• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2005

Objective : This study was performed to compare needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy with only needle acupuncture therapy in VAS and pain threshold. Methods : We used pressure algometer to evaluate the change of pain threshold before and after treatment. The numberical value of pressure algometer is obtained twice and averaged by identical acupuncturist. Visual analogue scale(VAS) was used to estimate the efficacy of needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy. Result : The following results were obtained; 1. The significant difference in VAS was showed before and after treatment in only needle acupuncture therapy. 2. The significant difference in pain threshold and VAS was showed before and after treatment in needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy. 3. In the pain threshold, the significant difference between only needle acupuncture and needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy was not showed. 4. Needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy showed the more effective change of VAS than only needle acupuncture therapy. Conclusions : In the pain control, needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy is more effective than only needle acupuncture therapy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.238-243
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• 2018

Background: Various factors can alter the efficacy of acupuncture treatment, such as the location of points, manipulations, depth of insertion, needle retention time, and needle type. In this study, the effect of needle diameter on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment was quantitatively evaluated. Methods: Five acupuncture needles of different diameters used in clinical practice were compared. Force on the porcine tissue phantom was measured using a sensor. Lifting-thrusting and twisting-rotating movements were performed using a needle insertion-measurement system. After repeated measurements, force magnitude was calculated and compared. Following this, we correlated needle diameter and force magnitude during lifting-thrusting and twisting-rotating movements. Results: The force magnitude was significantly altered between needle diameters during lifting-thrusting movements, as shown by a significant positive correlation between needle diameter and force magnitude. In contrast, there was no difference in force magnitude with different needle diameters during twisting-rotating movements. Conclusion: Needle diameter can significantly affect stimuli and force magnitude dependent upon the type of manipulation. Research into the effect of other needle type characteristics and stimulation method is necessary to fully elucidate the role of acupuncture needle choice in treatment efficacy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.87-94
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• 2013

Objectives : In this study, we intended to make the foundation of the development of acupuncture tissue model as comparing the needle sensation of six kinds of tissue models and Zusanli ($ST_{36}$) with the needle force measurement system. Methods : When practitioners did twisting-rotating acupuncture needle manipulation after inserting the needle into six kinds of tissue models, they quantified the similarity sense to the sensation of Zusanli ($ST_{36}$) with the NRS (Numeric Rating scale). As needle force measurement system did twisting-rotating Acupuncture needle manipulation after inserting needle into Zusanli ($ST_{36}$) of human and six kinds of tissue models, it can calculate the coefficient of viscosity by measuring the torsion friction. We compare the NRS of practitioners' needle sensation to the coefficient of viscosity of needle force measurement systems. Result : As practitioners' NRS assessment to quantify needle sensation, apple and cucumber showed 70% similarity to Zusanli ($ST_{36}$). As needle force measurement system's coefficient of viscosity, apple and cucumber's coefficient of viscosity were similar to Zusanli ($ST_{36}$)'s. Conclusions : In this study, We compared the practitioners' needle sensation of Zusanli ($ST_{36}$) and six kinds of tissue models with needle force measurement system that can quantify the needle sensation. As the result, we concluded that practitioners' needle sensation is similar to measured needle sensation. It seems that the acupuncture practice model implementing the needle sensation to specific acupuncture points can be built based on the system in this study.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.15-28
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• 2011

Objectives : To understand the strength and weakness of traditional warm needle acupuncture based on existing research outcomes in Korea mostly and to suggest how to build the desirable warm needle acupuncture apparatus by overcoming demerits of traditional and currently existing ones. Methods : We searched warm needle relating papers in Korean with the key words of '온침, 화침, 열자극' by using DBpia, Journal of Korean Oriental Medical Society, Journal of Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Society and Journal of Society for Meridian and Acupoint. Degree dissertations in Korean were also searched with the same words through the search engine of Library of Kyung Hee University. We also searched with words of 'warm, thermal, heat, needle, acupuncture, temperature' via Pubmed and found a small number of English written papers and large number of Chinese written ones. To find english translated version of those papers, we googled with the same words with no success. Results : About 20 papers on warm needle acupuncture written in Korean were found and analyzed with respect to experimental factors that affected the thermal properties or the amount of heat stimulus of the acupuncture. More rigorous descriptions seemed to be required on the insertion depth, duration and manipulation of warm needle treatment. A basic heat transfer model was presented for the clarification of heat loss through the needle of warm needle acupuncture. Environmental factors such as air flow on the properties seems to be considered for the warm needle acupuncture. Conclusions : Papers on warm needle acupuncture were reviewed and analyzed based on their thermal properties and tools such as needles and moxa cones. Several suggestions were made on the descriptions relating the properties. Necessary specifications were introduced to aim modernized warm needle systems.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.49-55
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• 2005

