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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 45 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 Neck Pain

Combined Effect of Acupuncture Treatment and Postural Correction Exercise for Forward Head Posture Correction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Oh SY, Ha IH, Lee YJ, et al.

Acupuncture in Medicine (2023)

8.3° CVA Improvement
120 subjects Participants

The combination of acupuncture treatment and postural correction exercise shows synergistic effects in forward head posture correction.

View Source 2023
RCT Neck Pain

Combined Effect of Acupuncture Treatment and Postural Correction Exercise for Forward Head Posture Correction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Oh SY, Ha IH, Lee YJ, et al. Acupuncture in Medicine (2023)
8.3° CVA Improvement
120 subjects Participants

Summary

One hundred twenty patients with forward head posture syndrome were randomly assigned to acupuncture + exercise, acupuncture alone, and exercise alone groups. After 8 weeks, the combined group showed the greatest improvement in craniovertebral angle (CVA) (8.3° vs 4.9° vs 3.8°), with the best pain and function indicators.

Key Conclusion

The combination of acupuncture treatment and postural correction exercise shows synergistic effects in forward head posture correction.

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Before-After Neck Pain

Effect of Shinbaro Pharmacopuncture in Cervical Disc Herniation: A Prospective Observational Study

Cho YJ, Park JM, Kim KH, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2022)

82% Radicular Pain Improvement Rate
76 subjects Participants

Shinbaro pharmacopuncture is an effective treatment for pain and structural improvement of cervical disc herniation.

View Source 2022
Before-After Neck Pain

Effect of Shinbaro Pharmacopuncture in Cervical Disc Herniation: A Prospective Observational Study

Cho YJ, Park JM, Kim KH, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2022)
82% Radicular Pain Improvement Rate
76 subjects Participants

Summary

Shinbaro pharmacopuncture was administered twice weekly for 8 weeks to 76 patients with cervical disc herniation. After treatment, NRS pain scores decreased from 7.2 to 3.1, and upper limb radicular pain improved in 82% of patients. Disc size reduction on follow-up MRI was observed in 45% of patients.

Key Conclusion

Shinbaro pharmacopuncture is an effective treatment for pain and structural improvement of cervical disc herniation.

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RCT Neck Pain

Muscle Relaxation Effect of Herbal Medicine Treatment for Cervical Sprain: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Sung WS, Jeong SH, Lim JH, et al.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2023)

73% Muscle Tension Reduction Rate
88 subjects Participants

Herbal medicine treatment has significant effects on muscle relaxation in cervical sprain, confirmed by objective EMG indicators.

View Source 2023
RCT Neck Pain

Muscle Relaxation Effect of Herbal Medicine Treatment for Cervical Sprain: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Sung WS, Jeong SH, Lim JH, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2023)
73% Muscle Tension Reduction Rate
88 subjects Participants

Summary

Eighty-eight patients with acute cervical sprain were randomly double-blind assigned to herbal medicine treatment and placebo groups for 2 weeks of treatment. The herbal medicine treatment group showed significantly reduced muscle tension of the upper trapezius on EMG, and VAS pain scores also improved more substantially compared with the placebo group.

Key Conclusion

Herbal medicine treatment has significant effects on muscle relaxation in cervical sprain, confirmed by objective EMG indicators.

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Cross-Sectional Neck Pain

Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors and Korean Medicine Treatment Response in Chronic Cervical Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Kwon CY, Lee B, Kim SY, et al.

Pain Medicine (2024)

78% General Group Treatment Response Rate
312 subjects Participants

Psychosocial factors in chronic cervical pain patients significantly affect Korean medicine treatment response, requiring an integrated approach.

View Source 2024
Cross-Sectional Neck Pain

Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors and Korean Medicine Treatment Response in Chronic Cervical Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Kwon CY, Lee B, Kim SY, et al. Pain Medicine (2024)
78% General Group Treatment Response Rate
312 subjects Participants

Summary

The relationship between depression, anxiety, catastrophizing levels and Korean medicine treatment response rate was analyzed in 312 chronic cervical pain patients. Patients with high catastrophizing scores showed significantly lower treatment response rates (52% vs 78%), suggesting the need for combined psychological intervention.

