Acupuncture method and device

Abstract

An acupuncture method and a device for combining acupuncture with therapeutic physical exercises and/or water therapy. The device comprises a convex enclosure made of a resilient material such as rubber, which is capable of resuming initial full convex shape after being subjected to vertical downward pressure, and a small acupuncture needle the upper portion of which is molded into the enclosure. The open end face of the enclosure is sealed with an adhesive tape which seals the interior of the enclosure. The tip of the needle protrudes through this adhesive tape. In operation, the device is attached to the skin of a patient at the site of particular acupuncture point, and the acupucturist applies a to the needle via the top of the dome-like enclosure so that the tip of the needle penetrates the skin of the patient at the site of acupuncture point. The patient starts to perform therapeutic exercises on land or in the water, experiencing barely noticeable sensation. This stimulation, though, can be easily increased by therapist through application of some downward pressure on the top of the enclosure. After a certain time, the enclosure flattened by the pressure will restore its initial convex shape.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.