• Title/Summary/Keyword: The Korean Journal of Acupuncture

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A study of constructing information of main treating acupoint with priority given to five vicera's Back-su point (배수혈을 중심으로 한 주요 치료혈 정보 구축)

  • Kim, Jong-Yeol;Kwon, O-Sang;Lee, Yu-Jung;Kim, Jae-Hyo;Kim, Eung-Sun;Kim, Yu-Lee;Shon, In-Chul
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.24 no.4
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    • pp.47-54
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    • 2007
  • Objection : A medicine which is patient-initiative and preventive is required in Korea, which is going to an aging society. On this, we started this study to make a new rule to diagnose and treat more definitely by linking traditional Oriental medicine to Sasang Constitional medicine, which thought to be suitable because of Sasang Constitional medicine has been valued on staying, diet and human's nature which means preventive medical propensity. Methods : On this study, we discriminated Sasang Constition of 161 students, who is in college of oriental medicine, Wonkwang university, by using QSCCII program; and in those students, we checked 30 volunteers's five vicera's Back-su point on riging and depression, tenderness reaction, and color reaction after cupping treatment. Results : As a result of study of riging and depression of five vicera's Back-su point, we could confirm that defecient organ's Back-su point were more depressed than excess organ in Seum-in, Taeeum-in, Soyang-in. As a result of study of tenderness reaction of five vicera's Back-su point, we could confirm that excess organ's Back-su point showed stronger tenderness reaction than defecient organ in Seum-in, Taeeum-in; and excess organ's Back-su point showed weaker tenderness reaction than defecient organ in Soyang-in. As a result of study of color reaction after cupping treatment of five vicera's Back-su point, we could confirm that excess organ's Back-su point showed stronger color reaction than defecient organ in Seum-in, Taeeum-in; and excess organ's Back-su point showed weaker color reaction than defecient organ in Soyang-in. Those data suggest that there are close correlation between Sasang Constition and on riging and depression, tenderness reaction, and color reaction after cupping treatment of five vicera's Back-su point in treditional Oriental medicine. Conclusions : From this study, we can make a new rule to differentiate Sasang Constition by clearfy a relation between Sasang Constition and five vicera's Back-su point; and with this rule, we could contribute to popularization and objectification of Sasang Constition medicine and further more, Oriental medicine by making a Sasang Constition diagnosis instrument. With this, a trait of Sasang Constition medicine that is preventive and valued on character of individuals will contribute to building a patient-initiative and preventive medical system and will expend the domain of Oriental medicine.

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Two Cases of Iatrogenic Pneumothorax after Intra-Muscular Stimulation (IMS) Therapy (근육 내 자극 요법 후 발생한 의인성 기흉 2예)

  • Son, Jun Gwang;Oh, In Jae;Jeong, Jong Pil;Kim, Soo Ok;Ju, Jin Yung;Lim, Jung Hwan;Cho, Gye Jung;Chae, Dong Ryeol;Kim, Kyu Sik;Kim, Yu Il;Lim, Sung Chul;Kim, Young Chul
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.63 no.5
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    • pp.444-448
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    • 2007
  • Recently, intra-Muscular Stimulation (IMS) therapy is being increasingly used for musculoskeletal pain. This procedure is generally regarded as a safe procedure for the general public. Some cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax caused by acupuncture have been reported in the medical literature. However, a case of an IMS therapy associated pneumothorax has not reported. We experienced two cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax after IMS therapy. A 62 year-old man received IMS therapy on the right shoulder due to posterior neck pain. After IMS therapy, acute dyspnea and chest discomfort developed. The other patient was a 74 year-old woman who also received IMS therapy. This patient experienced a nonproductive cough and acute dyspnea after the treatment. As the popularity of this form of alternative medicine increases, we might expect to see more cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax. Physicians should be aware of the adverse events associated with IMS therapy.

