CA2195046A1 - Ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points - Google Patents
Ear mold for stimulating acupuncture pointsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2195046A1 CA2195046A1 CA002195046A CA2195046A CA2195046A1 CA 2195046 A1 CA2195046 A1 CA 2195046A1 CA 002195046 A CA002195046 A CA 002195046A CA 2195046 A CA2195046 A CA 2195046A CA 2195046 A1 CA2195046 A1 CA 2195046A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mold
- ear
- magnet
- concha
- acupuncture points
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
Abstract
An ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points is shaped to fit snugly in the concha of an ear.
High energy density magnets are arranged on the inner side of the mold at positions that correspond with desired acupuncture points on the ear. The magnetic fields penetrate the skin to stimulate the acupuncture points. In a second embodiment, the ear mold includes an electrode arranged on its inner side at a position that corresponds with a desired acupuncture point. The electrode may be a non-magnetic conductor or a permanent magnet. A hole extends between the outer side of the mold and the back side of the electrode. The tip of a pen-shaped impulse generator is inserted into the hole to make contact with the electrode, and apply electrical stimulation to the acupuncture point.
High energy density magnets are arranged on the inner side of the mold at positions that correspond with desired acupuncture points on the ear. The magnetic fields penetrate the skin to stimulate the acupuncture points. In a second embodiment, the ear mold includes an electrode arranged on its inner side at a position that corresponds with a desired acupuncture point. The electrode may be a non-magnetic conductor or a permanent magnet. A hole extends between the outer side of the mold and the back side of the electrode. The tip of a pen-shaped impulse generator is inserted into the hole to make contact with the electrode, and apply electrical stimulation to the acupuncture point.
Description
Patent Application Of 2 Francis J. McCall 3 For 4 Ear Mold For Stimulating Acupuncture Points s Background Of The Invention 6 1. Field Of The Invention:
7 This invention relates generally to acupuncture, specifically to an ear mold for stimulating 8 acupuncture points or zones.
9 2. Prior Art:
o Acupuncture is a technique that involves stimulating certain points or zones on the human body.
A large number of such acupuncture points are known to be located throughout the body, 2 including the face, ears, torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Each acupuncture point, when 3 stimulated, produces a therapeutic effect on a particular aspect of health and well being. For 4 example, separate acupuncture points are known to influence throat movement, mouth movement, stomach activity, etc. Acupuncture has been widely used to treat a great variety of 6 conditions, including obesity, alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking, etc.
17 The stimulation of acupuncture points or zones is typically achieved by inserting needles therein.
8 Many acupuncture points may be stimulated at the same time with separate needles. However, 19 acupuncture by needles can only be performed by trained practitioners. Therefore, the length and frequency of treatment is limited to how long and how often a patient visits a practitioner.
21 An alternative method of stimulation involves the application of pressure on the acupuncture 22 points, i.e., the technique of acupressure. My U.S. patent 4,073,296 (1978) discloses an - 2 ! 95046 acupressure device that includes an ear mold with protruding nubs arranged at predetermined 2 points. When the mold is placed in an ear, the nubs are in contact with desired acupressure 3 points. Pressing the mold against the ear causes the nubs to apply localized pressure against the 4 acupressure points for producing therapeutic effects. However, the user must apply constant pressure against the mold.
6 It is also known that stimulation of acupuncture points may also be achieved by electrical 7 impulses. My U.S. patents 4,450,846 (1984); 4,319,584 (1982); 4,267,838 (1981); and D273,706 8 (1984) disclose electrical acupuncture devices that each include an ear mold with electrodes g arranged thereon to correspond with desired acupuncture points. An impulse generator is 0 connected to the electrodes by a cable. The generator transmits electrical impulses through the cable and electrodes to stimulate the acupuncture points. My U.S. patent D273,707 (1984) 2 discloses a self-contained electrical acupuncture ear mold that includes a built-in impulse generator. However, these devices are relatively bulky, because of the connected or self-4 contained impulse generator. Furthermore, the batteries need periodic replacement.
Objects Of The Invention 6 Accordingly the primary object of the present invention is to provide an ear mold that stimulates 7 acupuncture points on the ear.
