• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.91-100
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• 2017

Objectives : We conducted a literature search to identify trends with respect to miniscalpel acupuncture points (MAPs) of the cervical region with the aim of providing guidance regarding miniscalpel acupuncture (MA) in the cervical region. Methods : We searched 2 overseas sites (PubMed and Google Scholar) and 5 domestic sites (NDSL, RISS, KISS, OASIS and Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal) for clinical trials of MA of the cervical region. The search terms used were "acupotomy or miniscalpel acupuncture or miniscalpel" and "cervical." Of 73 studies found, 11 were included in this review, 6 of which presented exact MAPs. Owing to the lack of data, we refer to 1 Korean and 4 Chinese articles to analyze the exact location and meaning of the MAPs used in the published studies and to propose other clinically applicable MAPs. Results : We identified 10 of the most commonly used MAPs in the published studies, including those located below the external occipital protuberance, 2-2.5 cm both side down of the external occipital protuberance, 4.5-5 cm both side down of the external occipital protuberance and C3-7 spinous process. Furthermore, we proposed 13 additional MAPs that can be used clinically. Conclusion : We hope that this study will form a basis for the development of MA and hope to improve the safety and reproducibility in future MA studies of the cervical region.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.67-73
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• 2016

Objectives : The objective of this study is to discuss problems and potential improvements of national health insurance fees associated with miniscalpel acupuncture according to Korean medical doctors' workload, material cost and degree of risk. Methods : We researched the change of relative value points, national health insurance fees, the acupuncture process, and Korean medicine doctors' workload related to Miniscalpel acupuncture, as compared to general meridian point acupuncture. We also examined material cost by surveying pharmacies, internet shopping malls and medical appliance shops. Results : Relative value point for Miniscalpel acupuncture decreased from 2010 to 2012, and remained the same from 2012 to 2016. National health insurance fees for Miniscalpel acupuncture increased by a small margin annually for rise of equivalent index. There was no reporting on workload related to Miniscalpel acupuncture. Material cost of Miniscalpel acupuncture was 18.2~20.7 times higher than actual cost of procedure. There were few studies examining medical accidents related to Miniscalpel acupuncture, and thus we could not evaluate degree of risk. Conclusion : We suggest revaluating Korean medical doctors' workload related to including Miniscalpel acupuncture, to consider the material costs of Miniscalpel acupuncture, and investigate its degree of risk by researching medical accidents.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.59-63
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• 2020

The effects of complex Korean medicine treatment including acupotomy, on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are reported in this case study. A 54-year-old woman with diarrheal symptoms that alternatively improved and worsened for many years and worsening abdominal pain visited the emergency room and was diagnosed with IBS; she was admitted for approximately 2 weeks at the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department of National Medical Center (NMC). Numerical rating scale (NRS), irritable bowel syndrome-quality of life (IBS-QOL), and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) scores were evaluated on the day of hospitalization, midway through the hospitalization period, and on the day of discharge. Abdominal pain was measured daily using NRS, and the score decreased from 8 at admission to 0 at discharge. The IBS-QOL percentile score improved from 42 points to 100 points. The total GSRS score also improved, from 30 points to 2 points. These results suggest that complex Korean medicine treatment with acupotomy, is useful for treating internal diseases, such as IBS, as well as musculoskeletal disorders.