JP5461109B2 - Low frequency pulse applying device and method of using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a low-frequency pulse applying device that applies a pulse to a plurality of zones, and a method of using this device.

  There are a number of so-called crucibles in the human body that are closely related to internal organs and other organs. It is known that when these acupoints are stimulated, the organs corresponding to the acupoints are indirectly stimulated to obtain effects such as treatment or prevention for various diseases and recovery from fatigue. In addition, it is known that the human body is connected to the brain by nerves that stretch around the body, and electrical signals called bioelectricity are exchanged between the brain and each site via this nerve. It has been. A command is transmitted from the brain to each part by this electrical signal, and a stimulus from each part is transmitted to the brain. There are nerves connected to each organ in the above-mentioned crucible, and each organ can be indirectly stimulated by applying electrical stimulation to this crucible.

  In recent years, based on these findings, a method for stimulating a pot with a low-frequency pulse has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, the pot on the sole of the foot is stimulated by a low frequency pulse applied to a human foot-shaped conductor. Moreover, according to the device described in Patent Document 2, several types of low frequency pulses are selected to stimulate the pot. The low-frequency pulse applying device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that a pulse cannot be effectively applied to a necessary portion because a pulse is output to the entire sole. On the other hand, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, the sole of the foot is divided into a plurality of zones, and a pulse is applied to one or a plurality of these zones, so that it is effective for a necessary portion. I'm trying to give a stimulus.

JP 2001-333991 A Registered Utility Model No. 3046497

  By the way, it is assumed that there is a subject who has a part (organ) weakened by a certain disease. Depending on the disease, there may be little change in subjective symptoms or appearance, and it may be difficult to judge the disease. If there are not many subjective symptoms, the subject has little chance of knowing where the weakened part is, and if there is no subjective symptom even if this disease can be easily judged by a doctor's diagnosis It is unlikely that the subject will be diagnosed. Furthermore, when there is not much change in appearance, the doctor may not be able to identify the weakened part.

  If the subject is unable to know where the subject is weak for the above reasons, the subject will not know where to stimulate even if there is an opportunity to use the low-frequency pulse application device. This may cause a problem that a site that does not need to be stimulated is stimulated and a sufficient effect cannot be obtained. The low-frequency pulse applying devices described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are difficult to cope with such problems.

  Furthermore, the inventors' long-standing research has revealed that when the blood circulation is stagnant, the stimulation by the low-frequency pulse applying device cannot be sufficiently applied.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention seeks a weak part of the body of the subject that the subject himself has not yet noticed, and can effectively stimulate the found part, and the low frequency It aims at providing the usage method of a pulse application apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the low-frequency pulse applying device of the present invention comprises:
A low frequency pulse applying device for applying a pulse to a plurality of zones,
A self-diagnosis mode in which a pulse of a predetermined frequency is generated and the generation of the pulse is temporarily stopped; and
A muscle stimulation mode in which a pulse having a frequency changed within a first predetermined frequency range having an upper limit value lower than the predetermined frequency is generated and the generation of the pulse is paused.
A pulse having a frequency that has an upper limit lower than the predetermined frequency and changed in a second predetermined frequency range wider than the first predetermined frequency range is generated, and the generation of the pulse is paused. A nerve stimulation mode in which a pulse having a frequency changed within the second predetermined frequency range is generated while the amplitude is modulated and the generation of the pulse is paused.
A mode switching operator for switching to one mode from the self-diagnosis mode, the muscle stimulation mode, and the nerve stimulation mode;
A pattern selection operator for selecting one energization point pattern from a plurality of energization point patterns that define the combination of the zones;
A pulse application unit that applies an output pulse corresponding to a pulse generated in the mode switched by the mode switching operator to a zone defined by one energization point pattern selected by the pattern selection operator; It is characterized by that.

  According to the low frequency pulse applying device of the present invention, the self-diagnosis mode can be used when searching for a weakened part of the subject. The nerve stimulation mode can be used when stimulating the found site. Furthermore, by using the muscle stimulation mode to stimulate the calf and improve blood circulation throughout the body, it can be easily found when finding a weakened part, and more effective when stimulating the found part. Can be stimulated.

Here, in the low frequency pulse applying device, in the muscle stimulation mode, a pulse having a frequency changed within the first predetermined frequency range is generated for a first predetermined time, and the generation of the pulse is temporarily stopped. It is a mode that repeats
The nerve stimulation mode generates a pulse having a frequency changed within the second predetermined frequency range for a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time, and temporarily stops generating the pulse. The third predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time and longer than the second predetermined time while modulating the amplitude of the pulse having the frequency changed within the second predetermined frequency range after the generation is repeated. The mode may be a mode in which generation of time and generation of the pulse are temporarily stopped, and generation of amplitude modulation is repeated.

  According to this low frequency pulse applying device, it is possible to output an effective pulse for muscle stimulation and nerve stimulation only by selecting a mode.

  Further, the low frequency pulse applying device has a third predetermined frequency in which the nerve stimulation mode is narrower than the second predetermined frequency range included in the second predetermined frequency range in the amplitude modulation generation. A mode in which a pulse having a frequency changed within the range and whose amplitude is intermittently modulated to 0 may be generated.

  According to this low frequency pulse applying device, it is possible to output an effective pulse by nerve stimulation only by selecting a mode.

  Further, in the low frequency pulse applying device, the plurality of zones may be arranged corresponding to a pot on the sole of the foot.

  According to this low frequency pulse applying device, the sole of the foot where the pot is concentrated can be effectively stimulated.

Furthermore, the low-frequency pulse applying device includes an output adjusting operator that adjusts the intensity of the output pulse,
The pulse applying unit may apply an output pulse obtained by modulating the amplitude of the pulse generated in the mode switched by the mode switching operation unit according to the intensity adjusted by the output adjustment operation unit.

  According to this low frequency pulse applying device, it is possible to apply an output pulse suitable for the physical condition, taste, etc. of the subject.

  Further, the low frequency pulse applying device includes a frequency selection operator for selecting a frequency of the output pulse, and the self-diagnosis mode is a mode in which the frequency selected by the frequency selection operator is used as the predetermined frequency. May be. That is, the aspect provided with the frequency selection operation element which selects the frequency of the pulse applied in the said self-diagnosis mode may be sufficient.

The method of using the present invention to achieve the above object is as follows.
A method of using the low-frequency pulse applying device,
All of the plurality of zones are brought into contact with the soles of the subject's feet, and the output adjustment operator is operated while applying an output pulse corresponding to the pulse generated in the self-diagnosis mode to all of the plurality of zones. A reference determination step of adjusting the intensity of the output pulse, and determining the output pulse of the intensity at which the subject feels no pain and feels the strongest stimulus as a reference output pulse;
Each zone constituting the combination of zones determined for each energization point pattern selected while bringing the plurality of zones into contact with the sole of the subject's feet and operating the pattern selection operator to sequentially select energization point patterns. Applying the pulse generated in the self-diagnostic mode to the zone with the intensity of the reference output pulse, and searching for a conduction point pattern in which the stimulus when applied is weaker than the stimulus felt when the reference output pulse is determined A diagnostic step.

  According to the method of use of the present invention, it is possible to easily find a part where the flow of bioelectricity of the subject is deteriorated, that is, a weak part without knowledge of the low frequency pulse applying device.

  In addition, the method of use is performed before the reference determination step, in which the plurality of zones are brought into contact with the calf of the subject in a state where the subject is lying on the basis of the pulse generated in the muscle stimulation mode. There may be a calf stimulation step in which the output pulse is applied to the plurality of zones.

  According to this method of use, even those who do not usually feel much low-frequency pulse stimulation can easily recognize the difference in sensation by improving the circulation of the whole body and stimulating sensation by stimulating the calf. The weak part of the subject can be easily found.

  Furthermore, the usage method includes a nerve stimulation step of applying an output pulse corresponding to a pulse generated in the nerve stimulation mode to each zone constituting a combination of zones determined by the energization point pattern searched in the self-diagnosis step. It may have.

  According to this method of use, the weakened part of the subject can be stimulated accurately, and more effective stimulation can be achieved particularly when combined with the calf stimulation step.

  Further, in the above usage method, instead of the calf stimulation step, a forearm stimulation step is performed in which the left and right forearms are brought into contact with the plurality of zones and an output pulse is applied to the zone in which these forearms are in contact. May be. According to the forearm stimulation step, the forearm muscles can be stimulated to promote blood circulation, and in particular, blood circulation from the arm to the shoulder can be promoted.

  The forearm stimulation step may be performed before or after the calf stimulation step or simultaneously with the calf stimulation step. According to this method of use, blood circulation throughout the body can be more effectively promoted.

  Further, in the above method of use, the palm and / or fingertip abdomen are brought into contact with any one of the plurality of zones instead of the nerve stimulation step, and the palm and / or the fingertip abdomen are in contact with each other. It may have a palm stimulation step of applying an output pulse to. According to this method of use, the crucible on the belly of the fingertip and the palm can be stimulated to effectively stimulate the upper body, particularly the region above the diaphragm.

  The palm stimulation step may be performed before or after the nerve stimulation step or simultaneously with the nerve stimulation step. According to this method of use, it is possible to stimulate more effectively by stimulating all the pots on the soles of the feet, the pot on the palm, and the pot on the belly of the fingertip.

  Further, in the above usage method, instead of the nerve stimulation step or the palm stimulation step, a low frequency pulse applying device including a pair of low frequency pads to which an output pulse corresponding to a mode is applied is prepared. There may be provided a spinal cord stimulation step in which a frequency pad is attached to the upper and lower sides of the spine of the back and an output pulse is applied to the pair of low frequency pads. According to this method of use, the entire body can be effectively stimulated by stimulating the spine.

  Further, a plurality of low frequency pulse applying devices may be prepared and the spinal cord stimulation step may be performed simultaneously with the palm stimulation step and the nerve stimulation step. According to this method of use, stimulation can be performed simultaneously by a plurality of low-frequency pulse applying devices, so that more effective stimulation can be performed.

  According to the present invention, a low-frequency pulse application device capable of finding a weakened part of the body of the subject that the subject himself has not yet noticed, and effectively stimulating the found part, and the low-frequency pulse application The method of using the device is realized.

It is a figure which shows the low frequency pulse application device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which removed the foot stand 102L of the low frequency pulse application device shown in FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a low frequency pulse applying device 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows a part of pulse which generate | occur | produces in each mode generation part. It is a figure which shows an electricity supply point pattern, its corresponding site | part, and symptom. It is a flowchart which shows the usage method of the low frequency pulse application device 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the use condition of the low frequency pulse application device in step S100. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the flow of step S100. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the flow of step S200. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the flow of step S300. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the flow of step S400. It is a figure which shows the state which mounts the fingertip belly on left zone 10L and right zone 10R, and irritate | stimulates. It is a figure which shows the state which stimulates the spinal cord using the low frequency pad. It is a graph which shows the change of the blood pressure before and behind performing muscle stimulation by a low frequency pulse application device on a calf. It is a graph which shows cAMP, cGMP, and cAMP / cGMP before and behind performing the stimulation by a low frequency pulse application device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a low-frequency pulse applying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The low frequency pulse applying device 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a self-diagnosis mode, a muscle stimulation mode, and a nerve stimulation mode.

