• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.842-846
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to report one clinical case of spinocerebellar ataxia(SCA) type 1 improved by herbal medicine and oriental medical treatment. As a treatment, Yukmijihwang-tang(Liuweidihuangtang)-gamibang, acupuncture, and moxa were tried upon the patient for 21 days in order to relieve the symptoms. In terms of observing the changes of symptoms, the progress of patient's condition was evaluated periodically by using the Korean-mini mental state examination(K-MMSE), Modified Barthel Index(MBI), Functional Independence Measure(FIM). In accordance with the observation under K-MMSE, MBI, FIM, the patient's symptoms had gradually improved throughout the treatment. Therefore, this report suggests that Yukmijihwang-tang(Liuweidihuangtang)-gamibang, acupuncture and moxa were probably effective in the treatment of SCA type 1.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.177-187
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• 2023

Varicose veins have a substantial burden on individuals' aesthetics and overall quality of life. The current body of research on Korean medical interventions for varicose veins is limited in Korea, and exploration into clinical trends is lacking. This review specifically analyzed fire acupuncture, which is an understudied intervention in Korea that demonstrated efficacy in alleviating pain and paralysis while promoting tissue regeneration. A comprehensive investigation of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database was conducted, utilizing terms such as "varicose vein," "fire needle," "fire acupuncture," "burning acupuncture," "burning needle," "huǒzhēn," "xiàzhī jìngmài," and "jìngmài qūzhāng." This review included 14 studies investigating the role of fire acupuncture in treating varicose veins. We extracted variables, including age, sex, disease duration, intervention method, treatment frequency, treatment period, acupoints, and outcomes. Fire acupuncture appeared as the primary intervention method, followed by general acupuncture. The protruding part of varicose veins is the main treatment area for fire acupuncture, while the acupoints BL57 and ST36 were most frequently utilized for general acupuncture. Treatment results revealed significant improvement in all studies. However, there are limitations, such as scarce studies, limited side effects studies, and potential bias. Consequently, extensive and well-structured future studies are necessary to demonstrate the role of fire acupuncture in varicose veins.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.49-59
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• 2017

Objectives: To measure the quality of life in patients according to virtual cerebral palsy severity by using the Korean version of EQ-5D-Y proxy, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Time Trade-Off method (TTO). Methods: The study was conducted in parents of children and adolescents aged 4 to 15 years in Seoul. We analyzed the difference in the utility value according to five levels of cerebral palsy severity in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and test-retest reliability. Results: 1. There were significant differences in VAS, TTO, and EQ-5D-Y proxy according to the cerebral palsy severity (p<.001). 2. VAS was significantly different according to the respondent's visit to the medical institution, the presence of disease in the respondent, a visit to the child's medical institution, the age of the child, and the sex of the child. The value of TTO was significantly different according to the respondent's visit to the medical institution, respondent's sex, and the age of the child. Also, EQ-5D-Y proxy was significantly different according to the age of the child. 3. Intraclass correlation coefficient values were more than 0.6 for both VAS and TTO at all stages. But for the EQ-5D-Y proxy, the value was less than 0.6 at all stages. Conclusions: The quality of life assessment using EQ-5D-Y proxy showed significant differences in the severity of cerebral palsy. However, large-scale studies using EQ-5D-Y proxy are needed because of low test-retest reliability.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.131-146
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• 2016

Objectives: This study was performed to determine the correlation between Instrument on Pattern Identification for Depression and Psychological tests by Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Regression analysis.Methods: Two assessors carried out the evaluation using the instrument on pattern identification for depression. They also performed the following psychological tests: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI_Total), Self-disclosure Inventory, subjective well-being Inventory, Health perception Inventory, and Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). A total of 167 participants who got HAM-D score over 12 were targeted for the evaluation. Our research team carried out Pearson correlation coefficient analyses and regression analysis between pattern identification for depression and Psychological tests. We listed the results by descending order and interpreted the results.Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed the following results: 1) Stagnation of Liver Gi was associated with BDI (0.60) and STAI (0.55); 2) Dual Deficiency of the Heart and Spleen was associated with BDI (0.60), ISI_Total (0.52), and STAI (0.42); 3) Relieving stagnation of Phlegm-Gi was associated with BDI (0.65), STAI (0.54), and Subjective well-being inventory (−0.52); 4) Gi-deficiency Mingled with sputum was associated with BDI (0.50), ISI_Total (0.40), and STAI (0.395); 5) Stagnant Gi transforming into fire was associated with BDI (0.56), STAI_TR (0.51), and Health perception Inventory (−0.458); 6) Yin-Deficiency with Effulgent Fire was associated with BDI (0.55), ISI_total (0.54), and STAI (0.41).Conclusions: Through correlation analysis between Instrument on Pattern Identification for Depression and Psychological tests, we could suggest a System for Oriental Medical Diagnosis for Depression.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.116-127
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• 2017

