Shirodhara apparatus

Abstract

To provide a Shirodhara apparatus that can flexibly accommodate a position of a forehead of a person receiving treatment, allows a heated liquid to continuously and stably flow down at a constant flow rate, and allows a meditative state to be easily maintained by suppressing sound and vibration by a liquid feeding pump.SOLUTION: A Shirodhara apparatus includes: a heating tank that heats a liquid; a Shirodhara pot that allows the heated liquid to flow down; a head portion that suspends the Shirodhara pot; a liquid feeding pump that feeds the liquid from the heating tank to the Shirodhara pot through a liquid flow path; a storage tank that receives the liquid that has flowed down; an operation panel that operates the apparatus; and a pole that connects the head portion and the operation panel. The head portion further includes a drive mechanism including a motor, a rack and pinion, and a slide table. By the drive mechanism, the Shirodhara pot suspended from the head portion reciprocates along a longitudinal direction of a rack gear of the rack and pinion, thereby enabling a flow-down position of the liquid to be changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a Shirodhara device, and more particularly to a device for continuously flowing a liquid heated to a constant temperature down at a constant flow rate to a fixed position on the forehead of a human head. [Background technology]

[0002] "Shirodhara" is a type of Ayurvedic medical treatment method that has been passed down in India and Sri Lanka for approximately 5,000 years. In Sri Lanka, oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil are heated and then poured from a shirodhara pot down the sixth chakra, also known as the third eye, located on the forehead of the human head, stimulating the body and putting the body into a meditative state for a short period of time, thereby restoring the body. In Japan, instead of using oil, a water-soluble liquid containing herbal extracts is often used. It is said to be effective in relieving mental anxiety, stress, insomnia, headaches, and improving eyesight.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an invention of a device for use in massage therapy in which heated sesame oil is dripped onto the forehead. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an invention relating to a structure of a recovery and suction section for collecting and suctioning stored oil in an oil constant temperature circulation filtering device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-221261 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-200338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional Shirodhara devices such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 move the Shirodhara pot in parallel via a cam connected to a motor, causing the liquid to flow down a specific area on the forehead. However, there was a problem in that when the patient's body position shifted due to their sleeping position, the position of the forehead also shifted, causing the liquid to flow out of the appropriate position.

[0006] Furthermore, during the treatment, the sound and vibration of the liquid pump, which is installed near the back of the person's head to circulate the liquid, reverberates and amplifies in the bowl-shaped hair washing station, causing the person to fall out of their meditative state.

[0007] Furthermore, there is the problem that it is difficult to maintain a constant temperature for the heated liquid used during treatment, and in order to obtain sufficient treatment effects, attempts have been made to circulate a constant temperature liquid (oil) using a device with a relatively complex structure, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 2.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a Shirodhara device that can flexibly accommodate the position of the forehead of the person receiving treatment, that allows heated liquid to flow steadily and continuously at a constant rate, and that suppresses noise and vibrations caused by the liquid feed pump, thereby making it easy for the person receiving treatment to maintain a meditative state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention of claim 1 relates to a Shirodhara device for continuously and stably flowing a constant flow rate of heated liquid onto a target, comprising: a heating tank for heating the liquid; a Shirodhara pot for flowing the heated liquid; a head unit for suspending the Shirodhara pot; a liquid transfer pump for sending the liquid from the heating tank to the Shirodhara pot through a liquid flow path; a liquid storage tank for receiving the flowed-down liquid; a control panel for operating the device; and a pole connecting the head unit and the control panel, wherein the head unit further comprises a drive mechanism including a motor, a rack and pinion, and a slide table, and the drive mechanism causes the Shirodhara pot suspended from the head unit to reciprocate along the longitudinal direction of the rack gear of the rack and pinion, thereby changing the position from which the liquid flows down.

[0010] The invention according to claim 2 relates to the Shirodhara device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism has a stopper on the rack gear, and the range over which the liquid flows down can be freely adjusted.

