금맥한의원
Geummaek Research

Research Papers

A curated collection of academic research relevant to the clinical practice at Geummaek Korean Medicine Clinic.

📅 Book Appointment 📋 Geummaek Herbal Medicine 💬 Reviews 📝 Health Columns
Research Papers
🔍

Total 55 papers

All Wellness / Restoration Gongjindan (拱辰丹) Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏) Gwanjeoldan (關節丹) Hyangseongpajeokhwan (響聲破笛丸) Mental Health Skin Conditions Digestive Disorders Respiratory Conditions ENT Disorders Neurological Disorders Pediatric / Adolescent Care Women's Health / Infertility Men's Health / Urology Geum! Maek! Capsule Diet Geum! Maek! Beauty Clinic Private Inpatient Room Traffic Accident Aftercare Pediatric Traffic Accident Workers' Compensation Lower Back Pain Neck Pain Shoulder Pain Elbow Pain Wrist / Hand Pain Hip Pain Knee Pain Ankle / Foot Pain TMJ Disorder
RCT Lower Back Pain

Comparing Acupuncture and Medication for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kim SY, Lee H, Chae Y, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)

78% Pain Improvement Rate
45% Recurrence Reduction
4 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment shows superior effects compared to pharmacotherapy not only in short-term pain relief but also in long-term recurrence prevention for chronic low back pain, and can be considered a first-line treatment option.

View Source 2023
RCT Lower Back Pain

Comparing Acupuncture and Medication for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kim SY, Lee H, Chae Y, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)
78% Pain Improvement Rate
45% Recurrence Reduction
4 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Summary

A randomized controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of acupuncture with drug therapy (NSAIDs) in 120 patients with chronic low back pain. The acupuncture group showed an average 78% reduction in VAS pain scores from baseline — significantly higher than the drug group (52% reduction). Notably, at 6 months the recurrence rate in the acupuncture group was also significantly lower.

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment shows superior effects compared to pharmacotherapy not only in short-term pain relief but also in long-term recurrence prevention for chronic low back pain, and can be considered a first-line treatment option.

View Full Paper
Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Chuna Manual Therapy for Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Park JE, Kim KH, Lee MS, et al.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022)

82% Functional Recovery Rate
91% Patient Satisfaction
12 Studies Studies Included

Chuna manipulation shows significant effects on functional recovery and quality-of-life improvement in non-specific low back pain compared to conventional physiotherapy, and can be utilized as a core component of non-surgical integrated treatment strategies.

View Source 2022
Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Chuna Manual Therapy for Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Park JE, Kim KH, Lee MS, et al. European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022)
82% Functional Recovery Rate
91% Patient Satisfaction
12 Studies Studies Included

Summary

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (total 1,247 participants) showed that chuna therapy produced significantly better functional recovery on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) compared to conventional physiotherapy. Patient satisfaction surveys recorded 91% high satisfaction in the chuna group, confirming effectiveness and patient preference.

Key Conclusion

Chuna manipulation shows significant effects on functional recovery and quality-of-life improvement in non-specific low back pain compared to conventional physiotherapy, and can be utilized as a core component of non-surgical integrated treatment strategies.

View Full Paper
Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Effect of Herbal Medicine on Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Cohort Study

Choi JH, Yoon SH, Kim MR, et al.

Korean Journal of Oriental Internal Medicine (2023)

71% Pain Reduction Rate
68% Radiating Pain Improvement
86 Patients Participants

Concurrent herbal medicine and acupuncture significantly improves pain and functional disability in lumbar disc herniation, making it a valid pre-surgical conservative treatment option.

View Source 2023
Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Effect of Herbal Medicine on Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Cohort Study

Choi JH, Yoon SH, Kim MR, et al. Korean Journal of Oriental Internal Medicine (2023)
71% Pain Reduction Rate
68% Radiating Pain Improvement
86 Patients Participants

Summary

A prospective cohort study of 86 patients with lumbar disc herniation who received combined herbal prescription (modified Dokhwal Gisaeng-tang) with acupuncture for 8 weeks. NRS pain scores decreased by an average of 71% after treatment, and lower-extremity radiating pain improved in 68% of cases.

Key Conclusion

Concurrent herbal medicine and acupuncture significantly improves pain and functional disability in lumbar disc herniation, making it a valid pre-surgical conservative treatment option.

View Full Paper
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Acupuncture and Physical Therapy on Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Park JH, Kim SY, Lee DH, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2024)

62% Pain Reduction Rate
120 subjects Number of Participants
8 weeks Treatment Duration

The combination of acupuncture and physical therapy is more effective than monotherapy for pain reduction and functional recovery in disc herniation patients.

