• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.657-666
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• 2017

Paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic drug, induces severe peripheral neuropathy. Gabapentin (GBT) is a first line agent used to treat neuropathic pain, and its effect is mediated by spinal noradrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Electro-acupuncture (EA) is used for treating various types of pain via its action through spinal opioidergic and noradrenergic receptors. Here, we investigated whether combined treatment of these two agents could exert a synergistic effect on paclitaxel-induced cold and mechanical allodynia, which were assessed by the acetone drop test and von Frey filament assay, respectively. Significant signs of allodynia were observed after four paclitaxel injections (a cumulative dose of 8 mg/kg, i.p.). GBT (3, 30, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or EA (ST36, Zusanli) alone produced dose-dependent anti-allodynic effects. The medium and highest doses of GBT (30 and 100 mg/kg) provided a strong analgesic effect, but they induced motor dysfunction in Rota-rod tests. On the contrary, the lowest dose of GBT (3 mg/kg) did not induce motor weakness, but it provided a brief analgesic effect. The combination of the lowest dose of GBT and EA resulted in a greater and longer effect, without inducing motor dysfunction. This effect on mechanical allodynia was blocked by spinal opioidergic (naloxone, $20{\mu}g$), or noradrenergic (idazoxan, $10{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, whereas on cold allodynia, only opioidergic receptor antagonist blocked the effect. In conclusion, the combination of the lowest dose of GBT and EA has a robust and enduring analgesic action against paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, and it should be considered as an alternative treatment method.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.19-35
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to show effectiveness of Acupuncture treatment on gastrointestinal dysfunctions after Cesarean section by analyzing randomized controlled clinical trials. Methods: We searched randomized controlled clinical trials related with acupuncture treatment on gastrointestinal dysfunctions after Cesarean section through national and overseas database and analyzed them in detail. Results: 6 articles were included according to our selection criteria and 1,084 women were involved. 3 studies used TEAS (Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation), 2 studies used Elastic band and 1 study used Acupressure by hand. Their results were statistically more effective than control groups. The most frequently used acupoints were Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36) followed by Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (IL4). Conclusions: There was significant difference in the effectiveness of the intervention including Acupuncture treatment. Based on analysis, it could be an effective way for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunctions after Cesarean section in clinical practice.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.95-102
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• 2018