  The low-frequency pulse applying device 100 includes a main body 101, a pair of left and right foot cradles 102L and 102R, a key lock operator 103 for preventing operation of other operators to prevent malfunction, and the above three modes. A mode switching operation element 104 for switching to one mode from among the above, a pattern selection operation for selecting one energization PP from among a plurality of energization point patterns (hereinafter referred to as energization PP) that define a combination of zones to be described later. 105, a timer operation element 106 for setting the application time of the output pulse, an output adjustment operation element 107 for adjusting the output of the pulse, a main display unit 108 for displaying the selected mode, energization PP, and application time, and an output pulse Output zone display sections 109L and 109R for displaying the applied zone, a handle 110 for carrying, and Cradle 102L, is equipped with a removable button 113L, 113R for removing the 102R. Further, although not shown, an external output terminal is provided, and in FIG. 1, a pair of low frequency pads 112 are connected to this terminal. The pattern selection operator 105 can select the low frequency pad 112 as an application target instead of the zone. The left foot cradle 102L includes first to seventh zones 1L to 7L to which output pulses are applied. Hereinafter, these seven zones may be collectively referred to as the left zone 10L. Similarly to the left foot cradle 102L, the right foot cradle 102R includes first to seventh zones 1R to 7R, and a group of these zones may be referred to as a right zone 10R. The left zone 10L and the right zone 10R are arranged corresponding to the pots on the soles of the feet. Therefore, if the soles of the subject's feet are placed on the left and right foot cradles 102L and 102R, the pots on the soles of the feet can be stimulated. By stimulating this acupuncture point, nerves connected to various parts of the human body and organs are stimulated. In this embodiment, the key lock operator 103, the mode switching operator 104, the pattern selection operator 105, and the timer operator 106 are button-type, and the output adjustment operator 107 is dial-type. The child is not limited to these methods. For example, the button type may be a dial type or a slider type, and the dial type may be a button type or a slider type.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state where the foot cradle 102L of the low frequency pulse applying device illustrated in FIG. 1 is removed.

  The foot cradle 102L shown in FIG. 2 is in a state of being detached from the main body 101 by pressing the detach button 113L. The foot cradle 102L includes a connection cord 1021 having a connector 1022 at the tip, and is connected to the main body 101 by the connector 1022. Since the output pulse can be applied to the left zone 10L as long as the connection cord 1021 can reach, it is possible to use the foot support 102L removed on the sole of the person who is bedridden. it can.

  Further, by removing the connector 1022 from the main body 101, the foot rest 102L and the main body 101 can be completely separated. In this low frequency pulse applying device 100, for example, several types of foot cradles having different sizes such as a foot cradle 202L having a small size shown in the upper right of FIG. 2 are prepared. The small foot cradle 202L described above also includes a connection cord 2021 having a connector 2022 at the tip. The small foot support 202L can also be connected to the main body 101 in place of the already connected foot support 102L. According to the low-frequency pulse applying device 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to select and attach to the main body 101 a foot cradle that matches the size of a person's foot to be used. The right foot cradle 102R can also be detached from the main body 101 by the detach button 113R in the same manner as the left foot cradle 102L.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the low frequency pulse applying device 100.

  A low-frequency pulse applying apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes a self-diagnosis mode pulse generating unit 301, a muscle stimulation mode pulse generating unit 302, a nerve stimulation mode pulse generating unit 303, and a pulse applying unit 304. 3 shows the mode switching operation 104, the pattern selection operator 105, the timer operator 106, the output adjustment operator 107, the first to seventh zones 1L to 7L on the left side, and the first to seventh zones on the right side. Zones 1R-7R and a low frequency pad 112 are shown.

  The self-diagnosis mode pulse generator 301 generates a pulse corresponding to the self-diagnosis mode. The muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302 generates a pulse corresponding to the muscle stimulation mode. The nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 303 generates a pulse corresponding to the nerve stimulation mode.

  Here, pulses generated by the self-diagnosis mode pulse generator 301, the muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302, and the nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 303 will be described.

  First, the self-diagnosis mode pulse generator 301 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of pulses generated in each mode generator.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a part of a pulse generated from the self-diagnosis mode pulse generator 301. As shown in the graph of FIG. 4A, the self-diagnosis mode pulse generator 301 generates five pulses of a self-diagnosis frequency 200 Hz corresponding to an example of a pulse of a predetermined frequency according to the present invention, and then generates a pulse. To pause. Since this pulse has one cycle of 5 ms, the generation period of the pulse is five cycles and a total of 25 ms. The pulse pause period following the pulse generation period is 49 ms. Accordingly, the self-diagnosis mode generator 301 generates a pulse that repeats a total cycle of 74 ms.

  If the pulse generated by the self-diagnosis mode generator 301 is used, it is possible to find a weakened part of the subject.

  Here, the low-frequency pulse applying device 100 includes a frequency selection operator that selects the frequency of the output pulse, and the self-diagnosis mode pulse generator 301 generates a pulse having a frequency selected by the frequency selection operator. It may be. In other words, the self-diagnosis mode pulse generator 301 may be provided with a frequency selection operator that selects the frequency of the pulse generated.

