains the roots of meridians in details, and points out the location of acupoints and describes the standard of how to locates acupoints, sets forth nine kinds of needles and their uses. It lays thetheoretical foundation of Korean Medicine. This article could help improve the understanding of the blood-letting therapy in "Lingshu" and also paves the way for applying the therapy to treatment of the various diseases.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.15-28
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• 2011

Objectives : To understand the strength and weakness of traditional warm needle acupuncture based on existing research outcomes in Korea mostly and to suggest how to build the desirable warm needle acupuncture apparatus by overcoming demerits of traditional and currently existing ones. Methods : We searched warm needle relating papers in Korean with the key words of '온침, 화침, 열자극' by using DBpia, Journal of Korean Oriental Medical Society, Journal of Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society and Journal of Society for Meridian and Acupoint. Degree dissertations in Korean were also searched with the same words through the search engine of Library of Kyung Hee University. We also searched with words of 'warm, thermal, heat, needle, acupuncture, temperature' via Pubmed and found a small number of English written papers and large number of Chinese written ones. To find english translated version of those papers, we googled with the same words with no success. Results : About 20 papers on warm needle acupuncture written in Korean were found and analyzed with respect to experimental factors that affected the thermal properties or the amount of heat stimulus of the acupuncture. More rigorous descriptions seemed to be required on the insertion depth, duration and manipulation of warm needle treatment. A basic heat transfer model was presented for the clarification of heat loss through the needle of warm needle acupuncture. Environmental factors such as air flow on the properties seems to be considered for the warm needle acupuncture. Conclusions : Papers on warm needle acupuncture were reviewed and analyzed based on their thermal properties and tools such as needles and moxa cones. Several suggestions were made on the descriptions relating the properties. Necessary specifications were introduced to aim modernized warm needle systems.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.37-46
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• 2017

Objectives : The acupuncture about acupoint affects the production of NO, NOS, and NE.Local action of acupuncture is important for acupuncture treatment. To prove this, the revelation degree of NO, NOS, and NE was observed by stimulating the acupuncture at the connecting point of SP4, KI4, and LR5 in the depths of Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer. Methods : Needles were inserted into rats, on each right and left sides of the connecting point, SP4, KI4 and LR5 acupoints which are the stream points of the foot meridian. After insertion, needles were retained for three minutes. After the retention, rat was sacrificed via cardiac puncture, and tissues of each SP4, KI4 and LR5 point near meridian vessel was extracted to examine the changes in the expression of NO, NOS and NE. Results : In terms of the effect in NO production, there was significant increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at KI4. In terms of the effect in NE production, there was significant decrease in the Superficial layer at SP4 and increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at LR5. In terms of the effect in nNOS production, there was significant increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at SP4 also in the Superficial layer at KI4. In terms of the effect in eNOS production, there was a significant increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at SP4, KI4 and LR5. In terms of the effect in iNOS production, there was significant increase in the Superficial layer, Middle layer and Deep layer at SP4, KI4 and LR5. Conclusions : The effect of acupuncture applied at the connecting point of six meridians of the foot on the activities of NO, NOS and NE could be observed, and it can be induced from the effect of needle stimulation on disrupted local and systemic nervous responses.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.212-220
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• 2001

Objective : A highly effective treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC) remains elusive. We determined whether acupuncture might be effective in relieving symptoms of IC. Method : A consecutive patient(F/67yrs) with symptoms and cystoscopic findings compatible with IC underwent one month of continuous acupuncture by way of needles inserted into acupuncture points which are known to be effective for the symptoms of cystitis. Patient filled out voiding frequency, pain and urgency score charts during treatment. Results : Acupuncture significantly improved all measured parameters toward normal values. Voiding frequency decreased twofold from 41 to 18 voids daily the end of treatment. Pelvic pain on a scale of 1 to 10 decreased from 10 to 2.8. Urinary urgency on a scale of I to 10 decreased from 10 to 5.2. Conclusions : Acupuncture significantly decreased symptoms in a patient with IC. These results suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial in treating IC.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.137-147
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• 2004

Objective : The aim of the study was to compare the therapeutic effect of the superficial and in-depth insertion of acupuncture needles in the treatment of patients with ankle sprain. Design : A prospective randomized single-blind study of superficial and deep acupuncture was conducted. Setting : The study was conducted in the Kang-nam Oriental Hosp. of Dong-Guk University. Patients: The study comprised 14 patients with ankle sprain who were divided into two groups (A and B). Intervention : In group A, the needle was introduced in the skin at a depth of 2 mm, whereas in group B the needle was placed deeply into muscular tissue or the articular capsule at a depth more than 1.5 Cm The treatment was planned for a duration of 1 week, 3 times. Outcome Measures : The intensity of pain was evaluated with the Ankle grade pain chart(AGPC) before and after treatment and at the 1-week follow-up examination. The AGPC includes Swelling, Tenderness, Exudation, Bruise, Medial/Lateral. stability test, Anterior drawer test, Squeeze test, Bearing weight, Pressure Algometer, Walking state and VAS. Results : Although at the end of the treatment there was no evidence of significant statistical differences between the two different groups, Pain reduction(VAS) was greater in the group treated with deep acupuncture. A statistical difference existed between the two groups at the 1 week follow up, with a better result in the deeply stimulated group in VAS. Conclusion : Clinical results show that deep stimulation has a better analgesic effect when compared with superficial stimulation in pain reduction(VAS, Visual analogic scale).

