Stimulation methods for eye treatment

Abstract

The method for treating the eyes includes the following steps: (1) providing a guide element to specific locations on a subject, including the intersection of the vertical line of the medial malleolus and the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals, (2) the pupil of the left or right eye, (3) the ST36 point of the left or right leg, and (4) the SP point; and controlling the temperature of the guide element to be in the range of 40 to 50 ± 5°C, thereby providing a thermal stimulus to each specific location, increasing blood flow by 60% or more, and stimulating the secretion of growth hormone in the subject.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stimulus applying apparatus and method for treating various conditions, diseases, disorders, or symptoms, and more particularly to a stimulus applying apparatus and method for promoting the secretion of growth hormone in a subject by applying a stimulus, such as a thermal stimulus, to a specific site on the body surface of the subject. [Background technology]

[0002] US Patent No. 5,950,635 discloses a method of surface stimulation of points according to a specific acupuncture therapy, for example to reduce anxiety, such as stress. The patent discloses that LR3, HT3, and PC6 are identified as stimulation points of a patient. Electrodes are contacted with these three stimulation points respectively, thereby passing a current through the electrodes. Here, LR3 is located on the top of the foot, 2 cm proximal to the edge of the first and second toes.

[0003] HT3 is located on the medial side of each elbow, midway between the medial end of the elbow crease and the medial epicondyle of the humerus when the elbow is fully flexed. PC6 is located on each wrist, 2 cm proximal to the midpoint of the wrist crease between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. This patent focuses on the P1 potential with respect to at least one subcortical source, specifically the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), which is the cholinergic arm of the reticular activating system. That is, this patent discloses that when the above-mentioned stimulation points (LR3, HT3, and PC6) are stimulated with a needle, the P1 potential is reduced, and anxiety is reduced. Furthermore, other stimulation points to be stimulated by a needle are not disclosed besides stimulation points LR3, HT3, and PC6. However, this patent discloses that focusing on the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPN), anxiety is reduced due to the reduction in the P1 potential. However, there is no disclosure that the reduction in anxiety can achieve effects such as normalization of blood pressure, reduction in stress, increase in body temperature, reduction in neutral fats, reduction in cholesterol, and improvement of blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Through diligent research activities, the inventors have discovered that various conditions, diseases, disorders, or symptoms, including diabetes caused by stress, and lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and hypertension, can be improved by eliminating mental stress through stimulation with acupuncture needles or heat on the specific areas on the body surface to be stimulated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for treating an eye by applying a stimulation to a specific site of a subject using a stimulation device includes the steps of providing two or more guide elements made of two different types of metals to the specific sites, including (1) a site where a vertical line of the medial malleolus intersects with an extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals, (2) the pupil of the left or right eye, (3) ST36 point of the left or right leg, and (4) SP point where a vertical line extending from the center of the pupil intersects with a horizontal line extending to the mid-height between the lowest point of the nose and the highest point of the upper lip; and controlling the temperature of the guide elements to be in the range of 40 to 50 ± 5°C, thereby applying a thermal stimulation to the specific site according to a thermal stimulation pattern, thereby increasing the blood flow of the subject by 60% or more.

[0006] The pupil stimulation may be performed by attaching one of the guide elements with tape onto the skin in the center of the pupil while the eye is closed. The stimulation may be at least one of thermal, light and vibration stimulation. The eye treatment may be performed to accelerate the metabolism of the eye's lens. The eye treatment may stimulate the outer membrane of the eye's lens as well as promote the secretion of growth hormone in subjects whose hormone secretion has decreased with age. The eye treatment may be the treatment of at least one of cataracts, presbyopia, myopia and astigmatism.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, the method may include the steps of storing a thermal stimulation pattern in a storage device; placing two or more guide elements on at least two different specific sites among specific sites (1) to (4); reading out the thermal stimulation pattern from the storage device; controlling the temperatures of the two or more guide elements to be in the range of 40 to 50 ± 5°C; and outputting the thermal stimulation pattern to the two or more guide elements, thereby simultaneously applying thermal stimulation to each of the specific sites in accordance with the thermal stimulation pattern, thereby increasing blood flow by 60% or more by applying the thermal stimulation.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method for promoting secretion of growth hormone as described above further comprises the step of measuring blood flow by laser Doppler tissue flowmetry.

[0009] In the present invention, the thermal stimulation pattern formed by controlling the electric heating device is applied non-simultaneously and independently to at least one area selected according to a pathological condition, thereby achieving reduction in mental stress, increase in core body temperature, reduction in triglycerides, lowering of cholesterol, improvement of blood sugar level by reducing insulin resistance, and inhibition of arteriosclerosis.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present stimulation method for relieving stress and the stress-free medical treatment method using the stimulation method will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electric heating device used in the present invention.

[0012] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of an electric heating device.

[0013] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a thermal stimulus waveform obtained by controlling an electric heating device.

[0014] [Figure 4]1 is a schematic diagram of the plantar area to be stimulated, where "x" indicates the interosseous space between the first and second metatarsals (os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 interosseous), "y" indicates the interosseous space between the second and third metatarsals (os metatarsale primam 2 and 3 interosseous), and "z" indicates the extension of the medial edge of the os metatarsale primam 1 and 2 intersecting with a perpendicular line to the medial malleolus.

