US 5,211,184 A · Method and apparatus for acupuncture treatment

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a bandage assembly further comprising a bandage, a contact point and at least two electrode assembly installation components integrated into the bandage; an electrode assembly installed in each installation component, a source for electrical signals, and conductors to carry the signals to the electrode assemblies. The bandage assembly is attached by straps or other appropriate means to a person with the contact point contacting a specific anatomic point and oriented in a specific direction relative to a selected anatomic feature. With the bandage so installed the electrode assemblies in the installation components are positioned precisely at acupuncture points. Treatment occurs when the signals from the source are applied to the electrode assemblies. Each electrode assembly comprises a body and a wick-like electrode inserted through the body. The body is hollow and filled with electrically conductive fluid which, when absorbed by the electrode, renders the electrode conductive. Conductors from the signal source are connected to first ends of the electrodes. Their second ends contact the acupuncture points. The installation fittings and bodies are threaded to provide adjustment of the pressure of the electrodes on the acupuncture points. The pattern of the electrical signals precisely simulates successively the electrical brain waves produced during the four stages of sleep.

Claims3

Dependent claims

Acupuncture treatment apparatus for use on a human body having anatomical reference points, anatomical reference features and at least two acupuncture points, said treatment apparatus comprising:

a bandage assembly, an electrical signal source apparatus, at least two electrical conductors and at least two electrode assemblies each having an electrode, said bandage assembly comprising a bandage, a contact point and at least two electrode assembly installation fittings, said electrode assemblies being mounted in said fittings, said contact point and at least two installation fittings being integrated into said bandage and positioned relative to each other such that when said contact point is in contact with one of said reference points and said bandage is properly aligned with respect to one of said anatomical reference features, said at least two electrode assemblies are positioned at two of said acupuncture points and each of said electrodes contacts one of said acupuncture points,
said signal source apparatus being electrically connected to said electrodes of said at least two electrode assemblies by said at least two electrical conductors,
each of said at least two electrode assemblies further comprising a hollow body having first and second holes and said electrode being inserted through said body via said first and second holes,
said electrode being made of wick-like material,
said body being filled with electrically conductive fluid,
said electrode being saturated by said electrically conductive fluid and thereby becoming electrically conductive.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for acupuncture treatment

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for acupuncture treatment

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims3