• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.149-158
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• 2018

Objectives : In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the needle forces using needle insertion-measurement system and compared the needle sensation of each acupuncture practical model. Methods : After inserting acupuncture with a sensor to six models, a lifting-thrusting motion was implemented using the needle insertion-measurement system. The needle force was measured repeatedly, and the measurement was analyzed based on the modified Karnopp friction model for a comparison of friction coefficients. After the insertion, practitioners did lifting-thrusting manipulations. They quantified the similarity of needle sensation with VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). Results : When friction force and coefficients of friction in five different models were compared with a porcine shank model, all five models were significantly different from a porcine shank model, cotton and apple showing the closest frictional values to that of a porcine shank model. In the Cp and Cn values of cotton and in the Cp values of IM injection pad, there was no statistically significant difference. The similarity of the needle sensation between the porcine shank and five models was the highest in the apple, and overlapping papers was the lowest. Conclusions : This study quantitatively compared the physical forces in the practical model when implementing lifting-thrusting manipulations, using a needle insertion-measurement system. We suggest that a reproducible exercise model that reflects the characteristics of various human tissues, such as viscoelasticity or strength, needs to be further developed. This will contribute to establishing standardized acupuncture practice training.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.77-88
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• 2022

The purpose of this review was to identify research trends in acupuncture training systems and models and to analyze acupuncture training using phantom models. Articles on acupuncture training were retrieved from domestic and foreign electronic databases (PubMed, CNKI, CiNii, NDSL, KISS, RISS and KMBase). The search included studies conducted from January 1, 2010 to October 1, 2021. Acupuncture training was analyzed by categorization into acupoint location training and needling training. Acupuncture training was most frequently studied in China, acupoint location training was the most studied in 2012, and needling training was the most studied in 2013 and 2020. Among them, a silicone model with a sensor was used for training in acupoint location, and silicone and agarose gel were frequently used for needling training. Classifications of the phantom models for needling training by topic included phantom development, phantom-based education and evaluation system, phantom-based quantitative measurement, comparison of kinematic characteristics of hand motion between experts and beginners, and phantom models for acupoint location and needling training. Further research on the development of acupuncture practice training systems to improve practical skills is needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.241-246
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• 2020

The intelligent tissue theory states that organ information is conveyed on electromagnetic waves and these are interpreted by bodily tissue, so that real-time organ states are reflected in the tissue at each organ's related meridian. This article describes the practical implications of this, how this relates to acupuncture, and how it accounts for the common acupuncture-related phenomena. The Chinese medicine notion of "chi" is also explored. Its history is described, including the 1970's reinterpretation. This article suggests that both the Nei Jing and also the 1970's model of how acupuncture works are merely metaphorical; do not describe reality; and that "chi" (which is central to these models) does not really exist. Alternative explanations are provided for all the common phenomena that are usually attributed to "chi", and a simple account of how acupuncture works is given.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2021

Background: The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a widely used method to assess the clinical performance of students in clinical practice. Although OSCE has been used for undergraduate students of Korean medicine, this has not been widely reported. Methods: In 2020, the practical course for acupuncture and moxibustion medicine (acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, auricular acupuncture, and burning acupuncture) was taught using flipped learning, according to clinical practice guidelines, and assessed by the OSCE. The appropriateness of this model of education and its evaluation using OSCE were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale, and the results were analyzed. Results: Of the respondents, 67% reported that the OSCE accurately reflected their competency, and 82% reported that online video lectures helped them to improve their clinical skills. The average adequacy score of the model was > 3.7/5, and the average adequacy score of the checklist used in the OSCE was > 4.1/5 for all 5 clinical application skills. The difference in the mean self-efficacy score between students who had taken the OSCE and those students who had not taken the OSCE, was highest in the burning acupuncture group (0.923). Conclusion: This study showed that students' satisfaction with the OSCE was high and flipped learning was an effective education model. In the future, models representing the human body or simulated patients should be used to evaluate students' skills and attitude.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.184-190
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• 2022

