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Abstract : Background: 3rd lumbar transverse process syndrome is a common cause of low back pain and is a biomechanically important location. However, in the case of a person who intermittently has a transition in the location of the kidney, there is a risk of damaging the kidney during the procedure. Methods: Among patients who visited a single medical institution and who underwent 3 lumbar transverse process syndrome, we report several cases of a patient with a transition in kidney position. Results: Kindey was closely observed under the 3rd lumbar transverse process in 4 patients. In particular, in the case of 2 cases confirmed by ultrasound, the distance between the 3rd lumbar transverse process and the kidney is about 2-3cm, so there may be a risk of kidney damage during blind insertion. Conclusion: This study proposes the need for an intermediate process that can consider the patient’s anatomical characteristics for safe needle acupuncture of the 3rd lumbar transverse process.

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Abstract : Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates in the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord, and in the ventricles of the brain. It serves as a buffer to protect the brain from physical and immunological damage. Since important actions such as removing soluble waste from the brain occur as the CSF circulates, various diseases including cognitive disorders can occur if CSF circulation is impaired. Therefore, it is very important to find anatomical treatment points that improve CSF circulation. Methods: We summarized various clinical symptoms and related diseases caused by CSF circulation failure and reviewed anatomical structures that could affect CSF circulation. Based on the reviewed data, we proposed several treatment points that can contribute to the improvement of CSF circulation. Results: Symptoms and diseases caused by decreased CSF circulation include headaches, sleep disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, Alzheimer’s disease was also related to cerebral blood flow, which was also closely related to CSF circulation. The anatomical structure associated with CSF circulation was dura mater, deep cervical lymph nodes, meningeal lymphatic vessels, and emissary vein. The structures connected to the dura mater were also important, such as the myodural bridge (MDB) directly connected to the dura mater and the soft tissues such as the suboccipital muscles and ligaments connected to the dura mater via MDB. Conclusion: We propose several treatment points based on anatomical structures that may affect CSF circulation. It is the soft tissues of the suboccipital site including MDB, submucosal tissue of the nasal cavity, stylomastoid foramen, and emissary vein.

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Abstract : Introduction: Internal and External Orifices of Intervertebral Foramen (Naegu and Oegu) are important acupoints of acupotomy for lumbar spine diseases. They are used in adhesiolysis of hardened myofascial meridian. Adhesiolysis of soft tissue using acupotomy has been continuously researched abroad, but it has not been well introduced in Korea. Therefore, we provide basic information and acupotomy guidelines about these acupoints. Methods: We presented the surface anatomical definition and acupoint ultrasound image of Oegu and Naegu. Also, we introduced previous research about procedure guidelines and precautions. Finally, we suggested approach guide of Oegu and Naegu. Results: Approach of Oegu starts with inserting acupotomy needle to the root of transverse process (2-3 cm lateral to center of spinous process). Then, change the acupotomy tip to the medial superior direction and enter along the lateral edge of the facet joint. At last, incise soft tissue 2-5 mm. Approach of Naegu starts with inserting acupotomy needle to the medial side of facet joint (0.8-1 mm lateral to interspinous space). Then, incline the acupotomy tip by 10 degrees outward based on the medial edge of the facet joint. At last, enter only 2-5 mm between ligament flavum and the back of the intervertebral foramen and make 2-3 incisions. Conclusion: Accurate locating and needling method are very important for the treatment effect and safe procedure. We suggest using the guidelines presented by us for selecting accurate acupotomy needling point, depth, and direction.

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Abstract : Background: The aim of this study is to make report the effect of treatment with acupotomy at Thoracic vertebrae. A 46 years old woman was suffered the headache for 10 years long. Methods: The patient was given treatment with Korean medicine theraphy, including Acupotomy, Pharmacoacupuncture and chuna on the thoracic vertebrae (Interspinal ligament and Costotransverse ligament of the T5, 7, 9) not cervical and occipital region. The patient’s response was measured using the NRS Scale (Numeric Rating Scale). Results: After 1st treatment the NRS of the headache was reduced from 8 to 2, after 4th treatment the headache and the dyspepsia were disappeared. Conclusion: These results suggest that treatment with acupotomy on the thoracic vertebrae, is useful for treating the chronic headache accompanied with the dyspepsia.

