WO2011028913A1

WO2011028913A1 - A breathing method and device for health improvement

Info

Publication number: WO2011028913A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/047692
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jia-hao XU
Original assignee: Xu jia-hao
Priority date: 2009-09-02
Filing date: 2010-09-02
Publication date: 2011-03-10
Also published as: TW201113002A

Abstract

This invention provides a device comprising a flexible support structure embedded with photosensor capable of detecting blood oxygen level and a body comprising processors capable of processing information obtained by the photosensor. In one embodiment, the body is secured to the flexible support and the device can be worn like a watch. The present invention also provides a breathing method for health improvement.

Description

A BREATHING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR HEALTH IMPROVEMENT

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Serial No. 61/239,299, filed September 2, 2009, the entire contents and disclosures of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a breathing method that, when properly practiced, may improve health in general or treat certain diseases. This invention also relates to a device that can help a person properly practice the breathing method to achieve the desired beneficial effects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The American Medical Association states that the 95% of human diseases and ailments are directly or indirectly caused by oxygen deficiency, including cancer. Many human habits may cause oxygen deficiency. Improper breathing habit is a major cause of oxygen deficiency.

[0004] Improper breathing not only reduces the oxygen intake of the body, but also causes improper blood circulation resulting in reduction of the indispensable aerodynamic power to support or maintain a basic normal life. Breathing habit rarely receives the proper attention and care, either from an average person or from medical professionals. The body, when given the proper nutrients, is somewhat self-sufficient but it seldom receives sufficient circulation power for optimal health. The modern sedentary lifestyle limits the functional movements of one's lungs and rib cage during daytime and makes it difficult for an individual to pay proper attention to his/her body' s basic health needs.

[0005] The breathing habit of an average person is similar to that of a physically weak person - the breathing is shallow. An average person is active for about 16 hours a day. Because of this, his body has less physical power when sitting or standing to withstand gravity, making it hard to pump blood to the brain cells which require 20 times more oxygen than the cells of the rest of the body. Furthermore, since the 1960's, the oxygen content in the atmosphere has been declining significantly. People are working and living in air-conditioned environments more frequently, thus lowering the number of hours of exposure to fresh air. The body's immune system suffers as a result. A more effective breathing technique will help to increase the intake of oxygen in each inhalation. JHX (Jiao-Gan Hu Xi) is such a technique. For example, there are two individuals - A and B - working in an air-conditioned room. Individual A has learned the JHX method and Individual B has not. The oxygen level remaining in the exhaled air for individual A would be much lower (as much as one-third lower) than that of individual B. However, the oxygen level in A's blood could be 15-20% higher than that in B because A uses the JHX method to breathe and inhales 2-3 times more oxygen than B. Furthermore, the air exchange time in A's lungs is twice as long as B's because A's lung cells have more time to allow more 0₂ to enter the lung cells, and more C0₂ to leave the cells. As a result, the blood contains much higher levels of 0₂ and lower levels of C0₂. Individuals who do not practice the JHX method have a greater chance for fatigue and illness compared to those who practice JHX.

[0006] Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method of monitoring the percentage of haemoglobin (Hb) which is saturated with oxygen. In general, a pulse oximeter consists of a probe, which is linked to a computerized unit attached to the patient's finger or ear lobe. The unit displays the percentage of Hb saturated with oxygen together with other information such as pulse beat, heart rate and in some models, a graphic display of blood flow past the probe.

[0007] In general, a pulse oximeter operates as follows. A source of light originates from the probe at two wavelengths (e.g. 650 nm and 805 nm). The light is partly absorbed by haemoglobin, the amounts of absorption depending on whether the haemoglobin is saturated with oxygen or not. By calculating the absorption at the two wavelengths, a processor can compute the proportion of haemoglobin that is oxygenated. The operation of an oximeter is dependent on pulsatile blood flow, and the computer within the oximeter is capable of distinguishing pulsatile flow from other more static signals (such as tissue or venous signals) to display only the arterial flow.

[0008] A diaphragm- supported breathing method has been used in voice therapy for patients having various vocal problems (Auris Nasus Larynx (Tokyo) 18:67-77 (1991)). An improved breathing method is disclosed herein. The multifunctional device disclosed herein could help a person to practice and master such breathing method to obtain beneficial health effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a new breathing method called JHX (Jiao-Gan

Hu Xi) which, when properly practiced, can potentially improve a person's health or even treat certain diseases. The present invention also provides a noninvasive multifunctional device, comprising a flexible support structure and a body comprising processors capable of processing information obtained by a photo sensor embedded in the flexible support structure. The body also comprises a screen capable of displaying time or various other data. The body can be removably secured to the flexible support. In one embodiment, the body is secured to the flexible support and the device can be worn like a watch on a person's arm or wrist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 shows the Yawning-like Breathing Method (YBM) clinical trial and its biofeedback device.

