Korean Medical Treatment Research Articles

A Case of the 1st Metatarsal Bone Fracture in a Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease Treated by Acupuncture with Complex Korean Medical Treatment

A Case of the 1st Metatarsal Bone Fracture in a Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease Treated by Acupuncture with Complex Korean Medical Treatment

Examining the effects of social assistance on suicide-related behaviour among impoverished older adults in Korea using a nationwide cohort study from 2010–2019

Suicide rates among older adults in Korea are one of the highest in the world. Although prior research found that poverty is associated with suicide mortality among older adults in Korea, it is unknown whether being a recipient of social assistance may reduce suicide risk among older adults living in poverty. We examined the impact of the public assistance program on suicide-related behaviour (SRB). Data from a nationwide cohort in the Korean National Health Insurance Database, including demographic and medical treatment information, linked to the vital statistics for 2010–19 was used. The entire Korean population born before 1951 was included (n = 7,889,086). Flexible parametric survival model was performed to assess whether the risk of SRB hospitalisation and death differed across a) different levels of socioeconomic status, and b) social assistance status among the poor, using gender-stratified models. Older age, chronic disease, poverty, and being out of the labour market were associated with higher SRB hospitalisation and death for both genders. Among those living in poverty, social assistance recipients had lower rates for SRB death and hospitalisation, compared to the low-income non-recipients. Men who were non-recipients had 0.21 higher hazards ratio (95%CI 0.20 to 0.22) for SRB deaths compared to recipients, and the difference was 0.11 (95%CI 0.10 to 0.11) in women, with similar patterns for SRB hospitalizations. Poverty was associated with higher SRB death and hospitalisation among older adults in Korea. Social assistance targeting the older population may help reduce SRB.

A Review of Domestic Research on Traditional Korean Medicine for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Objectives: This study was performed to research Korean medical treatment methods for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy by summarizing domestic studies.Methods: All domestic research papers on the Korean medical treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy were selected from the literature published until April 2024 in four domestic databases. In total, 26 domestic papers were selected.Results: Eighteen clinical studies and eight experimental studies were published by April 2024. Most of the studied patients were in their fifties, and 93.4% of the subjects were women. Uchashinki-hwan (牛車腎氣丸) was the most frequently prescribed herbal formula, and Rehmanniae Radix Preparata was the most commonly used herb. All studies showed significant effects of Korean medical treatment, and any adverse events were not reported.Conclusion: This study included all domestic research papers on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy to identify research trends in the Korean medicine community. Based on this, it is meaningful to confirm areas that need to be supplemented in future research plans. However, large-scale studies are needed.

A Case Report of Korean Medical Treatment for an Adult with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Analyzed by Electrogastrography and Subjective Evaluation Scale

Objectives: This case study reports the effectiveness of Korean medical treatment in a patient with cyclic vomiting syndrome.Methods: A 29-year-old female Korean patient with cyclic vomiting syndrome received acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion for 2 weeks in hospital. Changes in symptoms were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Index for Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR), Nausea Severity Scale (NSS), Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version (NDI-K), quality of life using the Functional Dyspepsia Related Quality of Life questionnaire (FD-QoL), and gastric motility using electrogastrography (EGG).Results: Post-treatment, the patient showed high satisfaction and improvement in symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The following changes were observed in scores: GSRS: 23 to 19; VAS of nausea: 88 to 95; VAS of dyspepsia: 95 to 12; INVR: 13 to 1; NSS: 17 to 5; NDI-K: 107 to 78; and FD-QoL 84 to 27. We also found positive results in Channel 3 of EGG parameters, implying the improvement of gastric motility disorder.Conclusion: Korean medical treatment can be a therapeutic option for cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Analysis of Clinical Features and Treatment of Patients Presenting Dyspepsia Related to COVID-19: Retrospective Chart Review

Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients complaining of indigestion after COVID-19 infection (CI) or COVID-19 vaccination (CV) and to confirm the effectiveness and safety of Korean medical treatment.Methods: We retrospectively collected and investigated the medical records of 39 patients admitted to the Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital with a chief complaint of dyspepsia from January 1, 2020 to February 29, 2024 who reported the onset or significant exacerbation of dyspepsia after CV or CI. Patients were divided into vaccination and infection groups, and their demographic characteristics, Ryodoraku results, presenting symptoms, traditional Korean medicine treatments, and treatment outcomes were analyzed.Results: When comparing the groups with dyspepsia after CV and after CI, it was observed that the CI group had significantly lower average body weight, and the measurements of LH6, LF1, and LF6 in the Ryodoraku test were significantly lower. Additionally, compared to the CV group, the CI group showed significantly more abdominal distension, nausea, and abdominal pain. Significant relief of upper gastrointestinal symptoms was observed in both the CV and CI groups after treatment. No adverse reactions were observed during the course of treatment.Conclusion: The CI group tended to complain more severely of various dyspeptic symptoms and had a tendency to lower body weight than the CV group, as was also reflected in the results of the Ryodoraku test. Korean medical treatment can be effective and safe in treating these patients.

A Patient with Dyspnea, Chest Pain and Fatigue due to Angina Pectoris Treated with Saengmaeg-san-hap-Bojungikgi-tang-gami: A Case Report

Objectives: This case report describes good clinical progress in a patient with symptoms related to angina pectoris treated with a herbal medication.Methods: The 66-year-old male patient hospitalized in Chonnam National University Hospital (CNUH) in May 2020 for symptoms of dyspnea and chest pain was diagnosed with angina pectoris, medicated, underwent PCI in August 2020, and continued to take the medicine prescribed at CNUH during hospitalization. Korean medical treatments, including herbal medicines (Saengmaeg-san-hap-Bojungikgi-tang-gami, Yeonggyechulgam-tang), acupuncture, and cupping therapy were administered for 22 days. Symptom severity was assessed with a daily visual analog scale (VAS) for dyspnea and chest pain and standard deviation of NN (SDNN) score of heart rate variability.Results: Post-treatment, severity of dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue reduced from VAS 7 to VAS 2, VAS 6 to VAS 1, and VAS 7 to VAS 1, respectively. The SDNN score improved from 16.474 ms to 23.270 ms. There were no side effects from Korean medicine treatment.Conclusion: Traditional Korean treatment could effectively treat symptoms related to angina pectoris.

A Case Report of Complex Korean Medical Treatments, Including Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang, for Sleep Disorders Accompanied by a Herniated Intervertebral Disc

Objectives: We describe the clinical course in a 53-year-old female patient admitted to a Korean Medicine Hospital with insomnia disorder accompanied by a herniated intervertebral disc and managed with Korean medical treatments.Methods: The patient was treated with herbal medicines, including Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and Chuna manual therapy for 33 days. The therapeutic effect was evaluated based on the Insomnia Severity Index, Numerical Rating Scale score, Oswestry Disability Index, and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Scale.Results: Post-treatment, the Insomnia Severity Index decreased from 21 to 6, the Numerical Rating Scale score decreased from 7 to 3, the Oswestry Disability Index decreased from 60 to 18, and the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Scale increased from 0.35 to 0.85.Conclusions: Korean medical treatments improved the symptoms of this patient with insomnia disorder accompanied by a herniated intervertebral disc. Further clinical research on patients with insomnia disorder is needed.

Improvement in Balance and Walking in a Patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome Treated with Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture: A Case Report

Introduction: Gullain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rapid, symmetric muscle weakness that often follows respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Standard treatments include plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin, but outcomes can vary among patients. The integration of Korean medicine, notably unexplored in quantitative assessments of balance and walking, provides a novel approach to treatment.Case presentation: A 53-year-old male diagnosed with GBS presented to the hospital 8 days post-onset. He received treatments consisting of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and rehabilitation over a period of approximately 4 weeks. Upon admission, the patient exhibited symptoms of both limb weakness and paresthesia, requiring the use of a wheelchair. Post-treatment, muscle strength and balance were significantly improved, leading to the restoration of independent ambulation, including running.Conclusions: This case illustrates the potential of integrated Korean and conventional medical treatments to accelerate recovery in GBS patients, overcoming typical prognosis timelines. The improvements in gait and balance were substantiated by quantitative assessments, suggesting a promising area for further research into the effects of combined therapeutic approaches to GBS recovery.