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Abstract : Introduction: This case study aimed to report the effects of acupotomy and herbal medicine treatment on patients with essential head tremors. One patient with essential head tremors was treated with acupotomy and herbal medicine. The patient reported that the tremor was significantly relieved. Therefore, acupotomy and herbal medicine treatment are effective for essential head tremors. Methods: We report one case of head tremor patient who visit our clinic and treated by acupotomy and herbal medicine. Result and Conclusion: This case study aims to show that combined acupotomy and herbal medicine are more effective than conventional acupuncture in treating patients with essential head tremors (EHT). In this study, acupotomy and conventional acupuncture were alternately treated for two months in one EHT patient, and a markedly rapid improvement was observed. Nevertheless, no apparent improvement was seen while acupotomy treatment was discontinued and treated only with conventional acupuncture. It shows that symptoms can be significantly improved with sufficient acupotomy treatments.

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Abstract : Introduction: The main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain, numbness, and paresthesia in the thumb and second and third fingers along the area innervated by the median nerve. In this study, we observed and reported changes in median nerve thickness through ultrasound after acupotomy treatment. Methods: One patient who received acupotomy treatment for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome from June 29, 2022 to August 20, 2022. Results: The patient’s symptoms were similar until the end of treatment, but on ultrasound images, the thickness of the median nerve in the distal carpal tunnel decreased from 0.4 cm on June 29, when the patient first visited the hospital, to 0.33 cm on July 16. During the subsequent 4 treatments, all of them remained constant at 0.28 cm, resulting in a final decrease of 42%. Conclusion: Improvement of median nerve thickness was observed after applying acupotomy treatment for CTS.

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Abstract : Introduction: The aim of this study is to report the effect of Acupotomy and Chuna manual therapy on tinnitus. A 61-year-old male who had been suffered from 18-year tinnitus with high frequency hearing loss. Methods: The patient was treated with Korean medicine therapy, including the Acupotomy and Chuna manual therapy. Treatment progress was assessed using Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Minimal masking level (MML), AutomatedMicro Audiometer Pure-Tone Audiometry (AMA-PTA). During his ten-day stay in the hospital, the patient was treated with acupotomology and Chuna manual therapy. Results and Conclusion: After treatment, significant improvements of tinnitus and high frequency hearing loss were observed. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was decreased from 18 to 0. Minimal masking level was decreased from 59 to 49. Hearing tests showed a marked improvement in high frequency hearing loss. This improvement might suggest Acupotomy and Chuna manual therapy can be effective for patients who chronic tinnitus with hearing loss.

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Abstract : Objectives: The aim of this study is to make report the effect of acupotomy and combined korean medicine on the abnormal spinal curvature. Methods: The patients was given treatment with Korean medicine therapy, including acupotomy, acupuncture, chuna manual therapy and herbal therapy. Treatment progress was assessed by setting the spinal curvature change on the lateral X-ray and the pain complained by the patient as Vas. Results: After 10 times of treatments, signigicant improvements of abnormal spinal curvature and Vas were shown. Conclusion: This improvement might suggest the effectiveness of Acupotomy and combined korean medicine on abnormal spinal curvature.

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Abstract : Background: This case reports the effect of herbal medication and placenta pharmacopucture for improving symptoms of a chronic adult atopic dermatitis patient. Methods: A 48 years old adult male suffers from severe oozing, edema, prurit and right leg pain. The patient was treated by herbal medication and pharmacopuncture. Results: After 2 weeks, oozing, prurit, pain symptoms were significantly improved. After 4 months, all symptoms were improved and SCORAD index decreased from 65 to 0 without any adverse events reported. Conclusion: This case suggests that herbal medication and pharmacopuncture could be effective on improving chronic adult atopic dermatitis symptoms.

