• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.113-127
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• 2004

Objectives : The usage of acupuncture has gained popularity as an alternative method of treatment for certain chronic pain conditions. However, the efficacy of acupuncture in various diseases has not been fully established and the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood. In the present study, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) applied to foot samli$(ST_{36})$ on the carrageenan-induced knee arthritic pain was examined. Methods : A common source of persistent pain in humans is the knee arthritis. Knee arthritis was induced by injection of 2 % carrageenan $50\;{\mu}l$ into the knee joint cavity. When rats developed pain behaviors, EA was applied for 30 min. under enflurane anesthesia with repeated train stimuli at the intensity of 10X of muscle twitch threshold. The weight bearing force of the hind limb was measured for an indicator of pain level after each manipulation. Results : The average weight borne by the hind limb during normal gait was 55% of total body weight, which was reduced to less than 10% after knee arthritis. EA improved the weight bearing of the arthritic hind limb significantly for the duration of 4 hr. EA applied to $ST_{36}$ point produced a significant improvement of stepping force of the arthritic foot lasting for at least 4 h. However, $GB_{31}$ point did not produce any significant increase of weight bearing force. The analgesic effect was specific to the acupuncture point since the analgesic effect on the knee arthritis model could not be mimicked by EA applied to a nearby point, $GB_{31}$. The relations between EA-induced analgesia and endogenous nitric oxide(NO) and inducible NO synthase(iNOS)/neuronal NOS was also examined. Results were turned out that both NO production and nNOS/iNOS protein expression which is increased by arthritis were suppressed by EA stimulation applied to $ST_{36}$ point. Conclusions : The data suggest 1) that EA produces a potent analgesic effect on the rat model of chronic knee arthritis pain in a point specific manner and 2) that EA-induced analgesia modulate endogenous NO through the suppression of nNOS/iNOS protein expression.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.305-318
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• 2013

Objectives : The aim of this study was to examine the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) at an acupoint, HT8(Sobu), on normal humans by using power spectral analysis. We examined the effect on the Heart Rate Variability(HRV), and the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Methods : Thirty-two healthy volunteers participated in this study. EEG(Electroencephalogram) power spectrum exhibits site-specific and state-related differences in specific frequency bands. A thirty-two channel EEG study was carried out on thirty-two subjects(14 males; mean age=23.5 years old, 18 females; mean age=21.5 years old). HRV and EEG were simultaneously recorded before and after acupuncture. Results : In the ${\alpha}$(alpha) band, during the HT8-acupoint treatment, the power values in the ${\alpha}$(alpha) band significantly decreased(p<0.05) at 28 channels. In the ${\beta}$(beta) band significantly decreased(p<0.05) at 26 channels. In ${\delta}$(delta) band significantly decreased(p<0.05) at 18 channels. In ${\theta}$(theta) band significantly decreased(p<0.05) at 20 channels. ${\alpha}/{\beta}$ values were increased at 6 channels and decreased at 10 channels.${\beta}/{\theta}$ values were increased at 10 channels and decreased at 19 channels. Mean-RR(RR-interval), Complexity, RMSSD(Root mean square of successive differences), SDSD(Standard deviations differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals), norm HF showed a significantly increased and mean-HRV, norm LF, LHR(LF/HF Ratio) showed a significantly decreased after HT8-acupoint treatment(p<0.05). Conclusions : These results suggest that EA at the HT8 mostly causes significant changes on alpha(28 channels), beta(26 channels), delta(18 channels), theta(20 channels) bands and mean-HRV, mean-RR, complexity, RMSSD, SDSD, norm LF, norm HF and LHR. If practicing EA at the HT8, it will regulate the function of the cerebral cortex, decrease activity of the sympathetic and increase parasympathetic nervous activity.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.59-71
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• 2008