[0011] The invention according to claim 3 relates to the Shirodhara device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the liquid is circulated within the liquid flow path by using the liquid feed pump, an aspirator provided in the liquid flow path, and a plurality of cocks.

[0012] The invention according to claim 4 relates to the Shirodhara device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating bath is provided with a heater that maintains the temperature of the liquid in the bath at 35 to 42°C.

[0013] The invention according to claim 5 relates to the Shirodhara device according to claim 3, which comprises an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator in the liquid flow path.

[0014] The invention according to claim 6 relates to the Shirodhara device according to claim 1, wherein the type and orientation of the pole are changeable.

[0015] The invention according to claim 7 relates to the Shirodhara device according to claim 1, which can be disassembled and transported. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the invention of claim 1, the Shirodhara device comprises a heating tank for heating liquid, a Shirodhara pot for causing the heated liquid to flow down, a head from which the Shirodhara pot is suspended, a liquid transfer pump for transferring liquid from the heating tank to the Shirodhara pot through a liquid flow path, a liquid storage tank for receiving the flowing liquid, a control panel for operating the device, and a pole connecting the head and the control panel. The head further comprises a drive mechanism including a motor, a rack and pinion, and a slide table. The drive mechanism causes the Shirodhara pot suspended from the head to reciprocate along the longitudinal direction of the rack gear of the rack and pinion, thereby changing the position from which the liquid flows down. This makes it possible to flexibly respond to the position of the forehead of the person receiving treatment and to continuously and stably flow a constant flow rate of heated liquid at the correct position, thereby providing the advantageous effect of easily maintaining the meditative state of the person receiving treatment.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 2, the drive mechanism provided in the head part of the Shirodhara device has a stopper on the rack gear, and the range of the liquid flow can be freely adjusted. Therefore, by taking advantage of the rack and pinion type that changes rotational motion to reciprocating motion, even if the position of the forehead of the person receiving treatment shifts during treatment due to a change in sleeping position, the position of the liquid flow can be instantly made to follow the position of the forehead by simply changing the position of the stopper, and stable flow is possible, which has the advantageous effect of easily maintaining the meditative state of the person receiving treatment.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 3, by using the liquid transfer pump of the Shirodhara device, an aspirator provided in the liquid flow path, and multiple cocks, it is possible to balance the amount of liquid discharged and the amount of liquid returning, thereby enabling stable circulation and transfer within the liquid flow path, allowing the heated liquid to flow continuously and stably at a constant rate, and also suppressing the noise and vibration caused by the liquid transfer pump, which has the advantageous effect of making it easy to maintain the meditative state of the person receiving treatment.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 4, the heating bath is equipped with a heater that maintains the liquid temperature in the bath at 35 to 42°C, thereby enabling stable liquid temperature control, which has the advantageous effect of allowing the person receiving treatment to obtain sufficient treatment effects.

[0020] According to the invention of claim 5, the Shirodhara device is equipped with an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator in the liquid flow path, which has the advantageous effect of improving the transdermal absorption rate of herbs and medicines dissolved in the liquid, thereby enabling the person receiving the treatment to achieve a deeper and longer meditative state.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 6, the Shirodhara device has an advantageous effect in that the type and direction of the pole can be changed, making treatment possible from three directions and enabling treatment in rooms with various layouts regardless of location.

