Objectives: This case study reports the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment in a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia refractory to the Stretta procedure.Methods: A 58-year-old male with severe GERD and hiatal hernia presented with persistent substernal pain (visual analog scale [VAS] 89) despite a previous Stretta procedure. He underwent 12 weeks of Korean Medicine treatment, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion. Outcomes were measured using VAS, Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD (FSSG), and GERD Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (GERD-HRQL).Results: After treatment, the VAS scores for substernal pain decreased from 89 to 31. The FSSG score improved from 14 to 8 and the GERD-HRQL score decreased from 45 to 22. These improvements were maintained during the 26-week follow-up period. No adverse events were reported.Conclusion: Complex Korean medicine treatment may be an effective and safe alternative for refractory GERD, particularly by alleviating visceral hypersensitivity and improving gastrointestinal motility in patients with structural and functional obstructions.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a prevalent degenerative spinal condition in older adults, often necessitating surgical intervention and long-term pharmacological treatment. Korean medicine (KM) has emerged as a relatively safe alternative; however, its impact on surgical rates and opioid use in patients with LSS has not been thoroughly investigated. This nationwide retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the effects of KM treatment on these outcomes. We analyzed claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) for patients newly diagnosed with LSS in 2015. The KM group included patients who had ≥ 3 outpatient KM visits within 1 year of diagnosis and received KM care more frequently than Western medicine (WM). The control group comprised patients with ≥ 3 outpatient WM visits and no KM use during the same period. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, and outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. After PSM, 70,897 matched pairs were included in the surgery dataset, and 17,217 patients per group in the opioid dataset. KM treatment was associated with significantly lower risks of lumbar surgery (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.821; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.782-0.862), opioid use (HR: 0.810; 95% CI: 0.752-0.872), and opioid use excluding tramadol (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.630-0.919). These findings suggest that KM treatment is associated with a reduced long-term risk of lumbar surgery and opioid use in patients with LSS. KM may represent a potentially effective conservative treatment option. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.

Byung-Chan Kim, Jung-Hyun Lim, Su-Hwan Ji, Hyun-Woo Kim, Byung-Chan Seo, Mi-Yeon Song, Jae-Heung Cho, Hyungsuk Kim, Woo-Chul Shin, Won-Seok Chung. JKOMOR 2025;25:175-85. https://doi.org/10.15429/jkomor.2025.25.2.175

Background: Multiple system atrophy–cerebellar type (MSA-C) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder presenting with cerebellar ataxia and autonomic dysfunction, with limited treatment options. This study reports the effects of Korean medicine treatment in a patient with MSA-C who presented with dizziness and delayed urination.Case presentation: A 60-year-old woman was admitted with worsening dizziness and chronic voiding difficulty. She also developed dysarthria and an abnormal gait. Laboratory tests revealed no remarkable abnormalities upon admission. Brain MRI demonstrated cerebellar atrophy with a hot-cross bun sign, and PET-CT showed decreased dopamine transporter uptake in the left putamen. Vestibular tests indicated central vestibular dysfunction. She was diagnosed with MSA-C and underwent acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medication. After treatment, dizziness improved, exercise duration increased, orthostatic hypotension stabilized, and both time to first urination and post-void residual volume decreased.Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment improved orthostatic dizziness and urinary dysfunction in a patient with MSA-C.

Background: Chronic cough, defined as cough persisting for more than eight weeks, is a common clinical problem that significantly impairs quality of life. Post-infectious cough, particularly after COVID-19, may involve neuropathic mechanisms such as vagal hypersensitivity and central nervous system dysregulation. Conventional treatment options are often limited, underscoring the need for complementary approaches such as Korean medicine.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment, including <i>Chungsangboha-tang</i>, in a patient with post-COVID-19 chronic cough accompanied by mononeuropathy.Methods: A female patient with chronic cough and right lower-limb neuropathic pain following COVID-19 was hospitalized and treated with herbal medicine (<i>Chungsangboha-tang</i>), acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, and physical therapy. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Cough Symptom Score (CSS) and Cough Assessment Test (COAT) for cough severity, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, and the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) for general health status. Assessments were conducted at baseline, during hospitalization, and at discharge.Results: NRS scores decreased, indicating reduced neuropathic pain. The EQ-5D score improved, reflecting better quality of life. CSS and COAT scores showed alleviation of cough symptoms with reduced frequency and intensity of both daytime and nighttime cough. Laboratory markers (ESR and CRP) also decreased. No adverse events were observed.Conclusions: Comprehensive Korean medicine treatment, including <i>Chungsangboha-tang</i>, may be effective in managing post-COVID-19 chronic cough with neuropathic features. This case highlights the potential role of Korean medicine in addressing post-COVID-19 chronic cough and supports further clinical studies.

