U.S. patent application number 10/391677 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-02 for electro-acupuncture method to relieve gastro-intestinal distress.
This patent application is currently assigned to Woodside Biomedical, Inc.. Invention is credited to Grey, Thomas L., Gruzdowich, Gregory J..
Application Number | 20030187483 10/391677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23355721 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030187483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grey, Thomas L. ; et
al. |
October 2, 2003 |
Electro-acupuncture method to relieve gastro-intestinal
distress
Abstract
A method of reducing gastro-intestinal distress in a patient
utilizing a non-invasive nerve stimulation device applied over
acupuncture points and nerves in the ankle or calf of the
patient.
Inventors: |
Grey, Thomas L.; (Carlsbad,
CA) ; Gruzdowich, Gregory J.; (Carlsbad, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROCKETT & CROCKETT
24012 CALLE DE LA PLATA
SUITE 400
LAGUNA HILLS
CA
92653
US
|
Assignee: |
Woodside Biomedical, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23355721 |
Appl. No.: |
10/391677 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10391677 |
Mar 18, 2003 |
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09923671 |
Aug 6, 2001 |
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6535760 |
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09923671 |
Aug 6, 2001 |
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09345609 |
Jun 28, 1999 |
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6272383 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/321 20130101;
Y10S 128/907 20130101; A61H 39/002 20130101; A61N 1/326
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/40 |
International
Class: |
A61N 001/18 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of moderating diarrhea in a patient, said method
comprising the steps of: mounting a pair of electrodes onto the
patient at a position generally closely overlying a particular
acupuncture point, wherein the particular acupuncture point is
selected from the group consisting of the GB-36, GB-37, GB-38,
GB-39, SP-2, SP-3, SP-4, BL-55, BL-59, BL-60 and KI-7 acupuncture
points; generating a pulsed stimulation signal of selected
amplitude, pulse width and cycle rate; and delivering the
stimulation signal to the electrodes to stimulate the particular
acupuncture point to moderate the symptoms of diarrhea.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said mounting step includes
mounting a housing carrying the electrodes onto the patient with a
band adapted to be fastened about the patient at a point near the
particular acupuncture point, with the housing having a pulsed
stimulation signal generating circuit and a portable power supply
encased therein.
3. The method of claim 2 further including the step of adjustably
varying the amplitude of the stimulation signal.
4. A method of controlling diarrhea in a patient, said method
comprising the steps of: mounting a pair of electrodes onto the
patient at a position generally closely overlying a particular
acupuncture point, wherein the particular acupuncture point is
selected from the group consisting of the GB-36, GB-37, GB-38,
GB-39, SP-2, SP-3, SP-4, BL-55, BL-59, BL-60 and KI-7 acupuncture
points, wherein said electrodes are carried in a housing with a
band adapted to be fastened about the patient at a point near the
particular acupuncture point, with the housing having a pulsed
stimulation signal generating circuit and a portable power supply
encased therein; generating a pulsed stimulation signal of selected
amplitude, pulse width and cycle rate; and delivering the
stimulation signal to the electrodes to stimulate the particular
acupuncture point to control diarrhea.
5. A method of moderating stomach pain in a patient, said method
comprising the steps of: mounting a pair of electrodes onto the
patient at a position generally closely overlying a particular
acupuncture point, wherein the particular acupuncture point is
selected from the group consisting of the SP-2, SP-3, SP-4, BL-55,
BL-59, BL-60 and KI-7 acupuncture points; generating a pulsed
stimulation signal of selected amplitude, pulse width and cycle
rate; and delivering the stimulation signal to the electrodes to
stimulate the particular acupuncture point to moderate stomach
pain.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said mounting step includes
mounting a housing carrying the electrodes onto the patient with a
band adapted to be fastened about the patient at a point near the
particular acupuncture point, with the housing having a pulsed
stimulation signal generating circuit and a portable power supply
encased therein.
7. The method of claim 6 further including the step of adjustably
varying the amplitude of the stimulation signal.
8. A method of controlling stomach pain in a patient, said method
comprising the steps of: mounting a pair of electrodes onto the
patient at a position generally closely overlying a particular
acupuncture point, wherein the particular acupuncture point is
selected from the group consisting of the SP-2, SP-3, SP-4, BL-55,
BL-59, BL-60 and KI-7 acupuncture points, wherein said electrodes
are carried in a housing with a band adapted to be fastened about
the patient at a point near the particular acupuncture point, with
the housing having a pulsed stimulation signal generating circuit
and a portable power supply encased therein; generating a pulsed
stimulation signal of selected amplitude, pulse width and cycle
rate; and delivering the stimulation signal to the electrodes to
stimulate the particular acupuncture point to control diarrhea.