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Abstract : Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease with an increasing prevalence in Korea. In western medicine, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is mainly used for GERD, but it has a high possibility of various side effects and the recurrence rate is high. In Korean medicine, herbal medicine treatment is mainly used. Near and remote acupoints needling such as CV12, BL12, ST36, PC6 are also used, but the treatment is not ideal. Korean medical society of acupotomology introduces ST19 and ST20 as treatment points for gastrointestinal diseases including GERD. The treatment mechanism of ST19 and ST20 is thought to be closely related to the diaphragm. The therapeutic effect using ST19 and ST20 is very excellent compared to western and conventional Korean medicine. In the future, we hope to obtain advanced treatment results for gastrointestinal diseases through additional research and clinical practice.

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Abstract : This case study aims to report the effectiveness of acupotomy on persistent cough after COVID-19 infection. A patient with a persistent cough after COVID-19 was treated with acupotomy. The treatment effect was evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Cough Assessment Test (COAT). The NRS score improved from 3 to 0, and the COAT score improved from 5 to 0. Acupotomy could be effective on post-COVID-19 cough symptoms.

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Abstract : Background: The aim of this study is to report the effect of acupuncture treatment of patients of acute low back pain (acute LBP). Objectives: Three patients with acute low back pain were treated with acupuncture. Methods: Numeral Rating Scale (NRS) was used to evaluate the effect of the treatment. Results: In the case 1, NRS 6 before treatment improved to NRS 1 after 12 treatments. In case 2, NRS 8 before treatment improved to NRS 0 after 7 treatments. In case 3, NRS 5 before treatment improved to NRS 0 after 3 treatments. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment is effective on acute low back pain.

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Abstract : The aim of this study was to report the effect of Korean medicine treatments with chronic rupture of gastrocnemius muscle improved by Hwata 153 magnetic field thermotherapy machine and herbal decoction. A 25-year-old female who was suffered from chronic rupture of gastrocnemius muscle. The patient was treated with Korean medicine therapy, including the acupuncture with Hwata 153 and herbal decoction. Treatment progress was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), Formetric 4D analysis and Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging (D.I.T.I). For 4 months, the patient visited 47 times and were treated with acupuncture with Hwata 153 and herbal decoction. After treatment, significant improvements of chronic rupture of gastrocnemius muscle were shown. Numeric rating scales of pain, numbness, swelling in the lower legs, lumbago were decreased from 6 to 0. This improvement might suggest the feasibility of acupuncture with Hwata 153 magnetic field thermotherapy machine and herbal decoction on chronic rupture of gastrocnemius muscle. Korean medicine treatment, including acupuncture therapy with Hwata 153 and herbal medicine might be a recommended therapeutic option for chronic rupture of gastrocnemius muscle.

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Abstract : Introduction: The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Cheongwee-San on a chronic urticarial patient. This is a case report about a male patient in 50s with chronic urticaria treated by Cheongwee-San. Methods: The patient was treated by herb medicine, Cheongwee-San. The improvement of the patient’s chronic urticaria was judged based on the symptom score of 10 at the time of the first visit. Results: After a month of treatment, the symptom score gradually decreased to 3. While changing the treatment to Gwakhyangjunggi-san for 2weeks, the symptom score increased to 4-5. But by re-prescribing with Cheongwee-San, the symptoms were alleviated. Conclusion: This study shows that Cheongwee-San has effects on a chronic urticarial patient and it is necessary to have more complement studies.

