Objectives : This study systematically analyzed the therapeutic effects and biological mechanisms of PC6 (Naegwan) acupuncture in animal models to provide a comprehensive evidence base. Methods : We searched the PubMed database for animal studies applying PC6 acupuncture as the sole treatment published up to December 2024. Diseases were categorized according to the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) criteria. We analyzed the characteristics of disease models, acupuncture parameters, and biomarker changes related to mechanisms. Results : Eighty-four studies were identified, primarily focusing on circulatory system disorders. The most common acupuncture parameters included single-session, once-daily treatment with a depth of less than 3 mm. Electroacupuncture (low-to-medium frequency; 11~20 minutes retention) was used more frequently than manual acupuncture (1~3 Hz; less than 10 minutes retention). PC6 acupuncture demonstrated consistent therapeutic benefits, particularly in alleviating myocardial damage, improving cardiac and neurological functions, and suppressing nausea and vomiting. These effects were mediated by modulation of the autonomic nervous system, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and neurochemical signaling across specific brain regions. Conclusions : PC6 acupuncture exerts multi-target therapeutic effects across various conditions, notably in ischemic heart disease, by regulating systemic physiological and neurochemical pathways. These findings provide a foundational framework for future clinical and mechanistic research on PC6.

Objectives : Although tattooing is now commonly regarded as a cosmetic or artistic practice, previous archaeological and medical-historical studies have suggested that tattooing may have been associated with therapeutic body stimulation in some ancient societies. Ötzi, the approximately 5,200-year-old Tyrolean Iceman, has frequently been discussed in this context because some of his tattoos were located near body regions presumed to have had degenerative changes or pain. However, the relationship between these tattoos and acupuncture points or meridian theory remains controversial. This study aimed to reexamine the possible historical and medical associations between tattooing and acupuncture-related practices and to review tattoo management and removal methods described in classical East Asian medical texts. Methods : This study was conducted as a qualitative narrative review using archaeological evidence, previous historical studies, and classical East Asian medical literature. Materials related to Ötzi, Eurasian mummies, and prehistoric artifacts from Northeast Asia were reviewed. In addition, classical medical texts, including Beiji Qianjin Yaofang, Taiping Shenghui Fang, Rumen Shiqin, Puji Fang, Hyangyak Jipseongbang, and Bencao Gangmu, were analyzed. Results : Some studies have suggested that Ötzi's tattoos may reflect therapeutic skin stimulation near body regions presumed to have been symptomatic. Archaeological materials from Northeast Asia suggest that tattooing may have had ritual, social, and protective meanings, as well as possible therapeutic significance, and may show certain associations with later acupuncture theory. Classical East Asian medical texts described tattooing and pigmentation in various contexts, including punitive marking, cosmetic modification, tattoo removal, and skin treatment. Conclusions : Tattooing and acupuncture-related practices may share certain features as intentional interventions on the body surface. This review also confirmed that tattooing existed in diverse historical contexts, including tattooing itself, tattoo removal, and treatment-related practices.

Objectives : To comprehensively map and synthesize the clinical research trends, application patterns, and safety profile of lidocaine injections administered based on acupoints or acupoint-based injection concepts. Methods : We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search was performed in Science ON, CNKI, Wanfang, J-stage, and PubMed from database inception to May 22, 2026, using combinations of terms related to "lidocaine" and "acupoint injection." Eligible studies were primary clinical studies in humans in which lidocaine was explicitly administered according to acupoint or acupoint-based injection concepts, with sufficient information on dose, injection site, and injection method. Results : A total of 400 records were identified, of which 127 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-two were randomized controlled trials, with the remainder being non-randomized comparative studies (n=14), self-controlled study (n=2), retrospective study (n=2), case reports and case series (n=53), and adverse-event case reports (n=4). Indications encompassed anorectal surgery anesthesia and postoperative management (n=18), tinnitus and hearing loss (n=15), obstetric and gynecological procedures, head/neck, musculoskeletal, and postherpetic neuralgia pain, dermatologic conditions, and hiccups, among others. The most frequently used acupoints were ST36, GV2, LI4, SI19, GB20, GV1, TE17, BL32, GB2, and PC6, ST7; musculoskeletal and dermatologic studies frequently combined Ashi (tender) points. Lidocaine concentrations ranged from 0.1% to 2%, and total doses varied widely from 0.5-2 mL per acupoint for internal medicine indications to 10-25 mL for Yosu (GV2) anesthesia in anorectal surgery. Reported adverse events were generally mild and transient; however, four case reports of serious adverse reactions were identified - three associated with high-dose GV2 (Yosu) anesthesia, and one occurring with low-dose injection in a patient with a history of drug hypersensitivity. Conclusions : This scoping review mapped clinical literature on lidocaine acupoint injection across diverse indications, characterizing study designs, target conditions, acupoint selection, dosing patterns, outcome measures, and reported adverse events. Most adverse events were mild and transient. Given the heterogeneity and absence of formal risk-of-bias assessment, standardized protocols and rigorous randomized controlled trials are warranted to clarify efficacy and safety.

