• Applied Microscopy
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.183-194
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• 2006

The threadlike structures of fascia were examined by tight and electron microscopy. In order to distinguish its tissue organization, we used staining methods including hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, Van Gieson's collagen fiber stain and Kluver-Barrera's luxol fast blue for nerve stain. Under the light microscope, the threadlike structures were composed of many collagen fibers and nerve. In higher magnification, they looked like as the bundle of tubular structures. Many myoid cell-spindle nuclei were observed in the tissue, which were taken from the fascia. It was identical with Bonghan duct known as one of meridian network theory. In the early 1960's the North Korean Bong-Han Kim showed the anatomical structures of the acupuncture points, and explained the meridian system as the concrete duct network system. According to Bonghan theory the Bonghan ducts spread throughout the body Because it is believed that the duct could have the role of signal pathway, the theory was reinvestigated in these days. All of the threadlike structures isolated from fascia shows the abundance of collagen fibers. The electron microscope examination (TEM) could confirm the well arranged collagen fiber and nerve. This investigation reveals that superficial Bohghan duct are nerve fiber parallel running with collagen fibers. We conjectured that the intermingled structure of collagen fiber, blood vessel and nerve fiber might have the role of meridian system. And the more, regardless of histological research, the study on collagen fiber as response transmitter in acupuncture treatment are in need.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.129-142
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• 2010

Background : The Bonghan theory is a hypothesis on the anatomical structure of the acupuncture point and meridian system. It has been regarded as a misunderstanding of the lymphatic system, or as a made-up story, for the past 40 years. Since 2002, Many studies have been published either to support the theory or to refute the old viewpoint. Objective : The purpose of this study was to find out the validity of the refutation by reviewing the publications. Methods : Searches were made from online databases (Riss4u.net, Google.com, Sciencedirect.com, Pubmed.com, baidu.com, and ci.nii.ac.jp) from 1960 to 2009. The search terms that were used were "Bonghan," "Bong han," "봉한," "thread-like structure," "KИM БOH XaHOM", "CИCTEMA KEHPAK," "鳳漢," "鳳漢管," and "鳳漢学說." References from the searched publications were also used. Results : Since the 1960s, 107 publications were identified as related works, but only 11 publications sought to refute the Bonghan theory. Two publications were researches, and nine were reviews. In the analysis of the correlation of the arguments with the publication contents, it was found that the research of G. Kellner reviewed the Bonghan system properly but that V. V. Kosmatov did not classify the ear-reflex zone as a traditional acupuncture point. For the review publications, only two reviews contained proper arguments, but seven publications were identified as broad interpretations, wrong translations, etc. Moreover, the two proper reviews were grounded on the research of G. Kellner. Conclusions : We found that the scientific origin of the refutation of the Bonghan theory is only one research by G. Kellner. This result suggest that Bonghan theory was not discussed enough to determine the invention.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.74-101
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• 2000

Geungyul(根結) means roots and nodes of meridians. If human body gets damaged by energy which each seasons has, the meridians get some troubles. Healing for symptom, meridians consist of root, stay, follow, inpouring and node of acupuncture points should be in harmony. 1. This chapter explain roots and node parts of each meridian, acupuncture points name and root, stay, follow, inpouring of acupuncture points which in arm and leg of three Yin and Yang. 2. The opening, closing, axis function, the symptom, and the needling of both meridians of Yin and Yang are explained. 3. The method that predicts the rise-and-fall of visceral energy and the time of death by using an order of pulse and intermittent pulse is explained. 4. It is explained that since the physical condition of the rich and the poor are different, the method using a needling for each person to be healed, such as the deep-and-shallow and the quick-and-slow, are different. 5. It is explained that the excess and the deficiency in the energy of shape should be considered when a acupuncture is given.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.10 no.12
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• pp.2243-2250
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• 2006