[0011] Figure 2 shows the different characteristics of JHX and YBM graphically.

[0012] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the infrared ray eye on the back of the device of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 shows how the infrared ray eye on the device receives information on the oxygen level from the red blood cells which are running through the radius artery.

[0014] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of the face of the device of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 shows how the device of the present invention transmits the information on oxygen level of the body. [0016] Figure 7 shows six different functional displays of the device of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 shows one embodiment of audio MP3 program output of the multifunction device.

[0018] Figure 9 shows one embodiment of video/audio program which allows the multifunction device to be connected to a PC or home TV system for use in the office or at home.

[0019] Figure 10 shows a comparison between the characteristics of the JHX breathing technique and that of YBM.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following terms shall be used to describe the present invention. In the absence of a specific definition set forth herein, the terms used to describe the present invention shall be given their common meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0021] As used herein, "YBM" refers to Yawning-like Breathing Method.

[0022] As used herein, "JHX" (Jian Gan Hui Xi) refers to a breathing method refined from the Yawning-like Breathing Method (YBM).

[0023] The original clinical trial of YBM was conducted by Nihon Kohden

(Photoelectric) Co. (Figure 1). Nihon used the Bio-feedback technique to determine if the research subjects have mastered yawning-like breathing pattern (YBP) by means of measuring the diaphragm and abdominal region's breathing movement curves, through the biofeedback established between the body and sight. The biofeedback technique has been refined and improved to produce the method and device of the present invention, which allows for personal use, group teaching/training for multi- symptoms and sickness, vocal and wind instrumental training, and sports and martial arts training. [0024] A 63 years old (Japanese female) patient with neuroparalytic aphonia after surgery, was treated with YBM breathing method. After 2 months, she regained her voice. In the third month, her asthma symptoms disappeared and she did not need to take the drugs that she had taken for 40 years. Similarly, 30 Japanese male asthmatics ages 7-13 were treated with the YBM breathing method. After two months, 90 % of the asthmatics reported that their symptoms had disappeared. Because of its breathing patterns (Figure 10), JHX is expected to be able to treat similar patients even more effectively than YBM. Indeed, JHX may be useful for treating depression, postural hypotension or symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia, and preventing or delaying a heart attack or stroke.

[0025] In YBM, each breathing cycle (inhalation & exhalation) takes about 10 seconds, followed by a 4-5 second break. This pattern is then repeated. JHX however, is more complicated than the YBM. In JHX, the curve was measured and obtained from the red blood cells' oxygen saturation rate. Secondly, the breathing cycle is longer (15 seconds on average.) than YBM (Figure 2). The JHX's exhalation requires a lower oxygen rate - each cycle of exhalation in JHX includes a Legato (the long smooth breathing) and Stacatto (short and powerful breathing technique which increases blood circulation to the head and upper body very effectively). This breathing pattern is one key feature of JHX. [0026] In one embodiment, each breathing cycle of JHX has 4 phases (see Figure 10):

Phase I: Inhaling time (3 seconds: 0-3 seconds)

Phase II: Exhaling part 1 (5 seconds: 4-8 seconds)

Phase III: Exhaling part II + staccato (2 seconds: 9-10)

Phase IV: Exhaling part III - staccato (5 seconds: 11-15)

[0027] In one embodiment, each JHX cycle is approximately 15 seconds: 3 seconds of inhaling and 12 seconds for mixed exhaling and inhaling. The staccato breathing pattern is to develop the power necessary for optimal air and blood circulation. The staccato breathing pattern is supported by the inflation of the rib cage (diaphragm) which causes a vacuum condition in the chest. The vacuum condition generated in the chest allows one to inhale air naturally and automatically and allows the staccato to be performed easily and quickly. Dizziness and other ailments caused by oxygen deficiency in the brain can be treated or avoided. [0028] Deep and slow legato (long inhaling/exhaling) slows down the body and allows it to take in more oxygen which can enhance the parasympathetic nervous system and increase the Lymphocyte count in the immune system. Shallow and quick staccato has a similar effect. It increases the body's activity which enhances the sympathetic nervous system while activating the granulocytes in the immune system.

