금맥한의원
Geummaek Research

Research Papers

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

Research Papers
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Total 1642 papers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Before-After TMJ Disorder

Autonomic Nervous System Modulation Effect of Acupuncture in TMD Patients: Heart Rate Variability Analysis

Yoo MC, Kim SB, Han SY, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2025)

62 patients Participants
28% Parasympathetic activity increase

Acupuncture contributes to pain and stress management by correcting autonomic imbalance in TMD patients.

Before-After TMJ Disorder

Autonomic Nervous System Modulation Effect of Acupuncture in TMD Patients: Heart Rate Variability Analysis

Yoo MC, Kim SB, Han SY, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2025)
62 patients Participants
28% Parasympathetic activity increase

Summary

Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed before and after acupuncture in 62 TMD patients. After acupuncture, parasympathetic activity indicator (HF) significantly increased and sympathetic activity indicator (LF/HF ratio) decreased, with improved autonomic balance.

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture contributes to pain and stress management by correcting autonomic imbalance in TMD patients.

Narrative Review TMJ Disorder

Expert Consensus Study for Developing Korean Medicine TMD Treatment Guidelines

Lim SH, Park JH, Yoon MH, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2024)

82 experts Participating experts
3-round consensus Delphi rounds

Korean medicine TMD treatment guidelines are expected to contribute to evidence-based practice.

Narrative Review TMJ Disorder

Expert Consensus Study for Developing Korean Medicine TMD Treatment Guidelines

Lim SH, Park JH, Yoon MH, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2024)
82 experts Participating experts
3-round consensus Delphi rounds

Summary

Expert consensus on Korean medicine TMD treatment guidelines was derived using the Delphi technique with 82 Korean medicine doctors. Acupuncture and Chuna therapy were agreed upon as first-line treatments, and a staged treatment system based on severity was proposed.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine TMD treatment guidelines are expected to contribute to evidence-based practice.

Cohort Study TMJ Disorder

Cohort Study of Combined Pharmacopuncture and Physiotherapy for TMJ Pain

Chung WS, Shin HK, Lee JS, et al.

Pain Medicine (2025)

108 patients Participants
82% Long-term effect maintenance rate

Combined pharmacopuncture and physiotherapy is effective for long-term management of TMD pain.

Cohort Study TMJ Disorder

Cohort Study of Combined Pharmacopuncture and Physiotherapy for TMJ Pain

Chung WS, Shin HK, Lee JS, et al. Pain Medicine (2025)
108 patients Participants
82% Long-term effect maintenance rate

Summary

One hundred eight TMD patients were divided into pharmacopuncture plus physiotherapy and physiotherapy alone groups, treated for 12 weeks, and followed for 6 months. The pharmacopuncture combination group had significantly longer duration of pain reduction.

Key Conclusion

Combined pharmacopuncture and physiotherapy is effective for long-term management of TMD pain.

RCT TMJ Disorder

Comparison of Herbal Medicine and Botox Injection in Bruxism Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Seo JC, Lee JD, Choi SM, et al.

Journal of Oral Rehabilitation (2024)

74 patients Participants
65% Bruxism reduction rate

Herbal medicine and botox each have different advantages in bruxism treatment, and selection appropriate to patient characteristics is needed.

RCT TMJ Disorder

Comparison of Herbal Medicine and Botox Injection in Bruxism Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Seo JC, Lee JD, Choi SM, et al. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation (2024)
74 patients Participants
65% Bruxism reduction rate

Summary

Seventy-four patients with nocturnal bruxism were randomly assigned to herbal medicine (Sanjoin-tang) or botox injection groups. Both groups showed bruxism frequency reduction, but the herbal medicine group was superior in sleep quality improvement, while the botox group was superior in masseter volume reduction.

Key Conclusion

Herbal medicine and botox each have different advantages in bruxism treatment, and selection appropriate to patient characteristics is needed.

Case Study TMJ Disorder

Safety and Efficacy of Thread-Embedding Therapy for TMD: A Case Series

Kang JE, Son CG, Cho JH, et al.