[0022] According to the invention of claim 7, the Shirodhara device can be disassembled and transported, and can be carried around by storing it in a trunk, etc., which has the advantageous effect of enabling flexible use not only for treatments in stores but also for treatments on-site. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Shirodhara device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a Shirodhara device according to an embodiment of the present invention when used in combination with a bed or the like. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are a top view and a side view of a drive mechanism provided in a head portion of a Shirodhara device according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing examples of changes in the type and orientation of the poles in the Shirodhara device according to the present invention, where (a) is a top view of the device and (b) shows the type of poles used. [Figure 5]1 is a schematic diagram showing examples of changes in the type and orientation of the poles in the Shirodhara device according to the present invention, where (a) is a top view of the device and (b) shows the type and orientation of the poles used. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing examples of changes in the type and orientation of the poles in the Shirodhara device according to the present invention, where (a) is a top view of the device and (b) shows the type and orientation of the poles used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the Shirodhara device will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a Shirodhara device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the Shirodhara device (1) of the present invention, which comprises at least a Shirodhara pot (3), a head portion (4), a control panel (11) and a pole (12). In addition, since it has extendable legs, the height of the Shirodhara device (1) can be adjusted according to the treatment environment.

[0026] The Shirodhara device (1) shown in Figure 1 is merely one of various embodiments, and the shape of the device is not particularly limited as long as it can be used to carry out the present invention. In other words, the shapes of the Shirodhara pot (3), head unit (4), and control panel (11) may be any shapes commonly used in the technical field of the present invention. Furthermore, the materials used to manufacture the Shirodhara device (1) are not particularly limited as long as they are commonly used materials such as metal, synthetic resin, and wood.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the Shirodhara device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention when used in combination with a bed or the like. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a heating tank (2), a Shirodhara pot (3), a head unit (4), a liquid flow path (5), a liquid storage tank (6), an aspirator (7), a cock 1 (8A), a cock 2 (8B), a cock 3 (8C), an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator (9), a liquid transfer pump (10), a control panel (11), a pole (12), and a heater (13). However, this is only one embodiment, and the Shirodhara device (1) according to the present invention may have other components added thereto as long as they do not affect the content of the present invention.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, it is desirable to use the Shirodhara device (1) according to the present invention in combination with a bed. In this case, the height of the Shirodhara device (1) can be adjusted by changing the length of the legs to match the height of the bed. The bed that can be used with the Shirodhara device (1) may be a normal bed type with a separate washing table and chair (bed), a wall-mounted type that combines a washing table and chair (bed), or a type that combines a washing table and chair (bed), etc. Examples include treatment beds, massage chairs, and shampoo tables (including wall-mounted types) in barber shops, and although not particularly limited, for example, ESPOIR YUME (manufactured by Takara Belmont Co., Ltd.) is preferably used.

[0029] The conventional method of heating liquids used in Shirodhara treatment involves filling a container such as a beaker with the liquid and adjusting the liquid temperature using a water bath heated from the bottom of the container with a heater (800-1200W). This method has drawbacks, such as the difficulty of maintaining the liquid at the appropriate temperature (35-42°C) and the high cost of the heater.

[0030] In contrast, the heating tank (2) of the present invention employs a method for efficiently transferring heat to the heating tank (2), for example, by installing a hot plate type heater (13) at the bottom (hot plate type), by directly wrapping the heater (13) around the tank (wrap-around heater type), or by placing the heater (13) inside the heating tank (2) (immersion heater type), making it easy to control the temperature and enabling the circulation and flow of liquid at an appropriate temperature at all times. The heating tank (2) in FIG. 2 is shown with a wrap-around heater (13). To obtain the desired effect from Shirodhara treatment, it is preferable to use a heated liquid at 35°C to 42°C, and more preferably 38°C to 41°C. After examining various heater power sources, the inventors discovered that using a 100W power source makes temperature control the easiest.

[0031] As the wrap-type heater (13) in the present invention, for example, a ribbon heater (manufactured by Tokyo Technical Research Institute) or the like can be suitably used. Furthermore, the use of a hot plate type is more preferable because it allows the hot plate to be heated in advance of the treatment, further shortening the preparation time before the treatment.

[0032] The Shirodhara device (1) according to the present invention connects the heating tank (2), the Shirodhara pot (3), and the liquid storage tank (6) with a liquid flow path (5), and circulates the heated liquid. The liquid circulation method in the present invention preferably employs a siphon system using an aspirator (7). By installing an aspirator (7) in the liquid flow path (5) in addition to a pump in the heating tank (2), negative pressure can be created in the liquid flow path (5), and by using multiple cocks, the heated liquid can be efficiently guided from a higher place to a lower place. By using the aspirator (7), it is possible to easily guide the liquid from a higher place to a lower place by going over the edge of the hair washing basin, without using the complicated method disclosed in Patent Document 2. In addition, by adopting a siphon system using an aspirator (7), it was possible to significantly reduce the electricity consumed during treatment and the cost of manufacturing the device.

[0033] The liquid storage tank (6) is usually installed inside the hair washing stand, so when circulating the liquid, it is necessary to move the liquid back and forth over the height differences at least between the heating tank (2) and the hair washing stand, and between the Shirodhara pot (3). For this reason, in the present invention, in addition to the aspirator (7), multiple stopcocks are used. Prior to treatment, the liquid flow path (5) is filled with liquid (priming water) from the liquid storage tank (6) up to the position of stopcock 1 (8A) with stopcock 1 (8A) closed, and treatment is initiated. After treatment begins, the liquid transfer pump (10) and aspirator (7) are used to adjust the amount of liquid circulating within the liquid flow path (5) by opening and closing stopcocks 1 (8A) and 2 (8B). Stopcock 1 (8A) is used to adjust the amount of liquid descending, and stopcock 2 (8B) is used to adjust the amount of liquid ascending. When the amount of liquid transferred from the heating tank (2) to the shirodhara pot (3) becomes excessive, stopcock 3 (8C) is opened to return a portion of the flow rate to the heating tank (2), thereby adjusting the amount of circulating liquid. In this way, stable liquid transfer and circulation are achieved. The flow rate of the liquid transfer pump (10) is preferably set to 400 ml to 800 ml / min.

[0034] A direct current (DC) pump, for example, can be suitably used as the liquid transfer pump (10) of the present invention because, compared to an alternating current (AC) pump, a DC pump consumes less power, has a larger pump flow rate, provides stable liquid transfer, and is quieter when operating.

[0035] By placing a receiving container (14) above the liquid storage tank (6), the flowing liquid can be efficiently collected. A funnel-shaped receiving container (14), for example, can be suitably used. Note that by placing a mesh or the like between the receiving container (14) and the liquid storage tank (6), the patient's hair and debris can be captured during treatment. This eliminates the need to remove hair and debris, and allows the heated liquid to be reused while circulating within the liquid flow path (5).

[0036] In addition, an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator (9) may be provided in the liquid flow path (5), and the ultra-fine bubbles (UFB) can improve the transdermal absorption rate of herbs and medicines dissolved in the liquid, thereby enabling the person receiving the treatment to achieve a deeper and longer meditative state.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows (a) a top view and (b) an AA′ cross-sectional view of a drive mechanism provided in the head portion 4 of the Shirodhara device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The drive mechanism provided in the head portion (4) of the Shirodhara device (1) of the present invention comprises a motor (4A), a rack and pinion (4B), a rack gear (4C), a slide table (4D), and a stopper (4E), but this is only one embodiment, and the drive mechanism provided in the head portion (4) of the present invention may have other components added thereto as long as they do not affect the content of the present invention.

[0038] There are no particular restrictions on the materials used for the components of the drive mechanism, but it goes without saying that commercially available motors (4A) and rack and pinions (4B) and other components that are obvious to those skilled in the art can be used. The motor (4A) according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the object of the present invention, but it is preferable to use, for example, an automatic reversing motor that automatically reverses when pressure is applied.

[0039] The rack gear (4C) of the rack and pinion (4B) is provided with at least one detachable stopper (4E), and by arbitrarily changing the position of the stopper (4E) on the rack gear (4C) according to the position and posture of the person receiving treatment, the range of motion of the motor (4A) and slide table (4D) can be limited, and the range of the liquid flow can be freely adjusted. Although adjustments are usually made using two stoppers (4E), if it is desired to limit the range of motion of the motor (4A) and slide table (4D) to either end of the rack gear (4C), it is also possible to use only one stopper (4E) and adjust the motor (4A) and slide table (4D) to move back and forth between the stopper (4E) and the end on the rack gear (4C).