A Descriptive Statistical Analysis of the Hospitalized Patients with Low Back Pain in Departments of Korean Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine Hospitals (한국의 5개 한의과대학 부속한방병원 재활의학과의 요통 입원 환자에 대한 후향적 기술통계분석 - 입원 기간, 상병명, 치료 방법을 중심으로 -)

  • Maeng, Tae-Ho;Kim, Jongyeon;Yi, Woon-Sup;Chung, Won-Seok;Ko, Youn-Seok;Lee, Jung-Han;Shin, Byung-Cheul;Cha, Yun-Yeop;Go, Ho-Yeon;Sun, Seong-Ho;Jeon, Chan-Yong;Jang, Bo-Hyoung;Song, Yun-Kyung;Ko, Seong-Gyu
    • Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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    • v.23 no.4
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    • pp.213-223
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    • 2013
  • Objectives Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reason for people in Korea to visit Korean medical institutions. To assess actual amounts of use in the treatment of LBP in Korean medicine and to provide objective base line data for policy decision making, research regarding the current state of LBP patients' treatment in Korean medical institutions are in need. Methods The current study was designed as a retrospective chart review to investigate descriptive characteristics of LBP patients. The clinical records of 304 patients who were hospitalized for the treatment of LBP in Korean rehabilitation medicine inpatient clinics of five different Korean medicine hospitals were analyzed. The percentage of patient characteristics such as sex, age, average duration of admission, insurance type, diagnosed LBP related disease code, and rates of interventions applied were assessed. Results 1. The female sex was significantly predominant among patients with LBP : 105 patients (34.5%) were male and 199 patients (65.5%) were female. Percentage of the patients' age appeared as followed : 76 people (25.0%) were in their 50s, 64 people (21.1%) were in their 40s, 51 people (16.8%) were in their 30s, 37 people (12.2%) were in their 60s, and 33 people (10.9%) were in their 70s. Approximately half of the total LBP patients investigated were older than 50. 2. The average duration of admission was 16.2 days. Approximately one third (30.3%) of the patients were hospitalized for 8 to 14 days. 3. Female patients tended to stay admitted in hospitals slightly longer than male patients. Elderly (age 60~79) patients stayed in hospitals longer (17.8 days) compared to younger (age 20~39) patients (13.5 days). 4. More than half of the patients (171 cases, 56.3%) had their hospital bills covered with automobile insurance. 40.1% (122 cases) of the patients had medical insurance to cover their hospital bills. The average duration of admission of patients who had automobile insurance was 14.2 days, while that of the patients who had medical insurance was 18.4 days. 5. "Sprain and strain of the lumbar spine and pelvis" was the most commonly used (195 cases, 64.1%) disease code in patients with LBP. Patients diagnosed as "lumbar and other intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy" required the longest admission duration (22.1 days). 6. Herbal medication was applied to all of the patients during admission. Acupuncture was applied to all of the patients except one case diagnosed as spinal stenosis. Physical therapy, cupping therapy, moxibustion therapy, chuna therapy, and pharmacopuncture therapy were applied to 94.7, 92.8, 85.2, 83.9, and 49.7% of the patients, respectively. 7. There were certain differences among Korean medicine hospitals in terms of the LBP patients' duration of admission, type of insurance, frequency of the disease code use, type of intervention applied. Conclusions It is thought that the current study can be used as reference data in assessing the current state of LBP treatment in Korean rehabilitation medicine and a basis for future research. Provided improvements of certain limitations of the current study in future researches, such data would act as better base line data in policy decision making.

Analysis of Lumbar Herniated Intervertebral Disc Patients' Healthcare Utilization of Western-Korean Collaborative Treatment: Using Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service's Patients Sample Data (요추 추간판 탈출증 환자의 의·한의 협진 의료이용 현황 분석: 건강보험심사평가원 환자표본 데이터를 이용하여)

