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Abstract : Background: The third lumbar transverse process syndrome refers to local tenderness and other symptoms accompanied by pain in the lower back, hips, and legs due to chronic damage to muscles, fascia, and other soft tissues attached to third lumbar transverse process. The third lumbar transverse process syndrome was proposed in acupotomology, and the third lumbar transverse process syndrome accounts for a large part of low back pain. We investigated the importance of third lumbar transverse process syndrome from view of biomechanical, anatomical physiology, and neurochemical. Methods: We searched and organized of literature on third lumbar process syndrome through pubmed, google scholar & CNKI. Results: The effects of acuptomy treatment were examined from three perspectives. From a biomechanics point of view, Acupotomy treatment relieves abnormal tension in soft tissues and stimulates recovery. From anatomical physiology point of view, acupotomy treatment into fascia can improve blood flow and normalize wrinkles and elasticity to restore the normal function of the fascia. From a neurochemistry point of view, acupotomy treatment reduces the high concentration of NO produced by iNOS and promotes the repair of soft tissue, also reduces chronic pain by lowering TNF-α and IL-1β serum levels. Conclusion: The finding of this paper will help to provide understanding of biomechanical, anatomical, and neurochemical perspectives of the third lumbar transverse process Syndrome and It’s significance.

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Abstract : Background: Ultrasound-guided acupuncture has gained significance in diverse medical applications, particularly in enhancing the accuracy and safety of procedures. This technique has shown promising results in clinical effectiveness and safety compared to traditional methods. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of studies involving ultrasound-guided acupuncture, analyzing its accuracy and clinical impact. We explored various conditions, such as musculoskeletal pain syndromes, trigger finger, knee osteoarthritis, and more, to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided acupuncture against conventional techniques. Results: Ultrasound-guided acupuncture demonstrated enhanced accuracy in targeting specific anatomical structures, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of the treatment. Studies highlighted its superiority in reducing complications and recurrence rates, particularly in conditions like trigger finger and knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion: The development and application of ultrasound technology in guiding acupuncture procedures offer a safer and more effective approach to clinical practice. As ultrasound technology continues to advance, its integration with acupuncture can further refine and standardize protocols, potentially influencing future research and establishing standardized guidelines for practice.

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Abstract : Introduction: The purpose of this study is to provide anatomical information of BL40 including applicable needling depth, bloodletting methods and related physiological effect. Methods: The contents about BL40 were extracted from literature. Then we investigated the clinical effect, needling feature (depth/angle/stimulation method) and the bloodletting methods of BL40, searching online databases like ‘RISS’, ‘Oasis’, ‘DBPIA’, ’Naver Academic information’, ‘National Research institute of Korea’, ‘Pubmed’, ‘Google scholar’ and ‘CNKI’ from 1990 to 2023. Results: According to the classic test, the needling depth of BL40 is 9.35-33.15 mm, that of previous research is 9.4 mm-23.4 mm. When acupuncture is applied at that level, stimulatable anatomical structures were deep popliteal fascia and tibial nerve. Conclusion: The remarkable effect of BL40 is originated from stimulation of deep popliteal fascia and tibial nerve. It is necessary for BL40 to be stimulated as 15.5 mm depth.

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Abstract : Background: The aim of this study is to provide the anatomical information and physiological effect of LR3 with its needling depth and retention time. Methods: We investigated the information of LR3 from literature and related research. Then we searched the clinical effect and needling depth, angle, retention time of LR3 from on-line databases like ‘DBPIA’, ‘KISS’, ‘OASIS’, ‘RISS’, PUBMED’ and ‘Google Scholar’ (2005-2023). Results: The needling depth of LR3 is 7-13 mm in the classic test, that of contemporary research is 10-20 mm. When stimulating LR3, the relative anatomical structures are dorsalis pedis artery and medial terminal branch of deep peroneal nerve. Conclusion: The effect of LR3 is originated from stimulation of deep peroneal nerve nearby dorsalis pedis artery. It activates the parasympathetic nerve through the induction of somatic autonomous reflex which leads to the effect of blood vessel expansion, intestinal movement activation, and blood sugar drop.

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Abstract : Background: The aim of this article is to propose the safe and effective protocol for ultrasound-guided acupotomy procedure. Ultrasound is very effective to increase the safety and accuracy of acupotomy. Out-of-plane approach has the advantage of being relatively less invasive and shorter procedure time compared to in-plane approach, so it is suitable for acupotomy. Therefore, we introduce the protocol of ultrasound-guided acupotomy with out-of-plane approach. Methods: The procedure method was introduced along with the ultrasound image by applying ultrasound-guided acupotomy on ultrasound phantom. Results: The finding of this paper will help to provide efficient ultrasound scan and treatment method for patients undergoing acupotomy. This is expected to lead to a safer and more effective approach to clinical decision-making and treatment regarding the use of ultrasound-guided acupotomy. Conclusion: The out-of-plane approach for ultrasound-guided acupotomy provides convenience and safety cpmpared to the in-plane approach.