Objectives The purpose of this study was to survey changes in symptoms caused by Sasang medicines. Methods We recruited 45 subjects who were classified 15 typical Soeumin, Soyangin, Taeumin and did a survey about symptoms. We split Soeumin into 3 groups and prescribed medicines Palmulgunja-tang, Yanggyuksanhwa-tang, Taeumjowi-tang. We did same process in Soyangin and Taeumin. After taking medicines for 4 weeks, we did a survey about physical changes. Results There was no consistent changes in symptoms. But medicines which were not suitable to their Sasang constitution induced known reactions. And medicines which were suitable to their Sasang constitution induced reactions. Conclusions Changes in symptoms appeared after taking medicine, but they can be induced by medicine.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.3 s.67
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• pp.187-200
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• 2006

Objectives: Acupuncture has been applied in Asia for thousands of years, especially to rehabilitation after stroke. It has been reported that acupuncture increased cerebral blood supply and stimulated the functional activity of brain nerve cells shown by using brain imaging techniques. This study was to evaluate the effect of GB 34-GB 39 electro-acupuncture (EA) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in stroke patients and normal volunteers using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods: The study procedure was divided into two parts: patients and volunteers studies. For the patients study, ten ischemic stroke patients (3 males, 7 females, mean age $68.5{\pm}8.9$ years old) were selected. Baseline brain SPECT was done with triple head gamma camera (MultiSPECT3, Siemens, USA) after intravenous administration of 1,110 MBq of $^{99m}Tc-ECD$. Fifteen-minute EA at GB 34 and GB 39 were applied on the affected limb. The same dose of $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ was injected during the EA, and the second set of SPECT images wasobtained. Using the computer software (ICON 7.1, Siemens, USA), 3 SPECT slices (upper, middle, lower) surrounding the brain lesion were selected and each slice was divided into 10-16 brain regions. Asymmetry indexes (AI) were analyzed in each brain region. We regarded over 10% changes of AI between before and after EA as significance. For the volunteers study, 10 healthy human volunteers (5 males, 5 females, mean age $28.1{\pm}6$ years old) were selected. In the resting state, $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ brain SPECT scans were performed. On the 7th day after the resting examination, 15 minute EA was applied at GB 34 and GB 39 on the right side of the subjects. Immediately after EA, the second SPECT images were obtained inthe same manner as the resting state. Significant increases and decreases of rCBF after EA were estimated by comparing their SPECT images with those of the resting state using paired t statistics at every voxel, which were analyzed by statistical parametric mapping with a threshold of p = 0.01, uncorrected (extent threshold: k=100 voxels). Results: In stroke patients, six of the eight (75%) had significantly increased perfusion in post-acupuncture scans compared to their baseline state. In normal volunteers, GB 34-GB GB EA increased rCBF in both hemispheres including right ventral posterior cingulate (Brodmann area (BA) 23), left superior temporal, anterior transverse temporal (BA 22, 41), left parastriate, peristriate (BA 18, 19), right occipitotemporal, angular (BA 37, 39), left rostral postcentral, caudal postcentral and preparietal (BA 2, 3, 5). However GB 34-GB 39 EA decreased rCBF in the right hemisphere including triangular and middle frontal lobes. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that OB 34-GB 39 EA increased cerebral perfusion in ischemic stroke patients and increased rCBF grossly in temporal lobes of normal volunteers. It is also suggested that there may be a correlation between the GB meridian and the territory of the middle cerebral artery.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.211-219
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effect of traditional Korean medical treatment and auricular acupuncture on the patient suffered from epiphora. Methods : One patient suffering from epiphora was treated with traditional Korean medical treatment including auricular acupuncture. HRQL(Health-related quality of life) and VAS(Visual Analogue Scale) were measured and compared to evaluate its treatment effectiveness. Results : We attained results which show recovery from watery eye, pain, eye strain in symptoms and improvement on quality of life. Conclusions : In this study, traditional Korean medical treatment can be effective in obtunding symtoms and improving quaility of life for patients suffering from epiphora.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.211-221
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• 2005