Objectives : In our previous study, we developed the prototype of a lesson plan for meridian and acupuncture clinical skills education by applying the rapid prototyping to instructional systems design. The present study aimed to develop a teaching-learning manual, including the lesson plans, practice notes, and instructions for devices. We also aimed to present a guideline on how to use the manual in class. Methods : The manual and materials for teachers and learners were developed based on the solutions and the prototype derived from our previous study. Practical classes on meridian and acupuncture points consist of four major subjects, and the lesson plan and practice note were designed according to each topic. Results : Flipped learning, George's five-step method, peer role-play, and peer-led objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) were applied as main methodologies in the meridian and acupuncture points practical class. The teaching-learning manual, including practice notes, detailed lesson plan, OSCE checklist, and instruction manual for devices, was developed to be utilized at each stage of the learning activity. Conclusions : The application of the teaching-learning manual is expected to provide effective clinical skills education, strengthen learners' communication skills, establish professional identity, assess learners' performance, and provide immediate feedback. The educational effect of the manual for the existing class should be identified, and its feasibility should be verified by implementing it on another group. This manual could be helpful in designing classes for other subjects of Korean medicine, especially for clinical skills education.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.107-125
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immuno-regulatory effect of NR-HA(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture) at Pyesu(BL13) on OVA(ovalbumin)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental sloops, except the Normal group and the NR-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The mice in the NR-HA group and the OVA-NR-HA group were treated with NR-HA(1%) at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Needle-prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at Pyesu(BL13). NR-HA, saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week Results : in vitro 1. The populations of granulocytes, $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$cells, $CD69^+/CD3e^+$ cells, $CD4^+\;cells\;and\;CD23^+/B220^+$ cells in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse lungs decreased significantly by NR-HAS(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture solution). 2. The lung weight and total cells in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 3. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the OVA-NR-HA group decreas ed significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 4. The collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group. 5. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 6. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+,\;CCR3^+,\;CD3e^+, \;CD19^+,\;CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 7. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 8. The NR-HA group did not show my considerable difference from the Normal group. The OVA-saline group and the OVA-Needle prick group showed suppressive effects on OVA-induced asthma however they were not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that NR-HA at Pyesu(BL13) is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.185-200
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• 2005

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immune-regulatory effect of AHCR-HA(ASARI HERBA CUM RADICE Herbal-acupuncture) at Pyesu(BLl3) on OVA(ovalbumin)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental groups, except the Normal group and the AHCR-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA The mice in the AHCR-HA group and the OVA-AHCR-HA group were treated with AHCR-HA(1%) at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Needle-Prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at Pyesu(BL13). AHCR-HA saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week. Result : 1. The populations of granulocytes, CD3e-/CCR3+ cells, CD69+/CD3e+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD23+/B220+ cells in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse lungs decreased significantly by AHCR-HA. 2. The lung weight, total cells in lung, total leukocytes in BALF, eosinophils in BALF, collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-AHCR-HA group decreased significantly. 3.The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-AHCR-HA group decreased significantly. 4. The numbers of Gr-1+/CD11b+, CCR3+, CD3e+, CD19+, CD3e+/CD69+cells in the OVA-AHCR-HA group decreased significantly. 5. The mRAN expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-AHCR-HA group decreased significantly. 6. The AHCR-HA group didn't show any considerable difference from the Normal group. The OVA-saline group and the OVA-Needle prick group showed suppressive effects on OVA-induced asthma however they were not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that AHCR-HA at Pyesu(BL13) is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.1-20
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• 2004

Objective : Today, a study about the meridian is at a standstill because there is no any fundamental study to verify an essence of meridian or to take advantage of meridain. It searched the direction of new meridain study by making out road-map about meridain study to overcome the standstill. Method : It has had a through grasp of the problem of meridian study through analysis of papers for degrees and academy journals of study in connection with meridian published till now. It has made out road-map of Meridian study under a principle establishing road-map because of these problems. Results : The major problems of former studies about meridain are as follows. One is not to have any cooperation with other medical fields. The other is not to have any practical study. It searched the direction of new meridian study by road-map detailed as well as overall to overcome the difficulties. Conclusions : The new direction of meridian study is to build ideal methodical frame and modern meridian model through studying of among school systems. It will interpret newly and modernize traditional meridian theory with being connected with science technology.