  Next, the muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302 will be described.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a part of a pulse generated from the muscle stimulation mode pulse generation unit 302. As shown in FIG. 4B, the muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302 repeats a cycle of a pulse generation period of 30 s (corresponding to an example of the first predetermined time according to the present invention) and a pulse pause period of 1 s. Generate a pulse. The frequency of the pulse for the first 30 s shown in FIG. 4B is 1 Hz, and the frequency of the pulse for the next 30 s across the pause period of 1 s is 1.5 Hz. As shown in FIG. 4B, the frequency of the pulse for 30 s changes with a pause period of 1 s. In the present embodiment, the muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302 changes the frequency in six stages (for example, 1 Hz, 1.5 Hz, 3 Hz, 5 Hz, 3 Hz, and 1.5 Hz). In addition, the combination of numerical values of these six steps is not limited, and other numerical value combinations may be used. As described above, in this embodiment, the muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302 generates a pulse having a frequency changed in the muscle stimulation frequency range of 1 Hz to 5 Hz (corresponding to an example of the first predetermined frequency range according to the present invention). . The upper limit value of the muscle stimulation frequency range is 5 Hz, but the upper limit value may be an upper limit value lower than the self-diagnosis frequency in the self-diagnosis mode (200 Hz in the present embodiment).

  If the pulse generated by the muscle stimulation mode generator 302 is used, the subject's calf can be stimulated to improve blood circulation throughout the body. Furthermore, by improving blood circulation, when searching for a weakened part of the subject to be described later, the part can be easily found, and when performing neural stimulation to be described later, stimulation can be performed more effectively. it can.

  Finally, the nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 303 will be described.

  The nerve stimulation mode pulse generation unit 303 roughly generates two types of pulses in succession.

  First, the first type of pulse is a pulse having a different frequency in the same manner as the pulse generated by the muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302 described above. However, the pulse generated here is different from the pulse generated in the muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302 in the frequency of the pulse and the pulse generation period of each frequency. The first type of pulse generated by the nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 303 is a pulse generation period of 5 s shorter than the pulse generation period of the muscle stimulation mode pulse generator 302 described above (for the second predetermined time according to the present invention). Cycle corresponding to an example) and a pulse pause period of 1 s (corresponding to an example of constant frequency generation according to the present invention). The frequency of the pulse in this pulse generation period changes with the pulse pause period in between, as in the muscle stimulation mode. In the present embodiment, the nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 303 changes the frequency in 12 stages (for example, 1 Hz, 3 Hz, 10 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz, 40 Hz, 50 Hz, 40 Hz, 30 Hz, 20 Hz, 10 Hz, 3 Hz). As described above, in this embodiment, the nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 303 has a pulse with a frequency changed in the first nerve stimulation frequency range of 1 Hz to 50 Hz (corresponding to an example of the second predetermined frequency range according to the present invention). Is generated. The first nerve stimulation frequency range may be in the frequency range whose upper limit value (50 Hz) is lower than the above-described self-diagnosis frequency (200 Hz in the present embodiment) and wider than the muscle stimulation frequency range. .

  The second type of pulse is a pulse whose frequency and amplitude change. FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a part of this second type of pulse generated from the nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 303.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (c), the second type pulse is shorter than the pulse generation period in the muscle stimulation mode pulse generation unit 302 described above and longer than the pulse generation period of the first type pulse described above for 10 seconds. Pulse generation period (corresponding to an example of a third predetermined time according to the present invention) and a pulse pause period cycle corresponding to 1 s (corresponding to an example of amplitude modulation generation according to the present invention). The pulse generated here also changes in frequency with a pulse pause period in between, as in the muscle stimulation mode. In the present embodiment, the nerve stimulation mode pulse generation unit 303 changes the frequency in six steps (for example, 5 Hz, 10 Hz, 20 Hz, 40 Hz, 20 Hz, 10 Hz). In addition, the combination of numerical values of these six steps is not limited, and other numerical value combinations may be used. As described above, in this embodiment, the nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 302 has a frequency changed in the second nerve stimulation frequency range of 5 Hz to 40 Hz (corresponding to an example of the third predetermined frequency range according to the present invention). Generate a pulse. The second nerve stimulation frequency range may be the same range or narrow range as the first nerve stimulation frequency range. Further, in the second type of pulse, the amplitude changes in addition to the change in frequency. As shown in FIG. 4C, the pulse amplitude is initially small but gradually increases to a constant amplitude, and then the amplitude becomes zero. This series of amplitude modulation is repeated four times in 10 seconds. That is, the pulse amplitude is intermittently modulated to zero. In addition, the aspect of frequency and amplitude modulation demonstrated here is an example, The aspect of frequency and amplitude modulation other than having demonstrated here may be sufficient.

  The nerve stimulation mode pulse generator 303 generates a second type of pulse following the first type of pulse. The pulse generated by the nerve stimulation mode pulse generation unit 303 can be used when stimulating a weakened site described later.

  Pulses generated from the above three mode pulse generators are repeatedly input to the pulse application unit 304. The pulse applying unit 304 applies an output pulse corresponding to the mode pulse switched by the mode switching operator 104 to the zone and / or the low-frequency pad 112 constituting the energization PP selected by the pattern selection operator 105. To do. Here, the energization PP and its constituent zones will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing energization point patterns and corresponding portions and symptoms.

  In the table shown in FIG. 5A, one energization PP is shown in one horizontal row, and ten types of energization PP are shown in total. The energization PP defines a combination of zones, and a site to be stimulated (adaptation), a corresponding symptom (adaptation symptom), and an output pulse are applied to each energization PP shown in FIG. A combination of zones (energization points) is shown. The zone indicated by the energized location corresponds to a crucible that can stimulate the site indicated for adaptation in the figure. The energized locations shown in FIG. 5A are represented by reference numerals assigned to the zones shown in FIG. The pulse application unit 304 stores the correspondence between the energization PP and the energization location. When the energization PP is selected by the pattern selection operator 105, an output pulse is applied to the zone corresponding to the selected energization PP. . For example, the energization PP1 is composed of a total of eight zones, ie, first zones 1L and 1R on the left and right, third zones 3L and 3R, fourth zones 4L and 4R, and seventh zones 7L and 7R. . Accordingly, the pulse application unit 304 applies output pulses to the eight zones when the energization PP1 is selected by the pattern selection operator 105. In addition, the energization PP10 is composed of all zones. Therefore, when the energization PP10 is selected, the pulse applying unit 304 applies output pulses to all the zones. When the energization PP is selected by the pattern selection operator 105 in this way, the pulse application unit 304 applies a pulse to the zone constituting the selected energization PP.

