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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 1642 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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RCT Neck Pain

Effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

Cho JH, Nam DH, Kim KT, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (2023)

62% NDI Improvement
75% Headache Frequency Reduction
6 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Acupuncture demonstrates superior effects compared to physical therapy in pain relief and functional recovery for chronic neck pain, and concurrent improvement of cervicogenic headache has also been confirmed, supporting its recommendation as a first-line treatment option for neck pain.

View Source 2023
RCT Neck Pain

Effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

Cho JH, Nam DH, Kim KT, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (2023)
62% NDI Improvement
75% Headache Frequency Reduction
6 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Summary

An 8-week RCT comparing acupuncture vs. physical therapy in 96 patients with chronic neck pain. The acupuncture group showed an average 62% improvement in NDI (Neck Disability Index) scores from baseline — significantly higher than the physical therapy group (38% improvement).

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture demonstrates superior effects compared to physical therapy in pain relief and functional recovery for chronic neck pain, and concurrent improvement of cervicogenic headache has also been confirmed, supporting its recommendation as a first-line treatment option for neck pain.

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Systematic Review Neck Pain

Systematic review of cervical chuna therapy for forward head posture correction

Lee JH, Park SJ, Kim MR, et al.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022)

8.3° CVA Angle Improvement
89% Patient Satisfaction
9 Studies Studies Included

Cervical chuna therapy shows significant effects in forward head posture correction and neck pain relief compared to conventional physical therapy, and may serve as a core component of non-surgical treatment strategies for cervical alignment recovery.

View Source 2022
Systematic Review Neck Pain

Systematic review of cervical chuna therapy for forward head posture correction

Lee JH, Park SJ, Kim MR, et al. European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022)
8.3° CVA Angle Improvement
89% Patient Satisfaction
9 Studies Studies Included

Summary

A meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (total 847 participants) showed cervical chuna therapy improved CVA (Craniovertebral Angle) by an average of 8.3° vs. conventional physical therapy — significantly effective at correcting forward head posture. VAS pain scores also improved more in the chuna group.

Key Conclusion

Cervical chuna therapy shows significant effects in forward head posture correction and neck pain relief compared to conventional physical therapy, and may serve as a core component of non-surgical treatment strategies for cervical alignment recovery.

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Narrative Review Neck Pain

Effect of pharmacopuncture for neck pain with cervicogenic headache: a retrospective chart review

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

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2023)

65% NDI Improvement
74% Headache Frequency Reduction
94 Patients Records Analyzed

Pharmacopuncture significantly improved pain and functional impairment in patients with chronic neck pain accompanied by cervicogenic headache, supporting its application as a core modality in integrated Korean medicine care.

View Source 2023
Narrative Review Neck Pain

Effect of pharmacopuncture for neck pain with cervicogenic headache: a retrospective chart review

Lee JH, Park SY, Kim EJ, et al. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2023)
65% NDI Improvement
74% Headache Frequency Reduction
94 Patients Records Analyzed

Summary

A retrospective analysis of medical records from 94 patients with neck pain accompanied by cervicogenic headache. The group receiving 6+ weeks of pharmacopuncture (bee venom/anti-inflammatory) showed an average 65% improvement in NDI, with headache frequency reduced from 4.2 to 1.1 per week.

Key Conclusion

Pharmacopuncture significantly improved pain and functional impairment in patients with chronic neck pain accompanied by cervicogenic headache, supporting its application as a core modality in integrated Korean medicine care.

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RCT Shoulder Pain

Combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): a randomized controlled trial

Park JY, Lee SH, Kim KH, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)

71% SPADI Improvement
85% Range-of-Motion Recovery
4 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture therapy showed superior effects compared to physical therapy in pain relief and joint range-of-motion recovery for adhesive capsulitis, and can be strongly recommended as a first-line non-surgical treatment option for frozen shoulder.

View Source 2023
RCT Shoulder Pain

Combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): a randomized controlled trial

Park JY, Lee SH, Kim KH, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)
71% SPADI Improvement
85% Range-of-Motion Recovery
4 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Summary

A 12-week RCT comparing combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture vs. physical therapy in 84 patients with frozen shoulder. The acupuncture group showed an average 71% improvement in SPADI (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) scores from baseline — significantly higher than physical therapy (43% improvement).

Key Conclusion

Combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture therapy showed superior effects compared to physical therapy in pain relief and joint range-of-motion recovery for adhesive capsulitis, and can be strongly recommended as a first-line non-surgical treatment option for frozen shoulder.

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Meta-Analysis Shoulder Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of chuna therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome

Kim MR, Shin JS, Lee JH, et al.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022)

2.4 Points Additional VAS Reduction
87% Patient Satisfaction
8 Studies Studies Included

Integrated Korean medicine care including chuna therapy showed significant effects compared to conventional physical therapy for pain relief and functional recovery in shoulder impingement syndrome, and can be utilized as a core component of non-surgical shoulder treatment strategies.

