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Dr. Chae is actively engaged not only in clinical practice but also in research. From attending and presenting at domestic and international conferences, working on research papers, to lecturing at universities, he consistently strives to build evidence for Korean medicine even outside the clinic. This post summarizes the top 3 most significant research activities personally selected by Dr. Chae from the many conducted throughout 2025.
We bring you Dr. Chae’s account of his most memorable activities this year, from his experiences at international conferences to focused research and educational endeavors. Dr. Hyocheong Chae, the head director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, applies the latest trends in Korean medicine to clinical practice through continuous research activities and presentations and conference attendance at domestic and international academic societies.
Beyond Clinical Practice: Research Paper Publication and He actively engages in these activities while also lecturing at Dongguk University. If you were to choose the top 3 most memorable and significant activities for Dr. Chae in 2025, what would they be? 01- ICMART [2025 in France] ICMART stands for the ‘International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques’,
where medical acupuncture experts from around the world gather to exchange clinical and scientific knowledge, holding an international academic conference annually. ICMART was more than just an international academic conference to me. It was an opportunity to meet and communicate directly with doctors from various countries, reaffirming how much attention Korean medicine treatments and acupotomy are receiving internationally.
Many international doctors showed deep interest in the acupotomy treatment mechanism (Adhesion-Release Mechanism) and clinical cases I presented. During the Q&A session that followed the presentation, orthopedic, rehabilitation, and pain medicine doctors from various countries posed very specific questions, leading to a lively discussion.
In particular, when I demonstrated the actual procedure, many doctors who interpreted and explained acupuncture treatment from a Western medical and scientific perspective expressed their astonishment, saying, “This is like magic,” and “How can such immediate changes occur?” As mentioned in a Korean Medicine Newspaper article, acupotomy treatment, which shows immediate changes on-site, left a deep impression on international medical professionals. The presentation hall was bustling with medical staff who stood up and gathered around, eager to experience it firsthand.
Through this experience, I was able to confirm two things: First, Korean acupotomy treatment is indeed world-class, and its excellence is already recognized on the international stage. The fact that doctors from various countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Romania showed very high interest in Korean acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and acupotomy treatments is highly significant.
Second, the task ahead for us is ‘more evidence’ and ‘more research.’ While international medical professionals responded enthusiastically to the immediate effects of acupotomy treatment, I also clearly felt the need to further strengthen the scientific evidence, particularly regarding its mechanism of action and RCT-based studies. I, too, resolved to systematically conduct more research on acupotomy mechanisms, safety, and ultrasound-guided treatment protocols in the future.
ICMART was not merely a presentation; it was an opportunity to introduce Korean acupotomy to the world stage and to identify the direction for future research. Many international doctors approached me, expressing their desire to learn Korean acupotomy, making it a meaningful time to witness the potential of our techniques recognized in various parts of the world.
02 – Research on ‘Therapeutic Effects and Mechanism Analysis of Nerve Adhesion Release Using Minimally Invasive Acupotomy’ Dr. Hyocheong Chae’s research activities. The most focused research conducted this year was ‘Therapeutic Effects and Mechanism Analysis of Nerve Adhesion Release Using Minimally Invasive Acupotomy.’ In clinical practice, chronic pain and numbness experienced by many patients are often not just simple muscle problems, but rather caused by adhesions and mechanical compression formed around nerves.
are often the core causes. To scientifically elucidate this problem, we directly constructed an animal model of nerve adhesion and conducted experiments. The core of the research was to confirm that acupotomy is a minimally invasive technique that precisely incises and releases adhered fibrous bands, and beyond simply relieving compression and reducing pain, it can also influence autonomic nervous system function recovery and systemic inflammation control.
Unlike conventional treatments that relied on medication or re-operation, acupotomy showed great potential as a new therapeutic alternative by precisely releasing adhesions with minimal tissue damage. In particular, after adhesion release, not only was pain reduction observed, but also the possibility of improving autonomic nervous system function and systemic inflammatory status, with significant results emerging from vagus nerve research as well.
This research aims to elucidate that acupotomy release therapy leads to faster recovery and long-term pain reduction compared to conventional surgery, as it leaves no adhesions or scars in the patient’s recovery process. It will be an important study that scientifically explains Korean medicine acupotomy treatment and can create a new treatment paradigm in the fields of pain and rehabilitation in the future.
03 – Teaching Meridianology (經穴學) to undergraduate students at Dongguk University College of Korean Medicine. Dr. Hyocheong Chae of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic is teaching Meridianology (經穴學) to undergraduate students at Dongguk University College of Korean Medicine in 2025. While lecturing, he is once again realizing the importance of foundational education in Korean medicine.
In Meridianology classes, the precise In Meridianology classes, the focus is on explaining the precise anatomical location of acupoints, their relationship with muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in the corresponding area, and how they are utilized in clinical practice. While based on the traditional discipline of Meridianology, efforts are made to convey Korean medicine to students with a more modern and systematic approach by integrating contemporary anatomical understanding and scientific interpretation.
Furthermore, classes are structured to help students develop practical skills that can be applied in clinical settings. The research activities introduced here are a record of Dr. Chae’s most dedicated efforts and time throughout 2025. From the possibilities confirmed at international conferences, the challenges encountered through experimental research, to the time spent educating students, all experiences have been a continuous process towards a single goal.
Moving forward, I plan to continue building evidence through research and education, not just relying on clinical experience, to provide safer and more systematic treatments. I will continue these efforts and considerations in a way that benefits each and every patient a little more.
We hope you will join Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, which shares valuable information for a healthy life. Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu pursues evidence-based medicine and integrative medicine.
This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.
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