  Each time the timer operator 106 is pressed, the output pulse application time in the pulse application unit 304 is decreased in units of one minute. The initial value of the output pulse application time set in the pulse application unit 304 is 30 minutes. The pulse applying unit 304 applies an output pulse for the set time.

  The output adjustment operator 107 adjusts the amplitude of the generated pulse input to the pulse applying unit 304 from each mode. As a result, the pulse application unit 304 applies an output pulse obtained by modulating the amplitude of the pulse generated in the mode switched by the mode switching operation element 104 according to the intensity adjusted by the output adjustment operation element.

  The main display unit 108 displays information set by the mode switching operator 104, the pattern selection operator 105, and the timer operator 106.

  The output zone display units 109L and 009R display information indicating a zone to which an output pulse is applied in response to an input from the pattern selection operator 105.

  According to the low-frequency pulse applying device 100, a combination of zones can be determined simply by selecting one pattern from a plurality of predetermined energization PPs. May be. Furthermore, since an appropriate pulse is output simply by selecting a mode suitable for the purpose of use in advance, it is not necessary to set the pulse frequency according to the purpose of use.

  Next, an embodiment of the usage method of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of using the low frequency pulse applying apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 6 shows a rough flow of how to use the low-frequency pulse applying device of this embodiment. The usage method described here is a series of processes desirable when the low-frequency pulse applying device is used for the first time. The first step S100 is a step of stimulating calves. The next step S200 and step S300 are steps for searching for weakened parts. And the last step S400 is a step which stimulates the weak part from the result of step S200 and step S300. Each step may be performed by the subject himself or by an assistant. Hereinafter, the details will be described on the assumption that the subject himself performs each step with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

  First, step S100 for stimulating calves will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a usage state of the low-frequency pulse applying device in step S100.

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which the calf C is placed on the low frequency pulse applying device 100 with the subject lying on his back. In FIG. 7, calves C of both feet L are placed on the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R, respectively, and the foot tips S are shown in the upward direction in the figure. In this calf stimulation step, calf C is preferably brought into direct contact with the zone as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the flow of step S100.

  The low-frequency pulse applying device 101 prevents an output pulse from being unintentionally applied when the power is turned on. In order to apply the output pulse, it is necessary to once return the output adjustment operator 107 to the state where the output is zero. Therefore, first, in step S101 shown in FIG. 8, the output adjustment operator 107 is operated so that the output becomes zero. By this operation, the subsequent operation of the output adjustment operator 107 is reflected. In step S102, the mode switching operator 104 is operated to switch to the muscle stimulation mode, and the pattern selection operator 105 is operated to select the energization PP10. In the subsequent step S103, the subject lies down and brings his calf into contact with the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R of the low frequency pulse applying device 100. If it is difficult to lie down depending on the health condition, for example, if it is easier to raise the upper body, the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R can be brought into contact with their calves in such an easy posture. Good. In addition, it is preferable that calves are brought into contact with all the zones, but some zones may be used when it is difficult depending on the health condition of the subject.

  Note that the order of steps S101 to S103 so far is not necessarily performed in this order, and may be reversed, for example.

  In step S104, the output adjustment operator 107 is operated to increase the output. The calf is stimulated by the pulse that is output at this time, but there are individual differences in how the stimulation is felt. For example, even if the output is the same, some people may be too stimulated and painful. This makes it difficult to objectively determine an appropriate output. Therefore, in step S105, it is determined whether or not the target person can further increase the output without causing pain, and if possible, the output is gradually increased by repeating steps S104 and S105. When it is felt in step S105 that the output cannot be increased any more, the operation of the output adjusting operator 107 is stopped there and a muscle stimulation is received for 30 minutes in step S106. The output pulse adjusted in steps S104 to S105 is applied to the calf for 30 minutes, and then the output of the low frequency pulse applying device automatically becomes zero.

  Step S100, that is, steps S101 to S106 corresponds to an example of the calf stimulation step in the present invention. By this calf stimulation step, the calf muscle is repeatedly subjected to light contraction, and blood circulation is promoted by the muscle movement. In this embodiment, stimulation is performed for 30 minutes, but this calf stimulation step does not particularly limit time.

  Further, instead of the calf stimulation step, a forearm stimulation step for stimulating the left and right forearms on the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R, respectively, may be performed. By this forearm stimulation step, the forearm muscles are stimulated to promote blood circulation, and in particular, blood circulation from the arm to the shoulder can be promoted. The forearm stimulation step may be performed before or after the calf stimulation step or simultaneously with the calf stimulation step. According to this method of use, blood circulation throughout the body can be more effectively promoted.

  Next, the procedure for determining the reference output pulse in step S200 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the flow of step S200.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 starts when the low-frequency pulse applying device 100 is turned on. If the power is not turned off, turn on the power again and start. First, in step S201, the dial type output adjustment operator 107 is rotated counterclockwise so that the output becomes zero. In subsequent step S202, the mode switching operator 104 is operated to switch to the self-diagnosis mode, and the pattern selection operator 105 is operated to select the energization PP10. Accordingly, the output pulse is applied to all of the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R. In step S203, the sole of the subject's feet is brought into contact with the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R.

  Note that the order of steps S201 to S203 so far is not necessarily performed in this order, and may be reversed, for example.

