Review of Stimulating Technologies of Acupuncture Points in Patients

(3) Korean Journal of Acupuncture, Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 113∼126, 2011

Review of Stimulating Technologies of Acupuncture Points in Patients

Chin-Su Park, Yo-Sun Hwang, Sung-Tae Koo

Abstract

Objectives: We have examined and analyzed patients regarding acupuncture point stimulating methods in order to understand the stimulation technology and research trends for acupuncture points.

Methods: We searched and analyzed a total of 135 on-line database (DB)-based patients undergoing treatment prior to Dec. 2010.

Results: Non-invasive methods are used more than invasive methods. Electric stimulation is used more than any other method, such as magnetic, ionic, laser, light, ultrasonic, water, far IR or thermal stimulation. The numbers of cases that were rejected during screening, were waived before screening, or failed to renew registrational status outnumbered those that were registered and maintained.

Conclusions: These data suggest that we need to move away from using a one-sided method such as a non-invasive and electrical method. Thus, follow-up service is recommended.

Key Words: meridian; acupuncture point; patent; patent analysis