Korean Medicine Treatment Research Articles

A Case Report of a Patient with Long COVID Complaining of Cough and Sore throat Treated with Hyunggaeyungyo-tang and Saengmaek-san

Objectives: The purpose of this case study was to report the clinical improvement of Long COVID(cough, sore throat) treated with Korean herbal medicine(Hyunggaeyungyo-tang and Saengmaek-san).Methods: To assess the treatment outcomes, I used the Visual analogue scale(VAS) to evaluate sore throat degree, and Leicester Cough Questionnaire Korean version(LCQ-K).Results: After treatments, cough and sore throat were significantly improved with VAS and LCQ-K.Conclusion: The Korean herbal medicine was effective in the treatment of patient who suffers Long COVID. This study suggested the possibility of Korean herbal medicine treatment for Long COVID.

Analysis of Research Trends in Korean Medicine Treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Korea

This review aimed to analyze Korean medicine treatment (KMT) methods used for Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in studies from January 1, 2010, to December 21, 2021. Five online databases (KISS, SCIENCEON, DBpia, RISS, KMbase) were searched for GBS-related studies. A total of 14 case reports were selected. Various treatment methods for GBS such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, and cupping have been reported, and some included Western medication. Herbal medicine and acupuncture were the most frequently used treatment methods. The most common prescription for GBS was Shipjeondaebotang Gami, the most common herb used was Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizome, and the most common acupoints were ST36, LI11, TE5, and LI4. In moxibustion treatment for GBS, CV4 was commonly used, and in cupping treatment the low back and back-shu points and were mostly used. Further studies on Korean medicine treatment of GBS are necessary for standardization of treatment.

Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment for Idiopathic Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A Case Report

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a skin-sensitive condition/disease that causes severe pain in the facial area predominantly innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve. A 51-year-old man diagnosed with glossopharyngeal neuralgia who was hospitalized with severe pain that limited his daily life activities. From November 18, 2021, to March 4, 2022, he received inpatient (10 days) and outpatient treatment (35 times) using acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal medicine. His symptoms were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale, Neuropathic Pain Scale, and the Self-report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptom and Signs. The pain reduced after 4 days of initiating Korean medicine treatment and was completely resolved within 4 months of treatment (Numerical Rating Scale score 4 to 0; Neuropathic Pain Scale score 49 to 8; Self-report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs score 18 to 0). Korean medicine treatment could be an option for treating patients with neuropathy who rely on analgesics.

Analysis of the Effects on the Level of Pain and Functional Improvement After Integrated Korean Medicine in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Retrospective Chart Review

Background: This study investigated the clinical effectiveness of Korean medicine (KM) treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).Methods: There were 61 patients who were diagnosed with SIS in the Jaseng hospital network of KM (7 hospitals located in Korea: Gangnam, Daejeon, Bucheon, Haeundae, Bundang, Ulsan, and Gwangju) between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2020 who were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were grouped according to complications, intake of analgesics, duration of illness preadmission, and treatment. Treatments consisted of herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, Chuna, pharmacopuncture, bee venom pharmacopuncture, medicinal steaming, Daoyin exercises, and physical therapy. By comparing the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions questionnaire scores, the effectiveness of integrated KM treatment was evaluated.Results: There were 14 males and 47 females. For inpatients diagnosed with SIS, the mean NRS score decreased from 5.78 ± 1.33 to 3.40 ± 1.43 (p < 0.001). The mean Shoulder Pain and Disability Index score decreased from 53.87 ± 14.76 to 38.56 ± 18.87 (p < 0.001), and the mean European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions questionnaire increased from 0.67 ± 0.13 to 0.76 ± 0.09 (p < 0.001) after KM treatment. Medicinal steaming (0.398; p < 0.001), acupuncture (0.290), cupping (0.288), bee venom pharmacopuncture (0.282), and Daoyin exercises (0.262; p < 0.05) had a positive correlation with improved changes in the NRS score.Conclusion: Conclusion: Treatment with integrated KM treatment improved the pain, range of motion, shoulder function, and quality of life of patients with SIS.

Effect of Facial Chuna Manual Therapy Combined with Korean Medicine Treatmeant for Bell’s Palsy

The effect of combined Korean medicine treatment including facial chuna manual therapy was retrospectively investigated in patients with Bell’s palsy. There were 16 patients (14 males) who received 2 months outpatient treatment following > 14 days of hospitalization. The Yanagihara score and House- Brackmann grade were used to measure the severity of symptoms and recovery. The patients (mean age 58.5 ± 24.74 years) were categorized based on their medical history of hypertension (n = 10), diabetes millitus (n = 10), or oral intake of steroids early in the diagnosis of Bell’s palsy (n = 10). There was no difference between patients who had or did not have a previous history of diabetes mellitus or oral steroid. Both the Yanagihara-score and House-Brackmann grade improved significantly in the total patient sample after treatment (p < 0.001). Combined Korean medicine including facial chuna manual therapy may have a beneficial effect on patient symptoms and recovery.