18 Another object of the present invention is to provide an ear mold that does not require batteries.
19 Another object of the present invention is to provide an ear mold that automatically provides continuous stimulation for as long as it is worn in the ear.
21 Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an ear mold that is compact.
' ~ 2 1 95046 Further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the 2 drawings and ensuing description.
3 Sl-mm~ry Of The Invention 4 An ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points includes a mold shaped to fit snugly in the s concha of an ear. Compact, high energy magnets are arranged on the inner side of the mold at 6 positions that correspond with acupuncture points or zones on the ear. When the mold is worn, 7 the magnetic fields penetrate the skin and stimulate the acupuncture points. In another 8 embodiment, the mold includes an electrode arranged on the inner side thereof for making 9 contact with an acupuncture point or zone on the ear. The electrode may be a permanent magnet o or a conductor. A hole extends between the outer side of the mold and the back side of the electrode. The tip of a hand-held, impulse generator is inserted into the hole to make contact with 2 the electrode, so as to apply electrical stimulation to the acupuncture point.
Brief Description Of The Drawings 4 Fig. 1 is an outer side view of an ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
6 Fig. 2 is an inner side view of the ear mold.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the ear mold, taken along line 3 - 3 in Fig. 2.
8 Fig. 4 is a top view of an alternative magnet for the ear mold.
9 Fig. 5 is a side view of the magnet of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is an outer side view of an ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points in accordance with 2 a second embodiment of the invention.
3 Fig. 7 is an inner side view of the ear mold of Fig. 6.
4 Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view of the ear mold of Fig. 7, taken along line 8 - 8 in Fig. 7.
Drawing Reference Numerals 6 10. Mold 11. Concha 7 12. Ear 13. Magnet 8 14. Magnet 15. Magnet 9 16. Inner Side 17. Acupuncture Point 0 18. Acupuncture Point 19. Acupuncture Point Il 20. Sound Channel 21. Ear Canal Tip 12 22. Outer Side 23. Magnet 3 24. Pole Piece 25. Pole Piece 4 30. Mold 31. Outer Side 32. Inner Side 33. Electrode 6 34. Hole 35. Sound Channel 7 36. Ear Canal Tip 37. Electrical Impulse Generator 18 38. Pen-Shaped Housing 39. Metal Tip 19 40. Flexible Magnetic Sheet 41. Acupuncture Point 42. Acupuncture Point ''' 2195046 Description--Figs. 1-3 2 In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention shown in the outer side view in Fig. 1 and 3 the inner side view in Fig. 2, an ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points includes a mold 10 4 shaped to fit snugly inside a concha 11 (central depression) of an ear 12. Compact magnets 13-15 each having about 200- 1,000 kilogauss energy density are attached to an inner side 16 of mold 6 10. Magnets 13-15 are arranged in positions that correspond to desired acupuncture points or 7 zones 17- 19, respectively, on ear 12. A sound channel 20 extends between an ear canal tip 21 and 8 an outer side 22 of mold 10. As shown in the sectional view in Fig. 3, magnets 13-15 are 9 partially recessed into mold 10, so that they protrude slightly. A self-adhesive, flexible magnetic o sheet 40 is attached on an area of mold 10 where the surface contour is too curved for rigid I l magnets. Magnetic sheet 40 is flexible enough to easily conform to even the most curved 12 contours.
13 To use, mold 10 is seated into concha 11, so that magnets 13-15 are positioned against 14 corresponding acupuncture points 17-19, respectively, and magnetic sheet 40 is positioned against corresponding acupuncture points 41 and 42. The strong magnetic fields penetrate the 16 skin and stimulate the acupuncture points. Ear canal tip 21 is positioned in an ear canal 26.
Sound channel 20 provides a pathway for sound to travel through mold 10, so as to enable the 8 user to m~int~in normal hearing. Mold 10 is compact, and requires no electrical power.
19 Magnets 13-15 are preferably arranged so that similar poles are oriented toward concha 11. For example, they may be arranged so that their north poles are all directed toward concha 11, or vice 21 versa. Alternatively, magnets 13-15 may be arranged so that a pair of them direct dissimilar poles 22 toward concha 11. For example, magnet 13 may be positioned with its north pole directed toward 23 concha 11, and magnet 14 may be positioned with its south pole directed toward concha 11, so 24 that the flux lines link the opposite poles between magnets 13 and 14. When two magnets are thus arranged, the flux lines penetrate deeper into the skin for increased stimulation. Magnetic 26 sheet 40 may be arranged so that either its north or south pole faces the ear.
