IL197546A - Device for multi-chromatic light irradiation of acupuncture points - Google Patents

Description

■onm - 'οΊιη ΙΚΙ ΙΙΪΙ'Τ nnigi nriiinV ·ν¾ο» A device for multi-chromatic light irradiation of acupuncture points The invention pertains to devices for treatment by light irradiation and in particular to devices of chromatic-acupunctural therapy.

Known is a light-based device for use on acupuncture points (GB 2447676). This device contains a switch which allows varying the color of the irradiated light.

This device has the following shortcomings, which restrict the field of its application: • Only a single acupuncture point of the user can be acted upon at one time, rather than a group of points, which reduces the effectiveness of the treatment; • The accuracy of location of acupuncture points is subjective and is therefore not high enough; • There is no objective comparative diagnosis of the treatment results.

Also known is a device for treatment by a monochromatic light (WO 97/46279). This device includes a group of monochromatic light sources, which are installed in fixed positions on a common panel. The panels may be replaceable, and may include another set of monochromatic sources, and the light from these sources may be pulsating.

A significant shortcoming of this device is the fact that only sources of one color act simultaneously upon adjacent acupuncture points, and the number of replaceable panels is limited. In addition, the effectiveness of the treatment is reduced due to the subjectivity involved in the location of acupuncture points and the mismatch between their location on the user's body and the location of the sources (the sources are installed on a common panel in fixed rows). These shortcomings of the analog restrict the field of its application.

Also known is a device for treatment by multi-chromatic light irradiation (EP1839704), which includes several light sources of different frequency of the irradiated light. These sources irradiate the skin of the user with light in a particular color combination depending on the treatment program which is input from the control unit.

However, the prototype has a limited sphere of application and is not effective enough due to the following factors: • The radiation is diffuse and is directed only at the skin surface of the user; therefore it does not exert influence upon isolated internal organs of the user which are connected to the adjacent acupuncture points on the user's skin; • When sources of different color are actuated, their light is superimposed on the selected skin segment, a fact that prevents illumination of adjoining acupuncture points by given monochromatic light of various colors; • The unit for changing the mutual orientation of light sources of different colors absents, which reduces the effectiveness in using this device; • The number of colors in the light sources is limited, since the panel for their installation has limited dimensions.

At the basis of the given invention is the task of developing a device for multi-chromatic light irradiation of acupuncture points, in which the light sources and the treatment program control unit are executed and positioned relative to the user's body in such a manner, are connected between them and may function in such a way so as to increase effectiveness and expand the range of chromatic-therapeutic light irradiation of the acupuncture points. Another goal is to increase the effectiveness of their location and of the comparative diagnosis of the acupuncture points is also increased, while retaining a relatively simple design of the device.

The set task is solved by the fact that the proposed device of multi-chromatic light irradiation includes simultaneous irradiation of the acupuncture points by sources of light of different colors, where each light source acts mostly upon a single acupuncture point, and where at least one pair of light sources of different colors acts upon two adjacent acupuncture points. The device also includes a unit for changing the mutual orientation of light sources in the mentioned pairs.

The proposed device includes a group of sources of directed light, which is connected to the control unit. The control unit includes a processor for forming the parameters of the procedure and associated modulators of the intensity and duration of the light pulses. The modulators of the intensity and duration of the light pulses include the ability of modifying the intensity and frequency of monochromatic irradiation from the light sources in such a way that simultaneous irradiation from two contrasting colors is formed from at least a pair of the mentioned adjacent light sources. The light sources in the mentioned pairs are made such, that each can be directed at one of the adjacent acupuncture points in accordance with the irradiation program.

The main variant of the device for the implementation of this method includes two adjacent groups of sources of directed light with sources of different colors. The device also includes a unit for modifying the relative orientation of the aforementioned groups of sources, and the treatment program control unit contains a procedure time shaper and modulators of the intensity and duration of the light pulses.

Each source of directed light contains three radiating elements of different colors, of mostly red, green and blue light. The irradiation program control unit includes a chrominance modulator for each radiating sources of directed light.

The device includes an electric probe for locating the acupuncture points and a temperature probe, which are linked together in such a way that only one of them can touch the acupuncture point at each moment in time. The irradiation program control unit contains an audio source of variable tonality and a display for recording the temperature values.