Objectives : This scoping review aimed to map intervention patterns and X-ray utilization in Korean medicine conservative care for distal radius fractures, together with reported clinical and safety outcomes. Methods : We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed and CNKI were searched up to April 11, 2026, using terms related to distal radius fracture, conservative treatment, manual reduction, small splint fixation, redisplacement, Korean medicine, and traditional medicine. Eligible studies were primary clinical studies involving patients with distal radius fracture who received Korean medicine-related conservative care, including manual reduction, traditional bonesetting, small splint fixation, plaster fixation, herbal medicine, external application, fumigation, or washing therapy, and reported clinical or safety outcomes with radiological assessment. Results : Twenty studies were included, and all were conducted in China. Most studies centered on manual reduction or traditional bonesetting with small splint, splint, or plaster fixation. Some studies incorporated adjunctive oral herbal medicine, topical application, fumigation, or washing therapy. Symptom-, function-, or fracture-healing-related outcomes were frequently reported, but outcome measures, radiographic variables, follow-up time points, and safety reporting were heterogeneous. X-ray was used for diagnosis, post-reduction confirmation, alignment or redisplacement monitoring, and fracture union assessment. Conclusions : The included studies described conservative fracture care as a complex, multi-component approach rather than as a single-intervention approach. X-ray was used as a longitudinal management tool across the conservative care process. Future studies should standardize intervention components, clinical outcomes, radiological assessment time points and variables, and safety reporting.

Objectives : This scoping review systematically mapped clinical research trends and application patterns of laser-based treatment for onychomycosis across Korea, China, and Japan, examining laser types, treatment parameters, combination strategies with antifungal agents, and safety profiles including pain-related adverse events. Methods : Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the PCC framework, we searched CNKI (China), CiNii Research (Japan), and OASIS, RISS, KISS, DBpia, KoreaMed, and PubMed (Korea); J-STAGE and PubMed were additionally used for full-text retrieval of Japanese studies. The initial search was conducted on April 1, 2026, with an updated search on May 1, 2026. Original clinical studies involving human participants were included regardless of study design; secondary and non-clinical studies were excluded. Data were synthesized narratively. Results : 63 studies were included (China: 46, Korea: 16, Japan: 1). Nd:YAG 1,064 nm (34 studies) and CO₂ fractional laser (22 studies) were the predominant modalities. Laser-antifungal combination therapy (28 studies) reported higher clinical outcomes than monotherapy in most Chinese and Korean studies (p<0.05). One Korean RCT reported a cumulative cure rate of 71.88% with laser plus topical antifungal versus 20.31% with topical antifungal alone (p<0.0001). Treatment response differed significantly by subtype and severity (SWO>DLSO>PSO>TDO; non-matrix involvement 80.56% vs. matrix involvement 22.73%, p<0.001). Complete laser parameter reporting was found in only 34 of 63 studies (54.0%). Of the 47 studies reporting adverse events, pain during treatment was explicitly noted in 13 (27.7%), predominantly in high-fluence long-pulsed Nd:YAG studies, while low-level laser modalities reported no pain. Only one study specified a pain management protocol. Conclusions : Laser-based treatments for onychomycosis have been investigated mainly in China and Korea, with limited eligible evidence from Japan. Future large-scale RCTs with standardized parameters, severity-stratified analyses, and extended follow-up are warranted, along with the standardization of pain assessment and management strategies.

Objectives : While PC7 is frequently used for both distal and proximal needling, its detailed anatomical understanding remains limited. This study aimed to characterize anatomical structures surrounding PC7 using ultrasonography, quantify the frequency and spatial relationships between PC7 and the median nerve (MN) and its palmar branch (PB), and clarify clinical implications for proximal needling. Methods : In this retrospective observational study, 50 adults (100 wrists) with wrist pain but no ultrasonographic abnormalities were recruited from two Korean Medicine clinics between December 2022 and January 2023. Ultrasound scanning was performed at the World Health Organization (WHO)-defined PC7 level. The vertical depth of PC7 was determined from pre-Qing classical acupuncture texts. Anatomical structures were identified, and quantitative measurements were obtained for the MN and PB, including their presence, depth, and distance from the palmaris longus (PL) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendons. Statistical analyses evaluated factors related to MN presence and its occupation within PC7. Results : Identified structures included the transverse carpal ligament, flexor pollicis longus tendon, second flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, carpal bones and ligaments, and the MN. The MN was observed in 31.9% of 94 wrists (95% CI: 23.4~41.9%) and occupied 22±0.13% of PC7 width (95% CI: 18~27%) when present. The optimal zone for MN stimulation was within the PL-side 27% of PC7 width, extending from the PL tendon (0 mm) to 1.03~1.61 mm laterally (95% CI). The PB appeared in 17% of wrists, positioned 33±23% (95% CI: 23~45%) from the PL side, at 0.74~1.47 mm. Thus, the safe zone for MN stimulation avoiding PB injury was limited to 0~0.74 mm from the PL tendon. Conclusions : PC7 encompasses multiple anatomical targets, including the MN. The MN occupies a narrow region in a minority of individuals, suggesting PC7 is generally safe for non-MN-related needling. For intentional MN stimulation, its limited distribution and frequent PB presence may restrict safety and precision. Alternative approaches, such as medial needling relative to the PL tendon, warrant further investigation.

