• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.221-246
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• 2020

Objectives: Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint that necessitates physician consultation and significantly diminishes patients' quality of life. In this review, we analyzed clinical studies that investigated the use of Korean Medicine for the treatment of shoulder pain. Methods: We searched the online Korean databases, such as KMBase, DBpia, NDSL, RISS, KISS, and OASIS for clinical studies that report the use of Korean Medicine for shoulder pain. We analyzed the included studies with regard to study design, interventions, evaluations, and results. Results: We analyzed data from the following 29 studies: 14 clinical trials (which included 9 randomized controlled trials) and 15 observational studies (which included 11 case reports). In this review, we observed that post-stroke shoulder pain was the most common cause of shoulder pain, which was reported in 13 out of 29 studies (44.8%), although in actual clinical practice, patients are more likely to present with primary shoulder pain. Most included studies (72.4%) reported manual acupuncture as the most common intervention for shoulder pain. More than 50% of the studies used range of motion (58.6%) and the numeric rating scale (51.7%) to evaluate shoulder function and pain, respectively. Although the result was not statistically significant in all included studies, most studies concluded that Korean Medicine could be considered an effective treatment option in patients with shoulder pain. Conclusions: Based on analysis of studies included in this review, Korean Medicine can be considered useful clinical treatment for shoulder pain.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.69-78
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• 2013

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Gongjin-dan (Gongchen-dan, here in after GJD) in order to obtain the evidence for clinical application. Methods The GJD-related articles published from 1990 to 2013 were searched using "Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal", "Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS)", "Korean Association of Medical Journal Edition (Koreamed)", "Research Information Services (RISS4U)", "Korean Medicine Database (KMbase)", "National Discovery for Science Leader (NDSL)", "PubMed", "China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)". The search keywords were "Gongjin-dan", "Gongchen-dan". Thirty-nine articles were obtained. After excluding the eighteen article which did not meet inclusion criteria, finally twenty-one articles were included; five clinical articles and sixteen experimental articles. Results In clinical studies, GJD has the various effectiveness in cardiovascular diseases, alcoholic hepatitis, mild dementia, anemia. Also experimental studies related to the GJD show a variety of effects, such as anti-oxidative activity, neuroprotective activity, hepatoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, immunological activity, reproductive recovery activity with fewer side-effects. Conclusions It has been suggested that there are various effects of GJD in treating a wide-range disease. However, in order to put GJD to use for many kinds of diseases in more reasonable ways, it is needed to publish well-design clinical trial based on the variety of results of experimental studies.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.85-94
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• 2013

Objectives : This study aims to contribute to developing new pattern identification based on searches regarding pattern identification of low back pain, which is used in thesis both in Korea and China. Methods : First of all, we searched thesis concerning pattern identification of low back pain from RISS, OASIS, Korean traditional knowledge portal, CNKI. Results : 1. There were overall 34 thesis, consist of 18 Korean thesis(13 clinical papers and 5 analytical papers) and 9 Chinese thesis(7 clinical papers and 9 analytical papers). 2. 10 of 11 Korean thesis used more than 9 patterns for pattern identification, 9 of 14 Chinese thesis used less than 4 patterns for pattern identification of low back pain. 3. Patterns, which were repeatedly used in Korea, were 腎虛腰痛(Kidney deficiency low back pain), 濕熱腰痛(Dampness-heat low back pain), 寒濕腰痛(Cold-dampness low back pain), 痰飮腰痛(Phlegm-fluid retention low back pain), 風腰痛(Wind low back pain), 食積腰痛(Food accumulation low back pain), 濕腰痛(Dampness low back pain), 挫閃腰痛(Sprain low back pain), 瘀血腰痛(Static blood low back pain), 氣腰痛(Qi low back pain). 4. Patterns, which were repeatedly used in China, were 腎虛腰痛(Kidney deficiency low back pain), 濕熱腰痛(Dampness-heat low back pain), 寒濕腰痛(Cold-dampness low back pain), 氣滯血瘀腰痛(Blood stasis due to qi stagnation low back pain). Conclusions : Based on these results, it is considered that an advanced type of pattern identification of low back pain should be made or existing type needs to be practically and objectively improved.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.158-168
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to review clinical studies of lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (LHIVD) treatment using acupuncture. Online database (PubMed, COCHRANE Library, EMBASE, CNKI, KISS, NDSL, KoreaMed, KMbase, OASIS, and KISTI) searches were conducted in May 2018. Studies that used acupuncture, electroacupuncture or warm needle acupuncture were included, along with participants who had lower back pain and radiating pain of their lower limbs consistent with radiological findings. Animal studies and nonclinical data were excluded. Data on treatment methods, site, time, frequency, period, and scales used were analyzed. There were 69 studies including 38 randomized controlled trials, 14 retrospective observational studies, and 17 clinical case studies. There were 51 acupoints selected for acupuncture treatment of LHIVD. The most frequently treated acupoints were BL23, BL25, BL24, and BL40. The mean treatment time, frequency, and duration were $26.06{\pm}6.70$ mins, $6.29{\pm}1.70$ times/week, and $20.57{\pm}11.04$ days, respectively, in randomized controlled trials (RCT), and $18.62{\pm}4.60$ mins, $11.58{\pm}3.99$ times/week, and $34.43{\pm}17.62$ days, respectively, in case/retrospective studies ($mean{\pm}SD$). This review collates information about acupuncture treatment methods for LHIVD.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.76-86
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• 2014