Korean medicine treatment for premature ovarian failure: Three case reports

IntroductionPremature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as amenorrhea lasting for more than 4 months before 40 years of age, which is accompanied by a serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration above 40 mlU/mL. POF can cause a series of symptoms associated with low estrogen levels, such as hot flushes, excessive sweating, and infertility. This study aimed to report three cases of POF that were treated successfully with Korean medicine. Case representationThree patients with POF were selected for inclusion in this study. The treatment regimen consisted of herbal medicines, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, and Hominis placental pharmacopuncture. The basic treatment period was 3 months, and follow-up was performed after menstrual recovery. Following treatment, all three patients resumed menstruation without any adverse events. One patient also conceived successfully. ConclusionsThese case reports suggest that Korean medicine could be effective for treating POF. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to investigate the mechanism of action of herbal medicines and acupuncture in improving menstruation and FSH levels.

The Effects of Korean Medicine Treatment for Meniscus Tears: A Retrospective Chart Review

Changes in symptoms and dysfunction related to meniscus tears following the use of Korean medicine for ≥ 4 days were studied. The medical charts of 53 cases of diagnosed meniscus tears (magnetic resonance imaging) with an admission Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 4, between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatments included acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal treatment, Chuna therapy, and physiotherapy. The NRS, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions were performed at admission and discharge. There were 42 females and 11 males in this study. Patients were more likely to be in their 60s (38.18%), have an unknown etiology (81.13%), and have complex tears (50.94%). After receiving a combination of alternative Korean medicine during hospitalization, the mean NRS score improved from 6.82 ± 1.19 to 3.66 ± 1.83 (p < 0.001), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score improved from 46.47 ± 20.99 to 37.98 ± 19.23 (p < 0.001), and the mean European Quality of Life Five Dimensions score improved from 0.61 ± 0.18 to 0.68 ± 0.14 (p < 0.001) after treatment. These results suggest that Korean medicine treatment of meniscus tears alleviated pain and improved physical function.

Korean Medicine Treatment for Managing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Case Report

A 53-year-old male who had received surgery on his right ankle joint 10 years previously was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome the following year. Despite various treatments (sympathetic nerve-block medication, pain relievers, corticosteroids, nerve blocks, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) over the years there was no improvement in his symptoms. Recently the patient was admitted to a Korean medicine hospital where he received treatment (acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal treatment) and his symptoms gradually showed improvement. The patient was concurrently on psychiatric medicine, antihistamine medication, and opioids for pain (when necessary). A decrease in numeric rating scale, Oswestry disability index scores, and an increase in the Korean version of the 5-level EuroQol-5 dimension score showed symptom improvement within 36 days. This study suggests complex Korean medicine treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome may result in a reduction in pain and improved quality of life.

Effects of Korean Medicine Treatment for a Meralgia Paresthetica Patient: A Case Report

Jaeseo Ahn, K.M.D., Dohyeon Kang, K.M.D., Taewoon Min, K.M.D., Hyunjun Lee, K.M.D., Hansol Lee, K.M.D., Hankyul Kim, K.M.D., Seongmin Lee, K.M.D., Sohyun Cho, K.M.D., Hyungwook Ji, K.M.D., Ilhwan Ko, K.M.D., Jiwon Kim, K.M.D., Jungmin Yun, K.M.D., Hyukjin Jeong, K.M.D.. J Korean Med Rehabi 2022;32:171-8. https://doi.org/10.18325/jkmr.2022.32.3.171

The Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment and Herbal Network Analysis in Postoperative Hip Fracture Inpatients

The Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment and Herbal Network Analysis in Postoperative Hip Fracture Inpatients

Integrative traditional Korean medicine treatment for children with idiopathic short stature: A STROBE-compliant case series.

Integrative traditional Korean medicine (TKM) treatment including herbal medicine and acupuncture has been used frequently by parents in South Korea for the treatment of children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). We aimed to report the TKM treatments currently being used for children with ISS and explore their therapeutic effects. The medical records of children who met the criteria for ISS and who had been treated with TKM for the management of ISS were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 116 patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 8.07 [3.08] years; 52.6% girls) enrolled in the study. Their mean height percentile was 1.45 and body mass index was 16.19 kg/m2. During the study period of 5 years, participants visited the outpatient clinic an average of 2.93 times; the mean number of days to the next visit was 101 days. All patients received herbal medicine treatment, and the formulation was mainly decoction type. Additional treatments including ear acupuncture and moxibustion were also used. After treatment with TKM, the height percentile and standard deviation scores increased in both girls and boys (P < .001 and P < .01, respectively). Additionally, the predicted adult height, estimated based on bone age, increased in girls (P < .05). This study provided preliminary data for future research in TKM use in children with ISS.

Effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine treatment based on the clinical practice guidelines in patients with acute peripheral facial palsy: A protocol for a multicenter, prospective, observational study.

Introduction:Peripheral facial palsy (PFP) results in weakness or paralysis of the affected side of the face. In Korea, there is a high demand for Korean medicine treatment for PFP. The clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) of Korean medicine for facial palsy were developed; however, there remains insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine treatment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine treatment based on the CPGs in patients with acute PFP.Methods:This is a multicenter, prospective, observational study. The participants will be recruited from one Korean medicine hospital and eight Korean medicine clinics. The participants will receive Korean medicine treatments based on the CPGs, fill in survey questionnaires, and undergo electrophysiologic testing. The changes in House-Brackmann (H-B) grade, movement of the lip and eye, symptoms related to or accompanied by facial palsy, Facial Disability Index, EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L), and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), and the results of electromyography (EMG), electroneurography (ENoG), and Blink Reflex test will be analyzed. For the safety analysis, adverse events will be recorded, and for the feasibility analysis, the results of the Was It Worth It questionnaire will be assessed.Conclusion:We expect to draw real-world clinical data on the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine treatment based on the CPGs in patients with acute PFP from this study. It would be the basis for complementing and improving the CPGs and provide the basis of clinical and policy decision-making.Trial registration:This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital (2021-06-005-001), and registered with the Korean Clinical Trial Registry (CRIS), Republic of Korea (KCT0006562).

추나요법을 동반한 한방복합치료로 호전된 요추 전만각 1례: 증례보고

Objectives :To introduce a case of a traffic accident trauma in a patient with lumbar kyphosis and straightened lumbar curvature, where the Korean medicine treatment with Chuna manual therapy (CMT) improved lumbar lordotic angle(LLA) and lower back pain.&#x0D; Methods : Chuna manual therapy and other Korean medicine treatments; were pro- vided to patient with a flat back posture and low back pain due to the trauma from a traffic accident. Cobb’s angle to evaluate LLA and numeric rating scale (NRS) to eval- uate pain were compared before and after the treatment.&#x0D; Results : There was a significant increase in LLA to reach the normal range and a de- crease in low back pain NRS after Korean medicine treatment with CMT for 9 days of admission treatment and 3 weeks of outpatient treatment.&#x0D; Conclusions :This study suggests that Korean medicine treatment, including CMT, may improve low back pain as well as LLA of straightened lumbar curvatures in patients.

Effects of Korean Medicine Treatment in Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome: A Retrospective Case Series of 15 Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical features of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and the efficacy and safety of Korean medicine treatment.Methods: This study was conducted on 15 patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome who visited the outpatient Allergy, Immune, and Respiratory System Department at Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital from January 10, 2021 to April 10, 2022. We retrospectively analyzed the charts of 15 patients and collected clinical characteristics, Korean medicine treatments, outcome variables (Numeral Rating Scale (NRS), modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), Quality of Life Visual Analog Scale (QOL-VAS), The Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS)), adverse events, etc.Results: Of the 15 patients, seven (46.7%) were men, and the average age of all patients was 49.7±13 years. The most common symptom was cough (n=9, 60%), and it was followed by dyspnea or increased respiratory effort, fatigue, insomnia, anosmia, etc. The herbal medicine was prescribed for all 15 patients, and &lt;i&gt;Saengmaek-san&lt;/i&gt; (n=8, 53.5%) was the most prescribed. Additionally, acupuncture and cupping were performed in four patients (26.7%) each, and electroacupuncture was applied to one patient (6.7%). As a result of Korean medicine treatment, NRS, mMRC, LCQ, QOL-VAS, and PCFS showed improvement, and adverse events were mild.Conclusions: This study presented the clinical features of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and suggested that Korean medicine treatment may be effective in alleviating related symptoms and enhancing quality of life.

A Case Report of a Functional Dyspepsia Patient with Anxiety and Abdominal Pulsation Treated with &lt;italic&gt;Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang&lt;/italic&gt;

Objective: The aim of this case report is to report the effect of Korean medicine treatment, including &lt;i&gt;Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang&lt;/i&gt;, on anxiety and abdominal pulsation in a patient diagnosed with functional dyspepsia.Method: The patient was treated with &lt;i&gt;Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang&lt;/i&gt;, including acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping therapy. Changes in symptoms were evaluated using a self-reported numerical rating scale (NRS) score every morning. The gastrointestinal symptom score (GIS) was checked on admission and discharge day.Results: After 6 days, the NRS scores for anxiety, abdominal pulsation, abdomen discomfort, and GIS all decreased.Conclusion: The results suggest that &lt;i&gt;Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang&lt;/i&gt; with Korean medicine could be effective for treating anxiety, abdominal pulsation, and accompanying abdomen symptoms. However, further evaluation is needed to clarify the relationship between the treatment’s effect and &lt;i&gt;Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang&lt;/i&gt;.