Acupuncture in Medicine (2023)

10 patients Participants
80% Effective response rate

Thread-embedding therapy can be utilized as a safe adjunctive treatment for TMD.

Case Study TMJ Disorder

Safety and Efficacy of Thread-Embedding Therapy for TMD: A Case Series

Kang JE, Son CG, Cho JH, et al. Acupuncture in Medicine (2023)
10 patients Participants
80% Effective response rate

Summary

Thread-embedding therapy was performed on the masseter and temporalis areas in 10 TMD patients. Significant pain reduction and mouth opening increase were observed in 8 patients after 4 weeks, with no serious adverse events.

Key Conclusion

Thread-embedding therapy can be utilized as a safe adjunctive treatment for TMD.

Before-After TMJ Disorder

Effect of Korean Medicine Preventive Management Program for TMD: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Yang KH, Jeong MJ, Kim GC, et al.

Journal of Craniomandibular Practice (2022)

50 patients Participants
56% Occurrence reduction

Korean medicine preventive programs effectively prevent disease occurrence in high-risk TMD groups.

Before-After TMJ Disorder

Effect of Korean Medicine Preventive Management Program for TMD: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Yang KH, Jeong MJ, Kim GC, et al. Journal of Craniomandibular Practice (2022)
50 patients Participants
56% Occurrence reduction

Summary

A preventive program including self-care education, acupuncture, and stretching was performed for 12 weeks on 50 high-risk TMD subjects. TMD occurrence rates were 56% lower than controls after the program.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine preventive programs effectively prevent disease occurrence in high-risk TMD groups.

RCT TMJ Disorder

Anxiety-Related Symptom Improvement Effect of Herbal Medicine (Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang) in TMD Patients

Woo SJ, Lim JH, Cha YY, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)

58 patients Participants
66% Anxiety improvement rate

Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang comprehensively improves mind-body symptoms of anxiety-related TMD.

RCT TMJ Disorder

Anxiety-Related Symptom Improvement Effect of Herbal Medicine (Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang) in TMD Patients

Woo SJ, Lim JH, Cha YY, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)
58 patients Participants
66% Anxiety improvement rate

Summary

Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang was administered for 8 weeks to 58 TMD patients with comorbid anxiety. Anxiety scores (GAD-7) and TMJ pain simultaneously and significantly decreased, with also improved clenching habit.

Key Conclusion

Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang comprehensively improves mind-body symptoms of anxiety-related TMD.

Before-After TMJ Disorder

Blood Flow Improvement Effect of Moxibustion Treatment for TMJ Pain

Moon HK, Park BJ, Lee YJ, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2025)

44 patients Participants
35% Blood flow increase rate

Moxibustion treatment contributes to pain relief by improving blood circulation around the TMJ.

Before-After TMJ Disorder

Blood Flow Improvement Effect of Moxibustion Treatment for TMJ Pain

Moon HK, Park BJ, Lee YJ, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2025)
44 patients Participants
35% Blood flow increase rate

Summary

Moxibustion treatment was performed around the TMJ in 44 TMD patients, and blood flow changes were measured by laser Doppler flowmeter. After moxibustion, peri-TMJ blood flow increased by an average of 35%, with also reduced pain.

Key Conclusion

Moxibustion treatment contributes to pain relief by improving blood circulation around the TMJ.

Meta-Analysis TMJ Disorder

Comparative Effects of Korean and Western Medicine Treatments for TMD: A Meta-Analysis

Im YG, Baek SH, Noh SH, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023)

26 studies Included studies
2,043 patients Total participants

Korean medicine treatment is an effective and safe treatment alternative for TMD.

Meta-Analysis TMJ Disorder

Comparative Effects of Korean and Western Medicine Treatments for TMD: A Meta-Analysis

Im YG, Baek SH, Noh SH, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023)
26 studies Included studies
2,043 patients Total participants

Summary

Twenty-six RCTs comparing Korean and Western medicine treatments for TMD were meta-analyzed. Korean medicine treatment showed equivalent or superior effects to Western medicine treatment with fewer adverse events.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine treatment is an effective and safe treatment alternative for TMD.