  • Ko, Jun-Hyuk;Yu, Ji-Woong;Seo, Sang-Woo;Seo, Joon-Won;Kang, Jun-Hyuk;Kim, Tae-Oh;Cho, Whi-Sung;Seo, Yeon-Ho;Ahn, Jong-Hyun;Lee, Woo-Joo;Kim, Bo-Hyung;Choi, Man-Khu;Kim, Sung-Bum;Kim, Hyung-Suk;Kim, Koh-Woon;Cho, Jae-Heung;Song, Mi-Yeon;Chung, Won-Seok
    • Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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    • v.31 no.4
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    • pp.105-116
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    • 2021
  • Objectives Lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (L-HIVD) is common disease in which Western-Korean collaborative treatment is performed in Korea. This study aimed to analyze Western-Korean collaborative treatment utilization of Korean patients with L-HIVD using Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service's Patients Sample Data. Methods This study used the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service-National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS) in 2018. Claim data of L-HIVD patients were extracted. The claim data were rebuilt with the operational concept of 'episode of care' and divided into Korean medicine episode group (KM), Western medicine episode group (WM) and collaborative treatment episode group (CT). General characteristics, medical expenses and healthcare utilization were analyzed. In addition, the difference of average visit day and average medical expenses between non-collaborative group (KM plus WM) and CT were analyzed by the propensity score matching method. Results A Total of 64,333 patients and 365,745 claims were extracted. The number of episodes of WM, KM and CT was 69,383 (92.97%), 3,903 (5.23%), and 1,341 (1.80%) respectively. The frequency of collaborative treatment episode was higher in women and the age of 50s. The most frequently described treatment in CT was acupuncture therapy. As a result of the propensity score matching, the number of visit days and medical expenses in the collaborative treatment group was higher than in the non-collaborative group. Conclusions The analysis of healthcare utilization of Korean-Western collaborative treatment may be used as basic data for establishing medical policies and systematic collaborative treatment model in the future.

The Existence and Role of Ji-chong for Medical Exchange in Ancient Korea (지총(知聰)의 실존(實存)과 고대 한국 의학 교류(古代 韓國 醫學 交流)에 대한 역할(役割))

  • Kim, Jae-Hyo;Kim, Seong-Chul;Chung, Heon-Young;Kim, Ryong;Kwon, Oh-Sang;Kim, Kyung-Sik;Sohn, In-Chul
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.28 no.3 s.71
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    • pp.70-85
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    • 2007
  • Objectives : Considering the indigenousness of Korean medicine, the historical record was first introduced in 1946 as follows; a Chinese person, Ji-chong (知聰), brought 164 volumes of medical books to Japan via Goguryeo (高句麗) in A.D. 562. Since this event happened, Korean Oriental Medicine has been derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine because ancient Korean Medicine originated and was developed in China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence and role of Ji-chong in the history of medical exchanges between ancient Korea and Japan. Methods : We studied Ji-chong through ancient and modern historical literatures such as Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), the record of $Shinsen-sh{\bar{o}}jiroku$ (新撰姓氏錄), Korean Medical History (韓國醫學史), Japanese Medical History (日本醫學史), Samguk Sagi (三國史記), etc. Results : We found indications of the existence of Ji-chong and the import of Chinese medical literature to the ancient Korean peninsula by examining domestic and foreign historical literature. Especially, he was closely related to historical assumptions about the Japanese conquest of Goguryeo in A.D. 562, although without objective historical evidence and described only in modern Japanese historical records and Korean Medical History. However, substantial medical exchange toward Japan was accomplished by Korean medicine of either Goguryeo, Baekje (百濟), or Silla (新羅) dynasty until the late A.D. 6 century. Conclusions : Based on the above investigation, the idea that Ji-chong carried medical literature via Goguryeo in A.D. 562 needs to be reconsidered and the role of Ji-chong as recorded in a variety of literature and databases should be amended., Korean Oriental Medicine has been derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine because ancient Korean Medicine originated and was developed in China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence and role of Ji-chong in the history of medical exchanges between ancient Korea and Japan. Methods : We studied Ji-chong through ancient and modern historical literatures such as Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), the record of Shinsen-$sh{\bar{o}}jiroku$ (新撰姓氏錄), Korean Medical History (韓國醫學史), Japanese Medical History (日本醫學士), Samguk Sagi (三國史記), etc. Results : We found indications of the existence of Ji-chong and the import of Chinese medical literature to the ancient Korean peninsula by examining domestic and foreign historical literature. Especially, he was closely related to historical assumptions about the Japanese conquest of Goguryeo in A.D. 562, although without objective historical evidence and described only in modern Japanese historical records and Korean Medical History. However, substantial medical exchange toward Japan was accomplished by Korean medicine of either Goguryeo, Baekje (百濟), or Silla (新羅) dynasty until the late A.D. 6 century. Conclusions : Based on the above investigation, the idea that Ji-chong carried medical literature via Goguryeo in A.D. 562 needs to be reconsidered and the role of Ji-chong as recorded in a variety of literature and databases should be amended.