The Effect of Complex Korean Medical Treatment for Tibia, Fibula and Patellar Fractures in Patient with Sequelae of Poliomyelitis: A Case Report

The Effect of Complex Korean Medical Treatment for Tibia, Fibula and Patellar Fractures in Patient with Sequelae of Poliomyelitis: A Case Report

Experiences of Patients With Breast Cancer Regarding Korean Medical Treatment Approaches: A Qualitative Study Protocol

The importance of a complementary medical approach for patients with breast cancer is being emphasized to improve their quality of life and manage treatment-related symptoms. Korean medical treatment methods such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine are widely used to treat the side effects and sequelae of cancer treatment, such as pain, lymphedema, gastrointestinal disorders, and psychological issues. However, qualitative research on the perceptions of Korean patients with breast cancer regarding Korean medical treatment is lacking. This study aims to explore the how patients with breast cancer choose Korean medicine as a treatment option, patient experience regarding various therapeutic interventions, and their perception of the advantages and disadvantages of Korean medicine. A qualitative research methodology will be employed and semi-structured, in-depth interviews will be conducted with around 15 patients with breast cancer aged 19–75 years who have undergone Korean medical treatment, and each interview will last approximately 60–120 min. If necessary, interviews will be conducted up to three times. Data will be analyzed using the grounded theory methodology. This study will investigate the benefits and limitations of Korean medical treatment as a remedy for the medical needs of patients with breast cancer. These outcomes could be used as foundational data for future quantitative cancer research and serve as a basis for the development of patient-centered Korean medicine healthcare systems.

A study on the status and applicability of Korean medicine EMR for establishment of Korean medicine standard EMR certification criteria: Through surveys of Korean medical institutions and Korean medicine EMR companies

Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore and investigate the status of EMR currently used in Korean medical institutions and the suitability of the existing certification criteria for Korean medicine EMR certification.Methods: The survey was conducted using a related questionnaire from September to October 2022. The survey for current status and the suitability of the existing certification criteria was conducted separately between Korean medical institutions and Korean medicine EMR companies.Results: In a survey of Korean medical institutions on the current status of EMR, more than 80% answered that the imaging system and Korean medicine EMR could be linked. Most medical institutions did not exchange clinical information between institutions. When asked about the intention to develop standard EMR of Korean medicine in the future, 57% of institutions answered ‘yes’. In future, if Korean medicine EMR certification criteria are developed, all EMR companies are willing to develop the EMR that satisfy them. Looking at the satisfaction survey of the existing EMR certification criteria of the Korean medicine EMR system, it was found that high/low satisfaction was shown in various areas, and in particular, the overall clinical information exchange function was insufficient.Conclusion: In order to introduce the Korean medicine EMR certification criteria, it must be considered of the current status of EMR and applicability of Korean medicine EMR for establishment of Korean medicine standard EMR certification criteria. By developing Korean medicine EMR certification criteria, high-quality medical services can be provided to medical consumers who want Korean medical treatment.

A Case of Cold Hypersensitivity of Hands and Feet Treated with Korean Medicine Including <italic>Gyejifabuja-tang-gmibang</italic> and Acupuncture in a Patient with Lumbar Spinal Herniated Intervertebral Disc - A Case Report