[0015] [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the thermal stimulation protocol.

[0016] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an area near the thyroid gland to be stimulated.

[0017] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the area of ​​the toes to be stimulated.

[0018] [Figure 8] Sites (L), (K), and (M) are indicated as the stimulus-specific areas to be stimulated.

[0019] [Figure 9] Shown is the infraorbital artery of the right eye viewed from above the eye, with the superior wall of the eye and infraorbital nerve tube open.

[0020] [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a frontal view of the subject's face showing more stimulation sites. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The stimulation treatment method according to the present invention is a stimulation treatment method for performing treatment by applying stimulation to a specific area on the body surface to be stimulated by a stimulation device to bring about an increase rate of blood flow of 60% or more, preferably 100% or more, where the blood flow is measured by a laser Doppler tissue blood flowmeter attached to the center of the inside of the wrist joint.

[0022] The specific region is at least one region selected from the group consisting of the space between the first and second metatarsals, the space between the second and third metatarsals, and the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals on the left and right soles, intersecting with the vertical line of the medial malleolus. Another specific region is the region near the thyroid gland. Another specific region is the region between the integument and the horizontal line of the medial border between the hallux distal phalanx bottom and the proximal phalanx head on the left and right soles.

[0023] The stimulation is applied non-simultaneously and independently to at least one area selected according to the medical condition.

[0024] The stimulation device is a heat stimulation device, and the heat stimulation device forms a warm temperature stimulus pattern. Here, the stimulation pattern is composed of a heat stimulation waveform and an interval, and the heat stimulation waveform includes a heating waveform obtained by heating to a peak temperature of 50±5°C, and a heat dissipation waveform formed by stopping heating when the peak temperature is reached.

[0025] The stimulation is selected from acupuncture needle stimulation, heat stimulation, light stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and ultrasonic stimulation.

[0026] Stress-free treatment methods include stimulation methods.

[0027] The stimulation evaluation method includes a stimulation method, and the rate of increase in blood flow is used as an index of stimulation evaluation.

[0028] Generally, when an organism is stressed, two systems are activated: one is the sympathetic nervous system, which begins in the locus coeruleus (locus ceruleus), where noradrenaline is secreted from nerve endings and adrenaline is secreted from the adrenal cortex.

[0029] The other axis includes the HPA axis (hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis), where CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone) secreted from the hypothalamus (paraventricular nucleus) acts on the pituitary gland. ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) secreted from the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) then acts on the adrenal cortex, which ultimately causes the secretion of glucocorticoids (cortisol) from the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is considered an indicator of mental / physical stress and can be measured in saliva. With this stimulation, salivary amylase, ACTH, and cortisol were reduced. It is clear that a normalization of the hormones of the stress response axis is occurring.

[0030] Cortisol controls the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and is an essential hormone for living organisms. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels rise depending on the amount secreted by stress, and it affects various functions of living organisms, such as the immune system (inhibition of inflammation), i.e., it causes a decrease in immune function, vascular system, and metabolic system (sugar rebirth) (gluconeogenesis). Furthermore, since there are receptors for cortisol in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and pituitary gland, when the secretion of cortisol increases, the synthesis of CRH or ACTH decreases. As a result, cortisol secretion is suppressed. Furthermore, in recent years, it has been reported that when such a large amount of cortisol is secreted due to excessive stress, it causes the hippocampus to shrink, based on MRI of the brain of a patient with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) as an indicator. Thus, since cortisol also affects the central system (cognition, memory, emotions), it is expected that using it for acupuncture and needle stimulation can prevent dementia and the like.

[0031] Another substance that has attracted attention along with cortisol is DHEA. DHEA, like cortisol, is a steroid hormone secreted from the adrenal cortex. It has been reported that its action is opposite to that of cortisol. For example, cortisol suppresses Th1 immune activity (NK cells, killer T cells) and promotes Th2 immune activity (B cells), whereas DHEA, on the other hand, promotes Th1 immune activity. Furthermore, patients with depression have high cortisol levels and low DHEA levels, so the ratio (cortisol / DHEA ratio) is thought to be important. DHEA is thought to be a hormone that effectively regulates the action of cortisol.

[0032] In addition, DHEA sulfate (sulfate-bound DHEA: DHEAS) (sulfate-bound form) is also thought to be important. Unlike cortisol, there is no negative feedback with DHEA, and when secreted, it is converted to DHEAS and accumulates for a relatively short time. DHEAS itself has no hormonal activity, but DHEAS is converted to DHEA in the organs that serve as targets and acts on them. DHEAS is thought to be an indicator of the stable state of DHEA. DHEA and DHEAS are thought to be related to stress.

[0033] It is believed that there are mechanisms resulting from vasodilation caused by such stimuli and mechanisms that are under the influence of sympathetic nerves. The action of vasodilation is believed to be caused by increasing the production of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) by stimuli. It is believed that when nerves, etc. are stimulated by stimuli, muscle blood flow increases, which increases the release of CGRP, etc. In other words, efferent autonomic nerves or motor nerves are not included in the dorsal spinal nerve root. Stimulation of afferent nerves, etc. causes an axon reflex mechanism, which releases CGRP from its terminal, and this is believed to be the basis for the mechanism by which blood vessels in the controlled area are dilated.