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.71-83
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• 2009

The documentary characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion recorded in Dusagyeong(杜思敬)'s".Jesaengbalsu(濟生拔粹)" can be summarized into 3 major parts: 1. "Gyeolgo-ungichimbeop(潔古雲岐鍼法)" and "Dutaesachimbeop(竇太師鍼法)" 1) "Gyeolgo-ungichimbeop" was edited by Dusagyeong of the Won dynasty, and was recorded in "Jesaengbalsu". Du was influenced by his teacher Heohyeong(許衡) and followed Janggyeolgo(張潔古) and his son Jangbyeok(張璧), and collected his work "Chimgu-pyeon(鍼灸篇)" for Jang and named it "Gyeolgo-ungichimbeop", and took the content from the medical book of Jang and his student Wang-haejang(王海藏). (2) "Jesaengbalsu"'s original edition exists today. The "Gyeolgo-ungichimbeop" listed in "Jesaengbalsu"'s index contain two collections, the first collection being "Gyeolgo-ungichimbeop" and the second collection being "Dutaesachimbeop(竇太師鍼法)" (3) Gyeolgo(潔古)、Un-gija(雲岐子)'s acupuncture methods can be seen in Un-gija "Bomyeongjipryuyo(保命集類要)" and Wanghaejang "Chasananji(此事難知)". (4) The related acupuncture methods are 'Non-gyeong-rak-yeongsubosabeop(論經絡迎隨補瀉法)', 'Gyeong-rakchwiwonbeop(經絡取原法)', 'Jeopgyeongbeop(接經法)', and 'Sang-hanyeolbyeongjabeop(傷寒熱病刺法)' (5) Du's edition of the entire text of 'Gyeolgojajetongbeop(潔古刺諸痛法)' 'Jasimtongjehyeol(刺心痛諸穴)' and the first half of 'Jeopgyeongbeop(接經法)' is all recorded in "Somunbyeonggigi-uibomyeongjip(素問病機氣宜保命集)". The existing "Somunbyeonggigi-uibomyeongjip" is a combination of the unfinished posthumous work of Yuwanso(劉完素), "Gi-ui(氣宜)" and "Byeonggi(病機)" with works such as Jangwonso(張元素)'s '"Bomyeongseo(保命書)"'. (6) Of the titles "Gyeolgo-ungichimbeop" and "Dutaesachimbeop", the 14$\sim$19th chapters "Dutaesachimbeop" should be concentrated at the end of the chapter, and the 16th chapter that Du added was put after chapter 14 "Yujujiyobu(流注指要賦)", and chapters 20, 21 should be put in "Gyeolgoungichimbeop" after chapter 13. 2. "Chimgyeongjeok-yeongjip(鍼經摘英集)" (1) "Chimgyeongjeok-yeongjip" is a collection of the acupuncture and moxibustion contents of medical books from the Geum and Won dynasties that Dusagyeong collected and organized during the Won dynasty, which is consisted of 5 chapters : "Guchimshik(九鍼式)", "Jeolyangchwisuhyeolbeop(折量取腧穴法)", "Bosabeop(補瀉法)", "Yongchimhoheupbeop(用鍼呼吸法)", "Chibyeongjik-ralgyeol(治病直剌訣)". (2) First, the contents. The nine acupuncture needles[九鍼] listed in "Guchimshik(九鍼式)" is the first existing document recording to systematically illustrate the 'nine classical needles' in drawing and text form which reflects the forms of the needles of the era. Second, "Jeolyangchwisuhyeolbeop(折量取腧穴法)" has the same basic way of measuring points [量穴法] as Wang-yuil's "Dong-insuhyeolchimgudo-gyeong(銅人腧穴鍼灸圖經)" and the same point selection rules as "Jeonyeongbang(全嬰方)". Third, in "Bosabeop(補瀉法)", "Somun(素問)" and Janggyeolgo's "Yeongsubosabeop(迎隨補瀉法)" is put together. Fourth, in "Yongchimhoheupbeop(用鍼呼吸法)", the cold and heat supplementation and draining [寒熱補瀉] method that combines breathing with inner and outer rotation[外 內撚] is recorded. Fifth, "Chi-byeongjik-ralgyeol(治病直剌訣)" is the main part of "Chimgyeongjeok-yeongjip(鍼經摘英集)" listing 69 acupuncture treatments reflecting Du's scholastic ideas on aspects such as syndrome differentiation[辨證], needling method and type of needle[鍼具]. (3) The content of this book was quoted by "Bojebang Chimgumun(普濟方 鍼灸門)" and when Gomu compiled "Chimguchwiyeong", he put the acupuncture treatments for the main indications of the disease patterns[鍼方主治病證] of this book in the related main indications of acupuncture points[腧穴主治證], which influenced books on acupuncture points there after. 3. "Chimgyeongjeolyo(鍼經節要)" (1) Consists of 1 volume. The original title of this book is "Dong-insuhyeolchimgudo-gyeong (銅人腧穴鍼灸圖經)" and the author is Wang-yuil of the Northern Song dynasty, written in the 4th year of the Cheonseong(天聖) era of the Song dynasty(1026). (2) Dusagyeong selected the contents on pathology of the 12 meridians in volume one and two, the introduction and five transport points[五輸穴] in volume 5 of "Dong-indo-gyeong(銅人圖經)" and named it "Chimgyeongjeolyo." During the Won dynasty it was recorded in "Jesaengbalsu".