Key Conclusion

Psychosocial factors in chronic cervical pain patients significantly affect Korean medicine treatment response, requiring an integrated approach.

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Systematic Review Neck Pain

Effect of Motion-Style Acupuncture Treatment for Cervical Pain: A Systematic Review

Nam SS, Kim YJ, Park HJ, et al.

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2023)

86% Immediate Pain Reduction Rate
542 subjects Total Participants

Motion-style acupuncture treatment is more effective than regular acupuncture treatment for immediate pain relief and functional improvement in cervical pain.

View Source 2023
Systematic Review Neck Pain

Effect of Motion-Style Acupuncture Treatment for Cervical Pain: A Systematic Review

Nam SS, Kim YJ, Park HJ, et al. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2023)
86% Immediate Pain Reduction Rate
542 subjects Total Participants

Summary

Ten studies investigating the effect of motion-style acupuncture treatment (MSAT) for cervical pain were systematically analyzed. Motion-style acupuncture treatment showed greater immediate pain reduction effects compared with regular acupuncture treatment and superior results in ROM improvement.

Key Conclusion

Motion-style acupuncture treatment is more effective than regular acupuncture treatment for immediate pain relief and functional improvement in cervical pain.

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Before-After Neck Pain

MRI Image Changes with Chuna Therapy in Cervical Disc Patients: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Chung HJ, Shin BC, Kim BH, et al.

Spine (2021)

73% Structural Improvement Rate
52 subjects Participants

Chuna therapy can induce structural changes in cervical disc herniation, confirmable by imaging.

View Source 2021
Before-After Neck Pain

MRI Image Changes with Chuna Therapy in Cervical Disc Patients: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Chung HJ, Shin BC, Kim BH, et al. Spine (2021)
73% Structural Improvement Rate
52 subjects Participants

Summary

Chuna therapy was administered 3 times weekly for 12 weeks to 52 patients with cervical disc herniation, and pre- and post-treatment MRI was compared. After treatment, disc herniation size decreased by an average of 2.3 mm, and significant structural changes were observed in 38 patients (73%).

Key Conclusion

Chuna therapy can induce structural changes in cervical disc herniation, confirmable by imaging.

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RCT Neck Pain

Effect of Combined Taping and Korean Medicine Treatment for Straight Neck Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yoon JH, Kim TH, Koh HK, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2025)

6.4° CVA Improvement
94 subjects Participants

The combination of Kinesio taping and Korean medicine treatment enhances the straight neck correction effect.

View Source 2025
RCT Neck Pain

Effect of Combined Taping and Korean Medicine Treatment for Straight Neck Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yoon JH, Kim TH, Koh HK, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2025)
6.4° CVA Improvement
94 subjects Participants

Summary

Ninety-four straight neck patients were assigned to Korean medicine treatment + Kinesio taping and Korean medicine treatment alone groups. After 6 weeks, the combined group showed significantly greater CVA improvement (6.4° vs 3.7°) and pain reduction, with high patient satisfaction.

Key Conclusion

The combination of Kinesio taping and Korean medicine treatment enhances the straight neck correction effect.

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Meta-Analysis Neck Pain

Effect of Cupping Treatment for Cervical Pain with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

Lee DH, Cho NG, Hwang JH, et al.

The Journal of Pain (2022)

0.92 Pain Reduction Effect Size
786 subjects Total Participants

Cupping treatment is an effective complementary treatment for cervical pain with myofascial pain syndrome.

View Source 2022
Meta-Analysis Neck Pain

Effect of Cupping Treatment for Cervical Pain with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

Lee DH, Cho NG, Hwang JH, et al. The Journal of Pain (2022)
0.92 Pain Reduction Effect Size
786 subjects Total Participants

Summary

Eleven RCTs evaluating the effect of cupping treatment for cervical pain with myofascial pain syndrome were meta-analyzed. Cupping treatment significantly increased pressure threshold of trigger points (SMD=0.78) and decreased VAS pain scores (SMD=-0.92).

Key Conclusion

Cupping treatment is an effective complementary treatment for cervical pain with myofascial pain syndrome.