Background: Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and associated mortality, and postmenopausal women are at a high risk of hypertension. We aim to investigate the hypotensive effect and safety of acupuncture, focusing on postmenopausal women with prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension. In addition, we aim to investigate whether the effect of acupuncture treatment differed, depending on Sasang Constitution and cold-heat pattern. Methods: This study is designed as an intervention cohort study. Two hundred postmenopausal women aged <65 years with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension living in Daejeon city in Korea will be recruited, and randomly assigned to either an acupuncture or no-treatment control group. The intervention will consist of four sessions; one session will include acupuncture performed 10 times for 4 weeks. There will be a 20-week observation period after each session, and the total study duration will be 96 weeks. Acupuncture will be applied at the bilateral Fengchi (GB20), Quchi (LI11), Zusanli (ST36), and Sameumgyo (SP6) acupoints. The effect of acupuncture will be evaluated by comparing the change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the acupuncture and control groups every 4 weeks until the end of the study. Discussion: To evaluate the success of blood pressure management, long-term observation is required, but no long-term studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on blood pressure in postmenopausal women. To our knowledge, this study will be the first long-term study to investigate this issue for more than 6-8 weeks.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.107-115
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study is to find the location of acupoints that are effective for increasing parasympathetic nervous system(PNS) activity among acupoints used to relieve symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy adult men participated in this experiment. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) was applied to P6(Neiguan), ST36(Zusanli) and BL20(Pishu) for 30 minutes. For 5 minutes before and after stimulation, Electrocardiogram(ECG), Electrodermal activity(EDA), Respiration, and Skin temperature(SKT) were measured using biosignalsplux Professional(biosignalsplux; Portugal). Paired t-test was performed for the results before and after stimulation, and a one-way ANOVA test between stimulations was performed for the rate of change before and after stimulation. Results: When each acupoint was stimulated with TENS, it was found that the PNS was generally activated. In addition, when considering the change in biosignals after stimulation, the participants stimulated with P6 showed the most consistent results. Conclusion: As a result of stimulating each acupoint, it was found that stimulating P6 can effectively increase PNS activity. These results indicate that methods of stimulating P6 may be most effective in alleviating symptoms of motion sickness.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Objective: There are currently no disease-modifying medications or definite long-term sustainable interventions for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), indicating an unmet treatment need. Our goal was to create a long-term sustainable intervention for PD patients that can be used in Korean medicine clinics. Methods: The Meridian Activation Remedy System (MARS) was created to stimulate a patient's 12 meridians and sinew channels using a combination of acupoint stimulation and exercise. The acupoints and motions used in MARS were selected through literature studies and expert advice. The methodologies were refined using observational and case studies. With slow and fast movements, the MARS intervention was intended to activate both slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers. Intradermal acupuncture and motion that shift the center of gravity were employed to enhance the patient's balance and proprioception. In addition, the intervention included alternating movement exercises to address the complex cognitive decline commonly occurring in PD patients. Results: The following acupoints were chosen for the MARS intervention: bilateral Hegu (LI4), Houxi (SI3), Waiguan (TE5), Neiguan (PC6), Zhongchong (PC9), Yuji (LU10), Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Taichong (LR3), Kunlun (BL60), and Taixi (KI3). We also developed actions that can stimulate the body's 12 meridians. Conclusion: We developed the MARS intervention, which combines acupuncture and exercise, to address the unmet therapeutic needs of PD patients. We hope that with additional research, the MARS intervention can be set as an effective therapeutic program for PD patients.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.39-61
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• 2008

목적 : 좌골신경 압좌손상으로 유발된 쥐의 모델을 이용하여 손상된 말초신경의 재생효과에 관한 침자극 효과를 세포분자학적, 조직학적 관점에서 연구하였다. 아울러 손상 좌골신경을 지배하는 척수신경근과 가까운 부위 경혈자극과 좌골신경이 지배하는 말초부위 경혈자극과의 침자극 효과를 비교 연구하였다. 방법 : 한쪽 좌골신경에 압좌손상을 유발 한 실험쥐들을 1주, 2주로 나눈 뒤 각각에 대해 격일로 1주군은 3회, 2주군은 6회의 침자극을 시행하였다. 손상 좌골신경의 재생효과를 비교실험하기 위해 정상군, 압좌손상만을 유발한 실험군, 침자극 군으로 나누었다. 침자극 군 중 한 군은 손상신경을 지배하는 척수신경근에 가장 가까운 2개의 화타협척혈(EX B2)에 자침(근위부 자극군)하였고, 다른 한 군은 말초부위에 위치한 족삼리혈(ST 36)과 위중혈(BL 40) 2곳에 자침(원위부 자극군)하였다. 실험 후 각각의 조직을 분리하여 Western blotting 혹은 Hoechst staining으로 Gap-43, Cdc2, Cdk2, Erk1/2 단백질을 분석 및 좌골신경의 각 세포수를 측정하였다. Retrograde tracing을 통해 L5의 DRG와 척수에서 말초신경 재생 효과를 관찰하였고, Immunofluorescence staining을 통해 신경돌기 가지의 신장 정도를 파악하였다. 결과 : 좌골신경 손상 7일된 실험쥐의 근위부와 원위부 침자극군에서 GAP-43와 Cdc2 단백질수준이 향상된 것으로 나타났다. Cdk2 단백질수준은 압좌손상 실험군에서 강하게 증가하였지만 침자극군과 비교해서 별다른 차이는 보이지 않았다. Phospho-Erk1/2 단백질수준은 침자극군에서 향상된 것으로 나타났다. 손상 7일과 14일 된 실험쥐의 손상 원위부에서 슈반세포 수가 증가하였으며 특히 근위부 침자극군에서 더욱 증가한 것으로 나타났다. Retrograde tracing을 이용한 검사 결과 침자극군에서 L5의 DRG와 척수의 염색 세포 수가 증가된 것으로 나타나 침자극이 축삭재생에 효과적인 것으로 나타났다. L5의 DRG 감각신경의 신경돌기 가지 신장정도 및 GAP-43 단백질의 발현 정도를 측정한 결과 근위부 침자극군에서 효과적으로 GAP-43 단백질의 발현 및 신경돌기 가지가 신장된 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 본 실험결과 침치료가 손상 좌골신경의 재생에 효과적인 것으로 보여지며, 특히 손상된 좌골신경을 지배하는 척수신경근 주위 화타협척혈에 대한 침자극이 말초부위의 침자극에 비해 신경재생에 더욱 효과적인 것으로 나타났다.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.35-45
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• 2010

