후각장애에 대한 한방치료: 국내외 문헌 고찰 및 임상적 활용

Abstract

Objectives : This review aimed to investigate the clinical applicability and therapeutic effects of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction. Specifically, it sought to identify how TKM has been applied in clinical practice, including target populations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment modalities, to support evidence-based decision-making and explore its potential as a complementary strategy in integrative care. Methods : A literature search was conducted across three databases (PubMed, RISS, and KCI) for studies published up to April 10, 2025. Only clinical studies in which TKM was primarily applied as the main therapeutic intervention for olfactory dysfunction were included. Results : A total of 13 studies were included in this review. Of these, 12 reported statistically significant improvements in olfactory function following TKM interventions. Herbal medicine was used in 9 studies, with considerable variation in prescriptions depending on individual patient patterns; only four formulas Gegen-tangjia Chuanxiong Xinyi, Tongqiao Tang, Danggui Shaoyao San, and Jingjie Lianqiao Tang were used more than once. Acupuncture was applied in 10 studies, typically with 15-minute retention times and a frequency of one to two sessions per week; all 10 studies included Yingxiang (LI20) as a key acupoint, with GV20, LI4, and LR3 also frequently used. Adjunctive treatments such as intranasal herbal drops (1 study), olfactory training (2 studies), moxibustion (1 study), and low-level laser therapy (1 study) were also reported. As for outcome measures, NRS was the most commonly used subjective scale (5 studies), while objective tools such as TDI scores (3 studies) and KVSS I (1 study) were also employed. Conclusions : The findings of this review, based on 13 clinical studies, suggest that traditional Korean medicine (TKM) holds considerable potential for clinical application in patients with olfactory dysfunction. Herbal medicine treatments, such as Gegen-tangjia Chuanxiong Xinyi, Tongqiao Tang, Danggui Shaoyao San, and Jingjie Lianqiao Tang, may be administered two to three times daily. Acupuncture, particularly using points such as LI20, GV20, LI4 applied one to two times per week, may also be effective. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and verify clinical efficacy.