• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.116-125
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• 2017

Objectives : The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension in postmenopausal women. Methods : The study was a multi-center, four-arm, non-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The experimental groups received 10 acupuncture sessions over 4 weeks(Group A, n=20) or 20 sessions over 8 weeks(Group B, n=20) along with usual care. The acupoints were GB20, LI11, ST36, and SP6, bilaterally. The acupuncture groups were followed-up for an additional 12 weeks after acupuncture treatment. The control groups received usual care for 16 weeks(Group C, n=10) or 20 weeks(Group D, n=10). The outcomes were blood pressure, blood pressure control rates, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP). Results : After 4 weeks, DBP in the acupuncture groups(A+B) showed no significant decrease compared to the control group(C+D). However, after 8 weeks of acupuncture treatment, group B showed a significant decrease in DBP after acupuncture treatment and follow-up period compared to control group. Although there was no difference between the acupuncture and control groups in SBP after acupuncture treatment, group B showed a significant decrease in SBP compared to control group after follow-up period. Lipid profiles and hs-CRP did not differ significantly between acupuncture and control groups. Conclusions : Acupuncture treatment for 8 weeks showed the effect on prehypertension and mild hypertension. To verify the effect of acupuncture on blood pressure, rigorous trials including more participants are required.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.207-215
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• 2004

Objective : In order to prove the effect of Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture this experimental studies were performed by using rats that had neuronal damage due to the Middle Cerebral Artery Occulsion(MCAO). Methods : Microdialysis probes were implanted into the coordinate of striatum of anesthetized rats which consist of sham-operated 8 rats, MCAO-operated 8 rats and Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture administrated 8 rats before MCAO operating. The Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture(0.5mg/kg) was administrated to rats 30 minutes before having an operation causing the MCAO. The surgical excision lead the cross resected brain to the acute ischemic state. The brain was sliced in 2mm thickness and stained with cresyl violet buffer for the measurement of cerebral infarcted area and volume. Results : Based on the result of the tissue inspection for the cerebral ischemic cell, Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture significantly protect neurocytes. Conclusion : We suggest Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture produces protective effects against the neuronal damage induced by MCAO. Therefore, Hirudin Herbal-acupuncture may prevent delayed neuronal death(DND) in selectively vulnerable focal areas of the brain effectively.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.189-199
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• 2005

Objectives : This interview survey was carried out to identify how Korean medical doctors make acupuncture prescriptions for knee osteoarthritis in clinics. Methods : Survey questions were developed based on a consensus of acupuncture professors at Kyung Hee University, Dongguk University, Daegu Haany University. The interviews were conducted to 72 members of the Korea Oriental Medical Association who answered to prefer remote acupuncture prescription at previous telephone survey. Results : Korean medical doctors prefer to use five shu acupuncture points, especially 'hyung' or , 'shu' points, on the contralateral side of lesion and that the first target organ is liver. Five element points theory was mainly based on 'Nanjing' and 'Hwangdi Neijing'. The De-qi sensation of both doctor and patients was emphasized. Diagnosis and evaluation generally depend on subjective evaluation rather than objective scale. Conclusion : This study showed that Koran medical doctors prefer to follow the Korean traditional acupuncture methods respecting the old classic principles. And these results can guide us to develop advanced clinical trial protocols more close to our acupuncture practice.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.24-33
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• 2003

Background : Sequelae symptoms of peripheral facial palsy include not only partial recovery of the paretic muscles but contracture, spasm, synkinesis and atrophy which cause significant functional, esthetic, and psychosocial disturbances to the lives of patients. Objective : This study is to investigate the prevalence, time of onset, patient's self assessment on the degree of understanding of the sequelae and the association of the degree of palsy with the appearance of sequelae. Methods : 106 patients with peripheral facial palsy were sequentially interviewed and examined. Results : 29 patients(27.4%) of 106 patients showed sequelae symptoms, of whom 19 patients(65.5%) showed sequelae symptoms during 4 to 6 months after the onset of palsy. The degree of understanding on the sequelae at the time of interview showed improvement compared to that at the time of first consultation to any physician but not to reach an sufficient understanding. No relation between the degree of palsy and the appearance of sequelae was observed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2010