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A Survey on Treatment of Breast Cancer Patients with Korean Medicine: Preliminary Research for Clinical Practice Guidelines (한의표준임상진료지침 개발을 위한 유방암 보완치료 실태조사)

  • Kim, Nam-Hoon;Kang, Na-Hoon;Yoo, Eun-Sil;Park, Nam-Chun;Lee, Jin-Wook;Park, Kyoung-Sun;Lee, Jin-Moo;Lee, Chang-Hoon;Jang, Jun-Bock;Jang, Bo-Hyoung;Hwang, Deok-Sang
    • The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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    • v.31 no.4
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    • pp.165-178
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    • 2018
  • Objectives: To determine the current status of the treatment of breast cancer patients by Korean Medicine doctors (KMDs) and to examine the need for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the supportive care of these patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were asked about their experience in treating breast cancer patients; the number of breast cancer patients they currently treat; the main complaints expressed by, diagnoses of, and treatments used for such patients; and their opinions about Korean Medicine (KM) as the basis for providing supportive care for breast cancer. Results: The data for this study were collected from 322 respondents. 84 of whom reported having ever treated patients with breast cancer. Most breast cancer patients who visited the KM clinic were classified as stage I or II, and their major complaints were fatigue, general weakness and musculoskeletal pain. The major diagnostic strategies were syndrome differentiation and pulse diagnosis. The major treatments administered were herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion. KMDs cited a need for medical information, such as CPGs, as their most important concern with regard to the treatment of breast cancer patients. Conclusions: This survey determined the prevalence of the use of KM for Korean breast cancer patients. Our results underscore the need for clinical practice guidelines for using of KM as the basis of supportive care for breast cancer and for informing clinicians and patients about this approach.

The Study on Correlation between the Degree of Herniated Intervertebral Lumbar Disc at L4~5 Level and Improvement of Low Back Pain Treated by Korean Medicine Therapy (제 4~5번 요추 추간판 탈출 정도와 요통의 한의학적 치료 효과의 상관성 연구)

  • Yoo, Hyung-jin;Lee, Hyun-ho;Jeong, Seong-hyun;Jo, Kyeong-sang;Lee, Gie-on;Lee, Dong-hyun;Kim, Sang-min
    • Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.105-121
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    • 2016
  • Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effects between the degree of herniated intervertebral lumbar disc (HIVD) at L4-5 level and improvement of low back pain treated by Korean Medicine therapy. Methods 567 patients who received inpatient treatment from May 2014 to December 2015 in the Daejeon-Jaseng of Korean Medicine Hospital were divided into 6 groups by the degree of HIVD at L4-5 level confirmed with a Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received a combination of treatment including acupunture, chuna manual therapy, pharmacopunture, herbal medication. They were compared and analyzed on the basis of improvement between measuring Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ5D Index) as they were hospitalized and as they were discharged. The statistically significance was evaluated by SPSS 23.0 for windows. Results After treatment, Normal stage on Intervertebral Lumbar Disc at L4-5 level group's Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ5D Index) improvement was $1.30{\pm}1.62$, $4.52{\pm}11.82$ and $0.04{\pm}0.11$ respectively. Bulging group's improvement was $3.25{\pm}2.81$, $8.28{\pm}13.02$ and $0.09{\pm}0.17$ respectively. Spinal canal occupying ratio (SOR) less than 20 group's improvement was $2.15{\pm}1.92$, $11.79{\pm}17.81$ and $0.13{\pm}0.23$ respectively. SOR 20 to less than 40 stage group's improvement was $2.13{\pm}1.92$. $10.79{\pm}15.93$ and $0.10{\pm}0.26$ respectively. SOR 40 to less than 60 group's improvement was $2.16{\pm}2.24$, $9.80{\pm}16.62$ and $0.15{\pm}0.25$ respectively. Surgery group's improvement was $2.47{\pm}2.21$, $11.64{\pm}18.53$ and $0.15{\pm}0.27$ respectively (p<0.03). But there was no statistically significance between 6 group's improvement after treatment (p>0.05). Conclusions After inpatient treatment by Korean Medicine therapy, Most patient's pain, disability and Health Related Quality of Life was improved significantly. But there was no statistically correlation between the degree of HIVD at L4-5 level and improvement of low back pain. So We think that future research of higher quality and correct statistics shall be necessary.