Background: Chronic cough, defined as cough persisting for more than eight weeks, is a common clinical problem that significantly impairs quality of life. Post-infectious cough, particularly after COVID-19, may involve neuropathic mechanisms such as vagal hypersensitivity and central nervous system dysregulation. Conventional treatment options are often limited, underscoring the need for complementary approaches such as Korean medicine.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment, including <i>Chungsangboha-tang</i>, in a patient with post-COVID-19 chronic cough accompanied by mononeuropathy.Methods: A female patient with chronic cough and right lower-limb neuropathic pain following COVID-19 was hospitalized and treated with herbal medicine (<i>Chungsangboha-tang</i>), acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, and physical therapy. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Cough Symptom Score (CSS) and Cough Assessment Test (COAT) for cough severity, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, and the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) for general health status. Assessments were conducted at baseline, during hospitalization, and at discharge.Results: NRS scores decreased, indicating reduced neuropathic pain. The EQ-5D score improved, reflecting better quality of life. CSS and COAT scores showed alleviation of cough symptoms with reduced frequency and intensity of both daytime and nighttime cough. Laboratory markers (ESR and CRP) also decreased. No adverse events were observed.Conclusions: Comprehensive Korean medicine treatment, including <i>Chungsangboha-tang</i>, may be effective in managing post-COVID-19 chronic cough with neuropathic features. This case highlights the potential role of Korean medicine in addressing post-COVID-19 chronic cough and supports further clinical studies.

Background and objectives: Obesity management is clinically important in patients with angina pectoris; however, the cardiovascular safety of ephedra-containing herbal medicines (HM) in coronary artery disease remains a concern. This study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness and short-term safety of ephedra-containing HM combined with a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) in patients with angina pectoris.Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 51 adults treated with HM and LCD (≤50 g/day). Outcomes included body weight, body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (%BF), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), HbA1c level (when available), and adverse events (AEs).Results: Body weight decreased by 7.06±5.69 kg (p<0.001), with 78.4% achieving ≥5% weight loss. BMI and %BF decreased significantly (both p<0.001). Systolic BP and HR decreased significantly, whereas diastolic BP showed no significant change. HbA1c levels decreased when available. Most AEs were mild (grades 1-2), and no serious AEs were observed.Conclusion: Ephedra-containing HM combined with LCD was associated with meaningful weight loss and favorable short-term safety signals in patients with angina pectoris.

Jung-Hyun Kim, K.M.D., Eun-Yul Han, K.M.D., Seung Jeon, K.M.D., Ja-Hyun Min, K.M.D., Gi-Tae Park, K.M.D., Hyun-Il Jo, K.M.D.. J Korean Med Rehabi 2025;35:257-64. https://doi.org/10.18325/jkmr.2025.35.4.257

Objective: This case report suggests the effectiveness of Korean Medicine Treatment, including scalp acupuncture, for gait disturbance in multiple system atrophy-cerebellar type (MSA-C).Methods: Scalp acupuncture, herbal medicine (Jihwangeumja-gamibang), moxibustion, pharmacoacupuncture, and Chuna therapy were administered for 81 days to improve the symptoms of the patient. The degree of symptom improvement was evaluated using the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) and Korean Version of Berg Balance Scale (K-BBS).Results: After 81 days of treatment, the UMSARS Part I Score decreased from 20 to 13, UMSARS Part II Score decreased from 23 to 9, and K-BBS Score increased from 25 to 45.Conclusion: This case report suggests that Korean medical therapy, including scalp acupuncture, can be effective in delaying the progression of gait disturbances in patients with MSA-C.