Objectives : The aim of this study was to show the rationale of point-selection for acupuncture and moxibustion in the Uterine section(in the Naegyeong Chapter) of the Dong-Ui-BO-Gam. Methods : We reviewed the causes of each disease in the Uterine section of the Dong-Ui-BO-Gam, and then explained the rationale of acupoint-selection for the treatment of those diseases referring to etiology and physiology of Oriental medicine, other applications of each acupoints in the Dong-Ui-BO-Gam, characteristic of each acupoints, flow of Gi (Qi) through meridian pathways and specific acupoints etc. Results : There are comments on acupuncture and moxibustion for abnormal menstruation, amenorrhea, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, bleeding from uterus after menopause in the Uterine section of the Dong-Ui-BO-Gam. Conclusions : Acupoints of conception vessel, and three foot Yin meridians are preferably used for acupuncture and moxibustion in the Uterine section of the Dong-Ui-BO-Gam. Out of them, CV3 is most frequently used and SP6, CV6, BL23, LR2 are also used often.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.27-47
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of this study was to analyze how to treat various symptoms through the combination of Yoelgyoel $(LU_7)$ and Johae $(KI_6)$, according to reviewing the contents and data since Ling Shu (靈樞經) to recent literatures including thirty-five medical books. Methods : It was arranged and considered that the location, needling, and symptoms of each acupoint were described in various literatures before the publication of Chim Kyung Ji Nam (鍼經指南). Through various literature since the Publication of Chim Kyung Ji Nam, it was examined how to be recognized and be referred about Yoelgyoel $(LU_7)$ and Johae $(KI_6)$. Results and Conclusions : The location of Yoelgyoel is the superior 1.5cun at wrist joint striation, medial of extensor carpi radialis longus; the location of Johae is the depression part under foot medial condyle. Yoelgyoel is often used for respiratory organ disease, urinary organ disease, neuopsychiatory disease, musculoskeletal system disease; Johae is often used for urinary organ disease, circulatory organ disease. At Chim Kyung Ji Nam, Yoelgyoel is often used for thoraco-abdominal Pain, gynecological disease, digestive organ disease; Johae is often used for abdominal pain, gynecological disease, digestive organ disease. Therefore, these points are used together for general internal disease. As well, these are not directly continuous with Previous literatures from Chim Kyung Ji Nam. The combination of Yoelgyoel and Johae have been developed to the three categories as follows; it is quoted from as it is; it is reconstructed in the form of song; it has new symptoms enlarged. Consequently, the combination of Yoelgyoel and Johae was not bind to the rule of Up-Bottom harmony (上下配合), but asserted for the rule of Ju-Eng harmony (主應配合), which add specific acupoints to e combination of Yolgyol and Chohae as the complication of the symptoms.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.20-29
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• 2015

Objectives : The objectives of this study is to compare the effects of electroacupuncture(EA), warm needling(WN) and Radio Frequency warm needling(RFWN) stimulations on the acupoints at the artificially damaged ankles of Sprague-Dawley rats, which could be classified as the Grade 3. Methods : The foot weight bearing force ratio(FWBFR) of ankle sprain was measured first at 24 hours after without any other stimulations. Pain Recovery Index(PRI) represents the analgesic level, and modified Pain Recovery Index(mPRI) shows the accumulated recovery level. PRI was measured at 2 hours after each stimulus on GB34, GB39 and GB42, and mPRI was during 7 days. Results : EA stimulation of GB34 and GB39 acupoint in grade 3 ankle sprain showed a marked analgesic and recovery effect. RFWN of GB42 exhibited significant analgesic and pain recovery effect. RFWN of GB34 resulted in pain recovery effect but not analgesic effects, and RFWN of GB39 resulted in analgesic effect 2 hours after but not pain recovery. However, WN did not affect the pain recovery among three acupoints at all. Conclusions : In the Grade 3 ankle sprain model, the difference of analgesic effects were explained by the acupoints and the stimulation methods according to the accumulated recovery effects during 7 days. It is insufficient to determine that a certain acupoint has a specific analgesic effect depending on the stimulation method by the results of this study. Therefore, the effects of each stimulation on the acupoints in any other meridians at the sprained ankle should be compared and analyzed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.161-168
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• 2005

Objective : <千金方(Qianjinfang)> which documents a great amount of prescription of Acupuncture and moxibustion takes an important role during the development of acupuncture and moxibustion. Thus, it have given rise us to the research-situation of Tang Dynasty China of previous period. This study was to outline the rules of choosing acupoints as well as the prescriptions of contemporary times in reference with <千金方(Qianjinfang)>, and to discuss the conception of acupuncture and moxibustion in <千金方(Qianjinfang)>. Method : Based on <千金方(Qianjinfang)>, the parameters were categorized to a certain scope, syndromes in different type were classified. Also numbers of acupoints, route of meridians locations, utilities of special acupoints even prescription methods were statistically analyzed in reference with <千金方(Qianjinfang)>. Results & Conclusion : Acupuncture prescription in <千金方(Qianjinfang)> was mostly presented by single acupoint and this was basic prescription of its rule of choosing acupoints. Choosing acupoint for the majority of various diseases started from choosing meridians with the disorder, but no rules for choosing acupoints was clear. There was basically various methods in choosing acupoints, but little were used by Biao-li meridian choosing method (表裏經配穴). In the high frequency of use, wu-shu acupoints was higher used than other specific acupoints (特定穴). While wu-shu acupoints treated the major parts of the diseases, shu-mo acupoints were strictly used on system. Consequently, The theoretical basis originating the choosing rules of the acupoints and prescriptions was shown in <手金方(Qianjinfang)> as representative clinical reference, through which it was valuable to analyze the prescription rule and specificity of the acupoints.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.68-78
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• 2024