Objectives : In order to ensure safe Herbal Acupuncture treatment, the quality of needle tip is much important. Therefore we investigated micromorphological characteristics of Herbal Acupuncture needle tip according to the number of injection. Methods : We have selected the 26 Gage syringes & 29 Gage syringes that using currently in Herbal Acupuncture treatment. And we evaluated the change of shape of Herbal Acupuncture needle tip after several times of injection by Inverted System Microscope(x 200). Results & Conclusion : We found at Herbal Acupuncture needle tips had several defects such as hooked, scuffed, lump and irregular, stubbed or malformed shape in spite of new syringes. And we found at Herbal Acupuncture needle tips had several defects that is harmful to body such as mild pain, possibility of damage of tissue after several times of injection. Therefore it is necessary to pay attention to use Herbal Acupuncture needle tips.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.634-642
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• 2012

Objectives : The aim of the study is to find out whether effect of acupuncture is depending on the diameter of needle, which is a possible component of dose of acupuncture needling. Methods : To compare acupuncture effects in different diameters of needle, we measured the changes in muscle fatigue recovery using surface electromyogram(sEMG) in healthy 8 volunteers. Muscle fatigue was induced by 20 times sit-up for 1 min. Immediately after induction of muscle fatigue, acupuncture needle was inserted into ST36 or ST25 for 10 min by diameters of 0.20 mm, 0.30 mm, or 0.40 mm needles. The sEMG recording was followed by acupuncture for 30 min. As a control group, sEMG was recorded for the same period at rest after muscle fatigue induction. Results : In both of ST 36 and ST 25, stimulation with 0.4 mm diameter needle showed significant rapid recovery followed by short period of muscle fatigue increase. Stimulation with 0.2 mm diameter significantly suppressed the increase of muscle fatigue. Conclusions : These data suggest that acupuncture effect is, at least in part, dependent on diameter of needle. Therefore, diameter of needle is also considered to achieve effective outcome of acupuncture.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.67-71
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• 2005

Objectives : This study was conducted to observe the tip of needles which induce poor needle sensation upon injection of herbal acupuncture. Methods : Among the syringes used for herbal acupuncture, needles which cause poor sensation were collected and evaluated by SEM (scanning electron microscope) for changes in structure, existence of impure matters, physical damage, and etc. Results : 1. Various forms contributed to poor needle sensation. Bent needle body, damaged or crooked needle tip, and blunted tip 2. Poor needles could be made during the manufacturing process, during insertion of the needle into the vial(except for the lubricants), and repeated procedures with one needle at different regions. Conclusion : Poor needles induce unnecessary pain and discomfort not only to the patients but also to administrators during injection. Herbal acupuncture is a treatment technique injecting herbal extract on the meridian points, and strict quality check must be enforced to prevent occurrence of poor needles.

• 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.20 no.5
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• pp.151-158
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• 2003

Objective: There have not been so many study about the quality of acupuncture needle tip. In order to ensure safe acupuncture treatment, the quality of needle tip is essential. Therefore we investigated the current condition of the tip of the acupuncture needles in Korea. Methods: We have selected the needles that made by 8 companies in Korea, and selected 50 pieces from 1000 pieces each company by randomized methods. and observed the tip of each needle using a scanning electron microscope at ${\times}800$ magnification. Results & Discussion: We found that needles had several defects such as scratch marks on the surface, metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities of the needle tips, stubbed or malformed tips, tips of point off-center, peeled off coated tips. There was much difference on the quality of needle among the manufacturer, and some needles seem to need to do- thorough quality control. It is necessary to intensify quality management and a concentrated control on manufacturing process of acupuncture needles.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.74-82
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• 2014

Objectives: Quantification, objectification, and standardization of lifting-thrusting manipulation are important issues in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The purpose of this study was to quantitatively investigate the difference in the amount of stimulation according to range and frequency among parameters of lifting-thrusting manipulation with the use of a needle insertion-measurement system. Methods: For quantification of lifting-thrusting manipulation, an acupuncture needle insertion-measurement system was used in phantom tissue. The motor and force sensors of the needle insertion device were connected to the control software. This enabled operation of the lifting-thrusting manipulation and measurement of the acupuncture needle force. The measurement of the acupuncture needle force according to various frequencies (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 Hz) and ranges of movement (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm) was repeated 10 times. Results: At a constant frequency of movement, acupuncture needle force according to range of movement (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm) increased with increasing range of movement (p < 0.05). At a constant range of movement, acupuncture needle force according to frequency of movement (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 Hz) increased with increasing frequency of movement (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, we conducted a quantitative comparison of the amount of stimulation according to range and frequency, the main parameters of lifting-thrusting manipulation, by using an acupuncture needle insertion-measurement system. Future studies on various manipulations and parameters are warranted to quantify and objectify the amounts of stimulation by acupuncture manipulation.