  In step S204, the output adjustment operator 107 is rotated clockwise to increase the output pulse. When an output pulse is applied to the entire sole of the foot in this step S204, the subject feels stimulation on the lower limb according to the degree of output of the output pulse. More specifically, this stimulus gradually rises from the sole of the foot as the output increases. In particular, the body of a healthy subject is in a state where bioelectricity tends to flow normally, that is, in a state where electric resistance is low, so that an applied output pulse tends to flow and it is easy to feel the stimulation. Therefore, if the subject is healthy, as the output is increased, a stimulus is felt from the sole of the foot to a high position such as a heel, a shin, and a knee. However, even when an output pulse in which a healthy subject feels a stimulus to the knee is applied to the unhealthy subject, the stimulus may be felt only to a position as low as a heel. The reason is that the unhealthy subject does not feel much stimulation because bioelectricity is difficult to flow normally, that is, the electrical resistance is high. As described above, since there are individual differences in how the stimulus is felt by applying the output pulse, it is difficult to objectively determine an appropriate output. Therefore, a reference output pulse and a reference position, which will be described later, are determined by the subjectivity of the subject.

  In step S205, it is determined whether or not the subject himself / herself has no pain due to stimulation and the output can still be increased. If the output can be increased, the process returns to step S204 to increase the output. Steps S204 and S205 are repeated, and the output is increased while determining whether the subject can withstand without overdoing it. If it is determined in step S205 that the output cannot be increased any more, the operation of the output adjustment operator 107 is stopped and the process proceeds to step S206. As the output strength at this time, the right of the dial type output adjustment operator 107 is displayed. Remember the rotation stop position. The strength of the output at this time is the strength at which the subject feels no pain and feels the strongest stimulus. The output pulse having this strength is used as a reference output pulse.

  In addition, the position (for example, knee) where the stimulus rising up the lower limb has arrived by this reference output pulse is set as a reference position, and this reference position is remembered in the subsequent step S207.

  This step S200, that is, steps S201 to S207 corresponds to an example of the reference determination step in the present invention.

  Subsequently, a method of searching for a weakened part of the subject using the reference output pulse in step S300 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the flow of step S300.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 starts when the low-frequency pulse applying device 100 is turned on. If the power is not turned off, turn on the power again and start. In the first step S301, the mode switching operator 104 is operated to switch to the self-diagnosis mode. In the next step S302, the output adjustment operator 107 is operated so that the output becomes zero. In step S303, the sole of the foot is brought into contact with the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R. Note that the order of steps S301 to S303 is not necessarily this order.

  In the next step S304, the pattern selection operator 105 is operated to select one energized PP from the energized PP. In step S305, the output adjustment operator 107 is operated to rotate it to the right rotation stop position. That is, the output is adjusted to the strength memorized in step S206 and the reference output pulse is applied.

  In the subsequent step S306, it is determined whether or not the position at which the stimulus rising up the lower limb by the output pulse at this time is lower than the reference position. If the position where the stimulus has arrived is lower than the reference position, that is, if the stimulus is not felt more, the process proceeds to step S307, where the energized PP at this time is memorized, and the position where the stimulus has reached is newly set in the next step S310. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S308. On the other hand, when the position where the stimulus has reached is not lower than the reference position, the process proceeds to step S308 as it is.

  In step S308, it is determined whether there is another energized PP to be diagnosed. If there is another energized PP to be diagnosed, the output adjustment operator 107 is operated so that the output becomes 0 in step S309, and the process returns to step S304. By repeating the processing of steps S304 to S308 as long as there is an energization PP to be diagnosed, the stimulus when applied is weakest than the stimulus felt when the reference output pulse is determined, so that the stimulus is not felt most. You can search for the energization PP of the hour. The site corresponding to the energized PP finally remembered in this series of steps is the site where the bioelectricity hardly flows in the subject's body, and can be estimated as the weakest site. For example, when remembering energization PP1, as shown in FIG. 5, since the digestive system urn corresponds to the zone defined by energization PP1, the digestive system of the subject is the weakest. Can be estimated. The above step S300, that is, steps S301 to S310 correspond to an example of the self-diagnosis step in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, only one energization PP is remembered when the stimulus is least felt. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the energization becomes weaker than the stimulus felt when the applied output determines the reference output pulse. A plurality of PPs may be searched for. In the present embodiment, the energization PP that the subject wants to diagnose is selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the energization PP1 to 9 illustrated in FIG.

  Finally, details of step S400 for performing nerve stimulation will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the flow of step S400.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 starts when the low-frequency pulse applying device 100 is turned on. If the power is not turned off, turn on the power again and start. When the power is turned on, the pulse output time is set to 30 minutes. First, in step S401, the mode switching operator 104 is operated to switch to the nerve stimulation mode. In subsequent step S402, the output adjustment operator 107 is operated so that the output becomes zero. In the subsequent step S403, the pattern selection operator 105 is operated to select the energized PP found in step S300. In step S404, the left and right soles of the subject are brought into contact with the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R, respectively. Note that the order of steps S401 to S404 thus far is not necessarily performed in this order, and may be reversed, for example.

  Then, in the next step S405, the output adjustment operator 107 is operated to adjust the output to such an extent that a pleasant stimulus is felt on the lower limbs. Then, in step S406, an output pulse is applied for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the output of the low frequency pulse applying device automatically becomes zero. In this way, it is possible to stimulate the part where the bioelectric current hardly flows in the subject's body, that is, the weakest part. The above step S400, that is, step S401 to step S406 corresponds to an example of the nerve stimulation step in the present invention.

  If a plurality of energized PPs are found, the operations from step S401 to step S406 may be performed using each energized PP. In this embodiment, pulse application for 30 minutes is received in step S406. However, the present invention is not limited to this time, and the time may be adjusted according to the preference of the subject by operating the timer operator 106.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which stimulation is performed by placing the belly of the fingertip on the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R.

