For Reviewers & Editors
Review Rules for the Journal of Pharmacopuncture
Article. 1. Objective
The following rules are for review and publication based on Article 5 Clause 4 and Article 26 from the Bylaws of the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute.
Article. 2. Reviewer Selection and Appointment
- Reviewers are recommended by the Editorial Board and appointed by the Editor-in-Chief. Reviewers are limited to leading researchers in this field with a track record of published papers. The names of the reviewers are not disclosed.
- No one can assume the roles of Editorial Board member and reviewer at the same time. However, exceptions can be made by the Editor-in-Chief.
- The reviewer invited from the Editor-in-Chief or Editorial Board should submit the decision whether to review or decline to review the article within 3 days. If the reviewer accept the invitation, the reviewer should complete reviewing within 14 days.
- When invited reviewers do not give a review of the assigned paper within 14 days after agreeing to do the review, they are no longer considered as reviewers and continued access to the concerned paper will not be allowed.
Article. 3. Review Process
- Reviewers are assigned to a submitted paper for review. Anything indicating identification of authors is removed from the papers assigned for review. The invited reviewers should give a review of the assigned paper within 15 days after agreeing to do review.
- Reviewers classify the paper as accepted in present form, minor revision(accepted after modest revisions), major revision(reconsidered for acceptance after major changes), and rejected at this stage.
- When the paper is evaluated as minor revision (accepted after modest revisions), the reviewers should specify where should be made corrections. Revised papers are put under a second review by the reviewers or the Editorial Board members to determine whether they are acceptable in revised form.
- When a paper is evaluated as major revision(reconsidered for acceptance after major change), the reviewers should specify where should be made corrections. Revised papers are put under a second review by the reviewers or the Editorial Board members to determine whether they are acceptable in revised form.
- When the paper is rejected at this stage, the reviewers should cite specific reasons as to how the decision was reached.
- Review results will be sent to the authors once the required reviews are completed.
- Reviewers should post review results on the website of the Journal of Pharmacopuncture. Emails from reviewers and authors are considered as digital signatures.
Article. 4. Criteria for Review
As a peer-reviewed journal, review is a critical element in the editorial process at Journal of Pharmacopuncture. In approaching a review, you can refer to the followings as an objective criteria.
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Research process, results and conclusion should be firmly structured.
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1) Research subject
(1) High levels of understanding for research assignment
(2) A certain framework set for carrying out research
(3) A concise and clear statement of research objectives
(4) A scope of research -
2) Data collection and methods
(1) Appropriate date and information collection and organized use of trial outcomes
(2) Academic approaches based on a certain theory
(3) A detailed description of how extraordinary methods or apparatus are used in trials. A clear statement of the definitions of terms and trial data used in the paper
(4) A clear statement of any factors in the course of the trials -
3) Date analysis and discussion
(1) A right demonstration of creativity and logicality in research with a proper analysis of collected data by using good methods and discussion of the objective of the research
(2) An objective analysis of collected data on a variety of angles -
4) References Citations for how the questions were addressed in other studies
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5) Conclusion
(1) A review of how the research conclusion was reached based on collected data and analysis results
(2) A concise and comprehensive summary taking into account the whole picture
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1) Research subject
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The research process, results and conclusion should be firmly structured.
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1) Validity
- A use of organized and scientific methods and flawless procedures.
- A review of how the precise conclusion was gained from the research results -
2) Originality
- Originality is required for the development of academic research. -
3) Objectivity
- Facts and evidence build a good paper. -
4) Fairness
- The disregard other theories because prejudices and misguided stereotypes is discouraged. Even if they are different, they should be treated equally. All information or theories should be evaluated fairly. -
6) Ethics
- Research results should be stated as they are. Other arguments or theories belonging to the other parties should not be treated as your own. -
7) Validity
- If needed, anyone should be able to reproduce what was done in the trials and the papers. Evidence to support arguments, sources of information, research procedures and methods, approaches to research, evaluation standards, etc. should be clearly stated. -
8) Terms
- Terms and sentences that are concise and simple are required in a paper. The research process, results and conclusions should be clearly stated based on the format standards.
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1) Validity
Article. 5. Review Fee
The fee for the review is not paid to the reviewers. However, exceptions can be made by the Editor-in-Chief.
Article. 6. Advisor Appointment
Advisors are from English-speaking countries. Manuscripts written in English undergo review by these appointed advisors.
Article. 7. Review Ethics
The review process follows the ethics protocol of the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute.