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using Korean medicine treatment with cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc.Case presentation: We used Korean medicine treatment (<i>Gyejigabuja-tang</i>, acupuncture) to treat a hospitalized patient with cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. To evaluate the treatment, we used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The degree of cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet was also evaluated using evaluation paper. The generic health status was measured using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale. The 31-year-old female underwent 13 days of inpatient treatment. Her pattern identification was that both hands and feet are cold (BiYangHeo) types. The treatments were herbal medicine and acupuncture. She took <i>Gyejigabuja-tang</i> for 13 days. She also received acupuncture for 20 minutes twice a day at LI11 (曲池), L14 (合谷), TE5 (外關) on her hands, LR3 (太衝), SP6 (三陰交), SP9 (陰陵泉) ST36 (足三里), GB41 (足臨泣) on Feet, GV4 (命門), GV3 (腰陽關), BL23 (腎兪), BL24 (氣海兪), BL25 (大腸兪), and BL26 (關元兪) on the low back. After 2 weeks of treatment, the NRS scale of her cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet symptoms dropped from NRS 7 to NRS 3, and her low back pain dropped from NRS 6 to NRS 3. Her cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet evaluation paper score decreased from 64 to 32, and her EQ-5D increased from 0.487 to 0.681. After the end of treatment, continued symptom improvements and no significant side effects were confirmed.Results: These findings suggest that Korean medical treatment (<i>Gyejigabuja-tang</i>, acupuncture) may be effective for treating cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. The NRS, evaluation paper, and EQ-5D scores improved after treatment, with no side effects.

Clinical Practice Patterns for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Online Survey

Objectives: This study investigated Korean medicine doctors’ perspectives on clinical practice patterns in the process of developing Korean medicine clinical practice guidelines for benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods: A questionnaire was developed for Korean medicine doctors. A total of 323 oriental medicine doctors participated in the survey, which was live for a total of 9 days from September 22, 2022, to September 30, 2022.Results: Regarding awareness of treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, 63.8% of respondents showed high awareness of Korean medical treatments. However, items such as diagnostic criteria (17.7%), evaluation methods (17.0%), and Western medical treatments (22.9%) showed low recognition rates. In clinical practice, 76.2% of respondents were found to treat five or fewer patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia per month, and the average treatment period was 1 to 3 months for most at 41.2%. Korean medicine doctors diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia based on clinical features. The main interventions used were acupuncture, herbal medicine (prescription medicine), and moxibustion. This study has several limitations because of the low response rate for this survey; therefore, the participants are not representative of all Korean medicine doctors. In addition, because the study was conducted broadly on various topics related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, sufficient quality management was not carried out. Further studies that include a larger sample size and more in-depth studies on benign prostatic hyperplasia are needed.Conclusions: It is necessary to develop appropriate and reasonable Korean medicine clinical practice guidelines for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Effect of Complex Korean Medical Treatment in Patients with Frozen Shoulder: A Retrospective Chart Review

Effect of Complex Korean Medical Treatment in Patients with Frozen Shoulder: A Retrospective Chart Review

A Case Report of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Treated with Hoeeum Bee-venom Therapy and Balio Acupuncture Treatment

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of Hoeeum Bee-venom Therapy and Balio Acupuncture Treatment in the management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Methods: A patient with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome underwent Korean medical treatment, including Hoeeum Bee-venom Therapy and Balio Acupuncture Treatment. The severity of symptoms was assessed with a daily visual analog scale (VAS) for orchialgia and lower abdominal pain. In addition, we measured the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) on the first and last days of visit.Results: The patient’s symptoms were improved after treatment. The severity of orchialgia was reduced from VAS7 to VAS2, and lower abdominal pain was improved from VAS6 to VAS1. NIH-CPSI decreased from 21 to 5.Conclusion: Hoeeum Bee-venom Therapy and Balio Acupuncture Treatment are effective in treating chronic prostatitis /chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Case Report: Lower Extremity Paresthesia and Pain with Diabetic Polyneuropathy Combated with Complex Korean Medical Treatment