Objectives : The mechanical properties of Korean electric cupping systems are studied via experimental measurements. The study aimed at establishing the fundamentals of industrialization and systemization of oriental medicine device industry, as well as improving the quality of life for many Koreans. Methods : We reviewed the studies on traditional cupping as well as modern one to fine necessary factors for electric cupping systems. To characterize the mechanical properties of Korean electric cupping systems, we measured the pressure characteristics of commercially available electric cupping system by using an automatic pressure acquisition system and a standard cup. The pumping capability was checked at 40 seconds, and the stability of the suction cup was checked at 600 seconds. We also acquired the noise level of each system in clinical setting. To check the portability of each system, we also measured its physical dimensions. We scrutinized system manuals provided by the system manufacturers. Results : It took less than 5 second to reach the pressure if the connection between the air hose and the vacuum valve of the cupping system was secure. Pressure diminished to no more than 10% for 600s for all systems. Noise levels were 55~70 dB. Increase in pressure was too fast to control for a designated vacuum level except for one product. Conclusions : The Pumping ability of the systems is impressive and reliable. Pressure retention ability of each cup is quite reliable and reproducible. Therefore, their mechanical performances were worthy of recommendation. Some of them had noise level higher than 60 dB and they were bothersome. It was also suggested that the control for low to middle pressure needed to be accomplished by the cupping system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.51-64
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• 2010

Objectives : To introduce and compare various headache measurement tools, in order to provide fundamental information for future clinical trials and development of oriental medicine measurement tools. Methods : Eight headache assessment scales, Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire(MQoLQ), Migraine-Specific Quality of Life(MSQOL), Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire(MSQ), The Headache Impact Questionnaire(HImQ), Headcahe Needs Assessment Survey(HANA), Henry Ford Headache disability Inventory(HDI), Migraine Disablity Assessment Scale(MIDAS) and Headache Impact Test(HIT-6), were searched through Pubmed. General character, the process of development, verification of reliability, internal consistency, responsiveness to patient's change and validity were reviewed. Results : In assessing the quality of life of migraine patients, MQoLQ can be used to measure the change within 24 hours, MSQ and MSQOL can be used to measure the change during a relatively longer period of time. The frequency and bothersomeness of headache can be easily measured by HANA. HImQ can be used to measure the intensity of headache and the influence on normal daily activities. HDI can measure the emotional difficulties of headache patients. HIT-6 and MIDAS makes measurements possible in a short period of time, and the reliability and validity have been verified numerously. HIT-6 and MIDAS are the most frequently used measurement tools because they are simple and easy for both the assessor and the patient to understand and use. Conclusions : In this study, various headache assessment tools have been reviewed. The assessed tools were widely used after being verified for their reliability and validity. We hope this study provides fundamental information in establishing future clinical trial and clinical practice guidelines. We also hope this study to contribute to the development of an oriental medicine assessment tool for headache.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.75-83
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• 2009

Objectives : By recording basic data of musculoskeletal patients visiting the emergency room of an oriental medicine hospital. we can understand their characteristics and gain better insight about them. Method : We performed a retrospective study of 551 patients who visited the emergency room of an oriental medicine hospital, from November 1,2008 to October 31, 2009. Result : 1. Of 551 total patients, the male to female ratio was almost same and the 3rd decade of life was the peak age group. 2. The majority of patients visited emergency room between 10:00 and 24:00(midnight). 3. Most patients visited on a Saturday or Sunday. 4. By monthly distribution, the patients increased slightly during January, May and October. 5. The majority of patients visited the emergency room within 24 hours of onset. 6. The patients were categorized as follows : lumbar sprain 66.06%, cervical sprain 16.25%, ankle sprain 9.04%. 7. Admission rate was 21.96%. Conclusion : Assuming that this research will continue adding patient's data continuously, this work will help up to understand the features of musculoskeletal patients who visiting the emergency room of the oriental medicine hospital.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.186-199
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• 2001

