System and methods for assessment of acupuncture points

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and methods for using alternating current to assess acupuncture points. Embodiments of the system of the present invention include a first probe, a second probe, a power source, a control component, a signal generator, an indicator including a gauge and display, wherein the gauge is configured to identify a relationship between active resistance and reactive resistance.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61 / 372,407 and 61 / 372,356 filed Aug. 10, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to systems and methods for acupuncture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for obtaining impedance readings at certain acupuncture points.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Conventional acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of treatment and has been used in China for thousands of years. The general theory is that the body has energy in the form of channels and “blood” which extends through the body organs and appears, in lines and points, on the skin. Each active site on the skin is called an “acupuncture point”. Each acupuncture point generally is very small, such as one square millimeter. The acupuncture points are used as a reference for administering treatments such as needle insertion, light treatment such as with ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The current frequency is set automatically by the circuitry of the present system to be inversely proportional to the impedance in the acupuncture point and is preferably about 3.3 kHz. The amplitude of the current is also inversely proportional to the impedance at the acupuncture point. If the impedance is high, then both the measuring frequency and amplitude at the measuring probe will decline. This method permits the reading of energy level in the acupuncture point with a minimum of error from outside influences.

[0019]It is another objective of the present invention to provide a measuring system less dependent on the skill of the operator.

[0022]It is a further objective of the present invention to simplify the entire process of acupuncture-based diagnosis and to shorten the time needed to train medical technicians and acupuncturists.

Problems solved by technology

Without such assessment, the treatment is less effective, regardless which treatment method is selected.

However, due to individual differences including differences in the size and body type of patients, even experienced acupuncturists may not correctly locate acupuncture points.

In addition, identifying the location of those points may be time-consuming.

Such lack of accuracy may decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.

However, measuring the electrical properties requires a relatively complex apparatus since common electromagnetic noise may cause significant errors.

These disrupting factors cause difficulty in reproducing the measured potential and resistance values.

Measurement methods based on DC resistance include complex procedures to compensate for the disrupting factors.

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