• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.12-23
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• 2012

Objectives: This study evaluated clinical trials of acupuncture treatment for hypertension and to assess their methodology and results. Methods: Eight Korean databases and four international databases were searched for clinical trials of acupuncture treatment for hypertension up to June 2011. Study quality was assessed using the risk of bias (ROB) tool. Results: Twenty-four trials of acupuncture for hypertension were included. There were 14 randomized and 1 non-randomized controlled trials and 9 before-after studies. The most frequently used acupuncture points were zsnli (ST36), qch (LI11), fngch (GB20), snynjio (SP06), snjin (LI03) and hgu (LI04). In more than half of the studies, needle retention time was 20~30 minutes. Compared to baseline, change of blood pressure after treatment was significant in all studies. However, the results of effect on blood pressure between acupuncture and control were not consistent. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to suggest that acupuncture is an effective treatment for hypertension. Further well-designed clinical trials will be required to evaluate the effects and safety of acupuncture treatment for hypertension.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.947-952
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• 2012

This Study was conducted to investigate Muscle Test of Point Selection through CRA(Contact Reflex Analysis) Muscel Diagnosis. So this study used to compare and analyze the effects of Muscel(Deltoid Muscel of Posterior) RMS(Root Mean Squared) and MEF(Median Edge Frequency) Among Groups that do not respond to questionnaire, Tonguibogam Naegyeongpyeon Small Intestine Group, Small Intestine MeridianPathway Primary Symptom and Secondary Symptom Group and Kwanwon(CV4) meridian Principal action Group. The questionnaire is composed of 23 items. The questionnaire was intended to elicit information on assorting into 4 groups. After Survey, Subject had to Muscle test subjects. Muscle experimental methods are as follows: Holding the shoulder without contacting Kwanwon. Holding the shoulder contacting Kwanwon. The first iteration. Group 1,2,3 were increased sEMG RMS compared with First experiment and Second experiment. Group 4(Including Uterus and Intestinal Flora Problem) were decreased sEMG RMS compared with First experiment and Second experiment. This test means that it is similar to diagnosis CRA and Small intestine channel of hand taiyang muscle, not Small Intestine MeridianPathway. It is suggested that subjects with a Small Intestine problem(Uterus and Intestinal Flora Problem) shows the results of decreasing posterior Deltoid Muscular strength. It means that CRA muscle diagnosis is associated with Alarm points diagnosis. But it doesn't consider influence of fat on the surface EMG.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.17-27
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• 2006

Objectives : This study is aimed to search for the effective application of the Sa-Am acupuncture(舍岩鍼法) for the treatment of diarrhea. Methods : The classification and the treatment for diarrhea in ${\ll}$Sa-Am-Do-In-Chim-Gu-Yo-Kyul(舍岩道人鍼灸要訣)${\gg}$ was compared with those of ${\ll}$Dong-Eui-Bo-Kham(東醫寶鑑)${\gg}$ and ${\ll}$Chim-Gu-Dae-Sung(鍼灸大成)${\gg}$ Results & Conclusions : In ${\ll}$Dong-Eui-Bo-Kham(東醫寶鑑)${\gg}$, diarrhrea was classified into 20 classes and mainly treated with herbal medicine and additionally with acupuncture treatment. Ashi (nearby) points in lower abdomen and sacral region were often used as well as the points on Spleen meridian(SP) and Stomach meridian(ST) to treat diarrhea in ${\ll}$Chim-Gu-Dae-Sung(鍼灸大成)${\gg}$ According to ${\ll}$Sa-Am-Do-In-Chim-Gu-Yo-Kyul(舍岩道人鍼灸要訣)${\gg}$, Diarrhrea was classified into 6 classes; wet diarrhrea (濡泄; kidney damage), abrupt diarrhrea (暴泄; spleen damage), damp diarrhrea (濕泄; stomach damage), fire diarrhrea (火泄; heart dryness), ki(qi) diarrhrea (氣泄; lung damage) and cold diarrhrea (冷泄; liver damage). Sa-Am acupuncture seems to be applied on the basis of more precise diagnoses of organs and meridians and provide with more fundamental treatments in comparison with classical acupuncture.

• Journal of Oriental Medical Thermology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2005