' ' 21 95046 The acupuncture ear mold may be used to provide treatment between visits to a clinic for 2 conventional needle acupuncture, or it may replace needle acupuncture entirely. Therefore, a 3 patient may conveniently receive treatment 24 hours a day.
4 Description--Figs. 4-5 An alternative magnet 23 for mold 10 (Fig. 1) is shown in a front view in Fig. 4 and a side view 6 in Fig. 5. Magnet 23 is substantially flat, with protruding pole pieces 24 and 25 that make contact 7 with the skin.
8 Description--Figs. 6-8 g In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention shown in the outer side view in Fig. 6 o and the inner side view in Fig. 7, an ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points includes a mold I l 30 with an outer side 31 and an inner side 32. A slightly protruding electrode 33 is arranged on 2 inner side 32 at a position that corresponds with a desired acupuncture point on the ear (not 3 shown). A hole 34 extends between outer side 31 and the back of electrode 33. Mold 10 also includes a sound channel 35 extending between an ear canal tip 36 and outer side 31 for enabling a user to m~int~in normal hearing. An electrical impulse generator 37 is also provided. Impulse 6 generator 37 includes an elongated, pen-shaped housing 38, a metal tip 39, a six volt battery (not 17 shown), and user controls (not shown). Impulse generator 37 includes conventional waveform 8 generating circuitry (not shown) for preferably generating a square wave, which is preferably 19 selectable to be either 8 Hz or 30 Hz via a slide switch (not shown), and which is preferably variable between 10-70 ~lA via a thumb wheel (not shown).
21 When treatment is desired, a user inserts tip 39 into hole 34 until tip 39 makes contact with 22 electrode 33 to stimulate the acupuncture point. Withdrawing tip 39 from hole 34 discontinues 2 1 ~5046 treatment. Electrode 33 may simply be a conductive piece of metal, or an electrically conductive 2 permanent magnet which provides simultaneous electrical and magnetic stimulation, and which 3 provides continuous magnetic stimulation when impulse generator 37 is not used.
4 Mold 10 is compact and unobtrusive, because impulse generator 37 is provided as a separate unit 5 that may be stored in a convenient location when not needed.
7 This invention relates generally to acupuncture, specifically to an ear mold for stimulating 8 acupuncture points or zones.
9 2. Prior Art:
o Acupuncture is a technique that involves stimulating certain points or zones on the human body.
A large number of such acupuncture points are known to be located throughout the body, 2 including the face, ears, torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Each acupuncture point, when 3 stimulated, produces a therapeutic effect on a particular aspect of health and well being. For 4 example, separate acupuncture points are known to influence throat movement, mouth movement, stomach activity, etc. Acupuncture has been widely used to treat a great variety of 6 conditions, including obesity, alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking, etc.
17 The stimulation of acupuncture points or zones is typically achieved by inserting needles therein.
8 Many acupuncture points may be stimulated at the same time with separate needles. However, 19 acupuncture by needles can only be performed by trained practitioners. Therefore, the length and frequency of treatment is limited to how long and how often a patient visits a practitioner.
21 An alternative method of stimulation involves the application of pressure on the acupuncture 22 points, i.e., the technique of acupressure. My U.S. patent 4,073,296 (1978) discloses an - 2 ! 95046 acupressure device that includes an ear mold with protruding nubs arranged at predetermined 2 points. When the mold is placed in an ear, the nubs are in contact with desired acupressure 3 points. Pressing the mold against the ear causes the nubs to apply localized pressure against the 4 acupressure points for producing therapeutic effects. However, the user must apply constant pressure against the mold.
6 It is also known that stimulation of acupuncture points may also be achieved by electrical 7 impulses. My U.S. patents 4,450,846 (1984); 4,319,584 (1982); 4,267,838 (1981); and D273,706 8 (1984) disclose electrical acupuncture devices that each include an ear mold with electrodes g arranged thereon to correspond with desired acupuncture points. An impulse generator is 0 connected to the electrodes by a cable. The generator transmits electrical impulses through the cable and electrodes to stimulate the acupuncture points. My U.S. patent D273,707 (1984) 2 discloses a self-contained electrical acupuncture ear mold that includes a built-in impulse generator. However, these devices are relatively bulky, because of the connected or self-4 contained impulse generator. Furthermore, the batteries need periodic replacement.
Objects Of The Invention 6 Accordingly the primary object of the present invention is to provide an ear mold that stimulates 7 acupuncture points on the ear.
18 Another object of the present invention is to provide an ear mold that does not require batteries.
19 Another object of the present invention is to provide an ear mold that automatically provides continuous stimulation for as long as it is worn in the ear.
21 Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an ear mold that is compact.
' ~ 2 1 95046 Further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the 2 drawings and ensuing description.
3 Sl-mm~ry Of The Invention 4 An ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points includes a mold shaped to fit snugly in the s concha of an ear. Compact, high energy magnets are arranged on the inner side of the mold at 6 positions that correspond with acupuncture points or zones on the ear. When the mold is worn, 7 the magnetic fields penetrate the skin and stimulate the acupuncture points. In another 8 embodiment, the mold includes an electrode arranged on the inner side thereof for making 9 contact with an acupuncture point or zone on the ear. The electrode may be a permanent magnet o or a conductor. A hole extends between the outer side of the mold and the back side of the electrode. The tip of a hand-held, impulse generator is inserted into the hole to make contact with 2 the electrode, so as to apply electrical stimulation to the acupuncture point.
Brief Description Of The Drawings 4 Fig. 1 is an outer side view of an ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
6 Fig. 2 is an inner side view of the ear mold.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the ear mold, taken along line 3 - 3 in Fig. 2.
8 Fig. 4 is a top view of an alternative magnet for the ear mold.
9 Fig. 5 is a side view of the magnet of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is an outer side view of an ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points in accordance with 2 a second embodiment of the invention.
3 Fig. 7 is an inner side view of the ear mold of Fig. 6.
4 Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view of the ear mold of Fig. 7, taken along line 8 - 8 in Fig. 7.
Drawing Reference Numerals 6 10. Mold 11. Concha 7 12. Ear 13. Magnet 8 14. Magnet 15. Magnet 9 16. Inner Side 17. Acupuncture Point 0 18. Acupuncture Point 19. Acupuncture Point Il 20. Sound Channel 21. Ear Canal Tip 12 22. Outer Side 23. Magnet 3 24. Pole Piece 25. Pole Piece 4 30. Mold 31. Outer Side 32. Inner Side 33. Electrode 6 34. Hole 35. Sound Channel 7 36. Ear Canal Tip 37. Electrical Impulse Generator 18 38. Pen-Shaped Housing 39. Metal Tip 19 40. Flexible Magnetic Sheet 41. Acupuncture Point 42. Acupuncture Point ''' 2195046 Description--Figs. 1-3 2 In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention shown in the outer side view in Fig. 1 and 3 the inner side view in Fig. 2, an ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points includes a mold 10 4 shaped to fit snugly inside a concha 11 (central depression) of an ear 12. Compact magnets 13-15 each having about 200- 1,000 kilogauss energy density are attached to an inner side 16 of mold 6 10. Magnets 13-15 are arranged in positions that correspond to desired acupuncture points or 7 zones 17- 19, respectively, on ear 12. A sound channel 20 extends between an ear canal tip 21 and 8 an outer side 22 of mold 10. As shown in the sectional view in Fig. 3, magnets 13-15 are 9 partially recessed into mold 10, so that they protrude slightly. A self-adhesive, flexible magnetic o sheet 40 is attached on an area of mold 10 where the surface contour is too curved for rigid I l magnets. Magnetic sheet 40 is flexible enough to easily conform to even the most curved 12 contours.
13 To use, mold 10 is seated into concha 11, so that magnets 13-15 are positioned against 14 corresponding acupuncture points 17-19, respectively, and magnetic sheet 40 is positioned against corresponding acupuncture points 41 and 42. The strong magnetic fields penetrate the 16 skin and stimulate the acupuncture points. Ear canal tip 21 is positioned in an ear canal 26.