9. A method of controlling pre-menstrual syndrome in a patient,
said method comprising the steps of: mounting a pair of electrodes
onto the calf of the patient at a position generally closely
overlying the SP-2 acupuncture point; generating a pulsed
stimulation signal of selected amplitude, pulse width and cycle
rate; and delivering the stimulation signal to the electrodes to
stimulate the ankle generally at the SP-2 acupuncture point to
suppress the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome; wherein said
mounting step includes mounting a housing carrying the electrodes
onto the calf with a band adapted to be fastened about the calf,
with the housing having a pulsed stimulation signal generating
circuit and a portable power supply encased therein.
10. A method of controlling pre-menstrual syndrome in a patient,
said method comprising the steps of: mounting a pair of electrodes
onto the calf of the patient at a position generally closely
overlying the SP-4 acupuncture point; generating a pulsed
stimulation signal of selected amplitude, pulse width and cycle
rate; and delivering the stimulation signal to the electrodes to
stimulate the ankle generally at the SP-4 acupuncture point to
suppress the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome; wherein said
mounting step includes mounting a housing carrying the electrodes
onto the calf with a band adapted to be fastened about the calf,
with the housing having a pulsed stimulation signal generating
circuit and a portable power supply encased therein.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/923,671 filed Aug. 6, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,535,760,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/345,609
filed Jun. 28, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,383.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS
[0002] The inventions described below relate the field of
moderation of gastro-intestinal distress.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0003] Bertolucci, Nausea Control Device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,146,
Jan. 1, 1991, describes a nausea control device in the form of a
watch-like housing attachable to the human wrist by an adjustable
attachment band. The device uses non-invasive nerve stimulation
whereby electricity is passed through two electrodes to stimulate
nerves located on the inside of the wrist. The treatment provided
by the device is sometimes referred to as electro-acupuncture,
which is a form of acupuncture, and the ventral site of application
is referred to in the acupuncture art as the P6 point, pericardium
6 point, or master point of the pericardium meridian (sometimes
referred to as the vascular meridian). A primary object of the
invention is to provide a non-chemical, non-invasive, painless and
inexpensive method of alleviating nausea. It is also portable,
self-contained and convenient to the patient. An electrical pulse
repetition rate of approximately 70 pulses per second and a pulse
width of 80 microseconds have been found to provide effective
relief of nausea in a patient. Our currently preferred electrical
pulse pattern comprises about 350 microsecond pulse width at about
31 pulses per second at power levels of about 10-35 milliamps peak
pulse height. Thus a wide range of pulse patterns may be used in
non-invasive nerve stimulation devices.
SUMMARY
[0004] The methods and devices described below use
electro-acupuncture applied to acupuncture points on the calf and
around the ankle to control nausea, stomach upset and similar
conditions. A patient desiring to moderate his or her nausea places
a pair of electrodes on the ankle, lower calf or upper calf, and
applies electrical stimulation to the ankle through these
electrodes. This has the effect of reducing symptoms of
pre-menstrual syndrome, such as cramping and headaches. The
electrodes, pulse generating circuitry, and power supply are most
conveniently packaged in a housing which is held to the ankle,
lower calf or upper calf with a band. The device is placed so that
the electrodes overlie an acupuncture point known to affect a
desired therapy. Alternatively, the device is placed so that the
electrodes overlie a nerve that runs under the acupuncture point,
in which case the device may be placed on the leg some distance
from the associated acupuncture point to provide a comfortable
placement for the device. The technique accomplished by the device
is referred to as electro-acupuncture or non-invasive nerve
stimulation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates the non-invasive nerve stimulation
suitable for use on the ankle and lower leg.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows the acupuncture points of the leg, in an
anterior view.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows the acupuncture points of the leg, in a
posterior view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates the non-invasive nerve stimulation
suitable for use on the ankle and lower leg. The ReliefBand.RTM.
NST.TM. non-invasive nerve stimulation device 1 was secured with
strap 2 which is sized for applying the device to the calf 3 or
ankle of a patient. The pair of electrodes 4 is disposed on the
underside of the housing 5 so that they lie over the nerve 6 which
is to be stimulated by the device (indicated by the phantom line).
The electrodes are thus located in spaced side-by-side relation
along the line of the nerve or over the acupuncture point targeted
for stimulation. Control buttons 7 are mounted on the outer surface
of the device, and permit the user to adjust the power of
stimulation and the pulse pattern of stimulation. The strap is used
to hold the electrodes in contact with the skin in the vicinity of
the target nerve or acupuncture point. The required battery and
control electronics are housed within the housing, and input
mechanisms are located on the outer face of the housing.