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Cohort Study Neck Pain

Long-Term Effect of Thread Embedding Therapy for Cervical Pain Patients: A Cohort Study

Yim YK, Kim JU, Bae GT, et al.

Acupuncture in Medicine (2022)

68% Long-term Effect Maintenance Rate
124 subjects Participants

Thread embedding therapy is a treatment favorable for long-term effect maintenance in cervical pain treatment.

View Source 2022
Cohort Study Neck Pain

Long-Term Effect of Thread Embedding Therapy for Cervical Pain Patients: A Cohort Study

Yim YK, Kim JU, Bae GT, et al. Acupuncture in Medicine (2022)
68% Long-term Effect Maintenance Rate
124 subjects Participants

Summary

One hundred twenty-four chronic cervical pain patients were divided into thread embedding therapy and regular acupuncture treatment groups and followed for 24 weeks. The thread embedding therapy group showed a higher rate of maintained pain improvement at 12 weeks post-treatment (68% vs 41%), with lower recurrence rates.

Key Conclusion

Thread embedding therapy is a treatment favorable for long-term effect maintenance in cervical pain treatment.

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Systematic Review Neck Pain

Systematic Review for Korean Medicine Treatment Guideline Development for Cervical Disc Disease

Lee YJ, Shin JS, Ha IH, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2025)

Grade A Acupuncture Evidence Level
62 studies Analyzed Studies

Korean medicine treatment for cervical disc disease possesses moderate or higher evidence, and establishment of evidence-based guidelines is possible.

View Source 2025
Systematic Review Neck Pain

Systematic Review for Korean Medicine Treatment Guideline Development for Cervical Disc Disease

Lee YJ, Shin JS, Ha IH, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2025)
Grade A Acupuncture Evidence Level
62 studies Analyzed Studies

Summary

Sixty-two studies were systematically analyzed to synthesize evidence for Korean medicine treatment of cervical disc disease. High evidence levels were confirmed in the order of acupuncture treatment (Grade A), pharmacopuncture (B), chuna (B), and herbal medicine (B), with synergistic effects of combined treatments reported.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine treatment for cervical disc disease possesses moderate or higher evidence, and establishment of evidence-based guidelines is possible.

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RCT Neck Pain

Dose-Response Relationship of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture for Cervical Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Son DJ, Lee WY, Park SU, et al.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2024)

75% High-Dose Pain Reduction Rate
132 subjects Participants

The dose-response relationship of bee venom pharmacopuncture was confirmed, and optimal dose setting considering both efficacy and safety is important.

View Source 2024
RCT Neck Pain

Dose-Response Relationship of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture for Cervical Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Son DJ, Lee WY, Park SU, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2024)
75% High-Dose Pain Reduction Rate
132 subjects Participants

Summary

One hundred thirty-two cervical pain patients were randomly assigned to bee venom pharmacopuncture low-dose, high-dose, and saline control groups. The high-dose group showed the greatest pain reduction effect, but local reaction frequency was also high. The low-dose group showed moderate effects with low side effects, proposed as the optimal dose.

Key Conclusion

The dose-response relationship of bee venom pharmacopuncture was confirmed, and optimal dose setting considering both efficacy and safety is important.

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Cohort Study Neck Pain

Impact of Korean Medicine Treatment on Return to Work in Cervical Sprain Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Hong SH, Kim SJ, Yoon MJ, et al.

Pain Medicine (2023)

2.8 weeks Return Period Shortened
267 subjects Participants

Combined Korean medicine treatment contributes to early return to work and recurrence prevention in cervical sprain patients.

View Source 2023
Cohort Study Neck Pain

Impact of Korean Medicine Treatment on Return to Work in Cervical Sprain Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Hong SH, Kim SJ, Yoon MJ, et al. Pain Medicine (2023)
2.8 weeks Return Period Shortened
267 subjects Participants

Summary

Medical records of 267 patients with cervical sprain due to industrial accidents were retrospectively analyzed. The Korean medicine treatment group showed an average return-to-work period 2.8 weeks shorter compared with the Western medicine alone treatment group, with lower post-return recurrence rates.

Key Conclusion

Combined Korean medicine treatment contributes to early return to work and recurrence prevention in cervical sprain patients.

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