• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.141-148
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate on the application of the yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers for acupoints irradiation. Methods : We conducted a systematic search for peer-reviewed studies published from inception to November 2023, in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in English, Science ON, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) and Research Information Sharing Service (RISS) in Korean, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang in Chinese, and Japan Science Technology Information Aggregator, Electronic (J-STAGE) and Citation Information by NII (CiNii) in Japanese. Inclusion criteria were original articles including clinical and experimental studies related with YAG lasers for acupoints including Ashi or meridian sinews. Results : Among the 8 selected studies, there were 7 studies on human subjects and 1 study on animals, 7 studies on Nd:YAG (1,064 nm) laser, and 1 study on Er:YAG (2,940 nm) laser. A total of 16 acupoints were used, 15 of which were in the face and 1 of which was located in the foot. In addition, there were two studies using Ashi. 4 studies looked at the effect of pain relief, 2 studies looked at safety, 1 study looked at changes in blood flow, and 1 study looked at the effect of skin care. There were no reported adverse events, and the YAG laser was confirmed to be safe and effective in pain relief, beautifying the skin, and increasing blood flow. Conclusions : We suggest that high intensity YAG lasers can be applied to laser acupuncture or laser moxibustion. YAG lasers are considered to be worth using for various clinical indications of Korean medicine because of photobiomodulation effects, analgesic action, and deep penetration depth. Further scientific research and clinical evidences should be warranted.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.72-89
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• 2018

Objectives The objective of this study is to investigate the application of Sifeng point (EX-UE 10) in children and to make suggestions for domestic research and clinical application by reviewing relevant randomized controlled trials. Methods Eight electronic databases including English, Chinese, Korean databases were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of Sifeng point in children up to May 2, 2018. We extracted the year of publication, country, target diseases or symptoms, location of Sifeng, acupuncture method; such as acupuncture tool and depth of insertion, and frequency, number, and duration of the treatment. Results Fifty studies were included for analysis. All the included studies were conducted in China, and studies were published from 1962 to 2017. The most frequent target symptom was anorexia (46%). In addition, Sifeng point was used for digestive diseases or symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and mesenteric lymphadenitis, as well as respiratory diseases or symptoms such as cough, cold, acute bronchiolitis, recurrent respiratory tract infections, bronchopneumonia, and asthmatic bronchitis. Also, allergic diseases such as chronic urticaria, and other variety of symptoms such as malnutrition, fever, and iron-deficiency anemia were treated with the Sifeng point. The location of Sifeng points was inconsistent, and the most common location of the Sifeng point was the midpoint of transverse creases of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the index, middle, ring and little fingers (84.2%). The most commonly used acupuncture tool was three-edged needle (40.9%). All included studies have the method of squeezing out blood or mucus from the Sifeng points. The treatment was mostly conducted once per week (35.4%), mostly repeated for 4 times (32.6%). The most common treatment duration was 4 weeks (18.6%). Conclusions We could identify acupuncture method and various indications for the Sifeng points treatment. Based on this study, there is a need for the clinical application and related researches on the Sifeng points in children in Korea. In addition, the treatment location of Sifeng point should be standardized.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.62-89
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• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical nasal application of Herbal medicine compared with Western medicine in the treatment of Allergic Rhinitis(AR). Methods : Electronic databases including Cochrane library, PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, KMBASE, KISS, NDSL, OASIS, KISS and KJTK(Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal) were searched by the keywords such as 'allergic rhinitis', 'nasal sprays', 'herbal medicine', 'plant extracts', and 'external application'. The quality of each RCTs was assessed by Cochrane Collaboration of 'Risk of bias(RoB) Tool'. Results : 19 RCTs were finally selected from 1419 references screened. 19 RCTs were compared with the effects of topical nasal application of Herbal medicine and Western medicine. Based on the symptom scores from 13 RCTs, topical nasal application of herbal medicine generally has a better effect on relief of AR. The two treatments have similar effects on improving the level of specific factors like IgE, IgG, IL-13, $uLTD_4$ in blood and urine. 8 RCTs showed adverse effects(AEs) in both groups and severe AEs were not reported. Conclusions : This study shows that topical nasal application of herbal medicine can improve symptoms and related factors of allergic rhinitis. Well-designed RCT studies with low risk of bias should be conducted to confirm these findings.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.95-100
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• 2022

Objectives : Recent studies reported that Dokwhalkisaeng-tang (DHJST) could relieve the clinical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and the level of RA-related blood test. However, evidence-based review on effectiveness and safety of DHJST with medication on RA was not yet provided. Methods : Searching randomized controlled trials on the use of DHJST for RA will be performed using multiple electronic databases, manual search, and contact to author. Studies will be selected according to the pre-defined criteria and collected data on study participants, interventions, control groups, outcome measurements, the results, adverse events, and risk of bias will be summarized. Primary outcome will be the disease activity score (including effective rate, swollen joint count, tender joint count, and morning stiffness), and the secondary outcomes will be RA-related blood test and adverse events. We will use Review Manager software to perform a meta-analysis, Cochrane Collaboration "risk of bias" tool for assessing the risk of bias, and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation for the determination of quality of evidence. Results : We are going to investigate the effectiveness and safety of DHJST with medication for RA. Conclusion : This study will provide reliable evidence on whether DHJST combined with medicine is more effective on RA than medicine monotherapy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.177-186
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• 2011