Backgrounds : Recently, commercial indirect moxibustion has been widely used as a substitute for traditional indirect moxibustion by clinicians due to its convenience in using. But, there has been lack of studies about the similarity of thermal stimulation between commercial indirect moxibustion and traditional indirect moxibustion. Objectives : To demonstrate commercial indirect moxibustion can substitute for traditional indirect moxibustion by comparing thermal stimulation between the two. Methods : We measured bottom temperature of commercial indirect moxibustion and traditional indirect moxibustion with various thicknesses of ginger and garlic. A clinical trial was performed on 18 healthy subjects to evaluate thermal stimualtion. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, traditional indirect moxibustion with ginger and garlic. The skin temperature and heating time were measured. They received moxibustion therapy with commercial indirect moxibustion and traditional indirect moxibustion according to their groups. Acupoint Chogcoe($LU_6$), Zusanli($ST_{36}$) and Tianshu($ST_{25}$) were used in each group for 3 times. Results : There was no difference in bottom temperature among commercial indirect moxibustion, traditional indirect moxibustion with 2mm ginger and 3mm garlic. No major difference was detected in the subjects' baseline data. There was no difference in skin temperature and heating time among these 3 type of moxibustions. Also, No major difference was detected in VAS score of thermal stimulation and frequency of burns among these 3 type of moxibustions. But, most subjects regarded their sensation weren't identical because of its own distinct characteristics. Conclusions : Commercial indirect moxibustion, traditional indirect moxibustion with 2mm ginger and 3mm garlic have same thermal stimulation. Thus, commercial indirect moxibustion can substitute for traditional indirect moxibustion.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.157-169
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• 2003

Objective : The effects of electroacupuncture(EA) stimulation on heart rate variability(HRV) for healthy adults are investigated with power spectrum analysis(PSA) of HRV. Methods : The HRVs of every 10 minute for 22 healthy volunteers(13 men and 9 women) were measured for an hour with SA-3000P(Medicore Co., Ltd., Korea). The median age with arithmetic range of 13 men and 9 women was 26.00 years with 22.75~27.00 years. The initial 20 minutes were defined as baseline period(pre-EA period), the following 20 minutes as the EA period and the last 20 minutes as the post-EA period. In each EA periods, volunteers received EA(2Hz, 0.6~0.8ms duration, maximal tolerated stimulation without discomfort) on the right Zusanli(ST36), Shangjuxu(ST37) acupoints while supine, resting. Results : Heart rate of volunteers at post-EA period was significantly decreased compare to that of pre-EA period, while SDNN at post-EA period was significantly increased. Heart rate at EA period was significantly decreased compare to that of pre-EA period, but Ln(LF) and LF/HF at EA period were significantly increased. Ln(HF) at post-EA period was significantly decreased compare to that of EA period, while the other variables were not significantly changed. Conclusions : The results suggest that EA in healthy adults is associated with changed activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Further study is needed for investigating the effects of EA on HRV and autonomic nervous system.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.277-289
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• 2009

