The Department of Acupuncture and Meridianology at Dongguk University is affiliated with the College of Oriental Medicine. Currently, it consists of one affiliated professor, one research professor, one teaching/research assistant, as well as master's, doctoral, and integrated master's and doctoral program graduate students, and undergraduate students participating in research.

My research laboratory primarily investigates the basic mechanisms of acupuncture treatment using animal models of diseases. The target diseases mainly include various conditions caused by degenerative brain disorders or inflammation.

We have secured national projects from organizations such as the Korea Research Foundation to induce inflammatory brain disorders or visceral diseases in animal models and observe changes in gene expression after acupuncture treatment.

Our research interests lie in nucleic acids circulating in the bloodstream, particularly focusing on microRNAs within exosomes.

A diverse team in the lab conducts systematic literature reviews, animal experiments (in vivo), cell experiments (in vitro), computer-based studies (in silico), and basic-clinical research.

Since our laboratory's inception in 2017, a total of 27 SCI(E) papers have been published over the past six years, and we have received awards such as the Future Talent Award and Dongguk Academic Award.

MicroRNAs within exosomes carry genetic information throughout the body. Upon reaching target cells, exosomal binding occurs, facilitating the transfer of genetic information into the cells.

The transferred genetic information regulates the expression of genes such as DNA within the cells, leading to changes in cellular functions.

According to research conducted in my laboratory, hundreds of microRNAs and numerous transcription factors involved in regulating them are associated with disease onset. Acupuncture treatments exhibit specific microRNA profiles unique to acupuncture points.

We are currently investigating the roles of disease-related microRNAs and the role they play in acupuncture's therapeutic effects on diseases.

Acupuncture therapy is a traditional Korean medical treatment technique that involves inserting needles into the body's surface to achieve therapeutic effects, and Meridianology is the foundational discipline that encompasses the range from needle insertion to the manifestation of therapeutic effects.

The Department of Meridianology at Dongguk University strives to educate on the efficacy and principles of acupuncture therapy through research and anatomical, neurological, and traditional Korean medical knowledge.

Surface anatomy refers to the study of surface landmarks on the human body to understand internal anatomical structures, a discipline crucial for identifying acupoint locations.

According to studies such as those by Ma et al. (Nature, 2021), acupuncture therapy induces the transmission of various gene-specific sensory nerves, which has revealed mechanisms for treating diseases not only through sensory transmission but also through neuroimmune modulation.

Therefore, researching and educating on the stimulation of specific nerves at each meridian and the extent of such stimulation are crucial directions for the advancement of acupuncture therapy.

Dongguk University conducts theoretical and practical courses in meridian theory and practice aligned with these directions, with education pathways being improved based on research.

An application called ACUPOINTDG has been developed as supplementary material for anatomical and practical education.

In addition, various software and textbooks are being developed to establish theoretical foundations for meridian mechanisms based on research, and educational materials incorporating various technologies such as VR/AR are being created.