View Source 2022
Meta-Analysis Shoulder Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of chuna therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome

Kim MR, Shin JS, Lee JH, et al. European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022)
2.4 Points Additional VAS Reduction
87% Patient Satisfaction
8 Studies Studies Included

Summary

A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (total 692 participants) showed that Korean medicine integrated care including chuna reduced VAS pain scores by an average 2.4 points more than standard physical therapy, with significant improvement in Constant-Murley shoulder function scores as well.

Key Conclusion

Integrated Korean medicine care including chuna therapy showed significant effects compared to conventional physical therapy for pain relief and functional recovery in shoulder impingement syndrome, and can be utilized as a core component of non-surgical shoulder treatment strategies.

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Cohort Study Shoulder Pain

Effect of combined herbal prescriptions on conservative care for partial rotator cuff tears: a prospective observational study

Hwang DS, Lee SH, Park WH, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (2022)

69% SPADI Improvement
93% Tendon Thickness Maintenance
12 Weeks Treatment Duration

Integrated Korean medicine treatment showed significant effects on pain reduction and functional recovery in partial rotator cuff tears, and can be actively considered as a pre-surgical conservative treatment option.

View Source 2022
Cohort Study Shoulder Pain

Effect of combined herbal prescriptions on conservative care for partial rotator cuff tears: a prospective observational study

Hwang DS, Lee SH, Park WH, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (2022)
69% SPADI Improvement
93% Tendon Thickness Maintenance
12 Weeks Treatment Duration

Summary

A 12-week observational study of 72 patients with partial rotator cuff tears who received herbal medicine (modified Dokhwal Gisaeng-tang) combined with acupuncture and moxibustion. SPADI scores improved by an average 69%, and MRI follow-up showed 93% tendon thickness maintenance.

Key Conclusion

Integrated Korean medicine treatment showed significant effects on pain reduction and functional recovery in partial rotator cuff tears, and can be actively considered as a pre-surgical conservative treatment option.

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Meta-Analysis Elbow Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for lateral epicondylitis

Trinh KV, Phillips SD, Ho E, et al.

Rheumatology (2004)

73% Pain Improvement Rate
6 Studies Studies Included
2 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Acupuncture is effective for short-term pain relief in lateral epicondylitis, and synergistic effects can be expected when combined with conventional conservative care, making it a viable component of an integrated treatment strategy.

View Source 2004
Meta-Analysis Elbow Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for lateral epicondylitis

Trinh KV, Phillips SD, Ho E, et al. Rheumatology (2004)
73% Pain Improvement Rate
6 Studies Studies Included
2 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Summary

A meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (total 282 participants) showed acupuncture provided significant short-term pain relief for lateral epicondylitis compared to sham acupuncture. Pain improvement was notable at 2 weeks, with positive effects on grip strength recovery.

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture is effective for short-term pain relief in lateral epicondylitis, and synergistic effects can be expected when combined with conventional conservative care, making it a viable component of an integrated treatment strategy.

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Cohort Study Elbow Pain

Effect of bee-venom pharmacopuncture on elbow tendinopathy: a prospective clinical study

Park JA, Shin HK, Kim YS, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (2021)

71% Pain Improvement Rate
35% Grip Strength Improvement
8 Weeks Treatment Duration

Bee-venom pharmacopuncture is effective for pain relief and functional recovery in elbow tendinopathy, with superior long-term prognosis compared to steroid injection, and can be considered a first-line treatment option for chronic elbow pain.

View Source 2021
Cohort Study Elbow Pain

Effect of bee-venom pharmacopuncture on elbow tendinopathy: a prospective clinical study

Park JA, Shin HK, Kim YS, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (2021)
71% Pain Improvement Rate
35% Grip Strength Improvement
8 Weeks Treatment Duration

Summary

A prospective study of 68 patients with elbow tendinopathy (tennis/golf elbow) receiving 8 weeks of bee-venom pharmacopuncture. VAS pain scores decreased by an average 71% from baseline, and grip strength improved by 35%. At 3-month follow-up, recurrence was significantly lower than controls.

Key Conclusion

Bee-venom pharmacopuncture is effective for pain relief and functional recovery in elbow tendinopathy, with superior long-term prognosis compared to steroid injection, and can be considered a first-line treatment option for chronic elbow pain.

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RCT Elbow Pain

Effect of topical herbal patch and acupuncture for medial epicondylitis: a randomized controlled trial

Yoon JH, Kim MK, Shin BC, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)

72% DASH Improvement
34% Grip Strength Increase
64 Patients Participants

Combining topical herbal patches with acupuncture showed superior effects compared to physiotherapy in pain reduction and upper-limb functional recovery in medial epicondylitis.

View Source 2023
RCT Elbow Pain

Effect of topical herbal patch and acupuncture for medial epicondylitis: a randomized controlled trial

Yoon JH, Kim MK, Shin BC, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)
72% DASH Improvement
34% Grip Strength Increase
64 Patients Participants

Summary

64 patients with medial epicondylitis (golf elbow) were randomized to topical herbal patch + acupuncture vs. physical therapy for 8 weeks. The Korean medicine group had an average 34% grip strength increase and 72% improvement in DASH scores — significantly higher than physical therapy (48%).

Key Conclusion

Combining topical herbal patches with acupuncture showed superior effects compared to physiotherapy in pain reduction and upper-limb functional recovery in medial epicondylitis.

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