[0029] As stated above, each JHX breathing cycle takes roughly 15 seconds (inhale and exhale). In one exercise, 3-4 cycles can be done comfortably without deflating the diaphragm region on the rib cage. In figure 10, it shows that each JHX cycle has about 13 seconds where the blood 0₂ level is kept at an 80% (medium) level and 7 seconds at a 90% (high) or higher level. In the YBM method, the medium phase lasts only 5 seconds and without a high phase. Using this calculation, in each minute of breathing:

[0030] Using the JHX method: medium Oxygen level of about 52 seconds

[0031] Using the YBM method: medium Oxygen level of about 30 seconds

[0032] Using the JHX method: high 0₂ level of about 28 seconds

[0033] Using the YBM method: high 0₂ level of 0 seconds. [0034] As compared with the YBM method, the JHX method and technique is refined and specifically designed to use the most intensive parts of the staccato technique. This increases the abdominal muscles' constriction power which will strengthen the lung's functions. More importantly, the increased constriction power will increase the flow of blood to the brain and other extremities and will also help the body dispose of waste and C0₂ promptly.

[0035] Jian Gan Hui Xi (JHX) is refined from the Yawning-like Breathing Method

(YBM). JHX is designed for people to practice on a daily basis, especially for those who are suffering from extensive physical ailments or mental stress. JHX provides an intensive practice program as well as a long training program for those who use it on a daily basis.

[0036] YBM is focused on a single breathing cycle. After one inhalation and one exhalation, the diaphragm region can be entirely relaxed. Unlike YBM, the JHX method does not call for the complete deflation of the diaphram, the rib cage is kept inflated with about 1/3 of the air remaining in the diaphragm region. This will help the body's inhalation/exhalation muscle groups to exert conflicting pressure on each other but will also stabilize the muscles on a well-balanced functional position. This very unique situation provides the sympathetic nerve system with an ideal and effective way to integrate the best healing power for the immune system. The lung cells maintain their effective gas exchange (0₂ & C0₂) with the environment. Mental stress from work and life can also be reduced.

[0037] Usually after 2-4 JHX breathing cycles, the entire diaphragm region can be deflated. After the cycles, the body absorbs the fresh and rich Oxygen into the blood stream. The abdomen then forms a powerful 2nd heart for the whole body to squeeze the blood in the abdominal big artery/vein to the heart and upper part of the body against gravity, a great support for the heart's 24/7 working condition, especially for 16-hour days and activities in which the body is in a constantly upright position. Through JHX, a different breathing habit forms and the heart and the brain enter into a more relaxed working and resting situation. As such, one's life expectancy may increase.

[0038] JHX's powerful anti-gravity support in concert with a powerful mind gets the needed blood and oxygen (brain cells need Oxygen twenty times more than the other cells do) supply from the body, This will likely delay the aging process, because the body receives proper care from the mind and vice versa; the prognosis for someone in their 70' s will be the same as that of a 35 year old. By this standard, life expectancy of someone using JHX will be approximately 125 years.

[0039] Dr. Abo Torn, the leading Immunologist in the field today, discovered several natural ways (such as inhalation) to adjust the metabolic rate of granulocyte/lymphocyte back to normal. By doing so, the sympathetic and parsympathetic nervous systems become active in parallel which in turn helps to treat cancer naturally (Abo, "Your Immune Revolution & Healing Your Healing Power" 2007). The JHX method described herein raises the activity of the sympathetic nervous system through effective breathing. Furthermore, the method not only causes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to become active in parallel, it also allows them to work in harmony.

[0040] Among different physical activities, only breathing has two (2) control centers with two (2) conflicting functioning muscle groups that can help boost the immune system through the sympathetic nervous system. Inhalation primes the sympathetic nervous system to increase the functions of granulocytes (G) in the white blood cell system. This will enhance the anti-inflammation process, but may also cause cancer if the granulocytes become excessive or overly active. [0041] The main difference between YBM and JHX is that the latter incorporates a long exhalation step/phase (legato) mixed with alternate inhalation and exahalation (staccato). The long exhalation step causes the parasympathetic nervous system to dominate over the sympathetic system. Staccato comprises a quick succession of alternate exhalation and inhalation.

[0042] Exhalation will prime the parasympathetic nervous system, whereby enhancing the lymphocytes (L) which may cause allergic reactions. Only when the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems work in a coordinated manner will beneficial effects result. It is noted that the optimal physical condition can be achieved when the G/L ratio in the blood is 3/2. Practicing the JHX breathing method can achieve this condition which plays a key role in controlling the cancer pathological process. Many cancer patients cannot withstand the radio/chemotherapy treatments which they feel are hurting more than helping them. In these case, the JHX method described herein may produce beneficial effects on the patients' mind and body. Even YBM, which improves breathing but not to the extent that JHX does, could have helped those cases greatly. Three breast cancer patients with mental stress chose not to undergo radio/chemothrerapy but was able to live cancer-free after practicing YBM. It is expected that JHX, which allows even more oxygen intake and more carbon dioxide excretion than YBM, will provide even greater beneficial effects. The multifunction device described herein will enable one to practice JHX and achieve its desirable health effects more effectively.