Objective : This study was performed to find out the differential points of the pattern identification for Acne vulgaris and suggest them to the clinic setting Methods : We searched the papers that suggest patterns identification for Acne vulgaris through China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System(OASIS), Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal(KTKP), Korean Studies Information Service System(KISS). We looked through all the papers, excluded unintended papers, and finally chose some papers that are suitable for inclusion. Then, We extracted all the patterns of Acne vulgaris and chose frequently suggested patterns. Finally we extracted symptoms from selected patterns and arranged them in order of frequency. Results and Conclusions : 1. We found 215 papers and chose 17 papers (Korean : 6, Chinese : 11). 2. We extracted total 67 demonstrations and chose Patterns of Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat, Phlegm and Static blood, Disharmony of the Thoroughfare and Controlling vessels. 3. In Acne vulgaris, the pattern of Wind-Heat tends to have a red papule, sometimes pustule, pain with itching, burning sensation, tidal reddening of the cheeks, white head or black head. The pattern of Damp-Heat tends to have a pustule, node, redness and swelling, pain and greasy skin. The pattern of Phlegm and Static blood has a tendency to be a nodule or cystoma that is hard, dark, painful, long lasting and hard to recover and easy to recur with a scar, pimple, pigmentation. The pattern of Disharmony of the Thoroughfare and Controlling vessels tends to be exacerbated before menstruation, have a small papule that is not easily treated under the chin or around the mouth.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.13-37
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Korean medicine for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We analyzed the result of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that applied Korean medicine to NAFLD patients through meta analysis and systematic review. Methods: The key question was to the effects of Korean medicine for NAFLD patients according to the PICO-SD (participants, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design) and we included only RCTs. We searched 10 databases including NDSL, KMBASE, KISS, KISTI, KoreaMed, Koreantk, OASIS, Cochrane, Pubmed, EMBASE without a language restriction. We assessed risk of bias by Cochrane group's Risk of Bias tool. Results: The finally selected 12 RCTs were analyzed. Total number of participants was 1189 (male 719, female 470) as 684 and 505 in the oriental medicine group (i.e. herbal drugs, acupuncture, acupoint embedding therapy) and control group (conventional drugs, placebo), respectively. The meta analysis results of examining 7 RCTs comparing the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicine with that of Western medicine showed statistically significant (p<0.05) differences in the efficacy evaluation, liver function test results, blood lipids, and TNF-${\alpha}$. Furthermore, the meta analysis results of investigating 3 RCTs comparing the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicine with that of a placebo showed statistically significant (p<0.05) differences in the liver function test results, blood lipids, and waist circumference. Conclusions: The research showed that Korean medicine for NAFLD can be effective treatment. But more studies are required to enhance the level of evidence and we should report on safety.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.95-113
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• 2023