View Source 2024
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Acupuncture and Physical Therapy on Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Park JH, Kim SY, Lee DH, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2024)
62% Pain Reduction Rate
120 subjects Number of Participants
8 weeks Treatment Duration

Summary

One hundred twenty patients with lumbar disc herniation were compared between an acupuncture + physical therapy combined group and a physical therapy monotherapy group over 8 weeks. The combined treatment group showed an average 62% reduction in VAS pain scores, with significant improvement in ODI functional disability index.

Key Conclusion

The combination of acupuncture and physical therapy is more effective than monotherapy for pain reduction and functional recovery in disc herniation patients.

View Full Paper
Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Comparison of Analgesic Effects by Electroacupuncture Stimulation Frequency in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Systematic Review

Shin HK, Choi JY, Kang BK, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023)

18 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
2Hz Optimal Frequency
β-endorphin Mechanism of Action

In electroacupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain, 2Hz low-frequency stimulation provides optimal analgesic effects, and frequency selection significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

View Source 2023
Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Comparison of Analgesic Effects by Electroacupuncture Stimulation Frequency in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Systematic Review

Shin HK, Choi JY, Kang BK, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023)
18 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
2Hz Optimal Frequency
β-endorphin Mechanism of Action

Summary

Eighteen studies comparing the analgesic effects of 2Hz, 100Hz, and mixed frequencies in electroacupuncture were systematically reviewed. The 2Hz low-frequency stimulation showed the highest analgesic effect in chronic low back pain and was associated with increased β-endorphin secretion.

Key Conclusion

In electroacupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain, 2Hz low-frequency stimulation provides optimal analgesic effects, and frequency selection significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

View Full Paper
Before-After Lower Back Pain

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture in Acute Low Back Pain: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Oh SE, Jung WS, Park SJ, et al.

Korean Journal of Acupuncture (2024)

45% CRP Reduction Rate
58% Pain Reduction Rate
65 subjects Number of Participants

Bee venom pharmacopuncture effectively suppresses the inflammatory response in acute low back pain and provides rapid pain relief.

View Source 2024
Before-After Lower Back Pain

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture in Acute Low Back Pain: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Oh SE, Jung WS, Park SJ, et al. Korean Journal of Acupuncture (2024)
45% CRP Reduction Rate
58% Pain Reduction Rate
65 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Five sessions of bee venom pharmacopuncture were administered to 65 patients within 72 hours of acute low back pain onset, and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) and pain levels were compared before and after. CRP decreased by an average of 45%, and VAS pain scores decreased by 58%.

Key Conclusion

Bee venom pharmacopuncture effectively suppresses the inflammatory response in acute low back pain and provides rapid pain relief.

View Full Paper
Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Effect of Chuna Manipulation on Walking Ability in Spinal Stenosis Patients: A Cohort Study

Hwang MS, Lee JH, Kim KH, et al.

Spine (2023)

180m Walking Distance Increase
95 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Follow-up Period

Chuna manipulation is an effective non-surgical treatment for improving walking ability and daily living function in spinal stenosis patients.

View Source 2023
Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Effect of Chuna Manipulation on Walking Ability in Spinal Stenosis Patients: A Cohort Study

Hwang MS, Lee JH, Kim KH, et al. Spine (2023)
180m Walking Distance Increase
95 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Follow-up Period

Summary

Ninety-five patients with intermittent claudication due to spinal stenosis were divided into a chuna manipulation group and a control group and followed for 12 weeks. Walking distance increased by an average of 180m in the chuna group, and neurogenic claudication symptoms improved significantly.

Key Conclusion

Chuna manipulation is an effective non-surgical treatment for improving walking ability and daily living function in spinal stenosis patients.

View Full Paper
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of a Korean Medicine Self-Management Program for Low Back Pain Recurrence Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yoon SH, Lim CS, Cho HJ, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)

57% Recurrence Reduction
150 subjects Number of Participants
1 year Follow-up Period

The Korean medicine self-management program reduces low back pain recurrence rates by more than half and is effective for long-term low back pain management.

View Source 2024
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of a Korean Medicine Self-Management Program for Low Back Pain Recurrence Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yoon SH, Lim CS, Cho HJ, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)
57% Recurrence Reduction
150 subjects Number of Participants
1 year Follow-up Period

Summary

One hundred fifty patients with experience of low back pain recurrence were compared in a Korean medicine self-management program (Doin exercises, medicinal diet, lifestyle modification) for 1-year recurrence rates. The recurrence rate of the program participants was 18%, significantly lower than the 42% in the control group.