  FIG. 12 shows the low-frequency pulse applying device 100 and the left and right fingers F of the subject. The low frequency pulse applying device 100 of the present embodiment facilitates stimulation of the sole of the foot, but here, the output pulse of the low frequency pulse applying device 100 is applied to the fingertip belly, and the fingertip belly and It is used to stimulate the pot on the palm. Here, the low frequency pulse applying device 100 is set to the nerve stimulation mode, and the energization PP is set to 10. This method of use can effectively stimulate the upper body, particularly the region above the diaphragm. Further, this method is combined with step S400 described above, for example, before or after step S400 for performing nerve stimulation, or by preparing two low-frequency pulse applying devices 100 and simultaneously with step S400. Therefore, it is possible to stimulate more effectively. Note that not only the belly of the fingertip is placed on the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R as in the present embodiment, but the entire left and right palms P may be placed on the left zone 10L and the right zone 10R for stimulation.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state where the low-frequency pad 112 is used to stimulate the spinal cord.

  FIG. 13 shows the subject H and the spine S running on the back of the subject H. As described above, the low-frequency pulse applying device 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an external connection terminal, and the low-frequency pad 112 can be connected to this terminal so that an output pulse can be applied to the low-frequency pad 112. . As shown in FIG. 13, the low frequency pad 112 is applied so that the spine S is sandwiched between the upper and lower sides of the spine S (for example, the neck portion and the sacrum), and the nerve stimulation mode output pulse is applied, thereby concentrating on the spinal cord. Can effectively stimulate the nerves to activate the whole body. The spinal cord stimulation is preferably performed for at least about 1 hour.

  Furthermore, if a plurality of low-frequency pulse applying devices 100 are prepared and the spinal cord stimulation, the above-described step S400, and the stimulation to the abdomen of the fingertip described above are performed simultaneously, more effective stimulation can be performed.

  As described above, the weak part of the subject can be found by a series of processes from step S100 to step S400, and the found part can be effectively stimulated. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one low-frequency pulse applying device is used. For example, it is not necessary to prepare a zone according to the calf in step S100 or a device dedicated to calf stimulation. Note that this embodiment is a desirable series of processes when used for the first time as described above, and each step may be omitted as necessary after the second time. For example, step S200 for determining a reference output pulse after step S100 for stimulating calves and step S400 for performing nerve stimulation by omitting step S300 for performing self-diagnosis can be performed. However, since the physical condition changes from day to day, it is desirable to find a weakened part in steps S200 and S300 before stimulating in step S400.

  It is also possible to perform steps S200 to S400 after omitting step S100. However, the subsequent steps can be performed more easily and effectively when step S100 is performed than when step S100 is omitted. Hereinafter, this reason will be described.

  The calf is called the second heart, and it is known that the calf has a function of returning blood flowing to the lower limbs to the heart as the calf moves. Therefore, in order to return blood from the lower limbs to the heart without this function, it is necessary to increase the blood pressure, which places an excessive burden on the heart. If this burden continues, various heart diseases may occur. Moreover, if the state of high blood pressure continues for a long time, the blood vessels are also burdened, which may cause diseases such as varicose veins.

  Most people with such illnesses have limited exercise or are unable to exercise themselves. Therefore, reduction of the burden on the heart and improvement of symptoms due to the action of calves cannot be expected. According to the method of using the low-frequency pulse applying device of the present embodiment, by stimulating the calf, the muscle of the calf is repeatedly subjected to light contraction, and blood circulation is promoted by the muscle movement. Furthermore, by performing this stimulation on the side, blood circulation can be improved while reducing the burden on the heart. In addition, better blood circulation makes it easier for nutrients to reach each part of the body, and it can be expected to activate the whole body and reduce various symptoms.

  FIG. 14 is a graph showing changes in blood pressure before and after performing muscle stimulation on the calf with a low-frequency pulse applying device. FIG. 14 (a) is a line graph measuring changes in blood pressure for about three months when muscle stimulation is not performed on the calves. Moreover, FIG.14 (b) is the line graph which measured the change of the blood pressure for about three months at the time of muscular stimulation to a calf. In both graphs, the vertical axis represents the maximum blood pressure value and the minimum blood pressure value with respect to the date on the horizontal axis. The average value of the systolic blood pressure shown in the graph of FIG. 14A is 155.1 mmHg, and the average value of the diastolic blood pressure is 87.6 mmHg. Moreover, the average value of the systolic blood pressure shown in the graph of FIG. 14B is 130.8 mmHg, and the average value of the diastolic blood pressure is 76.4 mmHg. Comparing the average values of these blood pressures, it can be seen that both the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure decrease when muscle stimulation of the calves is performed. Here, the change in blood pressure will be described. First, when blood circulation is promoted by calves stimulation, blood reaches the site where blood flow has been stagnant until then. Then, since the site becomes healthy and blood flow is improved, blood becomes easy to flow. If blood becomes easier to flow, the burden on the heart will decrease, and blood pressure will approach normal values.

  As described above, step S100 for stimulating calves improves blood circulation and activates the whole body, so that step S200 for determining the reference output pulse and step S300 for performing self-diagnosis shown in FIG. 6 are easily performed. And the effect of step S400 for performing nerve stimulation can be amplified. The blood circulation improved in step S100 for stimulating calves persists for a while, so there is no problem even if steps S200 to S400 are awakened, but depending on the state of health, steps S200 to S400 may be performed. You may carry out in a lying state.

  Next, an example of the effect of the low frequency pulse applying device will be described.

  There are various substances in the human body that carry substances necessary for biological activities. Among these, there are those called cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate) and cGMP (Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate).