Objectives : Sa-am Acupucture(舍岩鍼法), Taeguk Acupucture(太極鍼法), and 8 Constitution-Acupuncture(八體質鍼法) are largely used acupuncture therapies which utilize Yin and Yang, The Five Elements, Interpromoting and Counteracting Relation(相生 相克 關係). We are here to compare and study each acupuncture methods in order to understand their fundamental principle and theory. Conclusion : 1. When prescribing Herb to patients, we can use the Differentiation of Syndromes method(辨證論治). As there is Constitutional Medicine prescription(四象醫學處方) using constitutional Large & Small Relation of Jang and Bu organs(臟腑大小 關係), in acupuncture treatment we can use the Differentiation of Syndromes method of Sa-am acupucture, applying constitutional Large & Small feature of Jang and Bu organs(臟腑大小) in Taeguk Acupucture and 8 Constitution Acupuncture we can derive a suitable prescriptions. 2. Taeguk Acupucture and 8 Constitution Acupuncture is an acupunture method created upon the constitutional theory. Taeguk Acupucture lacks a theory and has problems with its practical use. 8 Constitution-Acupuncture has a theory, thus it can give us the chance to make derived diverse prescriptions for each diseases. 3. Sa-am Acupucture uses exclusively Manual technique(手技法), breathing Posa method(呼吸補瀉法), YoungSu Posa method(迎隨補瀉法) and also retaining method(留鍼法). Taeguk Acupunctune is directed related with WonBang Posa method(圓方補瀉法), twirling method(撚鍼法) and uses retaining method. 8 Constitution-Acupuncture works only with YoungSu Posa method and also One-insertion method(單刺法). 4. If we apply The Five Elements of five Su points and Interpromoting and Counteracting Relation(相生 相克 關係), we can control discords between Jang and Bu organs. Sa-am Acupucture, Taeguk Acupture and 8 Constitution Acupuncture which use five Su points can make better results in Jang and Bu organs disease. 5. Sa-am Acupunture needs diverse applications of Organ picture theory(臟象論), Pathogenesis theory(病機學說) and an proper prescription studies by Differentiation of Syndromes(辨證). Taeguk Acupuncture and 8 Constitution Acupuncture has a organized prescription methods by constitutional Large & Small relation of Jang and Bu organs(臟腑大小), thus we need to focus on objectification in constitutional differentiation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.89-96
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• 2004

Objectives : In order to prove the effect of Phospholipase $A_2(PLA_2)$ Herbal-acupuncture, this experimental studies were performed by using rats that had neuronal damage due to the Middle Cerebral Artery Occulsion(MCAO). Methods : Microdialysis probes were implanted into the coordinate of striatum of anesthetized rats which consist of sham-operated 8 rats, MCAO-operated 8 rats and $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture administrated 8 rats before MCAO operating. The $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture(0.5mg/kg) was administrated to rats 30 minutes before having an operation causing the MCAO. The surgical excision lead the cross resected brain to the acute ischemic state. The brain was sliced in 2mm thickness and stained with cresyl violet buffer for the measurement of cerebral infarcted area and volume. Results : Based on the result of the tissue inspection for the cerebral ischemic cell, $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture significantly protect neurocytes. Conclusions : We suggest $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture produces protective effects against the neuronal damage induced by MCAO. Therefore, $PLA_2$ Herbal-acupuncture may prevent delayed neuronal death(DND) in selectively vulnerable focal areas of the brain effectively.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.146-158
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• 2021

Background: This study was designed to statistically analyze the year, gender, age, insurance type, and condition/disease of patients who were admitted to the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine at DaeJeon Korean Medicine Hospital over a 5-year period (2015-2020). Methods: Patients who visited the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine at DaeJeon Korean Medicine Hospital were classified according to year, gender, age, insurance type, and condition/disease. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 23.0. Results: There is an increasing number of patients attending the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine year-on-year over the 5-year period, with a higher frequency of females than males each year. The largest age groups represented in these patients were those aged in their 50s, followed by those aged in their 40s, and 60s. Furthermore, the number of patients using health insurance was greater than those using automobile insurance each year. Of the 5,061 patients, the most common group was the patients (n = 991) who reported sprain and strain of cervical spine, followed by lumbar spine, lumbar herniation of the intervertebral disc, and facial paralysis. Conclusion: The number of patients seeking traditional Korean medicine treatment continues to increase, particularly in the 40s to 60s age group, with a larger proportion using health insurance and sprain or strain of the cervical spine. The results of this study may be used as a local (Daejeon) reference to develop Korean medicine policies, such as setting up medical benefits for patients using Korean medicine hospitals.