Stroke in Traditional Korean Medicine: A Nine-Year Multicentre Community-Based Study in South Korea

Abstract

In Korea, patients with stroke are commonly treated using traditional Korean medicine (TKM). The aim of this study was to provide information on the clinical characteristics of the pattern identification (PI) of stroke used in TKM. Stroke patients admitted to 15 TKM university hospitals from April 2005 through December 2013 were evaluated. The measured variables included the following factors as they related to the PI: (a) stroke etiology; (b) distribution of symptoms/signs; (c) physical characteristics and lifestyle parameters; (d) medical history; and (e) stroke-related laboratory results. Among 4912 stroke patients, 3466 patients received the same PI by two experts with the following distribution: Qi-Deficiency pattern (n = 810), Fire-Heat (FH) pattern (n = 1031), Dampness-Phlegm (DP) pattern (n = 1127), and Yin-Deficiency pattern (n = 498). Approximately 89.9% of subjects enrolled in this study had cerebral infarction. Some of specific symptoms were related to each type of PI, and obese phenotypes and blood lipids were significantly related to DP and FH. These results showed the characteristics of each type of PI and should lead to the standardization of diagnosis for stroke in TKM.

A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis on a Disease in TCM: Astragalus Injection for Gathering Qi Depression

“…us function of gathering Qi is closely related to the whole body condition and more closely to circulation and respiratory function, as Zhang Xichun said "gathering Qi actually controls general health while remains in cheat." Like Qi deficiency, when there is insufficient of Zong Qi, we often show symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath, which leads to decreased activity tolerance [2,43]. With the development of modern medicine, we found that the function of Zong Qi is related to the respiratory system, circulatory system, nervous system, and even reproductive system.…”

“…Qi deficiency causes pale face, shortness of breath, weakness of limbs, dizziness, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Qi deficiency is associated with a variety of diseases, especially cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases [1,2]. According to the guidance of TCM, the use of Atractylodes macrocephala, Astragalus, and even medical qigong has played a therapeutic effect on many diseases caused by Qi deficiency [3][4][5].…”

Protocol for Systematic Review of Controlled Trials of Korean and Chinese Herbal Treatments for Stroke

“…There is an estimated 33 million people with stroke, many of whom suffer from stroke-related disability [2]. In Korea, the second most common cause of death is stroke, and the treatment and management of stroke incur a large financial burden [3].…”