[0043] Most people breathe subconsciously since birth with the breathing process mainly controlled by the medulla oblongata - the physical breathing control center in the lower part of the brain. This method of breathing leads to weakening of the immune system and possibly reduces people's life span.

[0044] The JHX breathing method attempts to help a person breathe under the conscious control of the cortex - the higher breathing control center of the brain. In this method, a long exhalation makes the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) dominate over the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) while a long inhalation makes the SNS dominate over the PSNS. Because the long exhalation and long inhalation are within one breathing cycle, the two nervous systems work together harmoniously without overall negative effects. [0045] In one embodiment, a breathing cycle in JHX takes about 13-17 seconds and includes three steps:

1. An inhalation step lasting about 3-5 seconds taking in plenty of air; the diaphragm should stay fully expanded throughout this step;

2. A series of four short and powerful exhalations using the nose while keeping the diaphragm fully expanded; each exhalation followed by a short and powerful inhalation;

3. While keeping the diaphragm expanded only 50%, repeat step two. [0046] The above breathing cycle can be repeated 3-4 times before air is completely let out of the lungs. After a brief rest, a new breathing cycle may be initiated and repeated as above. This JHX method may be practiced 30 minutes or several hours a day. The technique can be mastered after 1-2 months of practice. [0047] This invention also provides a multifunction modern medical device used for the purpose of strengthening personal mind-body health under a new medical health conception of mind breathing, in a natural self healing process for mental stress related symptom. The device is easy to use under its automatic monitoring, supervising, reminding, recording and calculating settings which allows the user to choose his own program to practice the JHX mind-breathing for self health healing positive process. The invention combines the health teaching of western Bel Canto Art and eastern tradition of Chi-Gong and Martial Arts.

[0048] With reference to Figure 5, one embodiment of the multifunction device of the present invention comprises a body and a flexible support such as a band. The body comprises circuitry for data processing, a screen for display of various data, and a plurality of buttons (e.g. A-E). The flexible support comprises a sensor as well as a battery that provides power to the device. Examples of sensor include, but are not limited to, infrared sensors. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily construct a flexible support by using available materials in the art (e.g. Velcro material). In one embodiment, the body can be connected to the flexible support and be worn like a watch on a person's wrist in such a way that the sensor is placed near the radius artery on the wrist. In another embodiment, the body can be separated from the flexible support but the body and the flexible support remain connected via wired or wireless communication.

[0049] The multifunction device of the present invention is capable of processing and displaying a number of data and information. In one embodiment, the present multifunctional device can be used to help a person to learn and practice a breathing method by displaying "breathing curves". Breathing curves comprise data that show the changes of blood oxygen levels over time, presented in numerical or graphical format. In one embodiment, data collected by the sensor are input into blood oxygen rate information recorder {see Figure 6). Upon processing by the instant rate data exchanger, the data are converted by numerical converter or graphical converter into numerical or graphical data respectively which are then displayed on the screen.

[0050] A number of different functional displays can be shown on the screen by pressing one of a plurality of buttons. Examples of different functional displays on the present multifunctional device are shown in Figure 7. In one embodiment, time can be displayed on the screen in any format similar to that shown on an ordinary watch or clock. In another embodiment, the present device can display a person's breathing curve as well as a standard breathing curve of a breathing method. As described above, a breathing curve shows the changes of blood oxygen levels over time. Breathing curves can be shown in numerical/digital or graphical format. 'Real-time' showing of one's breathing curve and a standard curve would aid one in learning the breathing method by modifying one's breathing behavior according to the standard curve.

[0051] The present device may be programmed to perform a number of functions. A number of programs or parameters can be set or modified. For example, the device can be programmed to (i) count the time spent in correctly practicing a breathing method (in this example, the breathing method is called JHX), i.e. when one's breathing curve follows or matches the standard curve; (ii) count the daily total practice time; (iii) show the weekly or monthly hours total in practice; (iv) show the heart rate; and (v) set up a reminding or alarm schedule to notify an individual that it is time to practice the breathing method, e.g. the alarm can be set at an interval of 15, 30, 60 minutes, etc.

[0052] In another embodiment, the screen may show a video of a breathing method.

The present device may also be connected to a PC or TV so that the video can also be shown on a computer screen or TV screen.

