AU649624B2 - Electro-stimulation point locator and treatment device - Google Patents

Description

ELECTRO-STIMULATION POINT LOCATOR AND TREATMENT DEVICE

This invention relates to a pocket size device for the locating of specific points on the skin surface on human or animal bodies, variously known as 'electro-stimulation' 'acupuncture points' or 'trigger-nerve sensory points', and then the treating of certain ailments via these points with bursts of electrical ^■ energy. This is similar in some of the effects to accepted T.E.N.S. devices (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation), but is designed to avoid the 'accommodation' problems known with many such devices due to the use of higher frequency pulsing (e.g. 150-600 Hz).

It is well known and established for many years that there are such anatomical sites or points mapped out over the skin- surface. When these points are pressed, punctured with special acupuncture needles or heated with a certain burning herbal preparation, there is a restoration of energy imbalance within the body, via the energy (or nerve) channels, also known as acupuncture meridians.

For over two thousand years the Chinese have developed and used needle acupuncture for the relief and healing of many body discomforts. For many years, it has been shown that the addition of low voltage electrical currents to two or more needles gives much greater benefits and in a shorter treatment time.

However, during the last few years it is known and practiced that electrical stimulation through the skin without piercing or puncturing is also very beneficial. Galvanic. and Faradic Stimulators have been used for many years primarily for stimulation of weak or atrophied muscles, and more recently T.E.N.S. units have become popular in many hospitals and pain clinics around the world.

Some of these are primarily 'point locators' others are only treatment devices after a point is located visually or by a separate point locator. But a few. devices combine both of these functions. These various devices use a low voltage source, normally a dry cell battery, to power an electronic oscillator circuit to detect the lowered skin resistance that is at the precise nerve sensory point, and/or produce a pulsating DC (Direct Current) or Bi-Phasal electrical current output via a conductive needle-like metal or conductive rubber point, to the appropriate site as indicated in well known and recognised medical and scientific journals.

Now the purpose of this invention is to utilise a recent discovery by us as to what actually happens in the body as a reaction to different pain sensations.

It is known that the predominant brain wave activity is of a sinusoidal alternating waveform and that there are various harmonics as well as the main pulse frequency which ideally is around 8-12Hz, (average 10Hz). It is also established that the terrestial magnetic field predominant pulsation is around 9.6Hz.

The terrestial magnetic field and other naturally occurring magnetic fields have an induced electrical effect on all living matter at the cellular level.

As a result of considerable research this invention uses a DC current to measure lowered skin resistance in search (locate) mode, but uses the AC (alternating current) for the treatment mode. The treatment mode also incorporates a series of -'packet' or 'burst' frequencies that have been selected to have a balancing effect on electrical activity at the cell wall interface.

The result is to combine 'Low' frequency T.E.N.S. type treatment with extremely low frequency electro-stimulation type treatment. This combination of both types has been shown to give a more effective release of natural endorphin pain inhibiting chemicals which bind to the opiate receptors in the pain transmission cells thus causing a presynaptic inhibition of the pain signals.

Pulse width, pulse repetition rate, packet or burst frequency, pulse amplitude, charge and current are all chosen as the result of extensive testing and assessment. Basic pulse frequency is between 2.5 and 4Hz to give the most effective results as reported by many medical therapists who are recognised as experts in this field of electro-medicine. This is combined with frequencies of between 60Hz-80Hz.

The present invention embodies a particular improvement over other know electro-stimulation devices in the following respect. Such prior art devices normally use a protruding point or needle-like 'probe' (electrode) for search and/or treatment, but also have a metal or conductive 'plate' or tube in order to complete the electrical circuit on the skin surface. Apart from increasing the resistance to applied current there is now some concern in medical circles that it may not be advisable for electrical currents to be applied, without supervision, to the body if these currents pass over or through the cardiac area, especially in persons with known heart problems or defects. This would occur, for example, if one of the prior art types of devices were held in, say, the right hand with a finger or thumb placed on the return 'plate', and the treatment probe is applied to the left hand or arm. In this instance, the current travels across from one hand to the other, over or across the heart (cardiac) area. The suggestion is that this may pose a threat to the output of the natural cardiac pacemaker, and more particularly if the person has an implanted electronic pacemaker, or other electronic implant. Although this has not been proven to be an actual threat to life, the present invention avoids the possible restrictions to the prior art system, this invention comprising a dual or twin point system.