[0040] 4 to 6 are schematic diagrams showing examples of changing the type and orientation of the pole (12) in the Shirodhara device (1) according to the present invention, and show that the control panel (11) is positioned on the upper side in FIG. 4, on the right side in FIG. 5, and on the left side in FIG. 6, as seen from the person receiving treatment lying on the bed. Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment in which the Shirodhara device (1) according to the present invention is used in combination with a bed installed in the four corners of a room or along a wall, for example, and Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which it is used in other places.

[0041] In the above-described embodiment, the shape of the pole (12) supporting the head portion (4) and the Shirodhara pot (3) of the present invention is preferably L-shaped in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 6, and T-shaped in the embodiment of Figure 4, as shown in the figures. The L-shaped pole (12) shown in Figures 5 and 6 is suitable for use when the Shirodhara device (1) according to the present invention is used in combination with a wall-mounted hair washing stand. By pre-making holes at both ends and in the center of the control panel (11) and inserting L-shaped or T-shaped poles (12), the Shirodhara device (1) according to the present invention can be installed and used in accordance with each of the above-mentioned embodiments. [Industrial Applicability]

[0042] The Shirodhara device of the present invention makes it easier for the recipient to maintain a deeper and longer state of meditation compared to conventional Shirodhara treatment methods, and therefore Shirodhara treatment can be combined with services at beauty salons, massage parlors, and barber shops. Furthermore, the Shirodhara device according to the present invention can also be used to treat areas other than the forehead, such as areas of people or animals suffering from injuries or poor physical condition. Furthermore, since it can be disassembled, it is easy to carry and can be used not only in stores but also when performing Shirodhara treatments on-site. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Shirodhara Device 2 Warming tank 3 Shirodhara Pot 4 Head 4A motor 4B rack and pinion 4C rack gear 4D Sliding Table 4E Stopper 5 Liquid flow path 6 Liquid storage tank 7. Aspirator 8A Cock 1 8B Cook 2 8C Cook 3 9. Ultra Fine Bubble (UFB) Generator 10 Liquid transfer pump 11 Control panel 12. Paul 13 Heater 14 Receptacle

Claims

1. A Shirodhara device for continuously and stably flowing heated liquid down to a subject at a constant flow rate, a heating tank for heating the liquid; Shirodhara pot that pours heated liquid down, A head portion for suspending the Shirodhara pot; a liquid transfer pump that transfers liquid from the heating tank to the Shirodhara pot through a liquid flow path; a liquid storage tank for receiving the flowing liquid; an operation panel for operating the device; a pole connecting the head unit and the operation panel; Equipped with the head unit further includes a drive mechanism including a motor, a rack and pinion, and a slide table; The Shirodhara device, wherein the drive mechanism causes the Shirodhara pot suspended from the head portion to reciprocate along the longitudinal direction of the rack gear of the rack and pinion, thereby changing the position where the liquid flows down.

2. 2. The Shirodhara device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is provided with a stopper on the rack gear, and the range of the liquid flowing down can be freely adjusted.

3. 3. The Shirodhara device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid is circulated within the liquid flow path by using the liquid feed pump, an aspirator provided in the liquid flow path, and a plurality of cocks.

4. 3. The Shirodhara device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating bath is equipped with a heater that maintains the temperature of the liquid in the bath at 35 to 42°C.

5. 4. The Shirodhara device according to claim 3, further comprising an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator in the liquid flow path.

6. 2. The Shirodhara device according to claim 1, wherein the type and orientation of the pole are changeable.

7. 2. The Shirodhara device according to claim 1, which can be transported by disassembling it.

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