The essence of the invention is illustrated by drawings, on which: Fig. 1 - depicts a variant of the device with two groups of sources, front view; Fig. 2 - section II - II on fig. 1; Fig. 3 - section III - III on fig.l; Fig. 4 - depicts a device in the upper position of the regulator of mutual orientation of two groups of sources; Fig. 5 - depicts a device in the middle position of the regulator of mutual orientation of two r groups of sources; Fig. 6 - depicts a device in the lower position of the regulator of mutual orientation of two groups of sources; Fig. 7 - depicts a variant of the device with fixation on the user's finger, top view; Fig. 8 - section VIII - VIII on fig. 7; Fig. 9 - section ΓΧ - IX on fig.7; Fig. 10 - depicts a variant of the device with a single group of sources, front view; Fig. 11 - functional block-diagram of the device.

The main variant of the device with two groups of sources (Fig.l) contains a body 1, in which two plates 2a and 2b, which are connected by hinge 3, are installed. The sources of light of one color 4 are mounted on plate 2a and sources of light of another color 5 are mounted on plate 2b. The sources 4 and 5 are located symmetrically to each other with respect to the axis of the hinge. Three radiating elements 6, 7 and 8 of respectively red, green and blue light, are mounted on a spherical base inside each light source. Triple-pole LEDs with variable frequencies of emitted light corresponding to the required colors can be used as radiating elements. Each source is provided with a cylindrical guiding sleeve 9 (Fig.2).

The arched legs 10 and 11 are rigidly attached to each of the plates 2a and 2b respectively at the locations of connection to the hinge 3 (Fig.3). These arched legs 10 and 11 constitute support elements for changing the relative orientation between plates 2a and 2b and the light sources. Grooves 12 and 13 which diverge from the hinge 3, are made in the adjoining butt-ends of the legs 10 and 11, and groove 14 is made in the body section 1 that adjoins these grooves. Slider 15 of regulator 16 of the relative orientation of light source groups is movably connected with groove 14. Sliders 17a and 17b are movably connected with grooves 12 and 13 respectively. The sliders 17a and 17b are rigidly connected between them and with slider 15 by a transverse plate 18. This plate serves as a constant basis between sliders 17a and 17b. The angles between the plates 2a, 2b and the corresponding grooves 12, 13, and the basic distance between sliders 17a and 17b, define the range of variation of the mutual orientation of the groups of sources 4, 5.

The result of the lower position of the regulator 16 is the maximal angle between the legs 10 and 11, which corresponds to the minimal mutual distance between the light sources 4 and 5.

The upper position of regulator 16 results in a minimal angle between the legs 10 and 11, which corresponds to maximal distance between the light sources 4 and 5. The legs 10 and 11 with the grooves 12 and 13, sliders 17a and 17b with the plate 18, groove 14 and sliders 15 with regulator 16 form together the unit for changing the mutual orientation of the light sources 4 and 5.

Electric probe 19 for locating acupuncture points by measuring the electric conductivity of the skin, and probe 20 for determining the temperature of the acupuncture points, for example by measuring the intensity of their infrared radiation, are set in body 1. Probes 19 and 20 are fixed by their back ends respectively on the ends of changeover switch 21, which is hinged on the back side of the body 1. Changeover switch 21 is intended for setting probe 19 or probe 20 in the working position.

Sources 4 and 5, probe 19 and probe 20 are connected by a flexible cable to the irradiation program control unit 22 (Fig. 8). Unit 22 contains the shaper 23 of the parameters of light sources 4 and 5, and modulators 24, 25 and 26 of the intensity, the chrominance and the duration of the light irradiation respectively. Unit 22 also contains a locator 27 of the acupuncture points, which is connected to variable tonality audio source 28, and the temperature determining unit 29 with display 30. In order to activate the irradiation program, unit 22 contains a central processor 31, which is connected to the aforementioned modules 23...30, and to keyboard 32 and power source 33.

Fig. 7 presents a different variant of the device with two groups of adjacent sources of light of different color in the form of a clip 34 fixed on the user's finger. Light sources 4 and 5 are installed symmetrically to each other on the two arc-shaped grips 35a and 35b of clip 34 by means of the two rotating axes 36a and 36b, respectively. The two rotating axes 36a and 36b with a groups of light sources 4 and 5, which are hinged on them, form together a unit for changing the mutual orientation of the light sources. The grips 35a and 35b are hinged together and held together by spring 37.

Fig. 10 (priority from 26.11.2009) shows the variant of the device with a single group of sources 38, located in concentric circles on plate 39. Plate 39 is fixed in body 40, and each source contains three radiating elements 6, 7 and 8 of red, green and blue color, respectively. Sources 38 are connected by a flexible cable to the shaper 41, which is made with the ability of changing the mutual orientation the pairs 38 of sources of different color, and with the ability of changing the sequence of color and the pulsation frequency of their irradiation. Shaper 41 is connected to processor 31 and is also made with the ability of forming a multi-color running wave of light in a radial or circumferential direction. The running wave motion is carried out by sequential switching of the colors of sources 38, located in the selected direct or opposite direction of travel of the running wave.