Sound channel 20 provides a pathway for sound to travel through mold 10, so as to enable the 8 user to m~int~in normal hearing. Mold 10 is compact, and requires no electrical power.
19 Magnets 13-15 are preferably arranged so that similar poles are oriented toward concha 11. For example, they may be arranged so that their north poles are all directed toward concha 11, or vice 21 versa. Alternatively, magnets 13-15 may be arranged so that a pair of them direct dissimilar poles 22 toward concha 11. For example, magnet 13 may be positioned with its north pole directed toward 23 concha 11, and magnet 14 may be positioned with its south pole directed toward concha 11, so 24 that the flux lines link the opposite poles between magnets 13 and 14. When two magnets are thus arranged, the flux lines penetrate deeper into the skin for increased stimulation. Magnetic 26 sheet 40 may be arranged so that either its north or south pole faces the ear.
' ' 21 95046 The acupuncture ear mold may be used to provide treatment between visits to a clinic for 2 conventional needle acupuncture, or it may replace needle acupuncture entirely. Therefore, a 3 patient may conveniently receive treatment 24 hours a day.
4 Description--Figs. 4-5 An alternative magnet 23 for mold 10 (Fig. 1) is shown in a front view in Fig. 4 and a side view 6 in Fig. 5. Magnet 23 is substantially flat, with protruding pole pieces 24 and 25 that make contact 7 with the skin.
8 Description--Figs. 6-8 g In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention shown in the outer side view in Fig. 6 o and the inner side view in Fig. 7, an ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points includes a mold I l 30 with an outer side 31 and an inner side 32. A slightly protruding electrode 33 is arranged on 2 inner side 32 at a position that corresponds with a desired acupuncture point on the ear (not 3 shown). A hole 34 extends between outer side 31 and the back of electrode 33. Mold 10 also includes a sound channel 35 extending between an ear canal tip 36 and outer side 31 for enabling a user to m~int~in normal hearing. An electrical impulse generator 37 is also provided. Impulse 6 generator 37 includes an elongated, pen-shaped housing 38, a metal tip 39, a six volt battery (not 17 shown), and user controls (not shown). Impulse generator 37 includes conventional waveform 8 generating circuitry (not shown) for preferably generating a square wave, which is preferably 19 selectable to be either 8 Hz or 30 Hz via a slide switch (not shown), and which is preferably variable between 10-70 ~lA via a thumb wheel (not shown).
21 When treatment is desired, a user inserts tip 39 into hole 34 until tip 39 makes contact with 22 electrode 33 to stimulate the acupuncture point. Withdrawing tip 39 from hole 34 discontinues 2 1 ~5046 treatment. Electrode 33 may simply be a conductive piece of metal, or an electrically conductive 2 permanent magnet which provides simultaneous electrical and magnetic stimulation, and which 3 provides continuous magnetic stimulation when impulse generator 37 is not used.
4 Mold 10 is compact and unobtrusive, because impulse generator 37 is provided as a separate unit 5 that may be stored in a convenient location when not needed.
6 Summary, Substitutes, And Scope 7 Accordingly, I have provided an ear mold that stimulates acupuncture points on the ear. In its 8 first embodiment, it is compact and unobtrusive. It does not require an electrical power source or 9 manual control, so that it automatically stimulates the acupuncture points continuously for as o long as it is worn. In its second embodiment, it is also compact, and it conveniently provides simultaneous electrical and magnetic treatment whenever the user desires.
12 Although the above descriptions are specific, they should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention, but only as examples of the embodiments. Many substitutes and 4 variations are possible within the teachings of the invention. For example, more or fewer magnets may be used. The magnets may be arranged in other positions for stimulating other acupuncture points. A larger or smaller magnetic sheet may be provided for stimulating more or 7 fewer acupuncture points simultaneously. More electrodes, which may be interconnected, may 8 also be provided for stimulating more acupuncture points. The shape of the magnets and 19 electrodes may be varied. Magnets with a higher or lower energy density may be used. The shape 20 of the mold may vary greatly, depending on the particular ear for which it is made. The mold 21 may be shaped for being attached to other parts of the ear, including the outer side and the inner 22 side of the pinna (the protruding external portion). The impulse generator may use other types of 23 batteries or power supplies, and it may be arranged for producing waveforms other than a square wave, and at other frequencies and current levels. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be 2 determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, not by the examples given.