Analysis of Components in the Different Parts of Lythrum salicaria L. (털부처꽃의 부위별 성분 분석)

  • Kim, Hee-Young;Park, Yea-Jin;Lee, Ju-Yeon;Kim, Ki-young;Shin, Su;Choi, Min-Woo;Hong, Eun-Jin;Kim, Min-jeong;Yeo, Sujung;Park, In-hwa;Jerng, Ui Min;An, Hyo-Jin;Cha, Yun-Yeop
    • The Korea Journal of Herbology
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    • v.37 no.5
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    • pp.89-96
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    • 2022
  • Objectives : This research was performed to analyze the components in the different parts of Lythrum salicaria L. and to compare which parts of L. salicaria L. are appropriate for food development. Methods : L. salicaria L. was extracted in 20% EtOH at 100 ℃ for 4 hours. Cytotoxicity was investigated in 3T3-L1 cells after treatment of 10-500 ㎍/ml L. salicaria L. for 24 hours. Total polyphenol content (TPC) was estimated using 1 N Folin-ciocateu reagent. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was estimated using DPPH reagent and gallic acid. The chemical composition was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 1) Results : The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the extracts of the whole plant, aerial parts, and root parts was 350 ㎍/ml, over 500 ㎍/ml, and 150 ㎍/ml, respectively. The TPC in the extracts of the whole plant, aerial parts, and root parts was 527.1 mg/g, 422.6 mg/g, and 781.1 mg/g, respectively. The averages of vitexin contents in the aerial parts, and root parts were 256.7 ± 154.9 ㎍/g and 266.1 ± 63.2 ㎍/g, respectively. The averages of TPC in the leaves, roots, flower stalks and stems were 224.0 ± 53.7 tannin acid (TA) mg/g, 221.8 ± 70.2 TA mg/g, 249.8 ± 34.4 TA mg/g, and 67.7±8.9 TA mg/g, respectively. The averages of DPPH radical scavenging activity in the leaves, roots, flower stalks, and stems were 282.01 ± 43.3 gallic acid equivalent (GAE) 𝜇mole/g, 260.16 ± 44.1 GAE 𝜇mole/g, 288.0 ± 9.3 GAE 𝜇mole/g, and 97.6 ± 10.7 GAE 𝜇mole/g, respectively. Conclusions : There were no significant differences in the content of components or antioxidant activity in the aerial parts compared to those in the whole plant of L. salicaria L. Furthermore, the root parts had low extract yield, cytotoxicity, and quality control problems, therefore our results suggest that the use of the aerial part of L. salicaria L. would be the most appropriate for food development.

Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (주사(Rosacea)의 한약 치료에 대한 체계적 문헌고찰 및 메타분석)

  • Kang, Eun-Jeong;Kam, Eun-Young;Kim, Seo-Hee;Yoon, Seok-Yeong;Jeon, Seok-Hee;Choi, Jung-Wha;Kim, Jong-Han;Park, Soo-Yeon;Jung, Min-Yeong
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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    • v.34 no.3
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    • pp.27-54
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    • 2021
  • Objectives : This review was conducted to validate the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine combined with conventional therapy for rosacea. Methods : Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) reporting the effects of herbal medicine treatment on rosacea were searched through eight electronic databases from 2016 to March 17, 2020. This study collection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviews. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used for the evaluation of the risk of bias in all included RCTs. Mean differences(MD) and Risk ratio(RR) of 95% Confidence intervals(Cls) were calculated and data synthesis was conducted using Review Manager(RevMan, ver.5.4) Results : Eighteen RCTs were included and all trials compared the combined therapy of herbal medicine with conventional western therapy to conventional therapy alone. The effective rate of the combination of herbal medicine with western medicine(RR 1.20, 95% CI : 1.13-1.28, p<0.00001, I2=0%), the effective rate of the combination of herbal medicine with laser-based therapy(RR 1.12, 95% CI : 1.04-1.21, p=0.004, I2=18%) and the effective rate of the combination treatment group using herbal medicine, western medicine and external drugs were all statistically higher that of the control group(RR 1.19, 95% CI : 1.11-1.28, p<0.00001, I2=0%). The score of non transient erythema(MD -0.36, 95% CI : -1.01 0.29, p=0.27, I2=93%), flushing(MD -0.69, 95% CI : -0.97, 0.41, p<0.00001, I2=32%), papules or pustules(MD 0.10, 95% CI : -0.15, 0.35 p=0.44, I2=0%) were also seen in the herbal medicine and western medicine combination group. The overall risk of bias of the included studies was some concerns. No serious adverse effects were observed. Conclusions : This review found the safety and effectiveness of the combined therapy of herbal medicine with conventional western therapy for rosacea.