Key Conclusion

The Korean medicine self-management program reduces low back pain recurrence rates by more than half and is effective for long-term low back pain management.

View Full Paper
Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Meta-Analysis of Combined Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Kim DH, Choi AR, Song MY, et al.

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2023)

12 studies Number of Reviewed RCTs
-1.23 Pain SMD
-0.89 Functional SMD

Combined herbal medicine and acupuncture demonstrates superior effects in conservative treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis compared to Western medicine monotherapy.

View Source 2023
Meta-Analysis Lower Back Pain

Meta-Analysis of Combined Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Kim DH, Choi AR, Song MY, et al. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2023)
12 studies Number of Reviewed RCTs
-1.23 Pain SMD
-0.89 Functional SMD

Summary

Twelve RCTs evaluating the effect of combined herbal medicine and acupuncture for lumbar spondylolisthesis were meta-analyzed. The combined treatment group showed significant effects in pain reduction (SMD: -1.23) and functional improvement (SMD: -0.89) compared to Western medicine monotherapy.

Key Conclusion

Combined herbal medicine and acupuncture demonstrates superior effects in conservative treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis compared to Western medicine monotherapy.

View Full Paper
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Needle-Knife Therapy in Internal Disc Disruption Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lee SH, Park CW, Kim JH, et al.

Pain Medicine (2024)

71% Pain Reduction Rate
88 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Evaluation Time Point

Needle-knife therapy demonstrates superior effects compared to conventional acupuncture for pain reduction and structural improvement in internal disc disruption patients.

View Source 2024
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Needle-Knife Therapy in Internal Disc Disruption Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lee SH, Park CW, Kim JH, et al. Pain Medicine (2024)
71% Pain Reduction Rate
88 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Evaluation Time Point

Summary

Eighty-eight patients with internal disc disruption were compared between needle-knife therapy and conventional acupuncture treatment. The needle-knife therapy group showed a 71% reduction in VAS scores at 12 weeks, and disc edema reduction was observed on MRI.

Key Conclusion

Needle-knife therapy demonstrates superior effects compared to conventional acupuncture for pain reduction and structural improvement in internal disc disruption patients.

View Full Paper
Before-After Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Pharmacopuncture and Electroacupuncture for Sciatica: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Jung SY, Han CH, Lim JH, et al.

Journal of Pharmacopuncture (2023)

65% Pain Reduction Rate
25° SLR Angle Increase
52% Functional Disability Improvement

Combined pharmacopuncture and electroacupuncture effectively improves pain and functional disability in sciatica.

View Source 2023
Before-After Lower Back Pain

Effect of Combined Pharmacopuncture and Electroacupuncture for Sciatica: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Jung SY, Han CH, Lim JH, et al. Journal of Pharmacopuncture (2023)
65% Pain Reduction Rate
25° SLR Angle Increase
52% Functional Disability Improvement

Summary

Combined pharmacopuncture (Shinbaro) and electroacupuncture were administered for 4 weeks to 72 patients with sciatica, and pain (VAS), lower extremity radicular pain (SLR angle), and functional disability (ODI) were evaluated. VAS decreased by 65%, SLR angle increased by an average of 25 degrees, and ODI improved by 52%.

Key Conclusion

Combined pharmacopuncture and electroacupuncture effectively improves pain and functional disability in sciatica.

View Full Paper
Cross-Sectional Lower Back Pain

Correlation Between Psychological Factors and Acupuncture Response in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Baek IH, Yoo JH, Kim MJ, et al.

Integrative Medicine Research (2024)

210 subjects Number of Participants
32% Response Rate Difference
Pain Catastrophizing Major Predictor

The acupuncture effect for chronic low back pain is influenced by patient psychological state, and combined psychological intervention is necessary for patients with high pain catastrophizing.

View Source 2024
Cross-Sectional Lower Back Pain

Correlation Between Psychological Factors and Acupuncture Response in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Baek IH, Yoo JH, Kim MJ, et al. Integrative Medicine Research (2024)
210 subjects Number of Participants
32% Response Rate Difference
Pain Catastrophizing Major Predictor

Summary

The correlation between depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing levels and acupuncture response was analyzed in 210 chronic low back pain patients. Patients with high pain catastrophizing scores showed 32% lower acupuncture response rates, and response rates recovered when psychological intervention was combined.

Key Conclusion

The acupuncture effect for chronic low back pain is influenced by patient psychological state, and combined psychological intervention is necessary for patients with high pain catastrophizing.

View Full Paper