[0034] Furthermore, the effect on the activity of the autonomic nerves that control blood vessels is also assumed. Muscle blood vessels are controlled by adrenergic sympathetic nerves and cholinergic sympathetic nerves. The former are vasoconstrictor nerves through alpha receptors, and the latter are vasodilator nerves through acetylcholine. Even at rest, the former are always working in a state of tension for muscle blood vessels, so that blood vessels are said to always be maintained in a state of contraction to some extent. On the other hand, with regard to the latter, it is believed that blood flow increases because the smooth muscle of the blood vessels relaxes in response to acetylcholine released from the nerve endings.

[0035] It is also believed that when a parasympathetic nervous system is maintained in a dominant state by acupuncture or thermal stimulation, the long-term state of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity is improved, which may promote the suppression of the RA system in the kidney. This improves the QOL of hypertensive patients.

[0036] Furthermore, continuous stimulation treatments such as acupuncture and heat therapy showed a tendency to lower insulin. This is thought to be due to continuous improvement of insulin resistance, not a temporary increase in insulin secretion. Furthermore, obesity is one of the most important risk factors for IGT. Harris et al. have epidemiologically shown the relationship between IGT and DM and obesity, stating that obesity and weight gain play a major role in the development of DM. Therefore, it is thought that improving obesity problems will lead to the prevention of DM and hypertension. During the interview, we confirmed an average weight loss of about 2 kg / month.

[0037] Furthermore, taking into account the rise in core body temperature and changes in blood pressure, it is believed that stimulation by acupuncture needles, heat, etc., regulates systemic blood pressure and blood flow to each organ by the autonomic nervous system. Acupuncture needles have an effect on systemic blood pressure, and acupuncture needle stimulation is thought to produce a reaction to systemicity by the sympathetic nervous system.

[0038] A laser Doppler tissue blood flowmeter ALF21D (manufactured by Adovans) is used to measure blood flow in living tissue. In the laser Doppler tissue blood flowmeter ALF21D, when the living tissue is irradiated with a semiconductor laser light (wavelength is 780 nm), the light reflected by the tissue is converted into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is processed, thereby obtaining information on blood flow.

[0039] A C-type laser probe (10 mm in diameter, 3 mm in thickness, 2 mm2 laser irradiation area, and 1 mm in measurement depth) of a laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter was attached to the center of the horizontal line of the wrist joint, and measurements were taken after 15 minutes of rest after stimulation. The thermal heating probe was attached between the head of the second metacarpal bone and the head of the third metacarpal bone. The increase rate of blood flow was calculated from the measured blood flow.

[0040] Regarding the principle of laser Doppler tissue blood flow, the Doppler shift (frequency change) that occurs when laser light collides with red blood cells flowing in blood vessels and is scattered is used. This measurement method is characterized by non-invasiveness, real-time responsiveness, and continuous measurement capability. Furthermore, the ALF21D used in this study was able to display blood flow on a scale of ml / min / 100g. This is because signal processing is performed based on the theory of Bonner et al.

[0041] The mechanism of increased blood flow in stress-free therapy is explained below. Mental stress on the body stimulates the sympathetic nerves via the limbic system and the hypothalamus-pituitary gland, thereby constricting blood vessels and impairing the microcirculatory system including the organs of the body. In "stress-free therapy" responding to a decreased blood flow response, an increase in the temperature of the peripheral subcutaneous part at a distance of 3mm and 5mm, and secretion control of stress hormones (amylase, cortisol, and ACTH) have been confirmed.

[0042] In addition, the bioactive hormone vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) accelerates intestinal peristalsis, is secreted from the digestive tract, pancreas, and hypothalamus, and increases blood flow, including that of the digestive tract. In addition, vascular permeability and angiogenesis of microvessels are accelerated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Since VIP and VEGF are significantly increased by "stress-free treatment", it is believed that both the action of VIP and the action of VEGF are induced to increase blood flow in organs and peripheral blood streams.

[0043] From these results, it is believed that with regard to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system via the autonomic nervous system due to stress stimuli on the body and the excessive response of the hypothalamic pituitary gland tropic hormone, "stress-free treatment" by thyroid stimulation acts in an ascending manner on the ascendence of the hypothalamus, suppressing the release of stress hormones while increasing blood flow through VIP and VEGF.

[0044] Furthermore, when harmful stimuli such as stress and pain are applied to the body, blood flow in the skin of the fingertip decreases, and a sympathetic skin blood flow response (SFR) appears. This response is evaluated by an index based on peripheral blood flow as a response by the sympathetic nervous system to harmful stimuli. In stress-free treatment, blood flow in the center of the horizontal line of the wrist joint increases by laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter, so the decrease in blood flow mediated by the sympathetic skin blood flow response (SFR) due to stress, together with the suppression effect of stress hormones, would appear to increase blood flow by VIP and VEGF due to "stress-free treatment".

[0045] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric type warm temperature heating apparatus used in the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the circuit diagram of the electric type warm temperature heating apparatus.

[0046] The electrical thermal heating device includes a device 10 and a guide element 14 for thermal stimulation, connected to the device 10 by a lead 12 .