Other variants of executing the device and locating the sources of light relative to the user are possible. For example a clip variant (Fig. 8) may be attached to the ears. Also, sources 38 may be located on plate 39 in perpendicular rows or as on a chess-board (in staggered rows). Also, other principles for locating the acupuncture points and determining their temperature are possible, and other designs for the unit for modifying the relative orientation of the light sources 4 and 5 are possible.

A unique feature of the proposed device is the ability of simultaneous excitation of two adjacent acupuncture points by light irradiation of contrasting colors.

This activates the energy exchange in the user's organs that are associated with the acupuncture points, and significantly improves the effectiveness of the treatment.

The basic principle of operation of the device with two groups of sources 4 and 5 consists in simultaneous excitation of at least one pair of adjacent acupuncture points by light sources of two different colors. Depending on the locus of application and the irradiation procedure, the following color combinations of light sources 4 and 5 may be used: red and blue, red and light-blue, red and green, red and yellow, red and orange, yellow and green, and other color combinations.

The basic principle of operation of the device with a single group of sources 38 consists in dynamic irradiation of a group of biologically active points on the body by simultaneously radiating light of two colors or more according to the "nmning wave" principle. The shaper 41 may be used for varying the distance between pairs of sources of contrasting color irradiation, and for directing them at the selected adjoining acupuncture points. Monochromatic radiation from sources 38 may be in red, blue, orange or other color may be provided, or colors may alternate in a running wave.

The device, shown on figures 1 - 6 functions as follows. At first the probe 19 is set into its working position using switch 21, and based on the maximal tone of the audio source 28, the required acupuncture points are found. Then, probe 20 is set into its working position using switch 21 and the temperature of the located points is found, which characterizes the condition of the user's organs.

The required precision in orienting light sources 4 and 5 with respect to the acupuncture points on the user's body is attained by moving regulator 16 with the slider 15 in groove 14. This results in the motion of sliders 17a and 17b in grooves 12 and 13. Since the base between sliders 17a and 17b is constant, when sliders 17a and 17b move towards the hinged plates 2a and 2b, the legs 10 and 11 move apart. As this occurs, plates 2a and 2b turn towards each other, resulting in the drawing together of sources 4 and 5. When the sliders 17a and 17b move away from the hinged plates 2a and 2b the legs 10 and 11 move closer together.

At the same time the plates 2a and 2b turn away from each other and move the sources 4 and 5 apart. The maximal range of control over the relative position of sources 4 and 5 is achieved when the base between sliders 17a and 17b is such that in the middle position of regulator 16, the light sources 4 and 5 are parallel. Figure 4 shows the maximal spacing between the sources 4 and 5, where the slider 15 of regulator 16 is in the upper position. Figure 5 shows the mutually-parallel orientation of sources 4 and 5, where the slider 15 of regulator 16 is in the middle position. Figure 6 shows the sources 4 and 5 in closest proximity, where the slider 15 of regulator 16 is in the lower position. Thus, one can set practically any orientation of the light sources 4 and 5, a fact that expands the range of effective application of the device on the user's body.

A command is sent using keyboard 32 and central processor 31 to the shaper 23 of the parameters of the light irradiation. Modulator 24 determines the level of light intensity from sources 4 and 5. Modulator 25 determines the ratio of light intensities from the radiating elements 6, 7 and 8 inside each light source.

By changing the ratio of light intensities of radiating elements 6, 7 and 8, illumination by practically any color can be obtained at the required point. Modulator 26 determines the duration of the impulses of light.

After the light irradiation procedure is completed, probe 20 is set again in the working position, and a control sampling of the temperature is performed at the irradiated points. The effectiveness of the treatment is found from the temperature difference at the acupuncture points before and after irradiation.

The variant of the device shown on fig. 7 - 9 functions as follows: The clip 34 is worn on the user's finger and is fixed by grips 35a and 35b. Then, according to the available data, by opposed rotation of light sources 4 and 5 about the axes 36a and 36b, the required spacing between them is set. Then, similar to the description above, the required parameters of the light irradiation are set using unit 22, and the irradiation is performed.

The variant of the device shown on fig. 10 (priority from 26.11.2009) functions as follows. Keyboard 32 on the control unit 22 is used to select the required program of operation of the device. The central processor 31 and the modulators 24-26 are used to select the parameters of intensity, color and duration of the irradiation pulses of sources 38. Shaper 41 is used for the selection of the pair of sources 38, which act upon adjoining pairs of acupuncture points. Any spacing within the limits of plate 39 may be selected between the mentioned pairs of sources 38b. The sequential switching of the colors of the sources 38 creates a multi-colored running wave effect. The command for the direction of propagation of the running light wave and the sequencing of its color shades is also selected by shaper 41.