A Literature Review for Approach of Oriental Nursing (한방간호접근을 위한 이론적 고찰)

  • 강현숙
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.118-129
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    • 1993
  • In order to approach the nursing care of clients who are using oriental medicine and to understand the perception of the client who uses oriental medicine practices and the need to develop a model of nursing related to oriental medicine it is important to examine the major nursing concepts as they are found in oriental medicine and as they are differently defined according to the basic thought, theory and philosophical perspectives between East and West. Oriental medicine developed based on Sung Confucianism the teachings of Chut-zu, especially Tai-Chi-Tu Shuo and energy thought which are similar to traditional Korean Sasang Constitutional medicine. The basic theory on which oriental medicine is build is the theory of the five elements of Yin / Eum-Yang Theory(cosmic dual forces) and Meridian Theory. The most important attribute of Yin Yang is the concept of duality, confrontation and dependence, within Yin Yang but which do not exist separately. That is, the universe is a vast, indivisible entity within which all things exist in harmonious interdependence and balance. Harmony is achieved only when the two primorial forces, Yin and Yang, are brought into perfect balance. Each is contained within the other and there is a continuing interchange between the two. This also applies to the human body including human health which is defined as balanced harmony. The most universal connection of Yin and Yang is found in the universe where the five elements of life, fire, water, earth, wood and metal can be explained as having either Yin or Yang and therefore being in a state of connectedness but systematically circulating between the two, that is essentalilly one (the control of the unified ) or as coexistant poles of individual wholes (the pluralism of Yin Yang Theory) so that it is all unified(balanced) in the Great Absoulte. Human beings also maintain a balance of Yin and Yang in the five elements and this relationship is very important in approaching ·oriental medicine, The meridians are the channels in the body through which the life force flow throughout the body. In oriental medicine the meridians are seen as the railroad, the acupuncture points on the meridians as the stations and energy as the train. In the normal healthy organism, all are maintained in balance and in a contiuous circulation of energy. illness is the result of the energy flow becoming disarranged. Although practitioners of oriental medicine approach the client differently than do practitioners of Western medicine and their method of examining the patient is different, the basic objectives of the examination are the same for practitioners of both types of medicine. Therefore if each could be used to supplement the defiencies in the other and achieve a harmonious cooperation between the two, a higher level of care which is culturally appropriate to korean culture could be achieved. The traditional korean concept of health is a naturalistic view which emphasizes being in harmony with nature. Any manifestation of disease is considered a sign that the body is in a state of disequilibrium and is thus no longer in harmony with the universe. The wholistic view of the world held by practitioners of oriental medicine can be used by nursing in the development of a world view of nursing in which the human being is seen within the macrocosm as part of the natural phenomenon of the universe and but also as a microcosm of the universe, a universe which is a vast and indivisible entity within which all things exist in harmonious interdependence and balance. Interaction between human beings and their environment and the relationship of this interaction to health are concepts that are also found in nursing. Nursing views human brings, not as an accumulation of separate cells and organs but, as unified wholes interacted in very close relationship nth their environment. Nursing also maintains a view of human beings in which emphasis is placed on the role of the mind in explaining the concepts of harmony and balance in health. Although there are differences between oriental medicine and nursing in approaches to clients, the basic point of view and philosophy have many fundamental similarites. An understanding of the basic thought and philosophy of oriental medicine if applied to nursing, would allow for the development, not only of nursing related to oriental medicine, but of a nursing theory appropriate to the korean context.

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