Objectives; Hapkok(L14) and Taechung(Liv3) are acupuncture points located on both sides of each foot and hand of the human body. These two points are called sakwan points. Matching these acupuncture points have a significant reason in points of not only regulating the circulation of Yin-Yang as a source point of each meridian, but also playing a basic role of twelve meridian by controling circulation of ki and blood in the whole body. There are already related documents and studies on stimulating sakwan points. Since those papers mostly studied on either hapkok or taechung, we came to have a doubt of stimulating the two point at the same time when an inbalance of Yin-Yang and ki-blood appears. Accordingly, we got to investigate how thermogram of body changes after applying an acupuncture on sakwan points. Our study is as follows ; Methods; Our study was performed on 30 normal cases(M:F=17:13) with no past history to observe the effects of the acupuncture. We measured temperature of abdomen and the back of both hands by D.I.T.I(Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging) before and after acupuncture on sakwan points. Results and Conclusion; The thermographic change on abdomen was $0.51{\pm}0.71^{\circ}C$. Temperature of abdomen after acupuncture was higher than before acupuncture with high validity(p <0.01). And the thermographic changes on the back of both hands were right hand $0.54{\pm}1.17^{\circ}C$, left hand $0.56{\pm}1.28^{\circ}C$. Temperature on the back of both hands after acupuncture was higher than before acupuncture, but the difference between them had little validity(p <0.01) In addition, we found that it doesn't necessarily follow that the thermographic changes on abdomen and back of both hands after acupuncture on sakwan points happen concurrently.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.12-23
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• 2002

Objective : Assuming That the Characteristic of Meridian System Has been Similar to This of Electric Potentials in Human Body And that Measurements of Electric Potential at Well(井穴) and Sea(合穴) Points in Branches of the Twelve Meridians(WSBTM) Will Be Representative of Measurements of the Twelve Meridians, to Measure the Electric Potentials of 21 Patients with Shoulder Lesions, And Aching of Shoulder and Arm(肩臂痛)(ASA), to Be Differences in Electric Potentials of Patients Between Before And After Acupuncture Treatment, And Then to Find out the Characteristic of Meridian System in Patients with Shoulder Lesions. Methods : Electric Potentials of Well And Sea Points in the Meridians in Twenty one Patients with ASA Diagnosed by Both x-ray And Self View on Pain at Shoulder And Arm were Repeatedly Measured by Physiograph(PowerLab) at Before And after Acupuncture Treatment, Respectively. Measurements of Those Electrical Potentials Were Analyzed by Factor Analysis. Results : The Electric Potentials of WSBTM At the Left Side Before Acupuncture Treatment Were Divided Into Five Factors, But Those After Acupuncture Treatment Were Done Into Four Factors. On The Other Hand Those At the Right Side Before Acupuncture Treatment Were Divided Into Four Factors, The Number of Factors After Acupuncture Treatment Was Five. Conclusions : In Conclusions, The Number of Factors Before Acupuncture Treatment Are Different from Those After Acupuncture Treatment. In the Results The Effect of Acupuncture Treatment May be Reflected in Measurements of Electric Potential at WSBTM.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.53-63
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• 2003

Objective : Experimental studies were done to research the clinical effects of Herba Patriniae(HP) aqua-acupuncture ($BL_{13},\;BL_{17},\;BL_{13}{\cdot}BL_{17}$ and free points) on the anti-allergic inflammatory response. Methods : We measured active systemic anaphylatic shock induced by compound 48/80 and microvascular permeability increased by acetic acid. And we measured total IgE and plasma WBC level, serum total protein, albumin, immunoglobulin and NO levels induced by egg albumin. Results : HP aqua-acupuncture pretreatments at all acupoints inhibited active systemic anaphylatic shock induced by compound 48/80 and microvascular permeability increased by acetic acid. Total IgE and plasma WBC level inhibited by HP aqua-acupuncture pretreatment at $BL_{13}\;BL_{17}$ and free points. However, HP aqua-acupuncture didn't effect serum total protein, albumin, immunoglobulin and NO levels. Conclusion : These results suggest that HP aqua-acupuncture may be beneficial in the regulation of type Ⅰ allergic reaction, but is further required immunological studies on the allergic reaction.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of the study is to explain the general guidelines of the WHO standard acupuncture point locations (APLs). Understanding the general guidelines will enable experts to make the clear use of the standard APL for education, research and practice. Methods : In the beginning of development of the standard APL, experts made general guidelines to draw mutual agreements of the three nations (Korea, China, and Japan) on the standard APL. The guidelines include point locating methods, syntax of descriptive sentences, landmarks on body surface, reference acupuncture points, usage of anatomical terminology, and proportional bone measurements. Results : We found that there are some considerable problems in practical use of the APLs due to the strict application of anatomical terms, even on accessory phrases such as region of body in the sentence of each description. Conclusions : We hope that the study helps readers expand the understanding of the newly developed standard APLs resulting from increased application of acupuncture points. Also, it would be a reference to revise the WHO standard APLs in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was carried out to observe the foot gworeum meridian muscle from a viewpoint of human anatomy on the assumption that the meridian muscle system is basically matched to the meridian vessel system as a part of the meridian system, and further to support the accurate application of acupuncture in clinical practice. Methods: Meridian points corresponding to the foot gworeum meridian muscle at the body surface were labeled with latex, being based on Korean standard acupuncture point locations. In order to expose components related to the foot gworeum meridian muscle, the cadaver was then dissected, being respectively divided into superficial, middle, and deep layers while entering more deeply. Results: Anatomical components related to the foot gworeum meridian muscle in human are composed of muscles, fascia, ligament, nerves, etc. The anatomical components of the foot gworeum meridian muscle in cadaver are as follows: 1. Muscle: Dorsal pedis fascia, crural fascia, flexor digitorum (digit.) longus muscle (m.), soleus m., sartorius m., adductor longus m., and external abdominal oblique m. aponeurosis at the superficial layer, dorsal interosseous m. tendon (tend.), extensor (ext.) hallucis brevis m. tend., ext. hallucis longus m. tend., tibialis anterior m. tend., flexor digit. longus m., and internal abdominal oblique m. at the middle layer, and finally posterior tibialis m., gracilis m. tend., semitendinosus m. tend., semimembranosus m. tend., gastrocnemius m., adductor magnus m. tend., vastus medialis m., adductor brevis m., and intercostal m. at the deep layer. 2. Nerve: Dorsal digital branch (br.) of the deep peroneal nerve (n.), dorsal br. of the proper plantar digital n., medial br. of the deep peroneal n., saphenous n., infrapatellar br. of the saphenous n., cutaneous (cut.) br. of the obturator n., femoral br. of the genitofemoral n., anterior (ant.) cut. br. of the femoral n., ant. cut. br. of the iliohypogastric n., lateral cut. br. of the intercostal n. (T11), and lateral cut. br. of the intercostal n. (T6) at the superficial layer, saphenous n., ant. division of the obturator n., post. division of the obturator n., obturator n., ant. cut. br. of the intercostal n. (T11), and ant. cut. br. of the intercostal n. (T6) at the middle layer, and finally tibialis n. and articular br. of tibial n. at the deep layer. Conclusion: The meridian muscle system seemed to be closely matched to the meridian vessel system as a part of the meridian system. This study shows comparative differences from established studies on anatomical components related to the foot gworeum meridian muscle, and also from the methodical aspect of the analytic process. In addition, the human foot gworeum meridian muscle is composed of the proper muscles, and also may include the relevant nerves, but it is as questionable as ever, and we can guess that there are somewhat conceptual differences between terms (that is, nerves which control muscles in the foot gworeum meridian muscle and those which pass nearby) in human anatomy.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2008