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Abstract : Introduction: The aim of this study was to introduce two cases of the treatment effects related to Yin-deficiency related symptoms of Yijin Samul-tang Gagam, and to summarize the use within the Donguibogam to use it in the future. Methods: After administering Yijin Samul-tang Gagam to two patients who visited the hospital with Yin-deficiency related symptoms, the progress was analyzed. Symptom changes were measured by Symptom score (SS) and patient interview. Results: After the treatment, Case 1 showed a significant decrease in SS. When the night sweats symptoms were tracked based on SS 10 points during first visit, they decreased to 2 points after treatment, and most other symptoms improved. In Case 2, the frequency of occurrence of night-time lower convulsions improved from once/1 week to once/2 weeks, and other symptoms related to fatigue were also improved. Conclusion: This study reports that Yijin Samul-tang Gagam was effective for Yin-deficiency related symptoms.

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Abstract : Introduction: The aim of this study is to report the improved case with Korean medicine treatments on a patient’s postpartum pruritus which was unresponsive to an antihistamine and a topical steroid. Methods: A 37-year-old woman diagnosed with postpartum pruritus was treated with Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang. Changes in her condition was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the frequency. Results: After a month of treatment, the NRS score decreased from 10 to 2. The patient’s main symptoms were improved after the treatment, and no recurrence was observed. Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment, including Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang, might be a recommended therapeutic option for postpartum pruritus.

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Abstract : Background: The aim of this study was to report the effect of Korean medicine treatments with 16 cases of cold hands/feet syndrome patients improved by Hwata 153 which is magnetic field thermotherapy machine applied on acupuncture. Methods: We report 16 cases of patients with cold hands/feet syndrome by using Hwata 153 magnetic field thermotherapy machine. We compared the thermal difference between the Digital Infrared Thermography Imaging (DITI) pictures before and after treatment. In addition, we estimated the changes of the temperature with the Region of Interest (ROI) pictures in the built-in DITI program, as which the patients feel coldness just before the treatment whatever the intensity of coldness are. Results: After treatment there have been noticeable improvement in DITI temperature changes from 29.36℃ to 30.59℃ for left and from 29.21℃ to 30.25℃ for right. Conclusion: Hwata 153 magnetic field thermotherapy might be a recommended therapeutic option for cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet.

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Abstract : Neurological symptoms such as pain and numbness from the cervical spine to the upper extremities are often diagnosed as cervical disc herniation, but there is also the possibility of quadrangular muscle syndrome or thoracic outlet syndrome. Patients with chronic upper extremity nerve symptoms, often complained of numbness, tingling, and paresthesia, was treated with Korean medicine treatment such as acupuncture treatment. Therefore, by applying the concept of expanded thoracic outlet syndrome, treatment and symptom improvement can be obtained, so I would like to suggest the necessity of expanding the concept of thoracic outlet syndrome.

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Abstract : It is important to understand the movement disorders of the scapula in the treatment of cervical and upper extremity patients. The scapula and cervical vertebrae are connected by the Levator scapulae. Because of this connection, a problem in position such as inferior medial rotation of the scapula may cause structural problems that cause repeated soft tissue damage of the cervical spine. In treating cervical spine patients, it is important to understand the alignment and movement of the scapular bone to the patient, and to ask for improvement in muscle strength to maintain movement.

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Abstract : Background: “Nine classical acupuncture” were specifically described in the first “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine”, which refers to the type of acupuncture, studies have been conducted on various forms and uses of acupuncture in these days. However, since there are no studies including historical books other than medical books, this study was conducted to find out the references to “Nine classical acupuncture” in classical literature including domestic historical books. Methods: Korean history books and medical books were respectively retrieved from the “Korean history database” of the national institute of Korean history and “Korean Medicine Classic database” of Korean institute of oriental medicine. We searched for the individual names of “Nine classical acupuncture” to organize references and use cases, and introduced cases of modern development of “Nine classical acupuncture” abroad, including China. Results: Five cases were searched in the Korean history database about “round-shaped needle” and “stiletto needle” and 49 cases were searched in the Korean Medicine Classic db, and all individual types of “nine classical acupuncture” except “round-pointed needle” were checked. According to the classical literature, it was confirmed that doctors’ diagnosis and prognosis were important in the use of acupuncture, and acupuncture was selected according to the disease and the patient’s condition. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment from the past to the present era is a complex concept that encompasses the selection of tools, and it can be seen that acupuncture is recognized and used as a variety of tools subdivided according to diseases, not as a singe tool. Through this study, it is expected that it can be used as a basis for the use of ‘nine classical acupuncture’ and modern application.