12 Although the above descriptions are specific, they should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention, but only as examples of the embodiments. Many substitutes and 4 variations are possible within the teachings of the invention. For example, more or fewer magnets may be used. The magnets may be arranged in other positions for stimulating other acupuncture points. A larger or smaller magnetic sheet may be provided for stimulating more or 7 fewer acupuncture points simultaneously. More electrodes, which may be interconnected, may 8 also be provided for stimulating more acupuncture points. The shape of the magnets and 19 electrodes may be varied. Magnets with a higher or lower energy density may be used. The shape 20 of the mold may vary greatly, depending on the particular ear for which it is made. The mold 21 may be shaped for being attached to other parts of the ear, including the outer side and the inner 22 side of the pinna (the protruding external portion). The impulse generator may use other types of 23 batteries or power supplies, and it may be arranged for producing waveforms other than a square wave, and at other frequencies and current levels. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be 2 determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, not by the examples given.
Claims (20)
1. An ear mold for an ear having a plurality of acupuncture points distributed thereon, comprising:
a mold shaped for being snugly attached to said ear, said mold having an inner side facing said ear, and an outer side facing away from said ear, and a magnet arranged on said inner side of said mold at a position corresponding to a desired acupuncture point on said ear, said magnet stimulating said desired acupuncture point with a magnetic field.
a mold shaped for being snugly attached to said ear, said mold having an inner side facing said ear, and an outer side facing away from said ear, and a magnet arranged on said inner side of said mold at a position corresponding to a desired acupuncture point on said ear, said magnet stimulating said desired acupuncture point with a magnetic field.
2. The ear mold of claim 1 wherein said magnet has an energy density of about 200-1,000 kilogauss.
3. The ear mold of claim 1 wherein said magnet is partially recessed into said mold, so that a portion of said magnet protrudes from said mold for making contact with said desired acupuncture point.
4. The ear mold of claim 1 wherein said magnet comprises a flexible magnetic sheet for conforming to a surface contour of said mold.
5. The ear mold of claim 1, further including a plurality of additional magnets arranged on said inner side of said ear mold at a plurality of additional positions corresponding to additional desired acupuncture points on said ear for stimulating said additional desired acupuncture points.
6. The ear mold of claim 5 wherein said magnets are positioned with similar poles directed toward said ear.
7. The ear mold of claim 5 wherein at least two of said magnets are positioned with dissimilar poles directed toward said ear.
8. The ear mold of claim 1, further including an ear canal tip on said mold, and a sound channel extending between said ear canal tip and said outer side of said mold for enabling a user to maintain hearing.
9. An ear mold for an ear having a concha and a plurality of acupuncture points distributed on said concha, comprising:
a mold shaped for being snugly positioned within said concha, said mold having an inner side facing said concha, and an outer side facing away from said concha; and a magnet arranged on said inner side of said mold at a position corresponding to a desired acupuncture point on said concha, said magnet stimulating said desired acupuncture point with a magnetic field.
a mold shaped for being snugly positioned within said concha, said mold having an inner side facing said concha, and an outer side facing away from said concha; and a magnet arranged on said inner side of said mold at a position corresponding to a desired acupuncture point on said concha, said magnet stimulating said desired acupuncture point with a magnetic field.
10. The ear mold of claim 9 wherein said magnet has an energy density of about 200-1,000 kilogauss.
11. The ear mold of claim 9 wherein said magnet is partially recessed into said mold, so that a portion of said magnet protrudes from said mold for making contact with said desired acupuncture point.
12. The ear mold of claim 9 wherein said magnet comprises a flexible magnetic sheet for conforming to a surface contour of said mold.
13. The ear mold of claim 9, further including a plurality of additional magnets arranged on said inner side of said car mold at a plurality of additional positions corresponding to additional desired acupuncture points on said concha for stimulating said additional desired acupuncture points.
14. The ear mold of claim 13 wherein said magnets are positioned with similar poles directed toward said concha.
15. The ear mold of claim 13 wherein at least two of said magnets are positioned with dissimilar poles directed toward said concha.