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Abstract : Background: This study introduces an approach to ultrasound guided acupotomy for foraminal stenosis, for enhanced precision. Methods: Anatomical and vascular considerations of spine were explored to identify suitable candidates based on foramen width and type of stenosis. The procedure involved ultrasound-guided acupotomy needling in the posterior superior and posterior inferior quarters, with safety measures. Results: Precise acupotomy needling in identified quarters proved effective, with careful attention to safety measures minimizing adverse events. Ultrasound guidance significantly enhanced accuracy throughout the procedure. Conclusion: This research advocates for the adoption of ultrasound-guided acupotomy in foraminal stenosis cases. By integrating anatomical insights, vascular considerations, and advanced imaging techniques, this approach offers a safe and effective alternative in the management of spinal stenosis, paving the way for further exploration in non-surgical interventions.

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Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide anatomical information, as well as applicable needling methods and related physiological effects of GB30. Methods: Through the literature analysis, the location, needling method, clinical effect of GB30 were extracted. Based on this information, we investigated the stimulable structures and their therapeutic effects related with GB30 from literature. Results: Connecting the anatomical structures that can be stimulated by needling at GB30 with the clinical effects of GB30, the following can be observed: the inferior gluteal nerve and gluteus maximus, sciatic nerve, piriformis muscle, and gemelli-obturator complex, were associated with symptoms in the waist and lower extremity regions. The quadratus femoris muscle, pudendal nerve, and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve were related to sacroiliac pain. Conclusion: This study has provided insights into the depth and direction of needling at GB30, along with the anatomical structures that can be stimulated as a result, and their corresponding therapeutic effects.

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Abstract : Background: TE16, an acupuncture point near the second cervical vertebra’s spinous process (C2), signifies the 16th point on the Triple Energizer Meridian. ‘Celestial’ (天) denotes its upper body placement, while ‘pivot’ (牖) metaphorically describes a window for ventilation and light. Positioned at the back of the neck, aligned with the mandible’s angle, TE16 aligns with TE17 in the front and SI16 at the posterior shield-shaped cartilage’s height. Traditional Chinese Medicine literature associates these points with opening and connecting the “five senses” or facial orifices. Methods: Our study systematically reviewed anatomical and physiological aspects related to TE16, exploring both Korean and international databases. We included various study types, emphasizing anatomical structure or physiological mechanisms associated with TE16. Results: Of 250 studies, eight were selected, predominantly from China (eight), Taiwan (one), and Korea (one). The research focused on anatomical structure, with one study examining depth and another highlighting physiological mechanisms. Conclusion: The review disclosed TE16’s anatomical connection with the sternocleidomastoid muscle, its potential involvement in conditions like sudden deafness, and explored physiological mechanisms. Our findings endorse TE16’s use in clinical practice, emphasizing precise acupuncture depth and method while considering safety measures during needling. Integrating imaging technologies like ultrasound may enhance our understanding of TE16’s anatomical structures.

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Abstract : Background: The aim of this report is to report the effect of Acupotomy on idiopathic acute myelitis. Methods: A 63 year-old female patient was diagnosed with idiopathic acute myelitis and complained of Paraplegia, low limb sensory alterations, and urinary retention and loss of bowel control. This patient received acupotomy treatment on the L4-L5 internal intervertebral foramen and BL-31, BL-32 and gluteus maximus, biceps femoris. Results: After twelve sessions of acupotomy treatment, the patient’s Lower Extremity Motor score and total sensory Score of ASIA was improved from total score of 26, 192 each to 40, 208 and the patient achieved independent slow ambulation for a 30 minutes, also there was mild recovery observed in pin prick and light touch sensory testing in the S4-5 region. Conclusion: This study suggests that acupotomy treatment may be effective in alleviating limb weakness, paraplegia, low limb sensory alterations, and other symptoms of acute myelitis.

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Abstract : Background: Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a term that means a clinical entity which occurred after a single or more spinal surgery. Objectives: The aim of this study is to make report the effect of acupotomy treatment of FBSS. Methods: The patient with FBSS was given treatment with acupotomy. The effect of treatment was assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Results: The NRS decreased from 10 to 2 after 6 sessions of acupotomy treatments. Conclusion: This report suggest that acupotomy treatment could be effective in FBSS.