This design in the preferred embodiment of the invention uses two SILVER probes or pins spaced about 4mm apart and protruding about 2mm from front end of the device. These measurements are preferred but not critical and may be varied as may suit design changes from time to time.

Other metals or conducting probes may be used, but the inventors have found silver to have superior results due to the particular polarity effects of this metal.

The use of two closely spaced probes (or 'electrodes') helps to concentrate the electrical activity at the site instead of across a large area of skin surface. The results are quicker, more accurate and more effective, with longer term relief. Other advantages include the fact that when a therapist is treating a patient he does not have to place a hand on the person's skin in order to complete the electrical circuit, and it is much easier for a person treating themselves, for example, on the back, that the device can be held without having to ensure a finger or thumb is making contact with a return 'plate'.

In its preferred form the electro-stimulation point location and treatment device comprises a casing adapted to be hand held and carrying power means and pulse generating means and pulse applicator means whereby to apply the electrical pulse to a receptor, and is characterised by a pair of applicator probes projecting from the casing in a close but spaced relationship to form the electrical applicator means, and a treat switch carried by the casing to connect the applicator probes to the pulse generator where a pulse is to be administered to the receptor such as at a nerve sensory (or trigger) point of a human or animal.

The method comprises using a nerve sensory point and is characterised by applying the treatment to the acupuncture point by a pair of applicator probes carried by a hand held body generating an electrical field in the form of pulses as repetitive pulses across the pair of applicator probes by means of at least an oscillator by actuating a treatment switch, after applying a direct current across the applicator probes for accurate point location.

The preferred device is constructed with a circuit board containing the necessary components to transform the battery .voltage to an AC voltage of

10-20 times greater voltage - e.g. 9V DC to approx. 150 peak to peak (22.5V R.M.S.) voltage. Current limiting, pulse packet frequency and pulse repetition rate and wave form characteristics are designed into the chosen circuit design. Output treatment amplitude is variable by the operator by an intensity control such as a potentiometer control from 0 - maximum peak V.A.C.

On/off switch, locate/treatment select switch and LED indicator for power on and locate alert together with audible signal are incorporated in the preferred embodiment of this invention. A suitable dry cell battery (9V in preferred version) is housed in the battery compartment and together with the circuitry are contained within an insulating casing of suitable ergonomically designed configuration. To enable the invention to be fully appreciated an embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

FIG. 1 shows in block diagram a typical electronic arrangement of the invention, and

FIG. 2 shows a typical layout and casing configuration.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , the battery 1 which forms the power source is connected through an on/off switch 2 to a pair of ocsillators 3 and 4, in turn connected through an intensity control 5 to a transformer 6 which connects to the treat switch 7 which in turn is connected to one of the probes 8 and 9, the other probe forming a return.

DC power is also taken from the on/off switch 2 to a buzzer 10 and LED 11 and to a search circuit 12 which connects through the treat switch 7 to apply the DC current across the probes, for search mode only. This may be 4 volts DC into a 10KΩ Ioad or 400μA.

The output of the first oscillator 3 is also connected to the treat switch to apply a pulse which is not taken through the intensity control 5 and transformer 6, this bypass connection being designated 13 while the main remaining connections are designated 14, these connections merely designating the electrical flow paths. When treat switch 7 is depressed the circuit is changed from DC to AC, that is from the search mode to the pulse treatment mode. For instance when the switch is depressed the output becomes AC of 0 to 150 volts peak to peak, giving 22.5V R.M.S.

The case 15 is elongated as shown and carries the probes 8 and 9 at one end as shown.

The LED 11 is near the probes 8 and 9 to be readily visible when the case 15 is hand held, and has the treat switch 7 just behind it so that it can be activated by thumb pressure. The intensity control 5 is rearward of the treat switch 7, with the on/off switch 2 between it and the rear of the case 15 which forms a compartment for the battery 1 which forms the power source.

The buzzer 10 can be housed in a lid 16 which holds the battery 1 in position, the battery 1 being polarized by a specific shape at the end of the circuit board, which is designated 17, and has the probes 8 and 9 mounted on it to project through openings in the end of the case 1 , this assembly giving an easily manipulated unit which can be held in one hand and requires no special earth connection due to the spaced probes forming the treat circuit between them and thus readily positionable on the treatment areas.

The pulses can be repetitive.

