Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Protocol

Feasibility and Real-World Applicability of Multimodal Physiological and Lifestyle Monitoring in Korean Medicine Primary Care Settings: A Protocol for a Prospective Multicenter Observational Study: Jieun Chu, Haeun Cho, Reewon Kim, Seungkyu Kim, Jihong Oh, Joohyun Lee, Soomin Song, Gaeun Kim, Gyeongchan Kim, Hyein Yim, Hyein Jeong, Kyeonghan Kim, Jungtae Leem, Seunghyun Song, Hongmin Chu; Perspect Integr Med. 2026;5(2):161-168. Published online June 19, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2026.06.010

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Background
Accurate prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk requires integrating multiple biological signals and lifestyle factors. In South Korea, CVD is a leading cause of mortality. While multi-signal observational research is warranted, a targeted preliminary study is essential before large-scale trials. Given well-established sex differences in glycemic variability and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles, initializing data collection within a female cohort is crucial to capture distinct metabolic nuances.
Methods
This protocol for a pilot prospective multicenter observational study aims to validate a methodology evaluating multidimensional cardiometabolic profiles within primary Korean medicine (KM) settings. One hundred female participants (aged 20-59) will be recruited from 4 KM clinics. Cardiovascular markers (blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, heart rate variability) will be acquired using the KOROT P3 Accurate device. Continuous glucose changes will be monitored using the CareSens Air CGM system, while biochemical markers (lipid profiles, HbA1c) will be assessed via a portable blood analyzer. Participants will log food intake by photographing meals using a smartphone application. Statistical analysis will evaluate glucose dynamics, variability indices, and their correlations with cardiovascular autonomic function.
Conclusion
This protocol describes a study in females to evaluate the feasibility and real-world applicability of a clinical research model involving KM-based lifestyle therapy or dietary interventions. By combining conventional biochemical markers with continuous physiological monitoring in naturalistic settings, this research represents a step towards “bio-observability” and may enable more precise risk management in women.

Review Article

Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence on Parenteral Administration of Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Sole Extract: Chaeheon Lee, Jihwan Choi, Ji Eun Choo, Ga Ram Yang, Hyung-Cheal Mun, Won Gun An, Cheol-Hyun Kim, Jaehyo Kim, Sangkwan Lee, Hongmin Chu; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(2):76-86. Published online June 23, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.06.002

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: While steroids effectively control inflammation, their long-term use causes severe side effects, necessitating safer alternatives. Schizonepeta tenuifolia (S. tenuifolia) from the Lamiaceae family demonstrates potential as a natural therapeutic option through its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This systematic review analyzed in vivo and in vitro studies of S. tenuifolia extract, focusing on non-oral administration routes to evaluate its therapeutic potential (n = 13). The extract effectively inhibited nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, reduced inflammatory cytokine production, and showed antiviral effects. Additional benefits include wound healing and antiplatelet activity which enables targeted inflammation control without systemic immune suppression. The extract showed promise in conditions requiring targeted pathway modulation, such as inflammatory conditions needing selective cytokine inhibition, viral infections where interferon modulation is beneficial, and disorders with dysregulated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. These effects were achieved without the systemic immunosuppression typical of steroid treatments. While S. tenuifolia extract could serve as a safer alternative through non-oral administration routes, further research is needed to optimize extraction methods, identify key marker compounds, and determine optimal administration routes including topical administration and injectable formulations.

Original Article

An Observational Study on the Anatomical Characteristics of Acupoint CV23 (Lianquan) with Ultrasonography: Hongmin Chu, Seongjun Park, Jaehyo Kim, Wonbae Ha, Seung Bum Yang, Kyungho Kang, Jongho Kim, Jungtae Leem, Sanghun Lee; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(1):49-55. Published online February 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.02.007