[0047] As shown in the figure, the device 10 includes a storage device 16 in which a thermal stimulation pattern is stored, a control device (CPU) 18 that reads out the thermal stimulation pattern from the storage device 16, and an output device 20 that supplies the thermal stimulation pattern to a guide element 14 for thermal stimulation. The thermal stimulation is applied to the part to be stimulated according to the thermal stimulation pattern.

[0048] The control device (CPU) 18 is connected to the memory device 16. A thermal stimulation pattern for obtaining a stimulation state equivalent to that obtained by burning moxa is stored in the memory device 16. The control device (CPU) 18 reads out the thermal stimulation pattern from the memory device 16, controls the output to one or more heating elements (a heating element(s)) based on the detection of the temperature sensor 22, and outputs the thermal stimulation pattern to one or more guide elements for thermal stimulation.

[0049] The device 10 is connected to two or more guide elements for thermal stimulation in order to deliver a thermal stimulation pattern to at least two different areas to be stimulated. In this way, the thermal stimulation pattern is applied to the areas to be stimulated by the guide elements for thermal stimulation.

[0050] A temperature sensor 22 is provided at a position correlating with the temperature of the affected area near the heating element. The guide element for thermal stimulation has a structure described below. The guide element for thermal stimulation 14 includes a case for the device 10, a heater provided within the case and used as a thermal heating source for providing thermal stimulation, a thermally conductive substrate provided on the underside of the case and conducting heat from the heater to the patient's skin, and a seal substrate provided on the upper surface of the case.

[0051] The thermally conductive substrate of the guide element for thermal stimulation arranged in two different regions is preferably made of at least two different types of metal: in this embodiment aluminium and steel are used.

[0052] The temperature sensor is provided at a predetermined position of the housing, which is in contact with a part of the human body, and detects the temperature at that position and transmits a detection signal to the sensor amplifier. The control device (CPU) controls the output of the power generation circuit so that the temperature of the part in contact with the skin surface of the human body does not exceed a predetermined temperature. In the thermal heating device, the surface temperature of the guide element for thermal stimulation is controlled to be within the range of 40 to 50 ± 5 ° C.

[0053] When the heating temperature of the heating element detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the reference temperature, the positive period of the pulse signal is controlled to be longer and the negative period of the pulse signal is controlled to be shorter according to the output of the temperature sensor. Conversely, when the temperature is equal to the reference temperature, the positive period is controlled to be shorter and the negative period is controlled to be longer.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows a desirable thermal stimulation waveform obtained by controlling an electric thermal heating device. The thermal stimulation waveform includes a heating waveform 2 obtained by heating to a predetermined peak temperature, for example, 50±5°C, and a heat dissipation waveform 3 formed by stopping heating after the peak temperature is reached.

[0055] The heating waveform may be a convex heating waveform, an upwardly inclined linear heating waveform, or a concave heating waveform. Furthermore, the heating waveform is not limited to the above-mentioned heating waveform. It may be a sawtooth waveform and a concave-convex waveform. Furthermore, the heating waveform and the heat dissipation waveform may be formed as a sine waveform.

[0056] The periodic pattern of the thermal stimulation includes a thermal stimulation waveform consisting of a thermal heating waveform and a heat dissipation waveform, and an interval before the next thermal heating curve. One periodic pattern of the thermal stimulation is preferably set so that the thermal stimulation area can be 1 second to 30 seconds, and the interval between the heating areas can be 1 second to 10 seconds.

[0057] The thermal stimulation pattern preferably includes independent thermal stimulation waveforms, the phases of which are shifted so that the thermal stimulation patterns do not substantially overlap each other. That is, as shown in the figure, the thermal stimulation pattern includes a first thermal stimulation pattern including an interval between a thermal stimulation area and a next thermal stimulation area, and a second thermal stimulation pattern including a thermal stimulation area for a certain period of the interval of the first thermal stimulation pattern and an interval between the first thermal stimulation areas.

[0058] The periodic pattern of thermal stimulation is preferably repeated for 10 to 30 minutes, and the periodic pattern of thermal stimulation is preferably repeated again.

[0059] Furthermore, in addition to acupuncture needle stimulation and thermal heating stimulation, light stimulation, magnetic stimulation, ultrasonic stimulation, low-frequency stimulation, etc. may also be used as stimulation.

[0060] First embodiment The subjects were adult males and females. Because of the risk of burns, an electric hyperthermic heating device, MXA-8000 (SO-257), was used for the hyperthermic heating stimulation. The probe was 10 mm in diameter, and the heat stimulation with a peak of 50 ± 5°C was applied intermittently for 15 minutes. The probe was attached to the body surface following hyperthermic heating to the specific area to be stimulated, and the specific area was heated to 40-50°C.

[0061] Here, the specific area to be stimulated is at least one selected from the group consisting of the space between the first and second metatarsals, the space between the second and third metatarsals, or the part where the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals of the left and right soles intersects with the vertical line of the medial malleolus (see FIG. 4). In FIG. 4, "x" indicates the space between the first and second metatarsals, "y" indicates the space between the second and third metatarsals, and "z" indicates the part where the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals intersects with the vertical line of the medial malleolus.

[0062] A thermal heating stimulus is then applied, preferably non-simultaneously and independently, depending on the pathology, to at least one particular area to be stimulated.

