Acupuncture needle device with micro-current stimulation function

Abstract

The present invention discloses an acupuncture needle device with a micro-current stimulation function. For the single-handed acupuncture technique, it includes a positive electrode finger sleeve and a negative electrode finger sleeve. The positive electrode finger sleeve is sleeved on the operator's index finger and its length is such that it reaches the finger root. The negative electrode finger sleeve is sleeved on the operator's middle finger and its length is such that it reaches the finger root. A positive electrode plate is embedded on the side of the positive electrode finger sleeve close to the thumb. A negative electrode block is embedded at the position corresponding to the fingertip of the negative electrode finger sleeve. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode block are respectively electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of a portable power source. During the acupuncture process using the single-handed acupuncture technique, an electric current loop is formed among the positive pole of the portable power source, the acupuncture needle, the acupoint being punctured, the position where the middle finger touches, and the negative pole of the portable power source, and the acupoint is subjected to synchronous current stimulation during the acupuncture process. Through reasonable structural design and scientific logical analysis, the effectiveness, safety of the acupuncture therapy and the improvement of the patient experience are realized, providing important support for the modern development of acupuncture techniques.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of medical devices, and specifically relates to an acupuncture needle device with a micro-current stimulation function. Background Art

[0002] In traditional Chinese acupuncture, electrotherapy, as a modern treatment method, is widely used in pain management, rehabilitation, and adjuvant treatment of various diseases. Traditional acupuncture electrotherapy usually relies on an external power source, which is connected to the acupuncture needle through a wire to achieve electrical stimulation of specific acupoints. However, this method has some deficiencies.

[0003] Firstly, the application time of the current is usually not synchronized enough with the acupuncture action, which may lead to an unsatisfactory stimulation effect. The patient feels the current stimulation only after acupuncture, resulting in a misalignment of the timing between the current and the acupuncture effect, thereby affecting the treatment effect.

[0004] Secondly, the adjustment of the current intensity in traditional electrotherapy often lacks flexibility. The operator cannot adjust the current intensity in a timely manner according to the specific reaction of the patient, which may lead to insufficient or excessive stimulation, thus causing discomfort to the patient.

[0005] In addition, the acupuncture depth has a significant impact on the conduction and stimulation effect of the current, and this factor is not fully considered in traditional methods. Due to the physical differences of different patients and the variation of acupuncture depth, the transmission effect of the current varies greatly, resulting in insufficient individualization of the treatment effect.

[0006] Under this background, it is particularly important to develop a new type of acupuncture needle device that can achieve a high degree of synchronization between the current and the acupuncture action and has flexible current adjustment and depth adaptability. This will bring higher treatment effects and patient comfort to acupuncture therapy, and promote the application and development of acupuncture in modern medicine. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is as follows: The present invention provides an acupuncture needle device with a micro-current stimulation function. Through reasonable structural design and scientific logical analysis, the effectiveness, safety, and patient experience of acupuncture therapy are improved, providing important support for the modern development of acupuncture technology.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] An acupuncture needle device with a microcurrent stimulation function, for single-handed acupuncture techniques, includes a positive finger sleeve and a negative finger sleeve; the positive finger sleeve is sleeved on the operator's index finger, and its length is such that it reaches the finger root; the negative finger sleeve is sleeved on the operator's middle finger, and its length is such that it reaches the finger root; a positive electrode piece is embedded on the side of the positive finger sleeve close to the thumb; a negative electrode block is embedded at the position corresponding to the fingertip of the negative finger sleeve; the positive electrode piece and the negative electrode block are respectively electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of a portable power supply; during the acupuncture process using the single-handed acupuncture technique, a current loop is formed among the positive pole of the portable power supply, the acupuncture needle, the acupuncture point, the touching position of the middle finger, and the negative pole of the portable power supply, and the acupoints are synchronously stimulated by current during the acupuncture process.

[0010] Wherein, an elastic band is connected to the opposite sides of the positive finger sleeve corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger and the negative finger sleeve corresponding to the proximal phalanx of the middle finger. During the single-handed acupuncture technique process, the elastic band is stretched and the restoring force of the elastic band is used to increase the acupuncture needle insertion speed.

[0011] Wherein, a magnetic guiding groove is embedded in the corresponding finger pulp of the middle finger of the negative finger sleeve; the upper and lower ends of the guiding groove have a larger diameter than the middle part thereof, forming a flared groove structure; the guiding groove is used to guide and maintain the insertion direction of the acupuncture needle.

[0012] Wherein, the voltage of the portable power supply can be manually adjusted, and when not manually adjusted, its voltage value is automatically maintained constant.

[0013] Wherein, the main materials of the positive finger sleeve and the negative finger sleeve are elastic insulating materials.

[0014] Wherein, the main materials of the positive finger sleeve and the negative finger sleeve are silicone or TPU.

[0015] Wherein, the positive electrode piece is made of a polymer with a silver coating or a woven metal material, and has good electrical conductivity and flexibility.

[0016] Wherein, the negative electrode block is made of copper or silver-plated material.

[0017] Wherein, the elastic band is made of neoprene or elastic fabric.

[0018] Wherein, the portable power supply is worn around the waist. Thin conductive wires are respectively connected to the positive electrode piece and the negative electrode block and then enter the sleeve from the back of the hand, and extend to the waist through the arm to connect to the positive and negative electrodes of the portable power supply.

[0019] Wherein, the outer surface of the negative electrode block is an arc surface.

[0020] An auxiliary acupuncture method, using the acupuncture needle device described above, includes the following steps:

[0021] ①Put the positive finger sleeve on the index finger and the negative finger sleeve on the middle finger, and their lengths both reach the finger root;

[0022] ② Pinch the needle handle of the acupuncture needle with the pulp of the thumb and index finger, and the positive electrode piece on the positive electrode finger sleeve is in electrical contact with the needle handle; move the middle finger downward, and the pulp of the middle finger presses the lower part of the acupuncture needle from the side, and make the lower part of the acupuncture needle embed in the guiding groove. Due to the magnetism of the guiding groove, this process does not require deliberate alignment, and the lower part of the acupuncture needle can automatically slide into the guiding groove; during the downward movement of the middle finger, the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger moves away from and backward relative to the proximal phalanx of the middle finger, driving the elastic band to stretch;

[0023] ③ Use the strength of the index finger and middle finger to quickly insert the acupuncture needle downward into the acupoint skin; during this process, the middle finger synchronously moves downward to touch the patient's skin, so that the negative electrode block contacts the patient's skin; and during this process, the elastic band returns, and using the stretching and recovery effect of the elastic band, apply appropriate force to increase the initial velocity of the acupuncture needle and reduce the patient's pain; at the moment when the acupuncture needle pierces into the patient's acupoint, a current loop is formed between the positive pole of the portable power supply, the acupuncture needle, the acupuncture point, the touch position of the middle finger, and the negative pole of the portable power supply, and synchronous current stimulation is applied to the acupoint during the acupuncture process;

[0024] ④ When the acupuncture needle remains in the acupoint, use the middle finger as a fulcrum to perform the required lifting and twirling operations on the acupuncture needle. During this process, the circuit is not broken, and the current stimulation of the acupoint is maintained; during the lifting process, since the voltage of the portable power supply remains constant and the current mainly conducts through the needle tip, therefore, as the depth of the acupuncture needle is different, the resistance is different, resulting in a fitting effect that the current increases with the increase of the depth of the acupuncture needle;

[0025] ⑤ After releasing the acupuncture needle, the current loop automatically disconnects, and the next acupuncture is performed.

[0026] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solutions, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0027] 1. Microcurrent stimulation enhances the treatment effect

[0028] The positive electrode finger sleeve and the negative electrode finger sleeve in the acupuncture needle device are respectively connected to the portable power supply, and a complete current loop is formed through the positive electrode piece and the negative electrode block. When the acupuncture needle is inserted into the acupoint, microcurrent stimulation is provided through this loop. The microcurrent can stimulate nerve endings, promote local blood circulation and metabolism, and improve the overall curative effect of acupuncture. The presence of current stimulation makes the treatment process not only limited to mechanical insertion, but also increases the intensity of physiological reactions.

[0029] 2. Reduce the pain during needle insertion

[0030] An elastic band is used to connect the positive electrode finger sleeve and the negative electrode finger sleeve, and the needle insertion speed is increased through stretching and restoring force. Since the pain nerves are mainly distributed in the epidermis and dermis of the skin, rapid and stable needle insertion can significantly reduce the patient's pain and relieve the psychological pressure on the patient. The design of the elastic band can achieve a more natural needle insertion movement while applying force, avoiding pain caused by improper force application.

[0031] 3. Automatic alignment and guiding stability

[0032] The guiding groove built in the negative electrode finger sleeve has a flared groove structure, with the diameters of the upper and lower ends being larger than that of the middle part. This design can automatically guide the insertion direction of the acupuncture needle, reducing the operator's misalignment errors. By using magnetic materials, the guiding groove can help the acupuncture needle slide in smoothly, avoiding unnecessary repeated attempts and additional discomfort to the patient.