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Abstract : The purpose of this study is to report the characteristics of each type of tinnitus and treatment for somatic tinnitus. Tinnitus is representative disease at the korean medicine clinic. But, there is no standardized test and treatment for tinnitus. somatic tinnitus has not been studied much so far, but can be expected to be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine treatment. Therefore, we would like to review the anatomical structure of suboccipital region associated with somatic tinnitus.

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Abstract : Background: 陰陵泉 (SP9) is the acupoint of 足太陰脾經 (spleen meridian) located near the medial epicondyle of tibia. 陰陵泉 (SP9) is one of the representative acupuncture points widely used for various diseases. However, the intensive research has not yet been conducted on the method of neeling the 陰陵泉 (SP9). Objectives: The aim of this study is to provide the basic data for guiding the needling depth and direction at 陰陵泉 (SP9). Methods: Through the literature analysis, the location, needling method, clinical effect of 陰陵泉 (SP9) were extracted. Based on this, we investigated the representative clinical effect of the acupoints which can stimulate the same nerve structures of 陰陵泉 (SP9) from literature. Results: The femoral nerve showed relevance to urinary and digestive diseases. the saphenous nerve and obturator nerve had significant effects on the treatment of urinary diseases. The common peroneal nerve showed relevance to digestive diseases, whereas it showed little relevance to the genital diseases. On the other hand, tibial nerve showed relevance to urinary diseases and thermoregulation problem. Conclusion: We expect the effective treatment will be possible if the needling depth and direction are distinguished according to the purpose: shallow layer, deep layer, penetration toward 陽陵泉 (GB34).

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Abstract : Objectives: This study’s aim to introduce Chinese clinical studies which evaluated therapeutic effects of cervcical region or shoulder joint acupuncture treatement according to needling depths. Methods: We conducted a search using keywords, “Needling depth”, “Different needling dpeth” in CNKI on May 19, 2022. There was no limit placed on the publication period of the papers. Results: Three RCTs were selected. Two were study of shoulder joint and one is for cervical joint. According to included studies results, deep needling show more therapeutic effects than swallow needling. Conclusion: This study introduce Chinese literature that show deep needling is more effective in treating neck and shoulder disease. Further clinical studies will be need to accurate needling depths and angles.

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Abstract : Arthropathy of vertebral facet joints is considered an significant cause of low back pain (LBP). Although there is not much arthropathy in the facet joint intself, the treatment of the facet joints can be applied in almost all LBP and sciatica, such as acute LBP lumbago, chronic LBP backache, painful minor intervertebral dysfunction (PMID). Facet joint is a synovial joint and it is important for spinal motion segment. Joint capsule with subcapsular fat pad, fibro-adipose meniscoid also protect the joint, but if under long-term pressure such as a fixed posture, they deform firmly causing restrictions on the movement of the spinal motion segment. Therefore, the recovery of appropriate movement of the facet joints through the treatment improves the blood circulation around them, thereby improving the overall motion segment condition.

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Abstract : Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the change of gait pattern of stroke patient according to the improvement of the chief complaints. Methods: We conducted the gait analysis for 2 times to analyzed the change of gait parameters using FDM-T system (Zebris, Germany). Results: Both foot rotation was decreased, and velocity, cadence were increased. In paretic side, stance phase and double stance phase (%) were decreased. single limb support and Swing phase (%) were increased. These results were similar with hemiplegic patient’s improvement patterns. Conclusion: Gait analysis could be used as a good evaluation tool for tracking improvement in stroke patient’s gait pattern.