[0009] The target nerve or target acupuncture point is found on the
ankle or leg of the patient. The anterior view of the leg 8 is
shown in FIG. 2, which also shows several useful acupuncture points
for application of electro-stimulation. The S-36 point (or zu san
li) (also referred to as ST-36) is located just below the knee cap,
slightly lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. The S-37
(shang ju xu)(also referred to as ST-37) point is located several
inches below the knee cap, slightly lateral to the anterior crest
of the tibia. These points can be stimulated to relieve nausea and
vomiting. The GB-39 (xuan zhong) point is located about 3 inches
above the external malleolus, on the lateral side of the calf.
Acupuncture points GB-38, GB-37 and GB 36 are also located along a
line extending up along the lateral side of the calf, above GB-39.
The K-7 (fu liu) point is located on the medial side of the calf,
posterior to the medial malleolus, toward the Achilles tendon. The
GB-39 GB-38, GB-37 and GB 36 and KI-7 points may be stimulated to
relieve diarrhea and intestinal problems.
[0010] The posterior view of the leg 8 is shown in FIG. 3, which
also shows several useful acupuncture points for application of
electro-stimulation. The BL-60 point (or kun lun) is located just
lateral to the Achilles tendon, between the posterior border of the
external malleolus and the medial aspect of the tendo calcaneous.
The BL-59 point (or fu yang) is located just posterior to the
external malleolus. These points may be stimulated to reduce
symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and motion sickness.
[0011] Thus, all of these acupuncture points may be stimulated by
the application of non-invasive electrical stimulation to achieve
the desired therapy of relief from stomach pain and vomiting,
dizziness, motion sickness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and
pre-menstrual cramps.
[0012] Referring to the local anatomy of the ankle, several nerves
are associated with channels of acupuncture points (the "channel"
including all the acupuncture points having the same two letter
designation or other traditional groupings), and can be stimulated
to provide therapeutic relief. Along the back of the calf and
ankle, the tibial nerve 10 and its branches (e.g., the medial
plantar nerve 11 and lateral plantar nerves 12 under the foot,
generally traveling inside the ankle) and elements of the
musculo-cutaneous nerve and its branches (generally traveling
outside the ankle) can be stimulated to cause the same affect as
stimulation of the traditional SP and BL acupuncture points. The
tibial nerve and its branches run along the path established by the
BL and SP acupuncture points. This indicates that, for the SP-2,
SP-3 and SP-4 (Spleen Channel) acupuncture points, and the BL-55,
BL-59, and BL-60 acupuncture points, their associated nerve
structures can be stimulated by electrodes at the back of the
ankle, since this is a convenient location for placement of a
bracelet or wristwatch-like, wearable battery powered device. The
nerve stimulation device can also be placed strapped onto the calf
just below the knee, with the electrodes on the back of the knee,
in contact with the crease of the joint, to contact the BL points
and the tibial nerve in its superficial approach to the skin in
this area. These SP and BL points are all associated with relieving
stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, motion sickness,
abdominal pain, diarrhea and pre-menstrual cramps. Other possible
sites around the foot are generally implicated in relieving
menstrual and pre-menstrual symptoms in women. Thus, stomach pain,
nausea, vomiting, dizziness, motion sickness, abdominal pain,
diarrhea and pre-menstrual cramps may be alleviated by application
of electrical stimulation to the tibial nerve and its branches
wherever it can be accessed.
[0013] Referring to the anterior view of FIG. 2, the superficial
peroneal nerve 13 runs along the outside of the calf, along the
line established by the GB points. Thus, the superficial peroneal
nerve may be stimulated with the device to cause the affects
associated with the GB channel of acupuncture points. These points
are associated with relieving stomach pain and vomiting, dizziness,
motion sickness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and pre-menstrual cramps.
The saphenous nerve 14 lies along the K channel which included
point K7, and may be stimulated with the nerve stimulation device
at superficial points along its path, for example near the inside
of the upper calf, just below the knee, or at the bottom of the
calf, but well above the ankle bone. The deep peroneal nerve 15
runs down the front of the calf, along the line defined by the S-36
and S-37 points, and may be stimulated with the nerve stimulation
device at superficial points along its path.
[0014] Generally, the points near the ankle represent points
accessible to acupuncture needles where certain nerves run
superficially (close to the skin). Because the electro-acupuncture
device does not require penetration, but is capable of deeper
stimulating penetration than needles due to its application of
non-invasive electrical stimulation, the sites of stimulation may
be altered from the traditional acupuncture points. Thus, rather
than placing the device immediately above the acupuncture points on
the bony part of the ankle (or points requiring that the band be
strapped over the ankle bone), the stimulation may be applied at
alternate sites well above the ankle, so long as the stimulation is
applied to the nerve associated with the acupuncture channel
associated with the acupuncture point which is traditionally
targeted for the desired therapy.
[0015] Thus, while the preferred embodiments of the devices and
methods have been described in reference to the environment in
which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the
principles of the inventions. Other embodiments and configurations
may be devised without departing from the spirit of the inventions
and the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *