Review of Acupuncture and Related Treatments and Classification of Hyperpigmentation Disorders in Traditional Medicine
Objectives The objective of this study is to review external approaches using acupuncture and related treatments of hyperpigmentation disorders and their classification in traditional medicine. Methods and Results :Hyperpigmentation was recorded for the first time in Treatise on the Pathogenesis and Manifestations of All Diseasespublished in 610 A.D. This suggests that the symptom has already been recognized as an independent disease in East Asia for more than 1,400 years. Over the course of several centuries, there has been a significant evolution in the traditional treatments for hyperpigmentation. There are many different types of therapy, including body acupuncture, intradermal acupuncture, ear acupuncture, ear acupressure, blood letting treatment, pharmacopuncture, plum blossom needle therapy, burning acupuncture therapy, moxibustion, and guasha. In addition, the traditional classification of hyperpigmentation has been changing shape. However, no attempts have been made to establish the academic linkage between the modern classification of hyperpigmentation disorders and the traditional one, on account of different concepts and names of the ailment. This study was designed in an attempt to identify the linkage of the categorization of the Korean Standard Classification of Disease (KCD) and the traditional classification. Conclusions :Through this literature review, we found that there has been a significant evolution in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders in East Asia. Traditional medical treatment for skin disease, including hyperpigmentation, is expected to be further developed with the advancement of science and technology.