[0063] Table 1 shows the results of blood flow rate and blood flow increase rate measured before and after stimulation in the central region of the horizontal line of the wrist joint by using a laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter. Here, the thermal heating stimulus is applied to at least one selected from the group consisting of the inter-metatarsal space between the first and second metatarsal bones, the inter-metatarsal space between the second and third metatarsal bones, or the part on the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsal bones of the left and right soles that intersects with the vertical line of the medial malleolus as the specific region to be stimulated.

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] As shown in Table 1, when the increase rate of blood flow is more than 60%, and preferably more than 100%, the effect of treatment is extraordinary. At least one specific area to be stimulated, which is different from each other, is selected. The increase rate of blood flow is used as an index of stimulation. The increase rate of blood flow can be more than 60%, and preferably more than 100%. The increase rate of blood flow is also used as an index for evaluating stimulation.

[0066] Considering the influence of mental stress on the autonomic nervous system, subjects were kept in a supine position and kept quiet for 20 minutes, after which blood pressure, core body temperature, salivary amylase, and HEARTRATER (arterial age) were measured, and then thermal stimulation was administered for 15 minutes, and these values ​​were measured again immediately after the stimulation.

[0067] The protocol of thermal stimulation is shown in Figure 5. The treatment was performed once, and the above measurements were taken before, after and the next day of the treatment. The precapillary circulation controlled by the autonomic nervous system was measured by a deep body thermometer (a deep body temperature monitor, CORE TEMP CM-210, manufactured by TERUMO CORP.), and the mental stress was measured by DAEKI AMY (a salivary amylase monitor, manufactured by NIPRO). In addition, the index of arteriosclerosis and vascular age were quantified by HEARTRATER.

[0068] Blood is drawn twice, ie, before stimulation and the day after stimulation at the same time, and subjects refrain from consuming any food or liquids other than water after 9:00 PM the day before and on the day of testing.

[0069] Additionally, participants will be instructed in advance to refrain from strenuous exercise from 24 hours before the test until the day after the test, and, if possible, will be instructed to avoid strenuous activity and keep activity to a minimum by driving from their home to the laboratory on the morning of the test.

[0070] An increase in temperature was observed in the stimulated area. It should be noted that an increase in temperature was observed especially when stimulation was applied between the second and third metatarsals. Concerning salivary amylase, an increase trend was observed when stimulation was applied between the second and third metatarsals. Salivary amylase increased (+34.25). Furthermore, cortisol decreased in the first and second metatarsals (-3.33) and in the area where the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals intersects with the perpendicular line of the medial malleolus (-6.33).

[0071] When stimulation was applied between the first and second metatarsal bones, systolic arterial pressure was significantly reduced (-13.00).

[0072] When stimulation is applied to the space between the first and second metatarsal bones, total cholesterol is significantly reduced (-10.33). At the intersection of the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsal bones with the perpendicular line of the medial malleolus, neutral fat is also reduced (-24.67). Regarding AI (atherosclerosis index), when stimulation is applied to the space between the first and second metatarsal bones, AI is reduced (-0.10).

[0073] When stimulation is applied to the area located between the first and second metatarsal bones; or between the second and third metatarsal bones, blood glucose levels are reduced (-5.33 or 5.25). Furthermore, when stimulation is applied to the area located between the second and third metatarsal bones, hemoglobin A1c is also reduced (-0.13).

[0074] When stimulation is given to the space between the second and third metatarsals, or to the area where the extension of the medial margin of the first and second metatarsals intersects with the perpendicular line to the medial malleolus, the secretion of gastrin, a gastrointestinal hormone, increases significantly (19.33 or 48.67). This suggests that digestion, absorption, and intestinal peristalsis increase.

[0075] When stimulation was applied to the space between the first and second metatarsal bones, adiponectin increased (+1.5). Adiponectin is thought to be one of the substances that activates the sirtuin gene, one of the genes associated with longevity, so it was suggested that stimulation of the two areas of the sole of the foot would turn on the gene associated with longevity.

[0076] When stimulation is given to the area between the first and second metatarsals, or to the area where the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals intersects with the perpendicular line of the medial malleolus, leptin decreases (-0.57 or -0.20). Leptin is called the "hunger hormone," and the body is naturally capable of storing fat in the body. In modern times, it is said that 95% of obesity is caused by "leptin resistance" due to excess leptin. It is believed that the Dayez effect can be expected by adjusting the secretion amount of this substance.

[0077] Autonomic balance is measured by the Heart regulator. Autonomic activity increases between the first and second metatarsals (+28.33). Autonomic resistance increases between the first and second metatarsals (+14.67) or between the second and third metatarsals (+12.25). Stress index decreases between the first and second metatarsals (-17.00). Fatigue decreases between the first and second metatarsals (-30.00).

[0078] Second embodiment In this embodiment, an example of providing acupuncture needle stimulation to an area near the thyroid gland as a specific area to be stimulated is shown (see FIG. 6). The thyroid gland is an organ located at a shallow position from the body surface and observed at a depth ranging from about 5 mm to 30 mm. Therefore, the examination is generally performed by using a high frequency superficial probe in an ultrasound examination. The thyroid gland has a longitudinal diameter of about 40 to 50 mm, a thickness of about 12 to 18 mm, a width diameter of about 15 to 25 mm, and a thickness of its isthmus of about 2 to 4 mm.

[0079] A total of 10 men and women, aged 20-60, diagnosed with hypertension, were given acupuncture treatment. In hopes of influencing the mental stress brought about by the autonomic nervous system, disposable acupuncture needles (made of stainless steel, 40 mm long and 0.18 mm thick) were inserted 2-3 cm deep into the anterior neck. After the subjects were kept at rest in a supine position for 15 minutes, their blood pressure, core body temperature, and salivary amylase were measured. The subjects were then given acupuncture stimulation for 15 minutes, and measurements were taken again immediately after the needles were removed. The treatment was given seven times, namely on the first day, and 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21 days later.

[0080] In the second embodiment, blood flow can be measured before and after stimulation in the central region of the horizontal line of the wrist joint by using a laser Doppler tissue flowmeter, and the same results as those in Table 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0081] effect The values ​​of salivary amylase, systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant decrease by acupuncture stimulation, while the core body temperature at distances of 3mm and 5mm also showed a significant increase.

[0082] As for salivary amylase, an increase was observed at +35. It is believed that some of the hypertensive subjects were constantly under high levels of mental stress, and by removing this stress, blood pressure was reduced. As acupuncture treatment continued, the subjects' systolic arterial pressure and diastolic blood pressure tended to decrease (-13). In subjects not receiving antihypertensive drugs, an increase in blood pressure was observed immediately after acupuncture treatment. In subjects with low core temperatures at distances of 3mm and 5mm, deep core temperatures were observed to increase significantly (+2), and the core temperatures generally converged to normal body temperatures. Furthermore, as acupuncture treatment continued, there was a tendency for core temperatures to increase compared to before acupuncture treatment.

[0083] With continued acupuncture treatment, it was observed that immediately after the acupuncture treatment on day 0, cortisol and even the original ACTH secretion levels dropped significantly, then rose gradually, and then dropped again. It was observed that cortisol and ACTH in all subjects temporarily dropped immediately after the acupuncture treatment, and then showed a tendency to gradually increase, but as treatment continued, they tended to decline.

[0084] It was shown that T-CHOL, HDL-CHOL, and LDL-CHOL tended to decrease gradually.

[0085] Third embodiment In this embodiment, moxibustion was applied to the area between the integument and a horizontal line on the medial border of the plantar base of the distal phalanx of the left and / or right foot and the proximal phalanx of the left and right plantar bones as the specific area to be stimulated.

[0086] In FIG. 7, the symbol "◯" indicates a specific area to be stimulated and to which stimulation is applied, located between the integument and the horizontal line of the medial border of the base of the distal phalanx and the head of the proximal phalanx of the first toe.

[0087] Moxibustion was applied to the subjects by using pre-rolled moxa. Moxibustion was performed five consecutive times, stimulating the area between the integument and the horizontal line of the medial border between the base of the distal phalanx and the head of the proximal phalanx.

[0088] The amount of moxa per moxibustion treatment was 0.002 g, and the burning temperature was up to 80±5° C. Two sets of treatments, performed at the beginning and end of the week, were repeated three times, i.e., the treatments were performed a total of six times.

[0089] Clinical data confirms that thyroid hormone secretion is activated by stimulating the area between the integument and the horizontal line of the medial border between the base of the distal phalanx and the head of the proximal phalanx of the first toe.

[0090] In the third embodiment, the blood flow can be measured before and after stimulation in the central region of the horizontal line of the wrist joint by using a laser Doppler tissue blood flow meter, and the same results as those in Table 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0091] This achieves an increase in core body temperature and the prevention and improvement of obesity, diabetes, etc. Therefore, the treatment is considered to be one of the effective methods of treating lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. In particular, the following will describe clinical data on the increase in core body temperature, diabetes, and obesity, which have shown remarkable effects.

[0092] A total of nine men and women, aged 20 to 60 years, diagnosed with diabetes, obesity and hypertension, were included in the study. Stimulation was applied by moxibustion to the area between the integument and the horizontal line of the medial border between the base of the distal phalanx and the proximal phalanx of the first and / or right foot.

[0093] As described above, it has the effects of increasing core body temperature, decreasing neutral fats, lowering cholesterol, lowering insulin, and inhibiting arteriosclerosis.

[0094] It is preferred to apply the stimulation treatment to at least one of the specific areas to be stimulated selected from the group of the first or second embodiment.

[0095] The foregoing description has been presented only for illustration and description of exemplary embodiments of the present stimulation method for relieving stress and the stress-free treatment method by the stimulation method. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and that equivalents of its elements may be substituted. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but the invention is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

[0096] Fourth embodiment The sites (specific areas to be stimulated) for stimulating blood vessels (arteries) and nerves are as follows. Figure 8 shows sites (L), (K), and (M) as specific stimulation sites to be stimulated. And Figure 9 shows the infraorbital artery of the right eye as seen from above the eye, and the upper walls of the eye and infraorbital nerve tube are open. The specific areas to be stimulated are those sites that increase blood flow by 60% or more by providing stimulation.

