On July 22, Professor Lee Sang-hoon from the College of Korean Medicine at Kyung Hee University (KHU) and his research team presented a report titled Acupuncture and herbal medicine in preventing amputation and promoting tissue regeneration in severe frostbite: A case series in the international journal Explore. The report details cases where patients with severe frostbite, at risk of amputation, successfully underwent tissue regeneration through Korean medicine treatments. This study included Prof. Lee, researcher Ha Seo-jung at KHU, and Doctor Park Heon-ju at Joongang Korean Medicine Clinic, who have treated over 50 severe frostbite patients over the past decade and reported on three representative cases.

Informing the Effectiveness of Korean Medicine Treatment on Frostbite

Frostbite is a condition where tissues are damaged by prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures, causing blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow. In severe cases where rapid rescue is not available or tissue damage persists despite treatment, amputation may be considered, potentially leading to lifelong disability.

The research team published the report to demonstrate the little-known fact that Korean medicine has the ability to treat severe tissue damages, particularly in grade three frostbite patients at the risk of amputation, by promoting tissue regeneration.

Results from Three Cases Demonstrating Korean Medicine’s Effect on Tissue Regeneration

The report presents three cases out of over 50. Each involved individuals diagnosed with severe frostbite after climbing high-altitude mountains in cold conditions. They were diagnosed with severe frostbite, either grade three, which causes skin necrosis, or grade four, which damages muscles and bones. Instead of undergoing amputation surgery, they received comprehensive Korean medicine treatments, including acupuncture, bloodletting, direct moxibustion, herbal medicine, and herbal ointments under Dr. Park’s care.

In the first case from 2010, the patient with frostbite on the nose and left ear underwent Korean medicine treatments. The treatments led to pain resolution and almost complete recovery of the ear, with a slight defect remaining. The second case in 2011 saw a patient with frostbite on six toes recovering completely, except for the tips of two toes which were not completely covered with epidermis. The third case in 2022 resulted in complete recovery from frostbite on all the toes, with only mild cold-induced pain remaining.

Discovery of Korean Medicine Treatment Effects and Potential for Collaborative Treatment

The research team suggested that Korean medicine could offer a viable treatment for patients suffering from severe frostbite. Notably, it provides a new treatment option that could reduce the potential need for partial amputation due to frostbite. The safety assessment of the treatment revealed that none of the three cases showed any adverse reactions or deterioration, signifying outstanding treatment effects solely through Korean medicine since the initiation of treatment.

Additionally, Prof. Lee suggested, “Now, it is necessary to standardize more effective and safe treatment at each stage through the development of an East-west Medicine Collaboration Model.” Following this research, he is advocating for the development of new Korean medicine diagnostic and treatment techniques suitable for the digital age by incorporating modern technologies such as biology and engineering into traditional Korean medicine.

The study concluded with excellent treatment results and high patient satisfaction. The significance of this research lies particularly in minimizing permanent damage areas by promoting tissue regeneration without partial amputation, thereby improving rehabilitation and quality of life.

Prof. Lee emphasized the importance of ongoing exploration, investigation, and presentation of excellent but little-known clinical cases to further in-depth research. Given the expanded scope of traditional Korean medicine, it is anticipated that Korean medicine treatments will gain wider adoption and development.