Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Original Article

Effectiveness and Safety of Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment for Cervical Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy: One-year Follow-up Results of a Prospective Observational Study: Su Won Lee, Yong-jun Ahn, Suna Kim, Yeonsun Lee, Hyun-Woo Cho, Yoon Jae Lee, In-Hyuk Ha; Perspect Integr Med. 2026;5(1):17-27. Published online February 11, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2026.02.004

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Cervical disc herniation (CDH) often accompanies radiculopathy causing pain in the neck and upper extremities that interferes with daily life. The prevalence of CDH is increasing. The treatment methods recommended are primarily conservative.
Methods
In this prospective, single-arm, multicenter, observational study there were 120 patients diagnosed in the past 12 months with CDH (disc protrusion or more severe conditions) accompanied by radiculopathy. Patients received integrative Korean medicine treatment (acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and Chuna therapy), approximately twice a week for 2 months, and outcomes were measured. The numeric rating scale, and visual analog scale were used for assessing neck and arm pain, and the neck disability index, patient global impression of change, EuroQol-5-dimension, work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire, and range of motion assessed how pain affected daily activities.
Results
Out of 120 patients, 115 completed 2-months treatment, and 114 responded at the 1-year follow-up. The numeric rating scale score for neck or arm pain showed a reduction of 3.96 points (95% CI, 3.63, 4.29) from baseline to 8 weeks, which further improved (95% CI, 4.09, 4.75) at 1 year. Similarly, the visual analog scale score for neck and arm pain, quality of life measures, and function-related measures also showed improvement from baseline, maintaining these gains at 1 year.
Conclusion
This observational study suggested that using Korean medicine treatment, a conservative treatment method, as the intervention, may provide long-term benefits in reducing pain and improving function and quality of life for patients with CDH accompanied by radiculopathy.

Protocol

Study Protocol for a Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial Evaluating Pharmacopuncture Versus Acupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain: Ju Yeon Kim, Suna Kim, Yeonsun Lee, Hyun-Woo Cho, Yejin Hong, Dongwoo Nam, Yeoncheol Park, Eun-Jung Kim, Sook-Hyun Lee, Yoon Jae Lee, In-Hyuk Ha; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):181-189. Published online October 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.007

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder, which is becoming increasingly common with the rise in computer and smartphone use. For many, this condition leads to chronic discomfort, and disability in daily life. Although pharmacopuncture represents a major treatment modality for neck pain in Korean medicine, its effectiveness and safety as compared with standard acupuncture has not been thoroughly investigated.
Methods
A study protocol for a multicenter, pragmatic, randomized clinical trial was designed with a parallel-group approach. A total of 128 participants, each experiencing chronic neck pain for at least 3 months, will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the pharmacopuncture or acupuncture group and receive treatment twice weekly for 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the change in score for neck pain, as assessed using the numeric rating scale, 5 weeks after baseline. Secondary outcomes will include evaluations using the visual analog scale, Northwick Park Questionnaire, Neck Disability Index, Patient Global Impression of Change, Health-Related Quality of Life Instrument with eight items, and the EuroQol-5 Dimension. In addition, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted and reported separately.
Discussion
The rigorous study design is intended to ultimately provide practical evidence for clinicians and policymakers regarding the use of pharmacopuncture treatment for chronic neck pain. By directly comparing its effectiveness with standard acupuncture, the results of the trial outcomes will offer insights that may inform future healthcare decisions. Trial registration: This protocol has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06520462) on July 25, 2024.