Effect of Complex Korean Medicine Treatment on Obese Patient: A Retrospective Study

Effect of Complex Korean Medicine Treatment on Obese Patient: A Retrospective Study

무릎 내측측부인대 손상의 한의학적 치료에 대한 국내외 임상연구 동향 분석

Objectives : This study aimed to review clinical studies on traditional Korean medicine treatment for medial collateral ligament injury of the knee. Methods : Clinical studies on Korean traditional medicine treatment of medial collat- eral ligament injury were conducted. We used five Korean online databases (OASIS, KISS, RISS, DBPia, and ScienceOn) and three foreign databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CNKI). Out of 99 studies that were found, we excluded repeated articles, studies that were not related to Korean medicine, and those not relevant to the topic of the study. Results : Ten randomized controlled trials and 20 case studies were selected. Eight traditional Korean medicine treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, chuna, and herbal ointment, were used in these studies. The most commonly used treatment was found to be acupuncture. Conclusions : Our study showed that traditional Korean medicine for medial collateral ligament injuries was effective. However, there were some limitations. Further clin- ical studies and randomized controlled clinical trials are needed for more evidence on Korean traditional medicine.

A Case Report of a Drug-resistant Epilepsy Patient Complaining Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Treated with Korean Medical Treatment

Objective: In this case report, we address the case of a 22-year-old man complaining of generalized tonic-clonic seizures due to drug-resistant epilepsy.Methods: A patient was treated with Korean medicine, including herbal medication, &lt;i&gt;Shihogyeji-tang&lt;/i&gt; (SGT), and acupuncture. We evaluated improvements in symptoms using the Korean version of the Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale and quality of life.Results: After 37 days of Korean medicine treatment, there were improvements in the patient’s quality of life and self-efficacy in seizure control.Conclusions: This case report suggests that SGT and acupuncture might be effective in drug-resistant epilepsy via action on neurons. SGT showed excellent tolerability for drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Our experience provides evidence that SGT and acupunctue may be used as alternative treatment options when antiepileptic drugs do not work in epilepsy patients.

Factors Affecting Korean Medicine Health Care Use for Functional Dyspepsia: Analysis of the Korea Health Panel Survey 2017.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) significantly reduces quality of life, and Korean medicine treatment, including herbal medicine, is frequently used in the clinical setting. We aimed to analyze the factors affecting Korean medicine health care (KMHC) use for FD. Data from the Korea Health Panel Survey 2017 were analyzed. Individuals aged > 19 years who were diagnosed with FD and used outpatient care were included. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of predisposing, enabling, and need factors with KMHC use for FD, based on Andersen’s behavioral model. The best subsets of factors affecting KMHC use for FD were selected using a stepwise procedure. Participants aged 65 years or older were less likely to use KMHC to treat FD than those aged 19 to 34 years (odds ratio (OR), 0.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02–0.93). Residents of Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, or Gyeongsang tended to use more KMHC to treat FD than those of Seoul, Gyeonggi, or Incheon (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.02–5.88). Participants with private health insurance were more likely to use KMHC to treat FD than those without private health insurance (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.02–11.42). The prediction model of KMHC use for FD selected sex, age, private health insurance, and stress as the best subset of factors (AUC, 0.709; 95% CI, 0.637–0.781). The results of this study will aid in the decision making of clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.

The efficacy and safety of non-resistance manual therapy in inpatients with acute neck pain caused by traffic accidents: A randomized controlled trial.

Background:Neck pain and functional impairment are common complications of traffic accidents (TAs); however, the effects of manual therapy on these symptoms have rarely been studied in the literature. Thus, this randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of non-resistance manual therapy (NRT)—a treatment combining mobilization and pressure release techniques—on acute neck pain caused by TA.Method:This study will use a two-armed, parallel, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial design and will be conducted in the Daejeon Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine in South Korea. One hundred twenty patients will be recruited and randomized into an integrative Korean medicine treatment (IMKT) + NRT group and IMKT group in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is a change in the numeric rating scale for neck pain immediately after treatment on hospital day 5 compared to those at baseline. The secondary outcomes are numeric rating scale for radiating arm pain, visual analogue scale for neck pain and radiating arm pain, cervical active range of motion, neck disability index, Patient Global Impression of Change, Short Form-12 Health Survey, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5.Discussion:The findings of this study on the effectiveness and safety of NRT will be helpful for patients with TA-induced neck pain in clinical practice and will provide evidence for developing relevant healthcare-related policies.Trial registration:This protocol has been registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04660175).