When a patient is positioned at insulated bed and practitioner is positioned at insulated floor, that condition could be a cause of lessening effect in acupuncture practice. We investigated how Ground connection and Insulation could influence on the electrical meridian potential between practitioner and patient during acupuncture practice. We treated 30 normal healthy subjects with acupuncture and measured changes in the electrical potential between the stomach meridian points ST-39 and ST-37 in response to light touch after insertion of a needle at ST-36. At first, we stimulated non-insulated needle and measured electrical potentials for non ground, patient ground only, practitioner ground only, all ground respectively. Then we used insulated needles and measured same as above. Non-insulated all ground subject elicited positive mean potential $44.6{\pm}19.2{\mu}V$ and showed $181.4{\pm}59.7{\mu}V$ peak to peak potential. Practitioner ground only showed negative mean potential of $51.5{\pm}9.3{\mu}V$ and $367.4{\pm}27.8{\mu}V$ of peak to peak potential. Patient ground only revealed no mean potential of $2.9{\pm}1.3{\mu}V$, $16.4{\pm}11.9{\mu}V$ of peak to peak potential. All ground showed no mean potential of $1.6{\pm}0.7{\mu}V$, $3.3{\pm}1.9{\mu}V$ of peak to peak potential. In case of Insulated condition, there elicited no mean potential. Non ground and Practitioner only showed weak value of peak to peak potential as $7.8{\pm}2.6{\mu}V$ and $8.4{\pm}2.5{\mu}V$ each. But patient only and all ground showed no potential as $4.7{\pm}2.2{\mu}V$, $3.4{\pm}2.2{\mu}V$, respectively. Therefore, Ground connection modulate the energy transfer course between practitioner and patient. Insulation block energy transfer but static electrical impulse between practitioner and patient.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.13-40
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• 2016

Objectives : The practice of bloodletting therapy has taken place for several millenia all over the world. The therapy is still one of the most popular oriental treatments in Korea. This paper studies bloodletting therapy in Huangdineijing to provide the Korean Medicine doctors with knowledge of the therapy to effectively utilize it in their clinics. Methods : The author studied all of the diseases treated by bloodletting therapy in Huangdineijing, and placed them into three categories: the visceral and bowel diseases, the meridian diseases, and miscellaneous diseases. The author reviewed reference documents that show clinical experiences of using the therapy and the results from the research on the therapy's therapeutic dynamics. Results : The treatment principals such as diagnostic methods, meridian points selection, acupuncture methods, and tools for the bloodletting therapy were provided. Most of the diseases treated by the therapy were identified by the visceral pattern identification or meridian pattern identification except miscellaneous diseases. The characteristics of the diseases treated by the therapy were studied and the diseases were placed into categories such as fever, pain, qi counterflow, first-aid, mental disease, and deep-seated disease. Theoretical basis of the mechanism of bloodletting therapy was drawn from several researches and a number of clinical theses related to bloodletting therapy. Conclusions : Results of this study on bloodletting therapy in Huangdineijing could be a useful knowledge for the Korean medicine doctors to be utilized their clinics. Future studies on this type of therapy should be performed to identify the diseases that may be effectively treated by bloodletting therapy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.87-104
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• 2011

Objectives : A safety issue on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment during pregnancy is as important as effectiveness. To establish a rationale and research strategy for future studies, a traditional literature review was performed to summarize how and for what conditions acupuncture and moxibustion treatment was given during pregnancy. Methods : An extensive traditional literature search for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment during pregnancy was conducted in texts on acupuncture and moxibustion, obstetrics and gynecology, and comprehensive medical texts. Treatment conditions, methods, and contraindications were summarized and tabulated. Results : Twenty-eight books were included in our review. Most frequent description of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment use during pregnancy was for difficult delivery including breech presentations; commonly used acupuncture points for difficult labor included LI4, SP6, BL67, BL60, KI6, ST30, SP12, LR4, LR3, PC6, CV3, CV14, KI13, and GB21, indicating that they may have to be avoided during pregnancy. Descriptions of other symptoms or conditions were sparse. For habitual abortion or recurrent miscarriage, moxibustion on GV4, BL23, CV3, KI8, and KI2 was indicated. A combination of LI4 and SP6, and CV4 were contraindicated during pregnancy consistently across the reviewed books. Conclusions : Our traditional literature review has shown that the use of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment during pregnancy has been limited. Given that more and more pregnant women are interested in safe and effective treatment, further research of acupuncture's safety and efficacy during pregnancy is urgently needed.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.213-220
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• 2022

We investigated the current status of research using extracorporeal shock waves on the basis of meridian and acupoint theory. By March 2022, five foreign databases (CAJ, Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and six Korean databases (Dbpia, RISS, KMBASE, scienceON, KISS, NDSL) were searched with the terms using 'Extracorporeal shock wave' and '(Acupoint or Acupuncture point)'. The search terms were adapted according to the language of the database. There were no restrictions on the study design. As a result of the search, twenty-seven papers were selected for analysis. One study was searched in English database, and the remaining twenty-six studies were searched in Chinese database. There were nineteen pain-related diseases, four obsterics and gynecology diseases, two bone-related diseases, and two other diseases. The most frequently used acupoints were GB34, ST36, and KI3. A total of six adverse events were reported in five papers. The use of extracorporeal shock wave on the basis of meridian and acupoint theory is considered to have sufficient meaning in Korean Medicine. It is expected to use extracorporeal shock wave as a new treatment method for Korean Medicine doctors in the near future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.210-225
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• 2018