Case Report

Korean Medicine Treatment for Facial Palsy During Pregnancy: Case Report: Min-Jeong Kwon, Su-na Park, Ga Yeong Yi, Jae-kyoung Lee, Jae-Joong Jung, Su-Ji Choi, YeonSun Lee; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):164-170. Published online October 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.005

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Facial palsy during pregnancy often has a poor prognosis. Korean medicine treatment for facial palsy is considered safe and effective in pregnant women. Two cases of pregnant women with facial palsy who visited Bucheon Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital and received Korean medicine treatment were retrospective analyzed. The treatment was applied to the affected side of the face using the points that are most widely used for facial palsy. The recovery outcomes were graded using the gross grading system Yanagihara scale, House-Brackmann scale, and the numeric rating scale. Both cases showed improvement in facial palsy symptoms. The House-Brackmann scale grade in Case 1 improved from Grade 4 to 2 (mild dysfunction), and in Case 2 from Grade 5 to 2 (mild dysfunction), and the numeric rating scale score in Case 1 improved from 6 to 0 points (no pain) and in Case 2 from 4 to 2 (mild pain). The Yanagihara scale total score also showed improvement increasing from 14 to 40 points (normal function) in Case 1 and 9 to 34 (mild dysfunction) in Case 2. Completion of treatment in Case 1 was on 46 days since onset and in Case 2 it was on 38 days since onset. Korean medicine treatment including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and Chuna (applied early) can be used as an alternative treatment to steroids in facial palsy during pregnancy.

Original Articles

Contributing Factors in the Decision to Study Korean Medicine and Satisfaction with the College Experience: A Quantitative Nationwide Study: HyunSeok Kim, Hyunho Kim, Joohyun Lee, Hwimun Kim; Perspect Integr Med. 2023;2(3):173-181. Published online October 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2023.10.005

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The practice of Korean medicine (KM) taught at KM colleges has equal legal rights and responsibilities as Western medicine in South Korea. To date, no research has been conducted on the factors which influence college students in their choice to study KM and satisfaction with the course.
Methods
Content validity and face validity tests were conducted while developing the questionnaires. Research was conducted amongst all KM colleges in South Korea and of the 744 premedical KM 2^nd year students, 420 participated. Analysis was performed on how much the mean values changed between the items and sub-items. Factors were also correlated with the students’ satisfaction and willingness to reenter KM colleges.
Results
The means of stable incumbency items were the highest of all the items, while items concerning experience of chronic disease had the lowest mean values. For enrollment, the latent value that most questionnaire items were changed positively by was interest in KM. Items related to students’ choice or KM doctor status were closely tied to students’ current satisfaction with their choice to enroll at a KM college, rather than their college entrance examination scores.
Conclusion
Identifying which factors are considered before entering KM college and during the course can help students to be more satisfied with their academic progress. To satisfy the KM students, educators should focus on providing both qualified clinical training and guidance to enter diverse career fields. This study highlights factors that can be applied to college curriculum or subject teaching.

Current Status of Korean Medicine Treatment for Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome: A Survey of Korean Medicine Doctors: Doori Kim, Seo-Hyun Park, Won-Suk Sung, Eun-Jung Kim; Perspect Integr Med. 2022;1(1):34-44. Published online September 22, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2022.09.006

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The applicability of Korean medicine (KM) treatments for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome were investigated.
Methods
A cross-sectional, web-based survey of Korean medical doctors (KMDs) was conducted in June 2022. The 25-item questionnaire comprised of five parts: basic characteristics, prescribed post-COVID-19 KM treatments, treatment effect in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, patient satisfaction, and awareness and utilization of the relevant KM Clinical Practice Guideline by the KMDs.
Results
In total, 1,063 completed questionnaires were collected, and 822 were analyzed. The most common symptoms in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome treated by KMDs was weakness and fatigue (84.3%). Herbal decoctions (39.2%) and herbal powder (not covered by medical insurance; 25.8%) were primarily used. Among the KMDs, 95% (n = 781) responded that KM treatments, particularly herbal decoctions (82.6%) and herbal powder (not covered by medical insurance; 46.8%), were effective. Overall, 92.6% (n = 761) of KMD participants answered that the patients were satisfied with KM treatments, mostly due to symptomatic improvement (60.8%). The primary reason for dissatisfaction was the burden of cost for patients (78.4%). The main reasons for low uptake of KM services by patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome were lack of publicity and administrative issues such as no health insurance coverage.
Conclusion
KM is highly applicable for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Health policies supporting the use of KM for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome are recommended.

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