• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.208-226
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• 2003

Objective : Recently many studies have showed the evidence of the effect of the acupuncture treatment through scientific methods. One of these methods is functional MRI. We performed electro-acupuncture on St40 and observed the change of brain activation using fMRI. Methods : To see the effects of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Fenglong(St40), the experiment was carried out on six healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). after the needle insertion on right Fenglong(St40), 2 Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds, repeated five times, with 30 seconds' intervals. Results & Conclussion : Electro-acupuncture stimulation on Fenglong(St40) activated Brodmann's Areas of 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 18, 22, 30, 40, 42, 43 which may be the central pathways of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Fenglong(St40).

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2018

Objectives: Cerebral ischemia results from a variety of causes that cerebral blood flow is reduced due to a transient or permanent occlusion of cerebral arteries. Reactive astrocytes and microglial activation plays an important role in the neuronal cell death during ischemic insult. Acupunctural treatment is effective for symptom improvement in cerebrovascular accident, including cerebral ischemia. Methods: In the present study, the effects of acupuncture at the ST40 acupoint on short-term memory and apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region following transient global cerebral ischemia were investigated using gerbils. Transient global ischemia was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries with aneurysm clips for 5 min. Acupuncture stimulation was conducted once daily for 7 consecutive days, starting one day after surgery. Results: In the present results, ischemia induction deteriorated short term memory, increased apoptosis, and induced reactive astrocyte and microglial activation. Acupuncture at ST40 acupoint ameliorated ischemia-induced short-term memory impairment by suppressing apoptosis in the hippocampus through down-regulation of reactive astrocytes and microglial activation. Conclusion: The present study suggests that acupuncture at the ST40 acupoint can be used for treatment of patients with cerebral stroke.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.48-68
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• 2019

Objectives The purpose of this study is to obtain knowledge from clinical studies conducted in China to examine the effectiveness of Chuna treatment and its potential in childhood obesity. Methods 6 clinical studies up to March, 2018 about childhood obesity were reviewed using 'CAJ', Chinese Academic Journal from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and 'Pubmed'. Result 1. 6 eligible randomized control studies were selected based on our inclusion criteria. Then, the studies are analyzed by demographic information, treatment method, evaluation methods, and results. 2. Ordinary acupoints (正經穴) is the most common acupoint-applying method of Chuna therapy. The most frequently used acupoints were Zhongwan (CV12), Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), Qihai (CV6), Fenglong (ST40) and Guanyuan (CV4). Conclusion In most of the studies, the overall effectiveness in the treatment group was better than that of the control group. The results of this study can be used for future studies of Chuna therapy in the child obesity.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.27-30
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• 2008

A 5-year-old male Chihuahua with oral discomfort due to the presence of a maxillary acanthomatous epulis was referred to the acupuncture service at the Veterinary Medical Center of the University of Florida. For the patient, acupuncture treatments were performed for 11 sessions, at 1 month intervals with Chinese herbal medicine. The acupuncture points and Chinese herbal medicine used were selected based on TCM principles. The selected acupoints were Zusanli(ST36), Fenglong(ST40), Gongsun(SP4), Sanyinjiao(SP6), Pishu(BL20), Weishu(BL21), Taichang(LIV3), and Baihui(GV20). In addition, the Chinese herbal formulas Nei Xiao Wan and Si Jun Zi Tang were chosen. After one year of acupuncture and administration of Chinese herbal medicine, the acanthomatous epulis was remarkably decreased in size. It is considered that the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine would be useful treatments of canine acanthomatous epulis.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.37-68
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review thread-embedding treatment studies for depression, anxiety, and dementia and examine the effectiveness and safety of thread-embedding treatment. Methods: Ten domestic and international search databases were used for study selection, including CNKI, PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycArticles, RISS, OASIS, and KCI. We included studies that presented diagnostic or appropriate criteria for depression, anxiety, and dementia, and randomized control studies using thread-embedding therapy. We searched papers published until October 10, 2023. Results: Twenty-one studies were selected, of which 11 studies were conducted on depression, nine on dementia, and one on anxiety disorders. The most commonly used acupoint for depression was Gansu (BL18), whereas zusanli (ST36) and fenglong (ST40) were used for dementia. The most commonly used type of thread was 1-0 United States pharmacopeia (USP) and 1 cm for depression and 2-0 USP and 1 cm for dementia. The treatment period for most of the studies was once every 2 weeks and for 8 weeks. Among the included studies, 17 showed significant improvements in depression scales, such as Hamilton depression rating scale and Self rating depression scale, activities of daily living scales, and cognitive function scales, such as Hasegawa dementia scale and Mini-mental state examination. Six studies reported adverse events, and no studies reported significant adverse events. Two studies reported follow-ups. Conclusions: This study presents limited evidence for the effectiveness and safety of thread-embedding therapy for depression, anxiety, and dementia. Well-designed studies are needed to review the clinical efficacy and safety of thread-embedding therapy in the future.