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Geummaek Research

Research Papers

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

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Research Papers
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Treatment Response Differences by Korean Medicine Pattern Identification in Low Back Pain: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Lee JY, Park EJ, Chae HB, et al.

Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine (2023)

320 subjects Number of Participants
28% Additional Pain Reduction
6 institutions Multicenter Study

Korean medicine pattern identification-based tailored treatment significantly improves treatment outcomes in chronic low back pain.

View Source 2023
Cohort Study Lower Back Pain

Treatment Response Differences by Korean Medicine Pattern Identification in Low Back Pain: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Lee JY, Park EJ, Chae HB, et al. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine (2023)
320 subjects Number of Participants
28% Additional Pain Reduction
6 institutions Multicenter Study

Summary

At 6 Korean medicine clinics, 320 chronic low back pain patients were classified by pattern type (kidney deficiency, blood stasis, cold-damp, qi stagnation) and followed for 12 weeks after tailored treatment. The pattern-tailored treatment group showed a 28% higher pain reduction rate compared to the standard treatment group, with the highest response observed in the blood stasis pattern.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine pattern identification-based tailored treatment significantly improves treatment outcomes in chronic low back pain.

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RCT Lower Back Pain

Muscle Activity Changes from Combined Taping and Acupuncture in Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Go GY, Min BW, Cha YR, et al.

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (2024)

35% Muscle Activity Increase
80 subjects Number of Participants
6 weeks Treatment Duration

The combination of taping therapy and acupuncture demonstrates synergistic effects on activation of lumbar deep muscles and pain reduction.

View Source 2024
RCT Lower Back Pain

Muscle Activity Changes from Combined Taping and Acupuncture in Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Go GY, Min BW, Cha YR, et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (2024)
35% Muscle Activity Increase
80 subjects Number of Participants
6 weeks Treatment Duration

Summary

Eighty chronic low back pain patients were divided into a taping + acupuncture combined group, an acupuncture monotherapy group, and a taping monotherapy group, and treated for 6 weeks. The combined group showed a 35% increase in lumbar multifidus activity, with the greatest improvement in pain and functional disability.

Key Conclusion

The combination of taping therapy and acupuncture demonstrates synergistic effects on activation of lumbar deep muscles and pain reduction.

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Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Medicine Prescriptions for Elderly Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Yang SB, Kang HW, Shin BC, et al.

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research (2023)

22 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
Dokhwalgisaeng-tang Most Frequently Used Prescription
Elderly Target Population

Herbal medicine treatment is effective for elderly low back pain and has a superior safety profile compared to Western medicine, making it a suitable alternative for elderly patients with polypharmacy.

View Source 2023
Systematic Review Lower Back Pain

Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Medicine Prescriptions for Elderly Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Yang SB, Kang HW, Shin BC, et al. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research (2023)
22 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
Dokhwalgisaeng-tang Most Frequently Used Prescription
Elderly Target Population

Summary

Twenty-two studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine treatment in elderly low back pain patients aged 65 and older were systematically reviewed. Dokhwalgisaeng-tang and Ojeoksan were the most frequently used prescriptions, with significantly lower adverse event incidence compared to Western medicine.

Key Conclusion

Herbal medicine treatment is effective for elderly low back pain and has a superior safety profile compared to Western medicine, making it a suitable alternative for elderly patients with polypharmacy.

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RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Korean Medicine Combined Intervention on Kinesiophobia in Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lim JH, Kang JH, Lee EH, et al.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2024)

38% Kinesiophobia Reduction
100 subjects Number of Participants
Tampa Scale Assessment Tool

Korean medicine combined intervention effectively reduces kinesiophobia in low back pain patients and promotes active rehabilitation participation.

View Source 2024
RCT Lower Back Pain

Effect of Korean Medicine Combined Intervention on Kinesiophobia in Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lim JH, Kang JH, Lee EH, et al. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2024)
38% Kinesiophobia Reduction
100 subjects Number of Participants
Tampa Scale Assessment Tool

Summary

One hundred chronic low back pain patients with kinesiophobia were compared between an acupuncture + cognitive-behavioral Korean medicine intervention group and a conventional acupuncture group. The combined intervention group showed a 38% reduction in Tampa Scale scores and a significant increase in physical activity.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine combined intervention effectively reduces kinesiophobia in low back pain patients and promotes active rehabilitation participation.

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Cross-Sectional Lower Back Pain

Time-of-Day Differences in Acupuncture Effect for Low Back Pain in Shift Workers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Song JH, Bae GE, Park YC, et al.

Chronobiology International (2023)

67% Morning Pain Reduction Rate
130 subjects Number of Participants
Cortisol Related Biomarker

Time-of-day differences in acupuncture effect are related to circadian rhythm, and morning treatment provides optimal analgesic effects.

View Source 2023
Cross-Sectional Lower Back Pain

Time-of-Day Differences in Acupuncture Effect for Low Back Pain in Shift Workers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Song JH, Bae GE, Park YC, et al. Chronobiology International (2023)
67% Morning Pain Reduction Rate
130 subjects Number of Participants
Cortisol Related Biomarker

Summary

Pain reduction effects of acupuncture by treatment time of day (morning/afternoon/night) were compared in 130 low back pain patients working shifts. The morning acupuncture group showed the highest pain reduction rate (67%), and a correlation with cortisol diurnal variation was identified.

