• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.22-31
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• 2001

Objective : This study is designed to evaluate the correlation between the data of DITI (Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging) and the clinical symptoms in the patients with low back pain. Methods : Among the outpatients with back pain who visited to Department of Acupunture & Moxibustion, Tae gu Oriental Hopital of Kyung San University from January 2000 to August, we selected 115 cases that examined DITI. We evaluated the correlation between the data of DITI examination and the clinical symptoms (Distribution of Sex and Age, Duration of Disease, Main Sign, Grade of Clinical Symptoms, Diagnosis according to Symptoms(辨證),) in the patients with low back pain. Results & Conclusion : 1. The thermal changes in terms of the duration of disease : The acutest period has the highest thermal change. Also, the longer the duration of disease was, the higher the termal change was. It increased in the order of the acutest period, the less acute period, and the the chronical period. 2. Thermal changes due to the main symptom : The degree of thermal change was as follows (from the highest to the lowest): first, back and knee pain, second, back and leg pain, third, back and buttock pain, fourth, numbness of leg, and fifth, back and dorsum pain. 3. Thermal changes in terms of the grade of clinical symptoms : The more servious the symptoms were, the higher the thermal change was. It was increased in the order of Gr 1, Gr 2, Gr 3, and Gr 4. 4. Thermal changes depdning on symptoms diagnosis : Chwaseom(挫閃) has the highest temperature, $0.87{\pm}0.49^{\circ}C$. 5. Thermal changes before and after treatment : Before treatment, the average thermal change was $0.83^{\circ}C$ but after treatment, it was decreased to $0.38^{\circ}C$. For the above symptoms, if DITI is used, the diagnosis is easier based on the medical history of the patient who has back pain, and the degree of pain. However, if thermal change is soly used for diagnosis, it will be hard to determine the nature of sickness. Therefore, it should be folllowed by other supplementary examination.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.127-135
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• 2003

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effect of Hwangryunhaedok-tang Herbal-Acupuncture. Hwangryunhaedok-tang is used in all heating diseases. Chest Heating Sensation is a unique concept in Oriental Medicine. So we applied Hwangryunhaedok-tang Herbal-Acupuncture to treat the Chest Heating Sensation. We used DITI(Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging) to estimate the temperatures of chest surface for the outcome assessment. We came to know that the chest surface temperatures were all reduced in both cases after Herbal-Acupuncture treatment. The reduced average temperature was $1.5^{\circ}C$ in case 1 and $0.9^{\circ}C$ in case 2. The above result indicates that Hwungryunhaedok-tang Herbal-Acupuncture treatment has an effect on Chest Heating Sensation, thus continuous Hwangryunhaedok-tang Herbal-Acupuncture study will be needed for more clinical applications.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.65-76
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• 2015

Objectives : This study is to report the effect of Korean medical treatment on a patient suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurred in pregnancy and worsened after birth. Methods : We treated the patient diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome by Korean medical treatment such as acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and herbal medicine at ⃝⃝Hospital of Korean Medicine from July 31th 2015 to August 6th 2015. And we evaluated changes of symptoms by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Tinel sign, Phalen’s test, and Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging (DITI). Results : 1. Through Korean medical treatment, postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome was significantly improved. VAS was decreased from 4 to 2, Phalen’s test was manifested from 10 seconds to 26 seconds and Tinel sign was changed from positive to negative. 2. We compared the gap of temperature between palm and forearm before and after Korean medical treatment through DITI. The temperature on the right side was changed from 0.74℃ to 1.01℃ and the left one from 0.63℃ to 1.01℃. Conclusions : This case report shows that Korean medical treatment is useful to treat pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome worsened after birth.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.64-71
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• 2004

Background: Video-assisted sympathicotomy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of essential hyperhidrosis with immediate symptomatic improvement. However, this is offset by the occurrence of a high rate of side-effects, such as embarrassing compensatory hyperhidrosis. Therefore, by comparing and assessing the relationship between temperature change measured by DITI (digital infrared thermographic imaging) and clinical results according to the level and extent of sympathicotomy in essential hyperhidrosis. we tried to obtain a more precisely and objectively, the distribution and degree of compensatory sweating by DITI and also for ascertaining the clinical usefulness. Material and Method: From January 2000 to June 2002, the thoracoscopic sympathicotomy was performed in 28 patients suffering from essential hyperhidrosis in Dept. of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Wonkwang University Hospital. The patients were divided into four groups, Group I: patients having undergone T2 sympathicotomy, Group II: patients having undergone T3 sympathicotomy, Group III: patients having undergone T3,4 sympathicotomy, and Group IV: patients having undergone T2,3,4 sympathicotomy. The parameters were composed of the satisfaction rate of treatment, the degree of compensatory and plantar sweating, and temperature changes of entire body measured by DITI Result: There was no difference in age and follow-up period among the groups. All of the treated patients obtained satisfactory alleviation of essential hyperhidrosis in immediate postoperative period. However, the rate of long-term satisfaction were 85.8%, 85.8%, 42.9%, and 28.6% in group I, II, III, and IV (p<0.05). More than embarrassing compensatory sweating was present in 14.2%, 14.2%, 57.1%, 71.4% in group I, II, III, and IV (p<0.05) In regard to plantar sweating, decrease in sweating was expressed in each of four groups, but was not significant between groups. An apparent increase of temperature measured by DITI indicated sufficient denervation and predicted long-lasting relief of essential hyperhidrosis and also decrease in temperature of trunk and lower extremity by DITI had correlated well with postoperative satisfaction, and also postoperative compensatory sweating. Conclusion: We suggested that the incidence and degree of compensatory sweating was closely related to the site and the extent of thoracic sympathicotomy. Resection of the lower interganglionic neural fiber of the second thoracic sympathetic ganglion on the third rib is the most practical and minimally invasive treatment than other surgical methods. We were also to anticipated the distribution and degree of compensatory sweating by DITI precisely and objectively and for ascertaining the clinical usefulness.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.143-155
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• 2007