[0097] (L) Supraorbital foramen site; The area of ​​the lateral canthus, located 1 cm above the orbital height. · Site of the supraorbital artery, vein, and branches of the supraorbital nerve in the face. - Areas that stimulate blood vessels (arteries) and the optic nerve. (K) Part The area located at the intersection of a line connecting the inner canthus of the eye to the (L) area and a line perpendicular to the outer canthus of the eye. Areas where blood flow in the ocular arteries is amplified. The area that stimulates the peripheral nerves of the eye. (M) Part The area of ​​the outer corner of the eye, located one horizontal finger width above the center of the line connecting the inner ends of the left and right eyebrows. The area that stimulates the trochlear nerve of the eye. (F) Site (described above) The part of the sole of the foot where the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsal bones intersects with the vertical line of the medial malleolus Stimulation at stimulation sites (L), (K), (M), and (F) is selectively applied.

[0098] Stimulation is selectively applied at the stimulation sites (L), (K), (M), and (F). One combination of stimulation sites includes the following: Pattern 1: (R)L-(L)L-(R)F Pattern 2: (L)LK-(R)F Pattern 3: L(R)-M-(R / L)F Here, (R) is the right side and (L) is the left side. The combination of stimulation sites is not limited to this combination. It is preferable to always provide a stimulation site (F).

[0099] Stimulation can be applied to multiple sites using heat, light, sound, vibration, or pressure. The thermal stimulus is administered by using a thermal stimulator such as that described in FIGS.

[0100] EMBODIMENT 5 FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a subject's face, including face 100, head 102, eyes 104, pupils 103 (EY), nose 105, mouth 106 and ears 107.

[0101] Exemplary stimulation sites include the following sites: (1): (F) The point where the vertical line of the medial malleolus intersects with the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals, (2):(L) supraorbital foramen, (3): ST 36 points, and (4): SP point. As mentioned above, the site (F) is the part shown in FIG. 4, in which "x" indicates the space between the first and second metatarsals, "y" indicates the space between the second and third metatarsals, and "z" indicates the part of the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals that intersects with the vertical line of the medial malleolus, and the site (L) is the part located above the eye as shown in FIG. 8. "ST point" is one of the meridian points defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), among which, stomach point 36 is the 36th stomach point of the meridian points. This site is known as "Zu San Li" (ST36), which is located four fingers down from the base of the patella along the lateral edge of the tibia. The "SP point" is the location where a vertical line "a" extending from the center of the left and / or right eye (center of the pupil) intersects with a horizontal line "b" extending to the mid-height between the bottom of the nose and the top of the upper lip, as shown in Figure 10. The vertical line "a" may be set for either the left or right eye, or may be set for each eye to set two SP points.

[0102] In the method for promoting secretion of growth hormone in a subject, a thermal stimulus and / or a pressure stimulus is applied to the specific sites (1) to (4) described above by using the stimulus application device disclosed in the present application. Preferably, the stimulus is applied to the specific sites (1) to (4) simultaneously.

[0103] The stimulation device has two or more guide elements made of two different types of metal. The guide elements are attached to specific sites. The guide elements are then heated to a temperature of 40 to 50±5°C, so that a thermal stimulation is applied to each of the sites.

[0104] The stimulation device may be a controlled electric thermal heating device using the control method as described above. To enhance the effect, the method may include the steps of storing a thermal stimulation pattern in a storage device, placing two or more guide elements made of two different types of metals at at least two different sites on the body surface, respectively, reading out the thermal stimulation pattern from the storage device and outputting the thermal stimulation pattern to the two or more guide elements, and controlling the temperature of the guide elements to be in the range of 40 to 50 ± 5 ° C., thereby applying thermal stimulation to multiple sites according to the thermal stimulation pattern to increase blood flow by 60% or more by applying thermal stimulation. Such a method may use any form or step disclosed in the present application.

[0105] Through the above-mentioned stimulation process, the specific sites (1) to (4) are stimulated. Preferably, each of the specific sites is stimulated simultaneously to predominantly increase the subject's secretion of growth hormone. This brings many benefits to the subject, including improved sleep quality, reduced cholesterol, triglyceride, subcutaneous fat and / or visceral fat in the body, and stable blood sugar levels.

[0106] EMBODIMENT 6 The methods and devices disclosed herein may be used for eye care, e.g., eye treatment, including cataracts, presbyopia / aged eyes, myopia / nearsighted eyes, astigma / distorted vision, etc. Exemplary stimulation sites for eye treatment include the following sites, as shown in FIG. (1): (F) The intersection of the vertical line of the medial malleolus and the extension of the medial margins of the first and second metatarsals on the left and right feet; (2): Pupil 103 (EY) of left or right eye 104; (3): ST score of 36 on the left or right leg (4): SP point; and any combination of two, three or four of the above sites. As mentioned above, the site (F) is the part shown in FIG. 4, in which "x" indicates the space between the first and second metatarsals, "y" indicates the space between the second and third metatarsals, and "z" indicates the part of the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsals that intersects with the vertical line of the medial malleolus, and the site (L) is the part located above the eye as shown in FIG. 8. The "ST point" is one of the meridian points defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), among which the stomach point No. 36 is the 36th stomach point of the meridian points. This site is known as "Zusanli" (ST36), located four fingers down from the base of the patella along the lateral edge of the tibia. The "SP point" is the point where a vertical line "a" extending from the center of the pupil of the left or right eye intersects with a horizontal line "b" extending to the mid-height between the bottom of the nose and the top of the upper lip, as shown in Figure 10. The vertical line "a" may be set for either the left or right eye, or may be set for each eye to set two SP points.

