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.

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.