Background: Diabetic polyneuropathy is the most common complication in diabetics, occurring in 50% of all cases. About 10-20% of all diabetics are accompanied by neurological pain, showing a tendency to increase with age. Clinical aspects are very diverse, from mild abnormalities on nerve conduction tests to severe abnormalities in all sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves; however, sensory symptoms usually precede motor symptoms. Patients typically express sensory symptoms, such as positive and negative symptoms, which decrease the quality of life and have marked clinical implications, such as increased morbidity and mortality. Although Western medical drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and narcotic analgesics, are used for diabetic polyneuropathy, a standard treatment has not been established.Case report: A 65-year-old male with paresthesia and pain due to diabetic polyneuropathy was treated with <i>Uchashinki-hwan</i>, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, and Jungsongouhyul pharmacopuncture for 10 days. We used the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring System, EuroQol-5 Dimension, and Visual Analog Scale to evaluate symptoms. Subsequently, the Neuropathy Scoring System, EuroQol-5 Dimension, and subjective discomfort improved.Conclusion: The present case report suggests that combined Korean medicine treatment might be an effective treatment for paresthesia and pain with diabetic polyneuropathy. Several follow-up studies should be conducted to clarify the effectiveness of the treatment.

Case of Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia Patient Complaining of Voice Tremor and Hoarseness Treated with Combined Korean Medical Therapies

Background: Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ASD) is caused by the involuntary contraction of laryngeal muscles due to dystonia localized to the larynx. In the case of ASD, conventional treatment is mainly performed with a botulinum toxin injection. However, the botulinum toxin injection has a short-lasting effect and requires repeated injections. Alternatives are needed due to concerns over adverse effects, such as general weakness and airway aspiration caused by the botulinum toxin injection.Case report: A 46-year-old female patient with ASD complained of voice tremor and hoarseness. The combined Korean medical treatments-Ukgan-san-gami, <i>Jakyakgamcho-tang</i>, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)-were administered on the first day the patient was hospitalized. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was evaluated during the treatment. The VHI taken on the second day totaled 92 points. On the ninth day, 81 points were recorded. Total score gradually improved, and on the 16th day, 62 points were recorded. Combined Korean medical treatment lasted 19 days.Conclusion: The present case report suggests that a combined Korean medical treatment approach with <i>Ukgan-san-gami</i>, <i>Jakyakgamcho-tang</i>, acupuncture, and TENS might be effective for symptoms such as voice tremors and hoarseness. Combined Korean medical treatment can be a therapeutic option for patients with ASD.

Case Study of Korean Medical Treatment for Major Aphthous Oral Ulcers

Objective: This case study reports on the results of the Korean medical treatment of a major aphthous oral ulcer patient.Methods: A 19-year-old male Korean patient with a major aphthous oral ulcer received acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion for three weeks in a hospital.Results: After treatment, changes were observed in the numeric rating scale (NRS) from 8 to 5, World Health Organization oral toxicity scale (WHO OTS) from grades 3 to 2, oral perception guide from 11 to 15, and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) from 19 to 34.Conclusion: It is worth examining the progress of Korean medical treatment for a major aphthous oral ulcer patient.

Case of a Hemorrhagic Cystitis Patient Taking Antiplatelets Treated with <italic>Jeoryeong-tang-hap-Samul-tang</italic>

Hemorrhagic cystitis refers to massive inflammation and the diffuse vesical bleeding of the bladder. In patients with hematuria complaining of dysuria and pain, it is necessary to differentiate various causes, including cystitis, nephritis, and prostatitis. After the diagnosis of hemorrhagic cystitis, antibiotics usually treat and prevent further urinary tract infections. In the present case, a 78-year-old female patient with hemorrhagic cystitis presenting with hematuria underwent Korean medical treatment with <i>Jeoryeong-tang-hap-Samul-tang</i> for 29 days. The effect of the treatment was assessed with the hematuria grading scale (HGS) per week, urinalysis per two weeks, and the NRS (numeric rating scale) of dysuria per day. After treatment, both HGS and NRS scores decreased, and protein, blood, and red blood cells (RBCs) in urinalysis improved. This case report suggests that <i>Jeoryeong-tang-hap-Samul-tang</i> might be an effective option for hemorrhagic cystitis patients who continuously take antiplatelets.

Strabismus Treated with Korean Medical Treatment Including Scalp Acupuncture: A Case Report

Other SectionsAbstract서 론연구대상 및 방법치료경과고 찰결론 및 요약AcknowledgementFundingData availabilityConflicts of interestFigureTableReference