Objective : To investigate the therapeutic effect of manual acupuncture at Siguan (four gates, bilateral LI4 and LR3) on suppression of gastrointestinal motility. Methods : A single blind, randomized, sham-acupuncture controlled, crossover study was conducted. Twenty healthy male subjects were admitted at hospital, and gastrointestinal motility suppression was induced by loperamide administration. Just after intake of 20 radio-markers, four gates or sham acupoint treatments were administered every 12 hours, 4 times over 48 hours. Gastrointestinal motility was evaluated by radiographic distribution of the radiomarkers at stomach or ileum, ascending, transverse, descending colon, sigmoid/rectum, and outside body at serial time points (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h). Results : Four gates acupuncture activated gastrointestinal movement as evidenced by significantly changed distributionof radio-makers at 6, 12, and 48 hours (P < 0.0001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.03, respectively) in Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics. No serious adverse events occurred in either group. Conclusions : This study showed a scientific clinical relevance of four gates acupuncture to gastrointestinal disorders.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.35-48
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• 2010

In Neijing("內經"), it explains heaven, earth, four seasons(天地四時) take part in human's birth, it gives influence on life support, and have organic relationship between body and movement of sun and earth(日月運行) of heaven and earth. Human body and the natural world corresponds, so the time changes in the natural world give immediate influence to human body, and correspond changes happen inside human body. This has no exception in qi of human(人氣), meridians, the viscera and organs(臟腑) and so on. In time, there are many kinds of cycles such as year, month, 10 days and a day. Yin and yang and the five elements in each cycle shows changes of prosperity and decay and transformation. In a year, there are spring, summer, late summer, fall and winter which are each included to wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Spring and summer belong to yang(陽), and fall and winter belong to yin(陰). A day can be divided into the crowing of the cook, dawn, noon, and twilight. After midnight yin falls and yang rises(陰盡陽生), and after noon yang falls and yin rises(陽盡陰生). Ups and downs of the qi and blood and human body change with time and the region of whereabout is different. In one month, when the moon is full qi of blood rises and when the moon comes down qi of blood falls. The qi of meridian(經氣) has a periodical changes with regular movement in meridian. This is a result of continuing movement of meridian and the nutrient(營) and the defense(衛) in human body, stars correspond with ups, and correspond with flow of water of meridian(經水) with downs. In a day the twelve meridians(十二經脈) in hour of yin(hours 3~5), it starts with qi and blood of lung meridian(手太陰肺經) prosperous, each qi and blood of meridian prosperous in order. In eight extra meridians(奇經八脈), Bideungpalbup(飛騰八法) per 5 days, Younggoopalbup(靈龜八法) per 60 days qi of pulse(脈氣) changes correspond. The qi and blood of five meridian points(五兪穴) is 5 days, so.