Background: Lateral pontine syndrome is a rare brainstem infarction caused by anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) occlusion, presenting with ipsilateral facial palsy, facial hypoesthesia, and vertigo. This report details the clinical course and effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment, aiming to inform early diagnosis and management strategies.Case summary: A 65-year-old patient with acute left pontine infarction was diagnosed with lateral pontine syndrome. The patient was hospitalized for 17 days and treated with <i>Dodamhwalhul-tang</i> decoction, acupuncture, moxibustion, additional herbal medicine, and fluid therapy. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Yanagihara score. After treatment, VAS scores improved for left facial palsy (6→2), right-sided hypoesthesia (7→5), and vertigo (7→1). The Yanagihara score increased from 37 to 40.Conclusion: This is the first reported case of lateral pontine syndrome treated with Korean medicine. Improvements in facial palsy and vertigo suggest potential benefits of <i>Dodamhwalhul-tang</i> and acupuncture, highlighting the value of integrating Korean medicine approaches into stroke rehabilitation.

Objectives: This case study reports the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome presenting with glossodynia and xerostomia.Methods: A 67-year-old female patient diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome underwent five weeks of Korean medicine treatment, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion. Symptoms were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI). Objective measures included salivary flow rate and oral mucosal moisture.Results: NRS scores for tongue pain decreased from 6 to 0 at the tongue body and from 6 to 2 at the apex, while those for oral dryness remained at 6. ESSPRI and XI scores declined from 8.67 to 5.67 and 36 to 33, respectively. Stimulated salivary flow rate increased from 0 to 0.36 mL/min, and buccal/lingual mucosa increased from 30.3/29.7 to 35.9/35.5.Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment can effectively manage glossodynia and xerostomia in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

Loss of appetite is commonly observed in patients with dyspepsia in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and effectiveness of Korean medical treatment for patients with dyspepsia and appetite loss. Clinical records of 225 patients with dyspepsia who visited the Digestive Diseases Clinic of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital between January 1, 2022, and July 31, 2024, were reviewed. Patients were classified into the anorexia with dyspepsia (AD) group (101) and non-anorexia with dyspepsia group (124), based on the presence of appetite loss. Clinical characteristics were analyzed accordingly. The AD group had a higher tendency to experience various gastrointestinal symptoms, including upper abdominal discomfort, early satiety, and upper abdominal bloating compared to the non-anorexia with dyspepsia group. Anorexia was positively linked to various aspects of quality of life, such as eating habits, energy levels, psychological, and role-functioning capacity. In electrogastrography analysis, the AD group exhibited a significantly higher preprandial dominant frequency. However, no significant differences were found in other electrogastrography parameters or heart rate variability results, indicating a limited impact of anorexia on physical function. Following 4 weeks of Korean medicine treatment, the AD group showed substantial improvements in overall quality of life. Dyspepsia accompanied by anorexia was more strongly linked to psychosocial and physical health challenges than dyspepsia with good appetite, highlighting Korean medical treatment as a potential therapeutic option for patients with anorexia.

The Effectiveness of Korean Medicine Treatment Including Ultrasound-Guided Pharmacopuncture on Neck Pain: A Retrospective Chart Review

Objective: This study evaluates the effects of Korean medicine combined with a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) on weight loss and glycemic control in patients with elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c≥5.7%) from Daeat Korean Medicine Clinics (Seoul, Incheon Bupyeong).Methods: Among 1,563 screened patients, the medical records of 39 who had received Korean medicine treatment for at least 60 days and had HbA1c measurements taken≥60 days apart were analyzed. Interventions included herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture, and carbohydrate restriction (≤50 g/day).Results: Overall HbA1c decreased (-0.78±1.36%), with 12 patients improving to lower glycemic categories. Patient weight (-4.61±4.47 kg), body mass index (-5.24%), and body fat mass (-4.03±3.35 kg) also saw significant reductions.Conclusion: Korean medicine and a LCD may improve weight and glycemic control, offering a complementary strategy for obesity and hyperglycemia management.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze data from 36 cases of combined Korean medicine treatment, including TBT to evaluate its effectiveness in correcting facial asymmetry.Methods: Using the initial charts, DSLR photographs, and cranial X-ray images of 36 patients who received facial asymmetry correction treatment, changes in angles along the midline and horizontal plane, as well as differences in the ratio of left and right jaw lengths, were measured and analyzed. Improvement rates were calculated for each factor, and a paired sample t-test was used to determine the statistical significance of pre- and post-treatment differences.Results: The changes in angles measured in the soft tissue analysis showed statistically significant improvements according to the t-test (p < 0.05). Similarly, cephalometric analysis also demonstrated statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05). The highest correction rate was observed in the angle formed by the line drawn vertically from the clavicle midline and the line connecting the clavicle midline to the center of the glabella, with an improvement of 74.74 ± 21.15%. The correction rate for the ratio of the line connecting the ends of both rami from the midline (LL/RL) was the third highest at 60.42 ± 37.08%, but this change was not statistically significant in the t-test.Conclusion: This study suggests that non-surgical Korean medicine treatments, such as TBT, may have a statistically significant effect on correcting facial asymmetry.