  FIG. 15 is a graph showing cAMP, cGMP, and cAMP / cGMP before and after performing stimulation (hereinafter simply referred to as stimulation) using a low-frequency pulse applying device.

  In FIG. 15, graphs are shown in the order of cAMP, cGMP, and cAMP / cGMP from the left, and the left side of each graph shows the numerical value before stimulation and the right side shows the numerical value after stimulation. These data were obtained from 40 bronchial asthma patients. As shown in the left graph of FIG. 15, cAMP tends to increase due to stimulation by the low-frequency pulse applying device. Further, as shown in the central graph, cGMP tends to decrease due to stimulation by the low-frequency pulse applying device. As shown in the rightmost graph, the ratio of cAMP / cGMP is increased by stimulation.

  cAMP has the effect of accelerating metabolism and activating cells, and is considered to have the effect of activating the metabolism of the human body by increasing this by stimulation of a low-frequency pulse application device. For example, a steroid agent used for the treatment of bronchial asthma is called a physiologically active substance and is administered for the purpose of activating the immunity of the human body. The changes in cAMP and cGMP shown in FIG. It is similar to the changes observed as a result of the administration. As seen in this example, it is considered that the human body can be activated by stimulation of the low frequency pulse application device without depending on medication.

  In addition, when the drug is administered, there is a problem that the expected effect cannot be obtained because it is difficult to reach the diseased site even if the drug is administered in a poor blood circulation. However, as described above, according to the low-frequency pulse applying device of this embodiment, blood circulation is improved, and an expected effect can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, blood circulation can be promoted in the calf stimulation step, and weakened sites found in the self-diagnosis step can be intensively activated in the nerve stimulation step. These synergistic effects can make the subject healthy. In addition, if a rehabilitation exercise is performed after using the low frequency pulse applying device 100 of the present embodiment, a surprising effect can be expected.

  In addition to the method of use described so far, there is an embodiment described below as a method of muscle stimulation that focuses on only the low frequency pad 112.

  First, the mode switching operation element 104 of the low frequency pulse applying device 100 is operated to set the muscle stimulation mode, and the pattern selection operation element 105 is operated to set the output pulse to be applied to the low frequency pad 112. Then, a low-frequency pad 112 is attached to a hard part of the back or around the cervical spine, and the output is adjusted by the output adjustment operator 107 so that a pleasant stimulation is given. As a result, blood flow in the stimulated area can be improved and the stiffness can be relieved. Further, when the area around the lymph node under the jaw is stimulated by the low frequency pad 112, muscles around the throat and tongue can be trained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Low frequency pulse application apparatus 101 Main-body part 102L, 102R Foot stand 1021 Connection cord 1022 Connector 103 Key lock operation element 104 Mode switching operation element 105 Pattern selection operation element 106 Timer operation element 107 Output adjustment operation element 108 Main display part 109L, 109R Output zone display section 110 Handle 112 Low frequency pad 113L, 113R Removal button 1L-7L Left first zone to left seventh zone 1R-7R Right first zone to right seventh zone 202L Foot rest 2021 Connection Code 2022 Connector 301 Self-diagnosis mode pulse generation unit 302 Muscle stimulation mode pulse generation unit 303 Nerve stimulation mode pulse generation unit 304 Pulse application unit L foot C calf S foot tip P palm F finger H subject S spine

Claims (5)

In a low-frequency pulse application device that applies a pulse to a plurality of zones,
A self-diagnostic mode in which a pulse having a predetermined frequency is generated and the generation of the pulse is temporarily stopped; and
A muscle stimulation mode in which a pulse having a frequency changed within a first predetermined frequency range having an upper limit value lower than the predetermined frequency is generated and the generation of the pulse is paused.
A pulse having a frequency having an upper limit lower than the predetermined frequency and a frequency changed in a second predetermined frequency range wider than the first predetermined frequency range is generated to temporarily stop generation of the pulse. A nerve stimulation mode in which a pulse having a frequency changed within the second predetermined frequency range is generated while the amplitude is modulated and the generation of the pulse is paused.
A mode switching operator for switching to one of the self-diagnosis mode, the muscle stimulation mode, and the nerve stimulation mode;
A pattern selection operator for selecting one energization point pattern from among a plurality of energization point patterns defining a combination of the zones;
A pulse application unit that applies an output pulse corresponding to a pulse generated in the mode switched by the mode switching operator to a zone defined by one energization point pattern selected by the pattern selection operator; A low-frequency pulse applying device. The muscle stimulation mode is a mode in which a pulse having a frequency changed within the first predetermined frequency range is repeatedly generated for a first predetermined time and the generation of the pulse is paused.
The neural stimulation mode generates a pulse having a frequency changed within the second predetermined frequency range for a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time, and temporarily stops generating the pulse. A third predetermined frequency shorter than the first predetermined time and longer than the second predetermined time while modulating the amplitude of a pulse having a frequency changed within the second predetermined frequency range after repeated generation. 2. The low frequency pulse applying device according to claim 1, wherein the mode is a mode in which generation of time is repeated and generation of amplitude modulation is paused to temporarily stop generation of the pulse.   The nerve stimulation mode is a pulse having a frequency changed in a third predetermined frequency range narrower than the second predetermined frequency range included in the second predetermined frequency range in the amplitude modulation generation. 3. The low frequency pulse applying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mode is a mode in which a pulse whose amplitude is intermittently modulated to 0 is generated.   The low-frequency pulse applying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of zones are arranged corresponding to the pots on the soles of the feet. With an output adjustment operator that adjusts the strength of the output pulse,
The pulse applying unit applies an output pulse obtained by modulating the amplitude of a pulse generated in the mode switched by the mode switching operation unit according to the intensity adjusted by the output adjustment operation unit. The low frequency pulse application device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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