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.276-283
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• 2021

The purpose of this review was to investigate acupotomy treatment for peripheral facial palsy. By reviewing recent clinical trends, this may contribute to standardizing acupotomy treatment methods. There were 7 randomized controlled trials and 6 case series using acupotomy treatment for peripheral facial palsy published between January 01, 2014 and April 05, 2021, which were retrieved from 9 online databases. The number and characteristics of participants, main treatment sites, combination treatments, size of acupotomy needle, frequency and total period of treatment, evaluation indices, efficacy, and adverse events were analyzed. "Tender point or induration," "infraorbical foramen," and "buccal mucosa" were the most used treatment sites. The sizes of acupotomy needles varied from 20 mm to 80 mm in length, and 0.35 mm to 1.0 mm in diameter. One treatment cycle was performed every 3 to 5-7 days, and the number of treatments per treatment session ranged from 3 to 5-9 cycles. The results were evaluated using 1 to 4 evaluation indices and 9 different evaluation indices were used overall. The efficacy rate was the most used index, followed by the House-Brackmann grade, and electrocardiography. The "Risk of Bias 2," categorized most studies as having "some concerns." There were few adverse events reported.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.283-296
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• 2022

In this study, the evidence of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) in treating cervical radiculopathy in randomized controlled trials was investigated. We searched 16 databases up to August 22, 2022. Of the 2,644 studies retrieved, 22 randomized controlled trials (2,483 participants) were selected. Quality assessments were performed using Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool and RevMan 5.4 software. Outcome measures in the included studies typically showed TEA had a significant therapeutic effect compared with simple acupuncture and other remedies, and TEA was better than sham TEA. Catgut and polydioxanone had no difference in effectiveness, however, catgut was considered to be less safe. TEA was shown to be more therapeutic when inserted deeper into the skin. Ultrasound guided TEA was more effective and safer than conventional TEA, and using a flat blade needle was better than conventional needles for TEA. No serious adverse events were reported from using TEA, and only a few mild side effects were observed. However, the limited number and heterogeneity of the included studies, together with the unclear methodological quality, indicate that higher-quality studies need to be conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of TEA for cervical radiculopathy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aims to report the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine with thread embedding acupuncture in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Methods : A 73-year-old man who had suffered from severe facial pain for one year and who had had a healthy tooth extracted due to the pain is reported. He could not eat or sleep due to the severe pain. Acupuncture, thread embedding acupuncture, cupping, herbal steam, and herbal medicines were used for the treatment. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and adverse events were checked daily, and other outcomes (Baseline Evaluation, Visual Analogue Scale [VAS], Short Form Health Survey 36-Bodily Pain [SF-36 BP], and Patient Global Assessment [PGA]) were measured at hospital admission and discharge. During the follow-up examinations, his pain was evaluated roughly, without using any formal measurements, on the basis of a global assessment. Results : All measured parameters, including pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were noted to have improved at the time of discharge compared to admission: VAS from 10 to 1.5, NRS from 7-8 to 1-2, and SF-36 BP from 0 to 22.5, and the patient's global assessment was somewhat improved. He did not take any analgesics after discharge and noted only mild adverse events, like pain where the acupuncture and thread embedding acupuncture needles were inserted. His pain relief was maintained for 6 months. Conclusion : Korean medicine with thread embedding acupuncture might be a safe and effective treatment for TN. In the future, larger sample sizes and high quality randomized clinical trials are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.698-705
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effect of PC6 and SP4 on autonomic nerve system in healthy adults. Methods : 22 healthy adults were recruited and randomized into the study group or control group. The study group (real acupuncture group) was acupuncturcd on PC6 and SP4. The control group (sham acupuncture group) was acupunctured superficially near PC6 and SP4 but not the exact points. The subjects rested for 10 minutes, and were then acupunctured. After 15 minutes, acupuncture needles were removed and the subjects rested for another 15 minutes. Heart rate variability(HRV) was continuously measured during the study period by FM-150 (digital Holter ECG recorder). Results : In the real acupuncture group. LF(low frequency) significantly decreased during the acupuncture period(p<0.05). LF/HF ratio also had a significant decrease during acupuncture period and the decrease was maintained during the post-treatment period as compared with the pre-treatment period. In the sham acupuncture group. LF significantly increased during the acupuncture period but LF/HF ratio had no significant changes. Conclusions : The results suggest that acupuncture on PC6 and SP4 can increase parasympathetic activity and balance autonomic nervous system.