16. The ear mold of claim 9, further including an ear canal tip on said mold, and a sound channel extending between said ear canal tip and said outer side of said mold for enabling a user to maintain hearing.
17. An ear mold for an ear having a plurality of acupuncture points distributed thereon, comprising:
a mold shaped for being snugly attached to said ear, said mold having an inner side facing said ear, and an outer side facing away from said ear;
an electrode arranged on said inner side of said mold at a position corresponding to a desired acupuncture point on said ear;
a hole extending between said outer side of said mold and a back side of said electrode; and electrical impulse generating means having a protruding tip for being inserted into said hole on said mold and making contact with said back side of said electrode, so as to stimulate said desired acupuncture point with electrical energy.
a mold shaped for being snugly attached to said ear, said mold having an inner side facing said ear, and an outer side facing away from said ear;
an electrode arranged on said inner side of said mold at a position corresponding to a desired acupuncture point on said ear;
a hole extending between said outer side of said mold and a back side of said electrode; and electrical impulse generating means having a protruding tip for being inserted into said hole on said mold and making contact with said back side of said electrode, so as to stimulate said desired acupuncture point with electrical energy.
18. The ear mold of claim 17 wherein said electrode comprises an electrically conductive permanent magnet for providing simultaneous electrical and magnetic stimulation.
19. The ear mold of claim 17 wherein said electrical impulse generating means comprises an electrical impulse generator having an elongated pen-shaped body.
20. The ear mold of claim 17, further including an ear canal tip on said mold, and a sound channel extending between said ear canal tip and said outer side of said mold for enabling a user to maintain hearing.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US67792696A | 1996-10-07 | 1996-10-07 | |
| US08/677,926 | 1996-10-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2195046A1 true CA2195046A1 (en) | 1998-04-08 |
Family
ID=24720670
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002195046A Abandoned CA2195046A1 (en) | 1996-10-07 | 1997-01-14 | Ear mold for stimulating acupuncture points |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2195046A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105878004A (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2016-08-24 | 张家港市众城建材有限公司 | APP-based, head-wearing and Bluetooth-enabled intelligent auricular point therapeutic instrument |
| CN105902383A (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2016-08-31 | 张家港市众城建材有限公司 | Portable Bluetooth intelligent auricular point treatment instrument based on APP |
| CN105902384A (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2016-08-31 | 张家港市众城建材有限公司 | Intelligent head-wearing-type Bluetooth auricular point therapeutic apparatus based on APP |
| CN105943369A (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2016-09-21 | 张家港市众城建材有限公司 | App-based portable Bluetooth intelligent auricular point therapeutic equipment |
| CN107274768A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2017-10-20 | 西南大学 | A kind of animal fixing acupuncture points model |
| CN107331267A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2017-11-07 | 西南大学 | A kind of human body fixing acupuncture points model |
| CN107331268A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2017-11-07 | 西南大学 | A kind of toy fixing acupuncture points model |
| CN107331269A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2017-11-07 | 西南大学 | A kind of domestic animal fixing acupuncture points model |
-
1997
- 1997-01-14 CA CA002195046A patent/CA2195046A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105878004A (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2016-08-24 | 张家港市众城建材有限公司 | APP-based, head-wearing and Bluetooth-enabled intelligent auricular point therapeutic instrument |
| CN105902383A (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2016-08-31 | 张家港市众城建材有限公司 | Portable Bluetooth intelligent auricular point treatment instrument based on APP |
| CN105902384A (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2016-08-31 | 张家港市众城建材有限公司 | Intelligent head-wearing-type Bluetooth auricular point therapeutic apparatus based on APP |
| CN105943369A (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2016-09-21 | 张家港市众城建材有限公司 | App-based portable Bluetooth intelligent auricular point therapeutic equipment |
| CN107274768A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2017-10-20 | 西南大学 | A kind of animal fixing acupuncture points model |
| CN107331267A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2017-11-07 | 西南大学 | A kind of human body fixing acupuncture points model |
| CN107331268A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2017-11-07 | 西南大学 | A kind of toy fixing acupuncture points model |
| CN107331269A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2017-11-07 | 西南大学 | A kind of domestic animal fixing acupuncture points model |
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