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Abstract : The aim of this study is to report the effect of acupuncture, Pharmacopuncture, Chuna Manual Therapy treatment at Posterior cervical muscles for patient with tinnitus. One patient with tinnitus was treated with acupuncture a week for about 3 months. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the effect of the treatment. The score of VAS wat improved from 10 to 1. Acupuncture, Pharmacopuncture, Chuna Manual Therapy treatment at Posterior cervical muscles is effective on tinnitus.

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Abstract : Objectives: The aim of this study is to make report the effect of Korean medical treatments on a Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). The two female patients was suffered with BPPV. Methods: The patient was given treatment with Korean medicine therapy, including acupuncture, acupotomy and Chuna manual therapy. Treatment progress was assessed according to the degree of subjective improvement. Results: After treatment, significant improvements of BPPV symptoms were shown. Conclusion: This improvement might suggest the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment on BPPV.

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Abstract : The aim of this study is to report the effect of Acupotomy, Bee- Venom Pharmacopuncture on tension headaches induced after taking Ephedra sinica herbal complex. Seven patients with tension headaches induced after taking Ephedra sinica herbal complex were treated with Bee-Venom Pharmacopuncture and Acupotomy a week for about 3 months. The Symptoms score was used to evaluate the effect of the treatment. The Symptoms score improved from 10 to 0-1 in all 7 patients. Using Acupotomy, Bee-Venom Pharmacopuncture teatment at Posterior cervical muscles is effective on tension headaches induced after taking Ephedra sinica herbal complex.

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Abstract : We report a case of left tinnitus treated by acupuncture, Chuna therapy and herbal decoction. This case is to report efficacy of Korean medicine treatment on tinnitus with aural fullness. A 52-year-old female who was suffered from left tinnitus with aural fullness and headache. For 6 weeks, the patient visited 4 times and was treated with acupuncture, chuna therapy and herbal decoction. Improvements of tinnitus, aural fullness and headache were measured by a numeric rating scale. After treatment, numeric rating scales of tinnitus were decreased from 8 to 4. NRS of aural fullness were decreased from 10 to 1 and headache were disappeared after 4 weeks treatment. This improvement might suggest Korean medicine complex treatment can be effective for patients who suffer cervicogenic tinnitus.

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Abstract : We report three cases of unspecified dizziness treated by yanggumhwa pharmacopuncture. The purpose of this report is to show that using yanggumhwa pharmacopuncture is effective for symptom improvements in patients who diagnosed with unspecified dizziness. Case 1: A 65-year-old female who suffered unspecified dizziness, especially floating sense, nausea and tinnitus that lasted about 7 years. the patient was diagnosed with vestibular hypofunction and treated with medication but to no avail. Case 2: A 44-year-old male who suffered unspecified dizziness, especially spinning that lasted about 2 years after cervical spine surgery. Case 3: A 44-year-old female who suffered unspecified dizziness with nausea, orthostatic hypotension, Insomnia and spinning that lasted about 6 years. The three patients were treated with acupuncture and yanggumhwa pharmacopuncture on Yepung (TE17) and Chunggung (SI19). After treatment with yanggumhwa pharmacopuncture and acupuncture, VADL score decreased and The patient’s ability to carry out daily life increased. this improvement might suggest the feasibility of yanggumhwa pharmacopuncture and acupucture to improve dizziness, but It is only three cases, so much more research will be needed.

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Abstract : The aim of this study was to report the effect of acupuncture treatment for patient with Parkinson’s Disease Tremor. One patient with Parkinson’s Disease Tremor was treated with acupuncture. The patient and she’s medical protector reported that the tremor had been relived significantly. Acupuncture treatment is effective on Parkinson’s Disease Tremor.