[0033] In addition, the guiding groove made of magnetic plastic has the following advantages:

[0034] Integrity of the current loop: Magnetic plastic is non-conductive, so it will not affect the formation of the current loop. This can ensure that during acupuncture, the current between the positive and negative electrodes flows stably, without current interruption or interference caused by the conductivity of the material.

[0035] Portability: The lightweight characteristic of magnetic plastic makes the entire acupuncture device easier for the operator to handle, reducing the burden on the hand. The lightweight design allows the operator to insert the needle more flexibly, improving the comfort and efficiency of the operation.

[0036] Moderate magnetism: The magnetism of magnetic plastic is relatively small and will not overly drive the acupuncture needle when the hand is withdrawn, avoiding needle tilt and patient pain. This is very important because after acupuncture, the operator needs to withdraw the needle quickly and steadily, and moderate magnetism can reduce such errors.

[0037] Convenient and flexible operation: The design of the guiding groove enables the acupuncture needle to slide in smoothly during insertion without the operator having to perform complex alignment. In this way, the operator can focus on the acupuncture technique, improving the fluency and flexibility of the entire process.

[0038] 4. Flexibility and adjustability of the portable power supply

[0039] The portable power supply is connected to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode block through thin conducting wires, and the voltage can be manually adjusted. The design of the portable power supply allows it to be used in different scenarios to meet various clinical needs. At the same time, the voltage adjustability enables the operator to adjust the appropriate current intensity according to the specific situation of the patient to optimize the treatment effect.

[0040] 5. Matching effect of current varying with depth

[0041] During acupuncture, the depth of the needle varies, and the resistance changes, leading to variations in the current. As the needle penetrates deeper, the local resistance increases, and the current increases accordingly. This dynamic current stimulation adapts to the depth of the needle, further enhancing the therapeutic effect. This design ensures effective current stimulation even when stimulating deep acupoints, in line with the conditioning principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

[0042] The main differences between the current change of this patent application and traditional acupuncture current therapy are as follows:

[0043] Synchronized Current Stimulation: This device instantly creates a current circuit during acupuncture, achieving current stimulation synchronized with the acupuncture procedure. Traditional therapies typically apply current after acupuncture, which can lead to inconsistent stimulation timing and effectiveness. This synchronization helps enhance treatment effectiveness and improve patient comfort.

[0044] Current Depth Adaptability: Because the current varies with the depth of acupuncture needles, this device automatically adjusts the current based on the resistance. Traditional treatments often fail to adapt to varying acupuncture depths, potentially resulting in insufficient or excessive stimulation. This design improves current adaptability, helping to provide personalized treatment based on individual differences. Traditional electroacupuncture therapy cannot automatically adjust the current with depth because it uses a fixed-current electroacupuncture device whose current intensity is manually adjusted by the operator and does not automatically adjust to changes in needle depth. Electroacupuncture therapy works by connecting electrodes to the handles of acupuncture needles and using the electroacupuncture device to generate a current of constant frequency and intensity, which is then introduced through the needles into the acupuncture points. Current adjustment is typically manually set by the operator based on the patient's tolerance and treatment goals, including current intensity, waveform type (e.g., continuous wave, intermittent wave), and frequency. The current output by the electroacupuncture device is relatively constant and does not automatically adjust intensity based on changes in needle insertion depth.

[0045] 6. Simplify operational processes

[0046] The device is designed for one-handed operation, and the positive and negative electrode finger sleeves simplify the acupuncture process. This design makes acupuncture more efficient, allowing the operator to focus on the treatment without worrying about the complexities of the procedure. This is particularly important for rapid acupuncture in clinical settings.

[0047] 7. Promote the modernization of acupuncture

[0048] By combining modern technology with traditional techniques, we have created more advanced acupuncture equipment. This combination not only improves the scientific nature and effectiveness of acupuncture, but also promotes the modernization and internationalization of traditional acupuncture techniques, providing new ideas for the application of acupuncture in modern medicine.

[0049] In summary, the acupuncture needle device with micro-current stimulation function realizes the effectiveness, safety of acupuncture therapy and the improvement of patient experience through reasonable structural design and scientific logical analysis, providing important support for the modern development of acupuncture technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the perspective view of one side before the operator inserts the needle;

[0051] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the perspective view of the other side before the operator inserts the needle;

[0052] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the perspective view of one side when the operator inserts the needle;

[0053] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the perspective view of the other side when the operator inserts the needle.