Objective : The aim of this study is to review clinical trials on the effectiveness of acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation. Methods : Computerized literature searches was carried out on three electronic databases, and hand-searching on some chinese medical journals in library of Kyung Hee Medical Center. Results : 1) Sixteen articles of clinical trials were collected and reviewed. Among these articles, randomized controlled trials were achieved in nine articles. 2) In three articles, statically significant results in improvement of mobile abilities, activities of daily life and Quality of life were reported after acupuncture treatment applied as a part of stroke rehabilitation. In three articles no statically significant changes were reported. 3) Among two articles about spasticity, One about the upper limbs and the results showed statically significant improvement of the spasticity after acupuncture treatment as stroke rehabilitation, and the other was about the lower limbs and the results showed no statically significant changes. 4) One article about acupuncture and postural control showed statically significant results suggesting that acupuncture promotes normalization of postural control after stroke.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.44-53
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• 2018

Objectives This study sets out to examine treatment experiences of child patients with night crying based on the traditional Korean medicine. Also, the study traces the process in which clients chose traditional Korean medicine treatment, and proposes a possible future direction of Korean medicine treatment. Methods The investigator conducted a semi-standardized open-ended question interview with two main fosterers of a child who received traditional Korean medicine treatment for night crying, and examined two fosterers' experiences of a child with the traditional Korean medicine treatment. Their interviews were recorded with their facial expressions and acts for analysis. Collected data was analyzed based on the Grounded theory. Results The participants felt a sense of responsibility, worry, and fear for their children with night crying. They had easy access to traditional Korean medicine doctors who were in the community and had positive experiences with traditional Korean medicine treatment. They reported that some people had been forced to use traditional Korean medicine, had misunderstandings about traditional Korean medicine, and had prejudice that night crying is not a disease. They felt there was a room for improvement in terms of the high medical expenses and the absence of a cooperative system between Oriental and Western medicine. Conclusions As the first qualitative study on night crying based on the traditional Korean medicine treatment, this study proposed a future direction for traditional Korean medicine treatment for night crying in the shoes of fosterers. The findings showed that the fosterers chose traditional Korean medicine treatment for night crying child based on their feelings, accessibility and experiences with traditional Korean medicine. Fosterers felt a need for improvement of the general public's perceptions about Korean medicine treatment on night crying, and a cooperative system between Oriental and Western medicine.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.275-284
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• 2011

1. Objective: This literary review investigates Lee Jema's clinical experiences with Soyang-type patients and their influence on his conceptualization of the Soyang physiology and pathology. 2. Methods: 1) The case reports in "Soyang constitutional type: Spleen Cold-based Exterior-Cold disease" were compared before and after the Sinchuk revision to explore the temporal change in the Sasang medical concepts. 2) The texts in Donguisusebowon (Gabo edition) and Donguisusebowon (Sasangchobongwon) were analyzed to investigate the pathological concepts appearing before the completion of the Donguisusebowon (Gabo edition). 3) The texts in Donguisusebowon (Sinchuk edition) was analyzed to investigate the pathological concepts formed between the Gabo and Sinchuk editions of Donguisusebowon. 3. Results and Conclusions: 1) Gabo edition : The Gabo edition divided the External-origin Exterior disease into Cold-dominant (Heat-moderate) and Heat-dominant (Cold-moderate) patterns and differentiated the severity of Exterior-based Exterior disease and Interior-based Interior disease into mild, moderate, severe, and critical conditions. Cold-damage Delirium disease pattern was categorized as an Interior-based Interior disease, and the treatment protocol using Baekho-tang (Baihu-tang) was established. The stool condition and bowel movement reflecting the patient's defecation habits, the prime indicator of health in the Soyang constitutional type, were emphasized on their importance. 2) Sinchuk edition: The Delirium disease pattern was moved into the Exterior-cold disease, and the treatment protocol applying Jihwangbaekho-tang (Dihuangbaihu-tang) and Hyeongbangsabaek-san (Jingfangxiebai-san), with variational usage of Gypsum, was newly established. The Seong-Jeong and basal disease patterns were suggested as important factors in treating the patients. Also, it was proposed that the symptoms and signs reflecting the condition of the life-preserving energy be assessed to understand the patient's current condition. The importance of post-acute rehabilitation and aftercare as well as the most appropriate acute-stage treatment were emphasized.