This paper reports the treatment of two patients with severe lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (LHIVD) and lower limb weakness who required surgery. The patients underwent Korean medicine treatment, focusing on acupotomy and bee venom (BV) pharmacopuncture. Progress was assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS), manual muscle test (MMT), and sensory examination of dermatomes. In Case 1, low back pain decreased from NRS 6 to 2, and lower limb pain from 6 to 1. The ankle MMT score returned to normal, and sensory scores improved in the L4 and L5 dermatomes. In Case 2, low back pain decreased from NRS 7 to 3, and lower limb pain from 7 to 2. The ankle MMT score normalized, and sensory scores improved across multiple dermatomes. This study is the first to report the efficacy of acupotomy and BV pharmacopuncture for severe LHIVD with muscle weakness, showing faster recovery compared to other approaches.

Introduction: Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare form of cardiomyopathy caused by amyloid deposition in the myocardium. This study reported on the effects of Korean medicine treatment on a patient with cardiac amyloidosis.Case Summary: A 60-year-old male patient visited a Korean medical clinic with dyspnea, general weakness, multiple pains in the lower back, right hip joint, and both knee joints, and tingling sensations in both the upper and lower limbs. The patient was treated with acupuncture using a combination of multiple acupoints, cupping, and Western medications. After 84 outpatient treatments, most subjective symptoms, including multiple pains, tingling sensations, general weakness, and abdominal discomfort, were relieved. The numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for low back pain and right hip joint pain decreased from 8 (Day 1) to 0 (Day 124).Conclusion: This report suggests that Korean medical treatment could be a viable option for symptom management in patients with cardiac amyloidosis.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the comparative effect of the Korean medicine treatment for idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) using Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Seventeen electronic databases were used to search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated various Korean medicine treatments for ICPP. R software (version 4.2.3) was used to perform NMA. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration. The results of NMA were expressed as network map, SUCRA, and Rank plot. A total of 81 RCTs were included in the NMA. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) was the most effective for growth rate, followed by herbal medicine (HM) combined with GnRHa. The combination of HM and auricular plaster therapy was the most effective in improving the bone age index and ovarian volume, and megestrol was the most effective in improving uterine volume. The combination of HM, auricular plaster therapy and GnRHa was the most effective in improving follicle-stimulating hormone, and the combination of HM and GnRHa was the most effective in improving luteinizing hormone and estradiol. The combination of HM and GnRHa generally showed greater effectiveness compared to GnRHa monotherapy or HM monotherapy. Although there have been few reports of adverse events related to HM, additional research and practical experience are needed. Further diverse studies should be conducted to support the decision-making process of patients and clinicians during the diagnosis and treatment of ICPP.

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Objectives: The purpose of this case study was to report the therapeutic effect of Korean medicine treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient with dyspepsia and anorexia after surgery for colon cancer and chemotherapy.Methods: A patient with COPD was hospitalized to treat dyspnea, dyspepsia, and anorexia that occurred after surgery for colon cancer and chemotherapy during 22 days. The patient was treated with herbal medicine (Yangjin-tang), acupuncture, pharmaco-puncture, herbal steam therapy, moxibustion, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed with modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for dyspnea and dyspepsia, walking distance, weight, peak expiratory flow (PEF), radiography, pulmonary function test, and laboratory test.Results: The Korean medicine treatment improved mMRC from Grade 4 to Grade 3, NRS of both dyspnea and dyspepsia, walking distance, and maxillary sinusitis on paranasal sinus X-ray. However, there were no changes in weight, PEF, and chest X-ray.Conclusion: The Korean medicine treatment was effective in improving the symptoms of the COPD patient, including dyspnea, dyspepsia, and anorexia. This study suggests that Korean medicine treatment can have therapeutic effect on comorbidities such as dyspepsia and anorexia.