[0053] In another embodiment, the screen may display a record of time spent in practicing a breathing method (in this example, the JHX method), e.g. total time set for today, time practiced today, and the time difference between the two.

[0054] In one embodiment, the device of the present invention can be used to help a person to practice and master a breathing method (e.g. the JHX breathing method) to obtain beneficial health effects. As discussed above, the JHX breathing method was developed from the Yawning-like Breathing Method (YMB). See Auris. Nasus. Larynx (Tokyo) 18:67-77 (1991)). The JHX method (Jiao-Gan Hu Xi - the sympathetic breathing method in Chinese), is based on the sympathetic nervous system's therapeutic physical reaction to the breathing method, and it is designed to use one's sympathetic nervous system to co-ordinate bodily functions through adjusting the two parts (sympathetic and parasympathetic) of the nervous system. The JHX method potentially will become part of a new body-mind medicine for healing and curing many mental stress-related physical symptoms and ailments.

[0055] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a bio-feedback method of recording human breathing curves for self breathing mind level control, learning, exercising, and improving health quality. Traditional impulse oximeters use digital display. In contrast, the device of the present invention uses visual display of synchronized breathing curves. It is discovered that changes in blood oxygen levels or ratio are in direct proportion to changes in the breathing curves. Thus, the present invention provides a bio-feedback method that allows one to modulate one's blood oxygen levels by visually following one's own breathing curves.

[0056] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device comprising (i) a flexible support structure comprising a light source and a photosensor capable of detecting blood oxygen level, (ii) a body comprising processors to process information obtained by the photosensor and a screen to display processed information, and (iii) means for electrically connecting the flexible support to the body. In one embodiment, the body can be removably secured to the flexible support. In one embodiment, the body is secured to the flexible support and the device can be worn like a watch on a person's arm or wrist. In another embodiment, the body and the flexible support are connected via wired or wireless connection. In another embodiment, the body can be connected via wired or wireless connection to a computer or an electronic device. The flexible support structure can be made of materials with hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro™ material). In one embodiment, the screen of the oximeter can display time. In another embodiment, the screen can display blood oxygen levels in numerical or graphical format.

[0057] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of breathing comprising an inhalation period and a plurality of exhalation periods, wherein the inhalation period lasts about 3-5 seconds, the exhalation periods each lasts about 5 seconds or less, and wherein the exhalation periods each comprises a series of alternating inhalation and exhalation. In one embodiment, the diaphragm of a subject is fully extended during inhalation. In another embodiment, the exhalation is through the nose of a subject. In general, the breathing method described herein would lead to enhanced intake of oxygen and enhanced removal of carbon dioxide. [0058] The present invention also provides uses of the device disclosed herein for monitoring breathing of a subject. In one embodiment, the subject is using the breathing method disclosed herein.

[0059] It will be understood that the foregoing description is of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. For example, the flexible support described herein can be made of a variety of thin, flexible materials known in the art. These and other modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements described herein without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

[0060] Throughout this application, various references or publications are cited.

Disclosures of these references or publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. It is to be noted that the transitional term "comprising", which is synonymous with "including", "containing" or "characterized by", is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps.

References

Torn, Abo. Your Immune Revolution & Healing Your Healing Power. Japan. Kokoro Publishing, December 11, 2007. Print.

Xu et al., 1991, "Bio-feedback and the Yawning Breath Pattern in Voice Therapy: A Clinical Trial", Auris Nasus Larynx, Vol. 18(1): 67-77.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device comprising

a) a flexible support structure comprising a light source and a photosensor capable of detecting blood oxygen level;

b) a body comprising processors to process information obtained by the photosensor and a screen to display processed information, wherein the body can be removably secured to the flexible support; and

c) means for electrically connecting the flexible support to the body.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is secured to the flexible support and the device can be worn like a watch.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the screen can display time.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the screen can display blood oxygen levels in numerical or graphic format.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the body and the flexible support are connected via wired or wireless connection.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is connected via wired or wireless connection to a computer or an electronic device.

7. A method of breathing for health improvement, comprising an inhalation period and a plurality of exhalation periods, wherein the inhalation period lasts about 3-5 seconds, the exhalation periods each lasts about 5 seconds or less, and wherein the exhalation periods each comprises a series of alternating inhalation and exhalation.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the diaphragm of a subject is fully extended during inhalation.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the exhalation is through the nose of a subject.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the breathing results in enhanced intake of oxygen and enhanced removal of carbon dioxide.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the blood oxygen level may reach higher than 90%.

12. Use of the device of claim 1 for monitoring breathing of a subject.

13. The use of claim 12, wherein the subject is using the breathing method of claim 7.