Objectives: To review studies evaluating effects of acupuncture on pain and depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia. Methods: Quantitative evidences (RCTs) were systematically reviewed. Literature were searched for a combination of fibromyalgia and depression (The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, medline (via PubMed), Kmbase, KISS, ScienceON, OASIS, CiNii, CNKI). Quantitative research findings were critically appraised by Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tool and pooled. Meta-analysis was then conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4. Results: Eighteen studies were selected. American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for Fibromyalgia Syndrome was most frequently used as diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. As for outcome measurement, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Total Effective Rate (TER) were used most commonly. Meta-analysis of ten studies revealed that both Depression and VAS scores of the Acupuncture+Western Medicine group were significantly lower than those of Western Medicine group (Depression: SMD, -0.94, 95% CI, -1.17 to -0.70; VAS: MD, -1.51, 95% CI, -1.83 to -1.19). Also, TERs of both Acupuncture group and Acupuncture+Western Acupuncture+Western Medicine group were significantly higher than those of the Western Medicine group (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.29 to 4.41; and OR: 7.40, 95% CI: 3.41 to 16.07). There was no significant difference in Depression or VAS score between the Acupuncture Group and the Western Medicine Group. Conclusions: Acupuncture might be an effective option for pain and depressive symptoms of fibromyalgia when it is combined with Western Medicine treatment. For more accurate results, more types of Korean medicine treatment should be conducted.

• 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.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.95-115
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• 2013

Objectives The aim of this review is to provide fundamental data for low back pain scales which can be used in clinical trial. Methods We investigated the latest studies on chronic low back pain via PubMed. And we also investigated domestic studies through "http://oasis.kiom.re.kr". 95 research papers were analyzed. Scales were classified into pain scale, function scale, generic health status scale and psychological scale. Results 1) According to foreign clinical studies, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) were used 18 times as pain scale. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used 20 times as function scale, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) was 17, and Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire (HFAQ) was used 3 times. 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used 13 times as generic health status scale, Euroqol-5 Dimentions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) was 11, and 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) was used 3 times. Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) was used 9 times as psychological scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-R) both were used 3 times. 2) According to domestic clinical studies, VAS was used 37 times as pain scale, NRS was 11, and Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) was used 6 times. ODI was used 30 times as function scale, RMDQ was 2 times only. SF-36 was used once as generic health status scale and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) was used 3 times as psychological scale. Conclusions We recommend VAS or NRS as a measure to evaluate pain, and ODI as a measure to evaluate functional disability. And we also recommend SF-36 or SF-12 and EQ-5D as a measure to evaluate generic health status. Finally, we recommend FABQ for use in measuring psychological scale.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.179-185
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• 2013

This study was carried out to find a reasonable irrigation method of a nutrient solution for the phenolic foam slab (foam LC) used in a trial experiment to substitute the rockwool slab in the production of paprika (Capsicum annuum 'Veyron'). 100, 90, and 80 mL of a nutrient solution was supplied per plant each time when the accumulated radiation reached to 100, $90J{\cdot}cm^{-2}$, and they were named as the 100-100, 90-90, and 90-80 treatment, respectively. The drain percentage per plant of the 100-100 treatment was high by 33.8% in rockwool and 36.7% in foam LC (Lettuce Cube) and that of 90-80 treatment was low by 30.4% and 33.7%. The water content and EC of the rockwool slab were maintained in the range of 63.6-68.9% and $4.4-5.1mS{\cdot}cm^{-1}$, while those of the foam LC slab were in the range of 52.9-58.8% and $5.5-6.5mS{\cdot}cm^{-1}$. The plant height and leaf size of the 100-100 and 90-90 treatments increased in a similar manner, while those of the 90-80 treatment decreased and those of the rockwool were greater than those of the foam LC. The fruit size and weight of the 100-100 and 90-90 treatments were similarly bigger and heavier than those of the 90-80 treatment. The number of fruits harvested per plant was the greatest in the 90-80 treatment with 8 and 8.3 fruits in the rockwool and foam LC. The number of marketable fruits in the rockwool and foam LC was the greatest with 18.1 and 18.2, respectively, in the 90-90 treatment, while that in the 90-80 treatment was 17.2 and 16.8, respectively. The number of unmarketable fruits of the 90-80 treatment was the greatest (1.7-1.8 fruits per plant) in both the rockwool and foam LC, and most of them were small sized or blossom end rot fruits. The yield of the 90-90 treatment was the greatest among the irrigation.