Objectives: To observe the effect of acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment on adhesive capsulitis patients. Methods : 59 voluntary patients were randomly assigned to acupuncture treatment group(E group, n=22), nerve block treatment group(W group, n=17) and acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment group(EW group, n=20). The E group received acupuncture treatment on LI15, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$ and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for 4 weeks. The W group received suprascapular nerve block, subacromial injection and trigger point injection, twice a week for 4 weeks. The EW group received the same treatment as the W group and after 5minutes of rest, successively received the treatment identical to that of E group. All three groups were instructed to practice groups were instructed to practice self exercise during their daily lives. Evaluations were made before treatment and after 1, 2, 3 and 4week treatment. Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI), Range of Motion(ROM), the patient's treatment satisfaction measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(DITI) were used as assessment tools. The obtained data were analyzed and compared. Results : The E group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI, VAS and DITI. As for ROM, Adduction and Extension improved significantly(p<0.05). The W group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI, VAS and DITI. As for ROM, Abduction and Extension improved significantly. The EW group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI and VAS. As for ROM, Adduction, Abduction, Extension and Flexion improved significantly. The improvement of CSA, VAS and Abduction ROM in the EW group was significantly(p<0.05) superior compared to the groups treated with single type of treatment. Conclusion : It is suggested that acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment for adhesive capsulitis patients is more effective than the two single treatments. Through further studies, the acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment model may be developed into East-West Collaboration Model in treating adhesive capsulitis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.77-91
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• 2001

Backgrounds and purpose : The acupuncture of oriental medicine is very important in treatments. Until now it was been researched according to the meridian and qi xue(氣血) phenomenon of oriental medicine's theory. Acupuncture will show more objective index to observe the meridian. And then, I studied the effects on the thermal change of the Taeyon($L_9$) and Chungbu($L_1$) following acupuncture stimulation. Objective and Methods : This study was performed from December 1999 to February 2000 on 60 healthy students. The objective was divided into two groups, those are the control group A(N=30) that no acupuncture stimulation, the group B(N=30) of acupuncture stimulation on Taeyon($L_9$). First, in the control group A, I took a picture Taeyon($L_9$) Chungbu($L_1$) Taenung($P_7$) Chondol($CV_{22}$) area for 30 men without any stimulation with the Digital Infrared Thermograph Imaging(D.I.T.l.) and did same area, 10min after. Second, in the acupuncture stimulation group B, we took a picture Taeyon($L_9$) Chungbu($L_1$) Taenung($P_7$) Chondol($CV_{22}$) area for 30 men without any stimulation with the Digital Infrared Th - ermograph Imaging(D.I.T.I.), and then stimulate acupuncture on Taeyon($L_9$) and took a picture same area, 10min after. Results : 1. In healthy men, average skin temperture on Taeyon($L_9$) area was lower than Chungbu($L_1$) area about $3.0^{\circ}C$, in the Lt. Taeyon($L_9$) and Chungbu($L_1$) area was lower than Rt. Taeyon($L_9$) and Chungbu($L_1$) area. 2. In the acupuncture stimulation group B, the skin temperature of both side Taeyon($L_9$) area showed the increase or decrease significantly. But both Taenung($P_7$) area did not showed significantly. 3. In the acupuncture stimulation group B, the skin temperature of both side Chungbu($L_1$) area showed the increase or decrease significantly. But both Chondol($CV_{22}$) area did not showed significantly. 4. The thermal changes of the area which is a meridian point in the Lung Meridian of the acupuncture stimulation group on Taeyon($L_9$) different from other Meridian with significantly change. Conclusion : The acupuncture stimulation on Taeyon($L_9$) affected the thermal change of the area which is a meridian point, in the Lung Meridian. And then I could relate these results with the existence of the meridian and meridian point. Thus, continuous thermographic study will be needed for the existence of the meridian and meridian point.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.140-149
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• 2015