Key Conclusion

Time-of-day differences in acupuncture effect are related to circadian rhythm, and morning treatment provides optimal analgesic effects.

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Narrative Review Lower Back Pain

Effect of Korean Medicine Treatment for Residual Pain After Lumbar Surgery: A Narrative Review

Kim GH, Cho KH, Yoon JH, et al.

Korean Journal of Pain (2024)

32 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
FBSS Target Condition
Acupuncture/Pharmacopuncture/Herbal Major Treatments

Korean medicine treatment is a useful complementary approach for managing residual pain after lumbar surgery.

View Source 2024
Narrative Review Lower Back Pain

Effect of Korean Medicine Treatment for Residual Pain After Lumbar Surgery: A Narrative Review

Kim GH, Cho KH, Yoon JH, et al. Korean Journal of Pain (2024)
32 studies Number of Reviewed Studies
FBSS Target Condition
Acupuncture/Pharmacopuncture/Herbal Major Treatments

Summary

Thirty-two studies on the effect of Korean medicine treatment (acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine) in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) were narratively reviewed. Korean medicine treatment showed positive effects on residual pain reduction, reoperation avoidance, and quality of life improvement.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine treatment is a useful complementary approach for managing residual pain after lumbar surgery.

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Before-After Lower Back Pain

Thermal Stimulation Effect and Blood Flow Changes by Moxibustion for Low Back Pain: Infrared Thermography Analysis

Kwon OJ, Lee SG, Han SH, et al.

Journal of Thermal Biology (2023)

3.8°C Skin Temperature Increase
42% Blood Flow Increase
55 subjects Number of Participants

Moxibustion increases lumbar blood flow and promotes muscle relaxation, contributing to low back pain relief.

View Source 2023
Before-After Lower Back Pain

Thermal Stimulation Effect and Blood Flow Changes by Moxibustion for Low Back Pain: Infrared Thermography Analysis

Kwon OJ, Lee SG, Han SH, et al. Journal of Thermal Biology (2023)
3.8°C Skin Temperature Increase
42% Blood Flow Increase
55 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Moxibustion was administered at lumbar acupoints in 55 low back pain patients, and skin temperature and deep blood flow changes were measured by infrared thermography. After moxibustion, lumbar skin temperature increased by an average of 3.8°C, and muscle blood flow increased by 42%.

Key Conclusion

Moxibustion increases lumbar blood flow and promotes muscle relaxation, contributing to low back pain relief.

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Before-After Lower Back Pain

Gut Microbiome Diversity in Low Back Pain Patients and the Effect of Herbal Medicine Treatment: A Pilot Study

Jang EY, Moon PD, Son HY, et al.

Frontiers in Microbiology (2024)

40 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Treatment Duration
Gut-Spine Axis Mechanism of Action

Herbal medicine treatment may contribute to low back pain improvement via the gut-spine axis, and gut microbiome modulation is emerging as a novel therapeutic mechanism.

View Source 2024
Before-After Lower Back Pain

Gut Microbiome Diversity in Low Back Pain Patients and the Effect of Herbal Medicine Treatment: A Pilot Study

Jang EY, Moon PD, Son HY, et al. Frontiers in Microbiology (2024)
40 subjects Number of Participants
12 weeks Treatment Duration
Gut-Spine Axis Mechanism of Action

Summary

Gut microbiome diversity was analyzed in 40 chronic low back pain patients, and changes were observed after 12 weeks of Ojeoksan administration. After treatment, the proportion of anti-inflammatory microbes (Faecalibacterium) increased and pain levels decreased.

Key Conclusion

Herbal medicine treatment may contribute to low back pain improvement via the gut-spine axis, and gut microbiome modulation is emerging as a novel therapeutic mechanism.

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RCT Lower Back Pain

Cobb Angle Changes by Chuna Manipulation in Lumbar Scoliosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ryu BH, Seo YJ, Kim KW, et al.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2023)

7.2° Cobb Angle Reduction
60 subjects Number of Participants
16 weeks Treatment Duration

Chuna manipulation is effective for Cobb angle reduction and trunk balance improvement in lumbar scoliosis.

View Source 2023
RCT Lower Back Pain

Cobb Angle Changes by Chuna Manipulation in Lumbar Scoliosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ryu BH, Seo YJ, Kim KW, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2023)
7.2° Cobb Angle Reduction
60 subjects Number of Participants
16 weeks Treatment Duration

Summary

Sixty patients with mild-to-moderate lumbar scoliosis were compared between chuna manipulation and exercise therapy over 16 weeks. The chuna manipulation group showed an average Cobb angle reduction of 7.2 degrees, with significant improvement in trunk balance.

Key Conclusion

Chuna manipulation is effective for Cobb angle reduction and trunk balance improvement in lumbar scoliosis.

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