Pharmacopuncture in Korea: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background. Pharmacopuncture is a new form of acupuncture combining acupuncture with herbal medicine, and it has been used under various conditions in Korea. The aim of this study is to establish clinical evidence for the safety and efficacy of pharmacopuncture in Korea. Methods. We searched 9 databases and two relevant journals up to December 2014 using keywords, such as pharmacopuncture. All randomized, controlled trials evaluating pharmacopuncture under any conditions in Korea were considered. Results. Twenty-nine studies involving 1,211 participants were included. A meta-analysis of two studies on obesity showed that 5 to 8 weeks of pharmacopuncture reduced weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) more than normal saline injections. In the 5 studies of musculoskeletal conditions, 7 to 30 days of pharmacopuncture had additional effects on the reduction of pain intensity, and this benefit was maintained by limiting analyses to studies with a low risk of bias for randomization and/or allocation concealment. Conclusions. This systematic review suggests the potential of pharmacopuncture for obesity and musculoskeletal diseases. However, it is difficult to recommend pharmacopuncture as an evidence-based treatment because of methodological flaws and small sample sizes of the included studies. Further well-designed trials are needed to draw a definitive conclusion.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Shinbaro3 Is Mediated by Downregulation of the TLR4 Signalling Pathway in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages

“…Pharmacopuncture is a type of acupuncture technique where the herbal extract is injected into acupoints [ 1 ]. Shinbaro3 was developed as one of the pharmacopuncture agents, and it has been widely used for musculoskeletal disorders, as reported by a survey among Korean medical doctors [ 16 ].…”

“…First introduced in Korea in the year 1967, pharmacopuncture is an acupuncture treatment modality that involves the stimulation of acupoints with herbal extracts, rather than with conventional acupuncture needles. The aim is to induce a pharmacological effect of the extracts, in addition to the physical stimulation of conventional acupuncture [ 1 ]. Specific subtypes of the technique include Pal-Kang (eight principles) pharmacopuncture, monoherbal medicine pharmacopuncture, and mixed herbal medicine pharmacopuncture.…”

The Effect of Auricular Acupoint Stimulation in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Both experimental and clinical data suggest that auricular acupuncture has beneficial effects in combatting the mechanisms of obesity [ 10 ], but there are only a limited number of evidence-based trials [ 11 ]. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning obesity have focused on body acupuncture [ 12 ], acupoint catgut embedding [ 13 ], and pharmacoacupuncture [ 14 ]. There has been little comprehensive information published focusing on auricular acupoint stimulation in the treatment of obesity.…”

Current Status of Management on Pharmacopuncture in Korea through Introduction of an Accreditation System

“…Pharmacopuncture, also known as herbal acupuncture, is a new form of acupuncture treatment that injects herbal medicine into acupuncture points [1]. Acupuncture is based on the meridian theory, and herbal medicine is based on the Qi and flavor theories; therefore, pharmacopuncture is based on the traditional medicine theory [2, 3].…”