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF

Background
Acupoint CV23 is one of the most commonly used acupoints for the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia and tongue pain. However, care must be taken during the procedure to consider the position of glands and blood vessels in the subcutaneous space of the acupoint. Needling depths to the geniohyoid muscle reportedly range from 0.4 to 3.3 cm. Using ultrasound imaging, we aimed to observe the anatomical characteristics around acupoint CV23 to derive a safe needling depth.
Methods
Ultrasound images of acupoint CV23 accessed from the Standard Ultrasound Image of Acupoint database were retrospectively analyzed for 30 participants aged in their 20s and 30s (15 male, 15 female), and the depth from the skin to the geniohyoid muscle was measured. Correlations between the needling depth and anthropometric factors (such as neck circumference) were analyzed.
Results
The average needling depth to the geniohyoid muscle was 1.59 ± 0.49 cm (male; 1.43 ± 0.52 cm, female, 1.75 ± 0.42 cm, p = 0.03). The geniohyoid muscle, anterior digastric muscles, and genioglossus muscle were observed in the subcutaneous area of acupoint CV23, and a risk of sublingual gland damage needs to be considered for oblique insertion of the acupuncture needle. No statistically significant correlations between the needling depth and anthropometric factors were observed.
Conclusion
Acupoint CV23 has a relatively shallow needling depth, and considering the presence of blood vessels and glands in the sublingual space, visualizing the surrounding anatomical structures using ultrasound was helpful to ensure safe needling practice.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Jinho Lee, Sook-Hyun Lee, Yoon Jae Lee, Ju Yeon Kim, In Heo, Jae-Heung Cho, Byung-Kwan Seo, Dong Kun Ko, In-Hyuk Ha
Medicine.2025; 104(11): e41733. CrossRef
Survey on the current usage of ultrasound-guided procedures in Korean Medicine Clinics and Hospitals
Ju Yeon Kim, Jung Min Yun, Sook-Hyun Lee, Yoon Jae Lee, Dong Kun Ko, In Heo, Woo-Chul Shin, Jae-Heung Cho, Byung-Kwan Seo, In-Hyuk Ha
Medicine.2024; 103(14): e37659. CrossRef

Review Article

Proposal of a Case Reporting Draft Guideline for Pharmacopuncture: Literature Review of Pharmacopuncture Case Reports: Soohyun Jeong, Chaeyeon Son, Hyunjin Kim, Gapsik Yang, Hongmin Chu, Jungtae Leem; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(1):24-35. Published online February 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.02.004

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Pharmacopuncture is a popular treatment that combines the advantages of both herbal medicine and acupuncture. However, pharmacopuncture care reporting guidelines have not yet been developed. This study aimed to propose a reporting guideline draft for pharmacopuncture case reports. Pharmacopuncture case reports were retrieved from 4 databases (KCI, RISS, ScienceON, OASIS) to analyze the items reported and their fidelity. We analyzed 5 existing reporting guidelines related to Korean medicine case reporting to identify the items to be included in the extension of pharmacopuncture reporting guidelines. From 3,684 studies, 29 case reports were included and 4 items were identified as not reported in enough detail: “direction and depth of pharmacopuncture” (89.5%); “method of manufacturing the syringe needle” (82.8%); “posture of the patient during the therapy” (75.9%); and “pharmacopuncture recipe” (69.5%). As a result of analyzing moxibustion and acupuncture clinical trial reporting guidelines, it was determined that detailed reporting guidelines on the type of pharmacopuncture, manufacturing method, and treatment method were required and we propose that a pharmacopuncture reporting guideline draft should include these details. Further investigations are warranted using the Delphi technique to reach agreement with clinical practitioners and clinical research experts.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Safety Evaluation of Spray-Dried Curcuma longa L. Extract for Pharmacopuncture: acute toxicity and neurobehavioral assessment in zebrafish
Subhan Rullyansyah, Idha Kusumawati, Intan Safinar Ismail, Djoko Agus Purwanto, Dewi Isadiartuti, Muhammad Safwan Bin Ahamad Bustaman, Muhammad Afiq Bin Ngadni, Rizky Rafi Rahmawan, Ananda Permata Fitri, Charlyna Veronika Puspitasari Pattymahu
Journal of Pharmacopuncture.2026; 29(1): 136. CrossRef
GC-MS-Based Quantification and Chemometric Discrimination of Multi-Marker Profiles in Carthami Flos-Based Pharmacopuncture Formulations
Won-Young Cho, Hyundu Roh, Jiyeon Gong, Kyung Hoon Lee, Byung Soo Ahn, Daeyong Kim, Tae Han Yook, Gabsik Yang, Wonwoong Lee
Journal of Pharmacopuncture.2026; 29(2): 194. CrossRef
Human Placental Extract as a Promising Epidural Therapy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Enhancing Axonal Plasticity and Mitigating Pain and Inflammation in a Rat Model
Jin Young Hong, Hyun Kim, Wan‐Jin Jeon, Changhwan Yeo, Junseon Lee, Hyunseong Kim, Yoon Jae Lee, In‐Hyuk Ha
JOR SPINE.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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