최근 침의 신경생리학적 기전 및 경혈의 특이성을 밝혀내기 위해 기능적 자기공명영상(functional MRI, fMRI)을 이용한 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다. fMRI 영상은 손가락 마주치기검사(Finger Taps test), 깜박이는 체크무늬 흑백영상에 의한 시각자극과 같은 연구주제에서 동일한 대상자의 반복되는 동일 검사에서 유의한 편차가 나타난다는 보고가 있다. 하물며 다른 개별 대상자의 fMRI 검사를 이용한 자침의 효과 및 경혈의 특이성 연구에 있어서 그룹분석 결과를 확고하게 하기 위해서는 개별 대상자들 간의 편차의 정도를 파악하고 개별데이터가 그룹 분석에 미치는 영향을 이해할 때 fMRI를 이용한 연구의 한계와 그 극복 방안에 대하여 본질적으로 접근할 수 있다고 판단된다. 따라서, 본 연구에서는 fMRI를 이용한 침 연구에서 개별분석 결과가 그룹분석 결과에 미치는 영향을 알아보는 것을 목적으로 계획되었다. 신체 건강한 성인 남자 15명을 대상으로 3.0 테슬러 자기공명영상장치를 이용하였다. 개인별 뇌구조영상과 뇌기능영상을 얻었으며, 뇌기능 영상은 진짜 침과 거짓 침 자극을 실시하였다. 자극방법은 블록방식(Block design)으로 30초의 비자극시간과 45초의 자극 시간을 3회 반복하여 총 3분 45초간 시행하였다. 자극은 우측 다리의 족삼리(ST36)를 이용하였고, 자침한 후 2 Hz의 속도로 침이 좌우로 반복하여 회전하도록 하여 자극을 주었다. 거짓 침 자극은 끝이 둥근 모양의 침으로 실시하였다. 뇌기능적 영상은 BOLD (Blood oxygenation level dependent) 경사자장 EPI (echo-planar imaging) 영상기법을 이용하였다. 각 피험자에 대한 개별 분석과 전체 피험자에 대한 그룹분석을 하였다. 족삼리 자침을 통한 개별분석 결과 거짓 침과 진짜 침 자극에 의한 뇌 활성화 반응은 개별 대상자들간의 편차가 큰 것으로 나타났으며, 이는 일부 대상자들에서만 나타난 뇌 활성화 반응의 결과가 그룹 분석의 결과에 크게 반영되었다는 것을 의미한다. 우리는 fMRI를 이용한 자침의 효과 및 경혈의 특이성 연구에 있어서 그룹분석 결과를 확고하게 하기 위해서는 개별 데이터들이 제공되어야 한다는 것을 제안한다.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.199-210
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• 2008

Backgrounds : Electroacupuncture(EA) is commonly used in treatment of various disease. Despite an extensive evidence-base guiding the selection of stimulation parameters, little methodologically robust research regarding the level of intensity and frequency in need to provide effective doses. Objectives : This study is evaluated effects of various intensities and frequencies of EA's stimulation at $ST_{36}$, Zusanli, with sex and age in rats. Methods : In this study, we measured the effects of EA treatment on transfer capability of small intestine in rats. Under anesthesia, two intensities, 1, 5mA with three different frequencies, 2, 50, 100Hz were applied to the groups divided with sex and age for 30minutes. Results : 1mA-2Hz, 5mA-2, 100Hz in male and 1mA-2, 50, 100Hz in female without distinction of age elicited an increasing trend in transfer capability of small intestine. In case of 2Hz in male, it showed the effects of EA without strength or weakness of stimulation and it need 100Hz stimulation additionally with age. In the groups of 1mA-2Hz, 5mA-2Hz in male and 1mA-2Hz, 1mA-100Hz, we elicited the decreasing trend with growing of weeks-old in male. Conclusions : With this result, it was suggested that we should consider a correlation of sex, age and EA's intensities, frequencies for the efficient EA.