Objectives : The aim of this study is to review clinical trials using Qigong exercise on patients with hypertension and to assess their methodology and results. Methods : Electronic literature searches for clinical trials (randomized trial, non-randomized trial, before-after study) of Qigong exercise were performed in 21 electronic databases (5 international databases and 16 Korean databases). English, Korean or Chinese articles were included. Laboratory or animal studies were excluded. Results : A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Five randomized controlled trials, Four non-randomized trials and two before-after studies were included. Seven studies used self-developed Qigong exercise. Two studies used Guolin Qigong exercise and two studies used Qigong exercise with an anti-hypertension drug. Of the nine randomized trials or non-randomized trials, four studies used an anti-hypertension drug control and three studies used waiting list controls. Compared to baseline, a change in blood pressure after the Qigong exercise treatment was significant in all studies. However, the results effect of blood pressure between Qigong exercise and controlled trials were not consistent. Conclusions : There are low-quality clinical trials of Qigong exercise for hypertension. To evaluate the effects of Qigong exercise, more rigorous trials are warranted.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.33-45
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• 2017

Objectives The objective of this study is to report the evidence that continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy combined with Korean Medicine is effective for knee injuries. Methods We searched 2 Korean medical electronic databases, and 2 Chinese electronic databases to find randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that treat knee injuries with Korean Medicine combined with CPM therapy. We selected studies by screening. We extracted data from selected RCTs, and analyzed RCTs by using Cochrane's Risk of bias criteria. Results 386 studies are searched, and 7 RCTs are selected. According to the study, several kinds of Korean Medicine such as hydrotherapy, decoction, acupuncture, moxibustion, and manual therapy are used with CPM therapy for the knee joint postoperative rehabilitation. We found the encouraging evidence that Korean Medicine and CPM combined therapy is more effective than single CPM therapy by alleviating pain, increasing range of motion, and improving knee function, etc. However, the risk of bias in most RCTs was judged to be uncertain. Conclusions Combination of Korean Medicine and CPM therapy can compensate the defect of single CPM therapy, and promotes the recovery of knee joint function.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.647-660
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• 2000

As above, it described Dr.Tanaka's Spiral Balance Theory and studied the theoretical background and the special meridian circulation system, diagnostics and treatments. Though the considered the rule of the tenseness of the body as muscle movement theory, it corresponds with tradtional meridians theory in oriental medicine. If we study and develop the traditional meridians circulaition system more, we can expect clinical development applying to any theories in the field of oriential medicine such as acupuncture therapy, moxa therapy and chiropractc therapy. etc, as well as tapaing therapy, electronic stimulation therapy and exercising therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.109-120
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean medicine treatments on Postoperative symptoms. Methods: The patient was treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture and electronic moxibustion. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated with visual analogue scale (VAS), the degree of symptom relief and presence or absence of symptoms. Results: After hospital care with korean medicine treatments, symptoms such as fatigue, lower abdominal pain, thirst, hot flush, cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet and tinnitus were disappeared. Conclusions: To promote physical strength and reduction of fatigue, intensive hospital care with korean medicine treatment seems to be effective. After discharge, continued outpatient treatment for complications of surgery and menopausal disorder seems to contribute to quality of life and satisfaction for patient who undergoing hysterectomy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.49-55
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was to develop programmable and rechargeable electronic moxibustion device as an interdisciplinary research focusing on traditional Korean medicine. Methods : This device deployed several advances on safety and conveniences with the advantage of programmable heat stimulation, heating material and recharging method. The gradient of heat stimulation was programmed with the reference of previous studies and own measurements. The heat curve reached its efficacious stimulus temperature after three minutes, and maintained until 13 minutes with $42^{\circ}C$. We also incorporated feedback from field hospital experiences with the help of hospital staffs. Results : This device can prevent damages from skin burn and fire accidents, and control the smoke, smell and residue of moxa itself. Conclusions : This study will contribute for the development and improvement of efficacious and safe treatment methods for the traditional Korean medicine.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2020

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) analyzing the effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy (CMT) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods : Among the literature published until May 2020, a literature search was carried out using 10 electronic databases using related keywords to identify all RCTs that applied CMT for the treatment of BPH. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of each RCT. Results : Five RCTs met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. These studies showed that CMT had no positive results compared to herbal medication. However, positive results were shown in terms of an increased efficacy rate, reduced international prostate symptom scores, and increased maximum flow rate when CMT was combined with acupuncture or herbal medication. Conclusions : Based on the analysis, this review has limited evidence of CMT being beneficial in the treatment of BPH. Therefore, further investigation is required using well-designed RCTs to support the effectiveness of CMT and to obtain higher evidence.