Additional Clause 1
These rules can be revised by adding corrections to the rules related to editing and review.
Additional Clause 2
These rules are immediately effective as of December 13, 2008.
Journal Info

Editorial Office
Most Read / Downloaded
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Case Report2023-03-31
Suggested Integrative Approach for Hand Abscess with Cupping Therapy: a case study
Emad Ahmed Fathy Hussein1*, Shahira Hassan Ibrahim Negm1, Tabish Ishaq Shaikh2, Ahmed Helmy Saleh3J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 94-98 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.94Abstract : A forty-three-year-old male patient was diagnosed with an acute abscess in the dorsum of the right hand. On the 5th day of conventional pharmacological therapy the patient was still suffering, and was referred to the Outpatient department (OPD) to evacuate and drain the abscess and treat the edema around the area with Hijama (wet cupping therapy, WCT). The hand abscess was successfully cured within a week using an integrative approach of wet cupping therapy together with conventional drug therapy.
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Review Article2022-03-31
The Role of Bloodletting and Cupping in Severe Acute Urticaria and Angioedema as Skin Emergencies in Persian Medicine
Maryam Taghavi Shirazi1,2, Hoorieh Mohammadi Kenari1,3, Fatemeh Eghbalian1,3*J Pharmacopuncture 2022; 25(1): 7-14 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2022.25.1.7Abstract : Objectives: Some dermatological diseases can be life-threatening. Urticaria and angioedema are common reasons for patients to seek treatment at an emergency department. Severe, generalized urticaria and angioedema can endanger patients’ lives by involving the airways and causing anaphylactic shock. The humor-based Persian Medicine (PM) concepts of Shara andMaShara, referring to two kinds of skin lesions, have similarities to urticaria and angioedema, respectively. This article aims to provide scientific evidence regarding the application of PM as an early intervention strategy in the emergency management of urticaria and angioedema. Methods: This was a narrative review of PM studies identified by searching medical databases using search terms related to these diseases, as well as risk-associated keywords such as “fatal”, “death”, “life-threatening”, “emergency”, “cupping”, and “bloodletting”. Data were then compared, interpreted, and analyzed. Results: PM scholars consider the human body as a unified whole and believe in an inner power (Nature) which stems from the body. When the presence of excessive hot substances cause an imbalance of bodily humors, Nature directs their heated vapors sharply toward the skin, thus causing Shara andMaShara. If there is a high risk of inflammation spreading to vital organs under severe conditions, urgent manual interventions are crucial. Conclusion: In serious conditions of urticaria and angioedema, Fasd or bloodletting and Hijama can be effective in speeding up the control of lesions and reducing morbidity and mortality. Consequently, the development of integrated Persian and conventional medicines may provide new therapeutic pathways for skin emergencies.
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Systematic Review2021-12-31
Effect of Manual Acupuncture for Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Jeong Ho Huh1†, Hye In Jeong2†, Kyeong Han Kim3,4*J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 153-164 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.153Abstract : Objectives: Despite the low cost and high accessibility of manual acupuncture (MA) treatments for the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), this intervention has not been uniformly evaluated in systematic reviews (SR), and no SR has evaluated MA monotherapy for CTS. This review was conducted to summarize the findings and undertake a quality assessment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment methods for mild-tomoderate CTS to identify clinical evidence for the use of MA in CTS.Methods: We searched five databases for articles on relevant RCTs that were published until June 2021 without imposing specific restrictions, such as age or sex, on CTS patients. RCTs that evaluated MA were included without any restriction on comparator interventions. Measurement tools for evaluating pain reduction and functional improvement or for evaluating efficacy using electrophysiological indicators were included as outcome measures.Results: We included seven RCTs, of which three studies reported both post-treatment improvement effects and statistical significance using p-values for all outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant intergroup differences (p-values for all outcomes) in posttreatment improvement. None of the studies reported severe adverse effects of MA. In all of the RCTs, the reporting rates of the 2c, 2a, and 6a items of STRICTA 2010 were 14%, 29%, and 29%, respectively. PC7 (Daereung) was used to treat CTS in all of the included studies.Conclusion: MA can be used for CTS treatment without serious adverse effects. PC7 was the most commonly used acupoint. In order to ensure objective and reliable reporting, accurate standardization of acupuncture treatment methods acupoint terms should be undertaken in future RCTs.