[0054] Markings in the figure: 1, positive electrode finger sleeve; 11, positive electrode plate; 2, negative electrode finger sleeve; 21, negative electrode block; 22, guiding groove; 3, elastic band. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0055] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0056] Refer to Figures 1 to 4 , this invention relates to an acupuncture needle device with micro-current stimulation function. For the single-handed needle insertion technique, it includes a positive electrode finger sleeve 1 and a negative electrode finger sleeve 2; the positive electrode finger sleeve 1 is sleeved on the operator's index finger and its length extends to the finger root; the negative electrode finger sleeve 2 is sleeved on the operator's middle finger and its length extends to the finger root; a positive electrode plate 11 is embedded on the side of the positive electrode finger sleeve 1 close to the thumb; a negative electrode block 21 is embedded at the position corresponding to the fingertip of the negative electrode finger sleeve 2; the positive electrode plate 11 and the negative electrode block 21 are respectively electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of a portable power source; during the acupuncture process using the single-handed needle insertion technique, a current loop is formed among the positive electrode of the portable power source, the acupuncture needle, the acupuncture point, the touching position of the middle finger, and the negative electrode of the portable power source, and synchronous current stimulation is applied to the acupuncture point during the acupuncture process.

[0057] In this embodiment, an elastic band 3 is connected to the opposite sides of the positive electrode finger sleeve 1 corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger and the negative electrode finger sleeve 2 corresponding to the proximal phalanx of the middle finger. During the single-handed needle insertion process, the elastic band 3 is stretched and the return force of the elastic band 3 is used to increase the needle insertion speed of the acupuncture needle.

[0058] In this embodiment, a magnetic guiding groove 22 is embedded in the negative electrode finger sleeve 2 corresponding to the pulp of the middle finger; the upper and lower ends of the guiding groove 22 have a larger diameter than the middle part of this embodiment, forming a flared groove structure; the guiding groove 22 is used to guide and maintain the insertion direction of the acupuncture needle.

[0059] In this embodiment, the main materials of the positive electrode finger sleeve 1 and the negative electrode finger sleeve 2 are elastic insulating materials.

[0060] In this embodiment, the main materials of the positive electrode finger sleeve 1 and the negative electrode finger sleeve 2 are silicone or TPU.

[0061] In this embodiment, the positive electrode piece 11 is made of a polymer with a silver plating layer or a woven metal material, which has good electrical conductivity and flexibility.

[0062] In this embodiment, the negative electrode block 21 is made of copper or silver-plated material.

[0063] In this embodiment, the elastic band 3 is made of neoprene or elastic fabric.

[0064] In this embodiment, the guiding groove 22 is made of magnetic plastic.

[0065] In this embodiment, the portable power supply is worn around the waist. The thin conductive wires are respectively connected to the positive electrode piece 11 and the negative electrode block 21, then enter the sleeve from the back of the hand, and extend to the waist through the arm to connect the positive and negative electrodes of the portable power supply.

[0066] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the negative electrode block 21 is an arc surface.

[0067] In this embodiment, the voltage of the portable power supply can be manually adjusted, and when it is not manually adjusted, its voltage size is automatically maintained constant.

[0068] When the acupuncture needle just penetrates the epidermis, the current path mainly includes the resistance of the skin (relatively high).

[0069] At this stage, the resistance is relatively large because the conductivity of the skin and superficial tissues is poor.

[0070] As the acupuncture needle is inserted deeper into the tissue, the tip of the needle is closer to the tissues with low resistance (such as muscles and tissues rich in blood).

[0071] The conductivity of the deep tissues is better, so the resistance will gradually decrease.

[0072] As the acupuncture needle is inserted deeper, the resistance gradually decreases, resulting in an increase in current, thereby increasing the stimulation effect of the current on the deep tissues. This change in current is an automatic change and is automatically adjusted according to different depths, which conforms to the conditioning principle of traditional Chinese acupuncture.

[0073] An auxiliary acupuncture method, using an acupuncture needle device, includes the following steps:

[0074] ①Put the positive electrode finger sleeve 1 on the index finger and the negative electrode finger sleeve 2 on the middle finger, with both reaching the finger roots.