Objectives : Acupuncture is recognized as a significant therapeutic method in traditional medicine, underscoring the importance of precise understanding of acupoint locations and anatomical structures. The aim of this study is to investigate trends in anatomical studies of acupoint using imaging devices in China through literature search. Methods : This study utilized Chinese databases CNKI, WANFANG, and WEIPU to search for articles. The analysis focused on the publication status of articles by year, types of imaging devices, research subjects and methods, and criteria for acupoint locations. Results : A total of 15 articles were selected in this study. The first article was published in 1996. Articles were published at a rate of less than one per year until 2020, but rapidly increased to three and six in 2021 and beyond. Studies using ultrasonography were the most prevalent, followed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) and Computed Tomography(CT) scans. There were eight studies conducted on healthy volunteers, six studies observing both healthy volunteers and cadavers, and also studies involving patients with specific medical conditions. Various criteria were employed to determine acupoint locations, including the WHO standard, national administration of traditional Chinese medicine nomenclature and location of acupoints, as well as references from literature. Conclusions : In China, researches are actively being conducted to observe the anatomical structure of acupoints using various imaging devices. Recent trends indicate an increase in studies utilizing ultrasound and there is a growing focus on exploring the locations that elicit the sensation of "obtaining qi" rather than just the anatomical locations of acupoints. Through this study, it is hoped that the appropriate utilization of imaging devices will lead to various studies aimed at elucidating the characteristics of the anatomical tissues actually stimulated during acupuncture, thereby increasing the safety and efficacy of acupuncture treatments.

• 경락경혈학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.141-141
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• 2006

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.132-141
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• 2022

Objectives : Some acupoints are commonly utilized to treat a variety of diseases. The acupoints appear to have a wide range of effects caused by several mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to investigate into the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the multipotent effects of individual acupoint stimulation. Methods : We examined the miRNA expressions in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of neuropathic or inflammatory pain rats following ST36 and GB34 electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation. Neuropathic pain was induced by L5 spinal nerve ligation. Inflammatory pain was induced by knee joint injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). EA was given under gaseous anesthesia with the same parameters (1mA, 2Hz, 30 min) in 5 consecutive days. Pain behaviors and miRNA expressions were analyzed. Results : In rats with neuropathic and inflammatory pain, EA treatments significantly enhanced the paw withdrawal threshold and weight-bearing force. After nerve injury, 36 miRNAs were upregulated in the DRG of neuropathic rats, while EA downregulated 10 of them. Furthermore, 14 miRNAs were downregulated following nerve damage, while one was increased by EA. 15 miRNAs were increased in the DRG of inflammatory rats following CFA injection, while 5 were downregulated by EA. Furthermore, 17 miRNAs were downregulated following CFA injection, while 7 were increased by EA. The miRNAs rno-miR-335, rno-miR-381-5p, rno-miR-1306-3p, and rno-miR-1839-3p were regulated by EA in both models. Conclusions : In two pain models, EA applied to ST36 and GB34 regulated miRNA expression differently. There appeared to be both acupoint-specific and non-specific miRNAs, and miRNA regulation of differential protein expression may modulate a variety of EA mechanisms.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1276-1280
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• 2003

To investigate the effect of acupuncture at Zushanli (ST 36) in this study, gastric endocrine cells (G cell) by avidin-biotinylated complex (ABC) technique and histological examinations (HE; periodic acid schiff, PAS; alcian blue stain) of the stomach were perfomed at 1, 3, 6 weeks in normal rats. In other groups, omeprazole were fed for 1, 3, 6 weeks to compare with acupuncture effect. Acupuncture applied to the ST 36 acupoint and the administration of omeprazole increased G cell significantly at 1, 3, 6 weeks in time dependant manner. Furthermore, acupuncture applied to the other acupoint on GB 34 did not produce significant effect. When the common peronial nerve was dissected, acupuncture of ST 36 acupoint produced change of G cell. These data suggest that acupuncture at ST 36 increased G cell in point specific way and that effect was not related with surrounding nerve.