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Systematic Review2021-12-31
Effect of Manual Acupuncture for Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Jeong Ho Huh1†, Hye In Jeong2†, Kyeong Han Kim3,4*J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 153-164 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.153Abstract : Objectives: Despite the low cost and high accessibility of manual acupuncture (MA) treatments for the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), this intervention has not been uniformly evaluated in systematic reviews (SR), and no SR has evaluated MA monotherapy for CTS. This review was conducted to summarize the findings and undertake a quality assessment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment methods for mild-tomoderate CTS to identify clinical evidence for the use of MA in CTS.Methods: We searched five databases for articles on relevant RCTs that were published until June 2021 without imposing specific restrictions, such as age or sex, on CTS patients. RCTs that evaluated MA were included without any restriction on comparator interventions. Measurement tools for evaluating pain reduction and functional improvement or for evaluating efficacy using electrophysiological indicators were included as outcome measures.Results: We included seven RCTs, of which three studies reported both post-treatment improvement effects and statistical significance using p-values for all outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant intergroup differences (p-values for all outcomes) in posttreatment improvement. None of the studies reported severe adverse effects of MA. In all of the RCTs, the reporting rates of the 2c, 2a, and 6a items of STRICTA 2010 were 14%, 29%, and 29%, respectively. PC7 (Daereung) was used to treat CTS in all of the included studies.Conclusion: MA can be used for CTS treatment without serious adverse effects. PC7 was the most commonly used acupoint. In order to ensure objective and reliable reporting, accurate standardization of acupuncture treatment methods acupoint terms should be undertaken in future RCTs.
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Review Article2021-12-31
Analysis of Trend of Studies on Microneedle Treatment System (MTS)
Hea-Sun Chun, Ho-Seub Song*J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 182-190 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.182Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the microneedle therapy system (MTS) and its research methods for the past 10 years in Korea.Methods: Data on microneedle therapy system were collected using NDSL, KISS, RISS, and OASIS electronic databases from January 2010 to August 2021. “microneedle,” “derma stamp,” “microneedle therapy system” were used as the keywords. The present study, however, excluded data that were 1) unrelated to the microneedle therapy system, 2) from review/meta/protocol studies, and 3) from overseas studies. Data selected through the primary screening process, animal studies, case reports, and clinical data were included in the analysis. However, information data not related to the microneedle therapy system were excluded from the study.Results: Among the MTS-related papers published from January 2010 to August 2021, 7 animal research, 2 clinical trials, and 10 case studies were published. Based on the research topics, there were 8 papers on skin improvement and skin diseases, 7 papers on hair growth and hair loss, 3 papers on stability, and 1 paper on peripheral facial paralysis.Conclusion: Most of the studies related to MTS focused on skin, hair, and stability. The effect of MTS on hair growth and skin improvement has been confirmed, and it has been proven to have significant effects on the treatment of acne, acne scars, and hair loss in clinical practice. No serious side effects were observed during the MTS treatment, and the safety assessment confirmed that it was safe for use.
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Review Article2021-12-31
Study of Latest Trend on Acupuncture for Obesity Treatment
Hea-Sun Chun1, Dong-Hwan Kim2, Ho-Seub Song1*J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 173-181 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.173Abstract : Objectives: The aim of this review was to appraise Korean studies published between 2010 and 2021 which examined the role of acupuncture in the treatment of obesity.Methods: We performed a search of the NDSL, KISS, RISS, OASIS, PubMed, EMBASE electronic databases for relevant animal researches, case reports, and clinical trials, using the following search terms: ‘obesity’, ‘acupuncture’, ‘electroacupuncture’, and ‘pharmacopuncture’. We excluded previous reviews and meta-analyses, studies not related to obesity or acupuncture treatment, as well as studies conducted in countries other than Korea. We also excluded studies where relevant information on acupuncture treatment in obesity could not be obtained.Results: Most studies were conducted in animals, followed by case reports and clinical trials. In animal researches and case reports, pharmacopuncture was the most used intervention. In case studies, electroacupuncture, thread-embedding therapy, manual acupuncture, acupotomy, and auricular acupuncture were also used. In animal researches, pharmacopuncture treatment was associated with improvement in obesity indices. In the case of local obesity, specific acupuncture techniques such as thread-embedding therapy and pharmacopuncture were associated with significant improvements in local obesity, even when diet and exercise were not controlled for.Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment showed significant benefit in the treatment of obesity, with a local effect evident for certain approaches, such thread-embedding therapy and acupotomy.
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