[0075] ②Pinch the needle handle of the acupuncture needle with the pulp of the thumb and index finger, and the positive electrode piece 11 on the positive electrode finger sleeve 1 is in electrical contact with the needle handle; the middle finger moves downward, and the pulp of the middle finger presses the lower part of the acupuncture needle from the side, and makes the lower part of the acupuncture needle embed in the guiding groove 22. Due to the magnetism of the guiding groove 22, this process does not require deliberate alignment, and the lower part of the acupuncture needle can automatically slide into the guiding groove 22; during the downward movement of the middle finger, the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger moves away from and backward relative to the proximal phalanx of the middle finger, driving the elastic band 3 to stretch.

[0076] ③Use the strength of the index finger and middle finger to quickly insert the acupuncture needle downward into the acupoint skin; during this process, the middle finger moves downward synchronously to touch the patient's skin, so that the negative electrode block 21 is in contact with the patient's skin; and during this process, the elastic band 3 returns, and by using the stretching and returning effect of the elastic band 3, an appropriate force is applied to increase the initial velocity of the acupuncture needle and reduce the patient's pain; at the moment when the acupuncture needle pierces into the patient's acupoint, a current loop is formed among the positive pole of the portable power supply, the acupuncture needle, the acupoint puncture point, the touching position of the middle finger, and the negative pole of the portable power supply, and synchronous current stimulation is applied to the acupoint during the acupuncture process.

[0077] ④When the acupuncture needle remains in the acupoint, use the middle finger as a fulcrum to perform the required lifting and twirling operations on the acupuncture needle. During this process, the circuit is not broken, and the current stimulation of the acupoint is maintained; during the lifting process, since the voltage of the portable power supply remains constant and the current mainly conducts through the needle tip, therefore, as the depth of the acupuncture needle is different, the resistance is different, bringing a fitting effect that the current increases with the increase of the depth of the acupuncture needle.

[0078] ⑤After releasing the acupuncture needle, the current loop automatically disconnects, and the next acupuncture is performed.

[0079] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An acupuncture needle device with a microcurrent stimulation function, characterized in that: For a single - hand acupuncture technique, it includes a positive electrode finger sleeve (1) and a negative electrode finger sleeve (2); the positive electrode finger sleeve (1) is sleeved on the operator's index finger, with a length that reaches the finger root; the negative electrode finger sleeve (2) is sleeved on the operator's middle finger, with a length that reaches the finger root; on the side of the positive electrode finger sleeve (1) close to the thumb, a positive electrode piece (11) is embedded; at the position corresponding to the fingertip of the negative electrode finger sleeve (2), a negative electrode block (21) is embedded; the positive electrode piece (11) and the negative electrode block (21) are respectively electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of a portable power source; during the acupuncture process using the single - hand acupuncture technique, an electric current loop is formed among the positive pole of the portable power source, the acupuncture needle, the acupuncture point, the touching position of the middle finger tip, and the negative pole of the portable power source, and synchronous current stimulation is applied to the acupoints during acupuncture; on the corresponding middle finger pulp of the negative electrode finger sleeve (2), a magnetic guiding groove (22) is embedded; the upper and lower ends of the guiding groove (22) have a larger diameter than the middle part, forming a flared groove structure; the guiding groove (22) is used to guide and maintain the insertion direction of the acupuncture needle; the voltage of the portable power source can be manually adjusted, and when not manually adjusted, its voltage value automatically remains constant; on the relative sides of the positive electrode finger sleeve (1) corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger and the negative electrode finger sleeve (2) corresponding to the proximal phalanx of the middle finger, an elastic band (3) is connected. During the single - hand acupuncture technique process, the elastic band (3) is stretched and the restoring force of the elastic band (3) is used to increase the insertion speed of the acupuncture needle. The positive electrode piece (11) is made of a polymer with a silver coating or a woven metal material, having good electrical conductivity and flexibility; the negative electrode block (21) is made of copper or silver - plated material; the outer surface of the negative electrode block (21) is an arc surface. The portable power source is worn around the waist. Thin conductive wires are respectively connected to the positive electrode piece (11) and the negative electrode block (21), then enter the sleeve from the back of the hand, and extend through the arm to the waist to connect to the positive and negative electrodes of the portable power source.

2. The acupuncture needle device with a micro-current stimulation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main materials of the positive electrode finger sleeve (1) and the negative electrode finger sleeve (2) are elastic insulating materials.

3. The acupuncture needle device with micro-current stimulation function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main materials of the positive electrode finger sleeve (1) and the negative electrode finger sleeve (2) are silicone or TPU.

4. The acupuncture needle device with microcurrent stimulation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic band (3) is made of neoprene or elastic fabric.

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