Objective : This research is aimed to compare the three sets of Dongin(K-1, K-2, K-3) to Chosun and Chinese acupuncture bronze men, and through literature review of acupuncture points and meridians to see how acupuncture of Chosun affected the Japan's acupuncture bronze men. Methods : Using 3D scanning, we compared the location of acupoints by the proportional bone measurement method of the three sets of Dongin to those of Chosun and China. We also compared the meridians and acupuncture points of the three sets of Dongin to Doningyosodo. Results : Dongin K-1 and K-2 have all the unique characteristics of ChimGuemDongIn. Their heads were made about 30% larger than the location of points by the proportional bone measurement method and their necks were shortened to get the right proportion. Their gender was not specified. Their hands were sticking forward, and knees were slightly bent, and the arms and legs were carefully crafted to record acupuncture points. Dongin K-1 and K-2 marked the meridians and acupuncture points according to Doningyosodo. In particular, BL39 in Dongin K-1 and K-2 has been marked as in ChimGeumDongIn, which is considered to have come from DongUiBoGam. These characteristics do not exist in Chinese acupuncture bronze men. The location of points by the proportional bone measurement method was marked on the right side of the Dongin K-3, while the eight extra meridians were marked on the left side. Conclusions : In summary, Dongin K-1 and K-2 indicate the Japanese history of acupuncture which may have influenced from Chosun.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.264-271
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• 2013

Objectives : To observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters NO and enzymes that create NO, such as nNOS, iNOS and eNOS, upon the needle insertion on river point, one of the five transport points of three yang meridians on the forefoot. Methods : Based on rats, needle was inserted on both sides of LI5, SI5 and TE6, which are river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot, and were retained for five minutes. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture and tissues from each point around meridian vessels were extracted to be examined on the changes of the expression of NO, as well as of nNOS, iNOS and eNOS. Results : In terms of the effect on NO creation in tissues, none of the experimental groups showed any significant change compared to the Normal group. In terms of the effect on expression of nNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In iNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In eNOS within tissues, SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. Conclusions : The effect on the function of NO, nNOS, iNOS and eNOS of needle insertion on the river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot could be observed, and based on this study, it is considered that the effect of needle stimulation on the changes of nervous system could be found out through additional research.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.145-163
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• 2009

Background : Stroke occurrences are prevalent and require intensive care for its treatment and rehabilitation. Acupuncture has been widely used in Korea throughout the history and provides an efficient method in the treatment of it. Objectives : To establish a distinctive and efficient acupuncture method for the treatment of stroke based in literature research. Method : We reviewed four Korean medical literature, $ll$治腫指南Guide to Swollen Sore Treatment$gg$, $ll$東醫寶鑑Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine$gg$, $ll$鍼灸經驗方Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion$gg$, and $ll$舍岩鍼法Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Master Sa-am$gg$, and analyzed the therapeutic characteristics in the treatment of stroke. Result : 1. In $ll$治腫指南Guide to Swollen Sore Treatment$gg$, various types of treatment can be found. Besides acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion with moxa tube, and bath therapy using Duchesneae Indicae Herba and Sal was applied. Needling in sublingual and vocal region, and also points like GB20, GB31, LI15, BL60, GV20, GV20, TE4, GB39, LU5, ST36, GB30 were frequently inserted. 2. In $ll$東醫寶鑑Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine$gg$, moxibustion treatment were in top priority. Points like GV20, LI15, LI11, GB31, ST36, GB39, LI4, GB20 pertinent to Governor, Conception, Gallbladder, Large Intestine, and Stomach meridian were most frequently needled. Selection of adjacent point was widely applied. 3. $ll$鍼灸經驗方Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion$gg$ has some similarity compared to $ll$東醫寶鑑 Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine$gg$ in considering the moxa in top priority. But selected points far from the disease site. Main points were LI4, ST36, GB39, PC5, GV20, LI11, LR3, BL40, HT7. 4. $ll$校勘 舍岩道人鍼法Essential Rhymes on Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Master Sa-am$gg$ having the same content orders with $ll$鍼灸經驗方Experiential Prescriptions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion$gg$, it may had some influence from it. But the differences are also apparent. It emphasized in using mother-supplementing child-draining method, experiential prescriptions and visceral pattern identification. Conclusions : We could find various efficient methods through literature research of medical classics. This will not be limited in stroke alone but also will be applied in other diseases. This study will concurrently result in establishing distinctive therapeutic method characteristic of Korea.