[0107] In this embodiment, the stimulation device is used to apply a stimulus such as heat, light, sound, vibration, pressure, etc., to the above-mentioned site. This method can promote the secretion of growth hormone in subjects whose hormone secretion has decreased with age, while simultaneously stimulating the outer membrane of the lens.

[0108] In eye treatment, it is preferred that stimulation be applied simultaneously for approximately 30 to 45 minutes to the following sites: (1) (F) the site where the vertical line of the medial malleolus and the extension of the medial edge of the first and second metatarsal bones of the left and right feet intersect; (2) the pupil 103 (EY) of the left or right eye 104; (3) the ST36 point of the left or right leg; and (4) the SP point.

[0109] The stimulation device for eye treatment has two or more guide elements made of two different types of metals. The guide elements are provided at each specific site to be stimulated and heated to a temperature of about 40-50±5°C, thereby providing a thermal stimulation directly or indirectly to the skin surface or the above-mentioned stimulation site. The guide elements are preferably made of at least two different types of metals and / or ceramics, such as aluminum and steel. One or more of the guide elements may include ceramic. For example, the pupil is closed, a tape is attached to the center of the pupil, and at the position of the center of the pupil, a guide element (electrode) is attached to the surface of the tape, after which an electrical power is applied to the guide elements, causing a current to flow through the guide element containing the metal, thereby allowing the guide element containing the ceramic to irradiate infrared light while increasing its temperature for about 30-45 minutes.

[0110] The electrical thermal heating devices and methods of controlling the devices disclosed in this application may be used in eye treatment.

[0111] Preferably, thermal stimulation, light stimulation, vibration stimulation, etc., or any combination thereof, is simultaneously applied to the above-mentioned stimulation sites in a manner and amount effective to promote growth hormone secretion in a subject whose hormone secretion has decreased with age, and at the same time, the outer membrane of the lens can be stimulated to accelerate the metabolism of the lens.

[0112] In the method of eye treatment using the thermal stimulus application device as described above, a thermal stimulus in the range of 40 to 50±5°C can be applied to the stimulation site, increasing blood flow by 60% or more and promoting the secretion of growth hormone in the subject.

[0113] The eye treatment method according to the present invention may also be implemented in the following manner. A predetermined thermal stimulation pattern is stored in a storage device. Two or more guide elements made of two different kinds of metals are respectively arranged on at least two different specific sites including sites (1) to (4), preferably on all of sites (1) to (4). The thermal stimulation pattern is read out from the storage device and output to two or more guide elements, and the two or more guide elements are heated to a temperature in the range of 40 to 50±5°C, thereby simultaneously applying thermal stimulation to each specific site according to the thermal stimulation pattern, and increasing blood flow by 60% or more by applying the thermal stimulation.

Claims

1. 1. A stimulation device for use in treating an eye of a subject, comprising: Four or more guide elements are provided to stimulate a plurality of specific sites of the subject, The four or more guide elements are controlled to a thermal stimulation pattern in which the temperature is in the range of 40 to 50 ± 5 ° C., and thermal stimulation is applied to the plurality of specific sites according to the thermal stimulation pattern, thereby increasing the blood flow of the subject by 60% or more; The plurality of specific sites include four specific sites: (1) a site where a vertical line of the medial malleolus intersects with an extension of the medial edge of the first metatarsal and the second metatarsal; (2) the pupil of the left or right eye; (3) the ST36 point of the left or right leg; and (4) the SP point where a vertical line extending from the center of the pupil intersects with a horizontal line extending to the midpoint between the lowest point of the nose and the highest point of the upper lip. The method is characterized in that the plurality of specific sites are stimulated simultaneously. Stimulation device.

2. The stimulation of the pupil may include by closing the pupil, attaching tape to the center of the pupil, attaching the guide element to a surface of the tape at the location of the center of the pupil, and applying an electrical power to the guide element, thereby increasing the temperature of the guide element. The stimulation device according to claim 1 .

3. The stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide element comprises a metal or a ceramic through which infrared light is emitted from the guide element.

4. The stimulus application device according to claim 1 , wherein the stimulus includes at least one of a thermal stimulus, a light stimulus, and a vibration stimulus.

5. The eye treatment promotes secretion of growth hormone in a subject whose secretion of growth hormone has decreased with age, and stimulates the outer membrane of the eye's lens. The stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The eye treatment is treatment for at least one of cataracts, presbyopia, myopia, and astigmatism. The stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A stimulation device comprising: Four or more guide elements are provided to stimulate a plurality of specific sites of the subject, The four or more guide elements are controlled to a thermal stimulation pattern in which the temperature is in the range of 40 to 50 ± 5 ° C., and thermal stimulation is applied to the plurality of specific sites according to the thermal stimulation pattern, thereby increasing the blood flow of the subject by 60% or more; The plurality of specific sites include four specific sites: (1) a site where a vertical line of the medial malleolus intersects with an extension line of the medial edge of the first metatarsal and the second metatarsal; (2) the supraorbital foramen; (3) the ST36 point of the left or right leg; and (4) the SP point where a vertical line extending from the center of the pupil intersects with a horizontal line extending to the midpoint between the lowest point of the nose and the highest point of the upper lip. The method is characterized in that the plurality of specific sites are stimulated simultaneously. Stimulation device.

Images