This results in automatic sequential switching of the selected sources 38, located at the front of the running wave in the direct or opposite radial direction, or along a circle relative to the center of the group of sources. In such a manner effective contrasting-color light massage of a group of acupuncture point may be carried out, which expands the spectrum of chromatic-therapeutic methods and the field of applications of the device.

The proposed device is universal and can offer effective treatment in a wide spectrum of chromatic-therapeutic methods, both traditional and non-conventional, such as Su Jok therapy. In addition, the device is simple in design and can produce practically any color hues of irradiation by light sources 4 and 5.

Thus, the proposed invention meets the set goals and can be widely and effectively used in therapeutic practice.

Claims (8)

9 IL 197546/5 - Claims

1. A device for multi-chromatic light irradiation of acupuncture points, that includes a group of sources of directed light and a irradiation program control unit (22) that is connected to them, where: - Each source is installed with the ability of orientation at only one acupuncture point; - The group of sources includes at least one pair of light sources of different colors, which are installed with the possibility of orientation at two adjacent acupuncture points, according to the irradiation program; - The device includes a unit for modifying the mutual orientation of the light sources in the mentioned pairs; - The control unit (22) includes a processor (31) with a shaper of the parameters of the procedure and connected modulators (24) of the intensity and duration of the pulses (26) of light irradiation; - The modulators of the intensity and duration of the pulses of light irradiation allow varying the intensity and frequency of monochromatic irradiation of light sources in such a way, that they simultaneously generate irradiation in two contrasting colors from at least two of the mentioned adjacent light sources.

2. A device according to claim 1, which includes two groups of sources (4, 5) of directed light of different colors, which are adjacent, and are located on two hinged plates (2a, 2b), where: - The unit for changing the mutual orientation of the mentioned adjacent groups of sources includes two legs (10, 11), which are connected rigidly to the corresponding plates (2a, 2b) at the point of their attachment to the hinge (3); - Grooves (12, 13) diverging from the hinge (3), which are movably connected to the sliders (17a, 17b) and to regulator (16) of the relative orientation of the group of light sources (4, 5), are made in the adjoining butt-ends of legs (10,11); - The sliders (17a and 17b) are rigidly connected between them by a transverse plate (18) which sets a constant basic distance between them; - The angles between plates (2a, 2b) and the corresponding grooves (12, 13) and the basic distance between the sliders (17a, 17b) define the range of variation of the relative orientation of the group of sources (4, 5).

3. A device according to claim 1, which includes one group of sources (38) of directed light, which are set in the body (40) in concentric circles (priority from 26.11.2009), where: 10 IL197546/5 - The unit for changing the mutual orientation between light sources of different color is placed in a control unit (22) and it comprises a shaper (41) of the pairs of light sources of different color, the sequence of color variations, and the pulsation frequency of their irradiation; - The shaper (41) is connected to processor (31) and the specified sources (38) of directed light, allowing the formation of a multi-color running wave of light in the radial or circumferential direction by sequential switching of the color of the selected pairs of sources (38) located in the direct or in the opposite selected direction of the running wave.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 which includes an electric probe (19) for locating the acupuncture points, which is connected to locator (27) of acupuncture points, and where the irradiation program control unit (22) includes an audio source (28).

5. A device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 which includes a temperature probe (20) connected to determining unit (29) of the temperature of the acupuncture points, and the treatment procedure control unit (22) includes a display (30) for recording the temperature values.

6. A device according to claim 5, which includes the mentioned probe (19) for locating the acupuncture points, in which the probe (19) and the temperature probe (20) are connected between them by changeover switch (21), where changeover switch (21) allows advancement of only one of the probes towards the acupuncture point at any given time.

7. A device according to claim 1, which contains two groups of sources (4, 5) of directed light of different colors, which are adjacent and made with the ability of fixation on the user's body, using a spring-driven clip (34), where: - The clip (34) includes two arc-shaped grips hinged together, each of which carries one group of light sources, - The unit for changing the mutual orientation of adjacent light sources is made as two rotating axes (36a and 36b) with groups of sources (4 and 5) hinged to them and installed on corresponding grips (35a and 35b).

8. A device according to claim 1 - 7, in which each source of directed light includes three radiating elements (6, 7, 8) of different colors, of red, green and blue color, and the irradiation program control unit (22) includes a chromaticity modulator (25) for each source of directed light which is connected to processor (31). Applicants