• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.126-133
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• 2018

The aim of this survey is to investigate the current state of pattern identification, treatment and management on chronic fatigue in the Korean medicine. From May 25, 2017 to June 7, we distributed contents of questionnaires to 17,992 Korean medical doctors via e-mail, and then received answers from 329 people. The surveys were conducted by a specialized research organizations. Researchers were blinded to the participant's personally identifiable information or whether they participated in the investigation. In Korea, almost Korean medicine doctors (94.5%) used pattern identification in the treatment of chronic fatigue patients. The main diagnostic methods were visceral (38.5%), qi-blood-fluid-humor (32.3%), and sasang constitutional pattern identification (14.3%). The high-frequent therapy were herbal medicine (37.0%), acupuncture (27.9%), moxibustion (11.7%), and cupping (8.6%). The primary goals of treatment were Improvement and relaxation of stress condition (18.1%), improvement of quality of life (13.1%), increase of functional vitality (34.0%), and fatigue management (23.3%). The key factors affecting treatment outcomes were the patient's aggressiveness in treatment (23.5%) and his/her lifestyle and environment(22.7%). This study was a pioneering research for chronic fatigue on the aspect of medical service provider in the Korean medicine. We hope that this study can be used as a basis for developing a more appropriate and reasonable practice guidelines for chronic fatigue.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.133-143
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• 2019

Objectives : In this study, we analyze the medical significance of feces symptoms so that the daily records of the feces of individuals can be not only used as a measure of individual health monitoring in daily life, but also more actively connected to the medical treatment of the Korean Medicine (KM). Methods : Categories and clinically significant attributes for symptoms of Urination and defecation in the KM ontology DB are determined, and connected to KM related dialectical indicators by experts' common criteria including Viscera and Bowels [臟腑], eight principles [八綱], Qi Blood fluid and humor phlegm-retained fluid static blood [氣血津液痰飮瘀血], six excesses [六淫]. Results : The analysis of the symptoms of feces in the Korea Medicine ontology shows that the symptoms of stool in categories of 'stool stiffness', 'blood swelling', 'discomfort' are highly ranked among the overall clinical symptom categories. In the case of urine symptoms, symptoms corresponding to 'urine color,' 'urine discomfort,' and 'urine volume' are the top rankers among other total clinical symptoms. In the case of stool, the relationship between the symptom of stool and the categories of spleen, stomach, and colon is increased as the weighted symptom is considered. The relationship between the symptom of urine and the categories of the small intestine and the bladder is increased in the same way. Conclusions : This study could help better utilize the personal generated health records of feces in clinical practice of Korean Medicine.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.109-118
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• 2019

Objectives : In this study, the relationship between Tingling disease(痺證) and Accumulation (積) was examined focusing on the occurrence of Tingling disease and its development into tangible lesion. Methods : Based on related contents in the "Huangdineijing", the process of creation and development of Tingling and its transformation to Accumulation was mainly examined. Results : While Tingling disease is usually caused by the three Qis of Wind-Cold-Dampness, due to its Yin nature there is high tendency of Qi and blood to be blocked and Blood and Fluid-Humor agglomerating into Accumulation. Symptoms of dysaesthesia are merely expressions manifesting in this process. Development into colic accumulation [疝瘕], Gu(蠱), or convulsion[瘛] after Tingling has traveled to the five zang is also related to its transformation into Accumulation. In the case of Tingling disease of the five zang in the "Huangdineijing", it is not a diagnostic category for treatment but actual lesions in the five zang six fu. In other words, in the beginning stages of Tingling disease, some sort of solidification that causes abnormal senses among other symptoms happens, and this solidification starts taking up space within the flesh. If it is not eliminated and persists, it enters into the inner organs and develops Tingling disease of the zangfu. Conclusions : Understanding Tingling disease(痺證) as a presymptom to developing Accumulation, rather than abnormality of sense will enable people to have higher chances in treating tumor.