Objectives : This study aims to propose systematic revisions to the Korean Standard for Acupuncture Point Locations (KS P 3010:2024) by assessing its anatomical clarity and formatting consistency in comparison with the WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations (WHO Standard) and the Anatomical Terminology (6th edition). Methods : Location descriptions for 361 standard acupuncture points in KS P 3010:2024 were extracted and systematically compared with the WHO Standard and the Anatomical Terminology (6th edition). To reduce subjective bias, all identified discrepancies were independently cross-validated by the researchers. Proposed revisions were classified into two categories-anatomical clarity and format/notation consistency-and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results : A total of 312 revisions were identified across 361 acupuncture points. Revisions related to 'anatomical clarity' accounted for 78.8% (246 cases), primarily involving anatomical term replacements (182 cases, 58.3%) and location or direction refinements (64 cases, 20.5%). The 'format and notation consistency' category comprised 21.2% (66 cases), mainly involving corrections to the identification numbers of adjacent points (33 cases, 10.6%), along with translation refinements and corrections of content mismatches. Conclusions : Through a systematic comparison with WHO Standard and Anatomical Terminology, this study identified 312 specific items requirng revision within KS P 3010:2024. The findings indicate a need for revisions to improve anatomical clarity and descriptive precision, mainly by standardizing anatomical terms and refining location descriptions. In addition, inconsistencies in formatting and notation-including errors in adjacent point identification numbers and translational discrepancies-should be addressed. The revisions proposed in this study provide a concrete framework to enhance the reliability of national standards, ensuring their effective integration into both academic education and digital healthcare industries.

Objectives : NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation is known to contribute to dopaminergic neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although acupuncture at GB34 has shown neuroprotective effects in PD models, the impact of treatment frequency and its influence on striatal inflammasome-related pathways remain unclear. This study compared the effects of daily and every-other-day acupuncture at GB34 on motor deficits, dopaminergic neuronal survival, and striatal inflammasome-related pathology in an MPTP-induced mouse model of PD. Methods : Male C57BL/6 mice in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated groups were intraperitoneally injected with MPTP (30 mg/kg) once daily for 5 days. Acupuncture was performed daily or every other day for 12 days. Motor function was evaluated using pole and rotarod tests. Dopaminergic neuronal survival was assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (ST). Immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate the expression of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), DJ-1, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and Iba1 in the ST. Results : Acupuncture at GB34 significantly alleviated MPTP-induced motor deficits. Daily acupuncture attenuated the MPTP-induced loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in both the SN and ST, whereas every-other-day acupuncture showed a significant neuroprotective effect only in the ST. In the ST, both treatment regimens attenuated MPTP-induced microglial activation and the elevation of NLRP3 and ASC expression, while restoring DJ-1 and SOD1 levels. Conclusions : Acupuncture at GB34 alleviates MPTP-induced motor deficits and dopaminergic loss by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome-related signaling and enhancing antioxidant defenses in the ST. Daily acupuncture exerted greater neuroprotective effects in the SN than every-other-day treatment, highlighting treatment frequency as a key determinant of therapeutic efficacy in PD.

Objectives : This study aims to report the clinical effects of integrative Korean medicine treatment in a patient with persistent pain after surgery for osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). Methods : A 51-year-old male with persistent ankle pain after microfracture surgery for OLT was admitted for inpatient treatment. The patient received integrative Korean medicine treatment including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping. Outcomes were assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM), and activities of daily living. Results : Right ankle pain decreased from NRS 8 to 4, and bilateral plantar pain decreased from NRS 4 to 3. ROM improved to approximately 5° in all directions. Functional status improved, with independent standing for up to 50 minutes and walking for over 60 minutes without assistive devices. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions : Integrative Korean medicine treatment may reduce pain and improve function in patients with persistent symptoms after OLT surgery.