Purpose: Bell's palsy is a nerve paralysis disease that causes functional impairments and affects psychological and aesthetical parts. This study aimed to examine whether acupressure massage had positive effects on facial paralysis, subjective symptoms, and depression in Bell's palsy patients. Methods: This study was conducted by a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Participants were 60 patients with Bell's palsy. 30 patients were assigned to the experimental group and the remaining 30 patients were assigned to the control group. The period of the study was from October 1, 2008 to July 30, 2009. Acupressure massage was offered to the experimental group for 20 minutes per day for two weeks (a total of six times). A SPSS/Win 12.0 program was used for data analysis. Results: A difference in Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging (DITI) between affected and unaffected sides was less in the experimental group having acupressure massage than in the control group and the score of the recovery of facial paralysis was also increased in the experimental group. The Facial Nerve Grade Systems by Brackmann score that is a more objective index showed a significant difference between two groups (F=26.81, p<.001). Subjective symptom and depression scores were more decreased in the acupressure massage group than in the control group. Conclusion: Based on the results, it is considered that acupressure massage can be applied to Bell's palsy patients as an alternative therapy. It can be used as an evidence-based East-West nursing intervention to improve patients' physical and mental functions.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.931-938
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• 2021

Objective: This study addressed a case of central post-stroke pain described as right arm painful with coldness and left lateral medullary infarction. Methods: A patient, 71 years old female with medullary infarction, was treated with a Korean herbal medication (BackJun-pill). The improvement of symptoms was evaluated using the Numeral Rating Scale and reports of coldness and pain in the affected areas. We also measured the body temperature difference between the left and right arms using digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI). Results: After six weeks of treatment with Korean medicine, the patient's pain and sensation of coldness decreased. Conclusions: This clinical case study suggests that BackJun-pill may be effective for alleviating pain and coldness due to central post-stroke pain.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2005

Objectives : This study was to investigate the effect of the Carthami Semen Herbal acupuncture therapy on a Cauda equina syndrome patient who has a complex of low back pain, bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia and motor weakness in the lower extremity and paraplegia with bladder and bowel incontinence. Methods : Oriental Medical Therapy was performed on the Cauda equina syndrome patient from July 15th 2004 to July 29th 2004. The patient was treated with Carthami Semen Herbal acupuncture at BL22, BL23, BL25, BL28 and GV3 in combination with herbal medicine and conventional body acupuncture. We evaluated The Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Improvement index, The Oswestry Diability Index(ODI), gaiting, dyschezia, bladder incontinence, duration of urination and area of anesthesia, Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(DITI) before and after treatment. Results : 1. After treatment, VAS, Improvement index, ODI were improved each from 10 to 2, from 21 to 73, from 333 to 166. 2. After treatment, gaiting, bladder incontinence, duration of urination and area of anesthesia and DITI were improved well, but dyschezia was remained. Conclusions : From this case it is thought Carthami Semen herbal acupuncture therapy is very effective to Cauda Equina Syndrome and further study is needed for the confirmation of the effect of Carthami Semen Herbal acupuncture.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.469-475
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• 2008

Background: Video-assisted thoracic sympathicotomy is a definitive minimally invasive treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. Different techniques exist for controlling axillary hyperhidrosis, but they are temporary and expensive. We compared the results after using two different levels of sympathicotomy for treating axillary hyperhidrosis: T3-T4 and T4. Material and Method: Between June 2002 and May 2007, 30 patients with isolated axillary hyperhidrosis underwent either T3-T4 or T4 thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in the Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery at Wonkwang University Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=15) was composed of patients who underwent T3-T4 sympathicotomy (thermal ablation), and Group II (n=15) was composed of patients who underwent T4 sympathicotomy (thermal ablation). The procedures were bilateral and simultaneous, involving the use of two 2-mm trocars and a 0-degree 2-mm thoracoscope under general anesthesia with single endotracheal intubation. Outcome parameters included satisfaction rate of treatment, degree of compensatory sweating, and postoperative complications. Patients were interviewed by telephone regarding satisfaction and compensatory hyperhidrosis. Result: There were no differences in age between group I and group II. The mean follow-up for the T3-T4 group was $38.7{\pm}2.3$ months, and the mean follow-up for the T4 group was $18.7{\pm}3.6$ months. The immediate therapeutic success rate (within 2 weeks postoperative) was 100% in both groups, and there were no recurrences in either group during the long-term follow-up period. The satisfaction rate was higher (93.3%) in the T4 group than in the T3-T4 group (53.3%), and the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis was lower in the T4 group (6.7%) than in the T3-T4 group (46.7%). Postoperative complications included one mild pneumothorax and two instances of intercostal neuralgia. Digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) correlated well with postoperative satisfaction. Conclusion: Both techniques proved effective for controlling isolated axillary hyperhidrosis. The T4 group had a higher satisfaction rate and lower severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis. Hence, thermal ablation of the lower interganglionic fibers of the third thoracic sympathetic ganglion on the fourth rib is a more practical and minimally invasive treatment than is the T3-T4 surgical method, according to the degree of compensatory sweating in isolated axillary hyperhidrosis.