Claims (15)

1. The electro-stimulation point location and treatment device having a case (15) carrying a battery (1) which forms the power means, and search means and pulse generator means (3-4) and pulse applicator means whereby to apply an electrical pulse to a receptor, characterised by a pair of applicator probes (8-9) projecting from the case (15) in a close but spaced relationship to • form the electrical search and pulse mode applicator means, and a treatment switch (7) carried by the body (15) to connect the applicator probes (8-9) selectively to the DC search mode (12) on to the pulse generator means (3-4) when a pulse is to be administered to the receptor such as at a nerve sensory point of a human or animal.

2. The device according to claim .1 wherein at least an oscillator (3 or 4) is included in the circuit between the battery (1) and the applicator probes (8-9), and a direct current search circuit is connected through the treat switch (7) to the applicator probes (8-9) whereby both the search mode and the compound pulse treatment mode is applied through the applicator probes (8-9) to the receptor under control of the treat switch (7).

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein a pair of oscillators (3-4) of different frequency are connected into the circuit to provide a compound frequency of oscillation across the applicator probes (8-9).

4. The device according to claim 2 wherein the oscillator (4) is connected to the applicator probes (8-9) through an intensity control (5) and a transformer

(8).

5. The device according to claim 3 wherein a pair of oscillators (3-4) are connected into the circuit, and wherein a first of the oscillators (3) is connected for search to the treat switch (7) directly but the second oscillator (4) is connected to the treat switch (7) through a transformer (6), for application of the treatment.

6. The device according to claim 5 wherein an intensity control (5) is interposed between the second oscillator (4) and the transformer ^).

7. The device according to claim 1 wherein the frequency generated is between 2.5 and 4Hz, and is combined with frequencies in the 60Hz-80Hz 'window'.

8. The device of claim 1 which comprises the case (15) formed of hollow elongated -form, a battery compartment at one end of the case adapted to receive and hold the battery, a circuit board (17) in the hollow of the case supporting the pulse generator means (3-4) and electrical circuitry, the pair of applicator probes (8-9) being supported by the case to project from the case at the opposite end of the case to the battery compartment and electrically selectively connected to the DC supply and the pulse generator means (3-4), the treatment switch (7) being carried by the circuit board (17) to project from the case (15) to selectively energise the search mode and the treatment mode.

9. An electro-stimulation point location and treatment device constructed and operating substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

10. The method of treating a receptor such as a human or animal using a nerve sensory point which is characterised by applying the treatment to the nerve sensory point by a^'pair of applicator probes (8-9) mounted in close but spaced relationship on a hand held body (1), generating an electrical field in the form of pulses across the pair of applicator probes (8-9) by means of a least an oscillator (3 or 4) by actuating a treatment switch (7), after applying a direct current across the applicator probes (8-9) for a nerve sensory point location mode before applying the treatment pulse mode.

11. The method of claim 10 further characterised by use of a first oscillator (3) and a second oscillator (4) of different frequency, and applying a compound pulse embodying both frequencies to the applicator probes (8-9).

12. The method of claim 11 further characterised by passing the pulses from one of the oscillators (3) directly to the applicator probes (8-9) and the pulses from the other oscillator (4) through an intensity control (5) and transformer (6) to the applicator probes (8-9).

13. The method of claim 12 further characterised by passing part of the pulses from the first oscillator (3) to the second oscillator (4) to modulate the pulse from the second oscillator (4).

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the pulses are repetitively generated while the treat switch (7) is in the treat mode.

15. The method of treatment according to any one of preceding claims 10 to 13 characterised by the step of firstly energising from a battery a buzzer (10) and/or LED (11 ) connected to the applicator probes (8-9) through the treat switch (7) and contacting the skin of the receptor with the two applicator probes (8-9) to pass a DC search current in search mode across the applicator probes (8-9) to accurately establish a selected nerve centre point by a resistance change indicated by the level of the audio sound from the buzzer (10) and/or the change in brilliance of the LED (11 ), and secondly actuating the treat switch (7) to change from the DC current across the applicator probes (8-9) to AC current, whereby to apply to the selected treatment point through a transformer (6) from oscillators (3-4) of different frequency and optionally an intensity control (5) via the applicator probes (8-9) a compound electric nerve stimulation (T.E.N.S.) combined with 'Low Tens' offset applied as repetative pulses to result in an enhancement of action bf both 5-HT and B-end option chemicals in the body for more effective treatment during the. treat mode.