TITLE OF THE INVENTION

DEVICE FOR ACUPUNCTURE LIFTING AND METHOD THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to acupuncture lifting. More specifically, but not exclusively the present invention relates to a device for acupuncture lifting as well as method for acupuncture lifting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice of piercing specific areas of the body (acupuncture points or acupoints) along peripheral nerves with fine needles to relieve pain, to induce surgical anesthesia, and for therapeutic purposes. Other means of stimulating the acupoints, include lasers, ultrasound, and electricity. An acupoint is any of the specific sites for needle insertion in acupuncture; also used in other therapies, including acupressure and moxibustion. Most are areas of high electrical conductance on the body surface. Acupuncture points have unique electrical characteristics, which distinguish them from surrounding skin. These points are electro-magnetic in character and consist of small palpable spots, which can be located by hand, with micro-electrical voltage meters and with muscle testing, when they are abnormally functioning. The acupuncture points are situated along interconnected electrical pathways (meridian lines) of the human body. The name and locations of acupuncture points are well known in the art. For example, ATLAS ANATOMIQUE DES POINTS D'ACUPUNCTURE, Editions sciθπtifique et technique du. Shandong Jinan, China, 1984 is an excellent reference regarding the mapping and nomenclature of acupoints. As such, the foregoing document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The art teaches a variety of masks for stimulating acupoints on a human face. For example, the art provides masks having a plurality of light sources and control circuits. This apparatus projects optical energy onto the acupuncture points on the human face to stimulate them and promote health. Other known masks include light emitting diodes

and electro-magnets imbedded therein. Pulsed light and pulsed magnetic energy is emitted to a user's facial region. Facial therapy is performed with the mask simultaneously or separately using magnetic therapy and light therapy. The electro-pulsed magnets are imbedded in the mask at appropriate locations based on acupressure and acupuncture therapy. Diodes in the mask are located about the center of the electro-magnetics to maximize therapeutic results. Light therapy is added to the eye area by a removable eye patch that contains light emitting diodes mounted in front of each eye. The mask can be used with a face serum-cream and an oral supplement both containing pycnogenol.

[0004] Masks having magnets that are located in the mask to coincide with wrinkle lines have also been provided so as to tone facial muscles and stimulate pineal gland to increase melatonin causing the skin to soften and wrinkles to diminish.

[0005] A drawback of known masks having magnets for stimulating the acupuncture points of a subject's face is that they are not efficient given the diverse morphology of various faces and the particular needs of particular subjects.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a device for stimulating the acupuncture points of the face of a human subject.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a mask for Stimulating the acupuncture points of the face of a human subject. [0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a device for stimulating the acupuncture points of the face of a human subject thereby providing an acupuncture face lifting to the subject. .

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a mask for stimulating the acupuncture points of the face of a human subject thereby providing an acupuncture face lifting to the subject.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a method of making a device for stimulating the acupuncture points of the face of a human subject.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a method of making a mask for stimulating the acupuncture points of the face of a human subject. [0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a method or stimulating the acupuncture points of the face of a human subject.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for providing an acupuncture face lifting to the face of a human subject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0014] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for stimulating acupuncture points on the face of a human subject, the device comprising: a mask for being mounted to the face of a human subject, the mask being customized in accordance with the face of a given human subject, the mask defining an outer side and an inner side for being interfaced with the face of the given human subject; a plurality of mask magnets positioned on the inner side of the mask, each of the plurality of mask magnets being positioned on a given area of the inner side corresponding to a predetermined acupuncture point on the face of the given human subject; and bands for being mounted to the limbs of the human subject, the bands comprising respective band magnets for being interfaced with predetermined acupuncture points on the limbs of the human subject, wherein when the mask is mounted to the face of the given human subject and the bands are mounted to the limbs of the given human subject, the mask magnets stimulate the predetermined acupuncture points of the face of the given human subject and provide together with the band magnets for an electromagnetic energy circuit within the body of the given human subject. [0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for stimulating acupuncture points on the face of a human subject, the device comprising: a mask for being mounted to the face of a human subject, the mask

defining an outer side and an inner side for being interfaced with the face of the human subject; a plurality of mask magnets positioned on the inner side of the mask, each of the plurality of mask magnets being positioned on a given area of the inner side corresponding to a predetermined acupuncture point on the face of the human subject; and bands for being mounted to the limbs of the human subject, the bands comprising respective band magnets for being interfaced with predetermined acupuncture points on the limbs of the human subject, wherein when the mask is mounted to the face of the human subject and the bands are mounted to the limbs of the human subject, the mask magnets stimulate the predetermined acupuncture points of the face of the human subject and provide together with the band magnets for an electromagnetic energy circuit within the body of the human subject.

[0016] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mask mountable to the face of a human subject for stimulating acupuncture points on the face of the human subject, the mask comprising: a main body being customized in accordance with the face of a given human subject, the mask main body defining an outer side and an inner side for being interfaced with the face of the given human subject; and a plurality of mask magnets positioned on the inner side of the mask, each of the plurality of mask magnets being positioned on a given area of the inner side corresponding to a predetermined acupuncture point on the face of the given human subject, wherein when the mask is mounted to the face of the given human subject the mask magnets stimulate the predetermined acupuncture points of the face of the given human subject.

[0017] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a mask mountable to the face of a human subject for stimulating acupuncture points on the face of the human subject, the method comprising: forming a first positive imprint of the face of the subject thereby forming a mold; forming a negative imprint by pouring material into the mold; removing the mold from the negative imprint; marking the position of each of the magnets at the surface of the plaster negative imprint so as to correspond to the position of predetermined acupuncture points on the face of the subject when the magnets are superimposed thereon; forming a second positive

imprint from the negative imprint, wherein the second positive imprint comprises cavities to receive the magnets.

[0018] A method for an acupuncture face lifting of a human subject, the method comprising: (a) providing a mask customized in accordance with the face of a given human subject; (b) positioning magnets on the mask corresponding to predetermined acupuncture points on the face of the given human subject; and (c) placing the mask with the magnets on the face of the given human subject such that the magnets are superimposed on the predetermined acupuncture points for stimulation thereby.

[0019] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of non- limiting illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In the appended drawings, where like reference numerals denote like elements throughout and in where:

[0021] Figure 1 is perspective view of a mask in accordance with a non- restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present invention on the face of a human subject;

[0022] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the mask of Figure 1 having been removed from the face of the human subject; [0023] Figure 3 is a view of the inner side of the mask of Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mask of Figure 1 having been removed from the face of the human subject;

[0025] Figures 5A is perspective view of the negative imprint of the mask mold in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figures 5B is perspective view of the negative imprint of the mask mold in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figures 6 and 7 are perspective view of the bands of the device of the present invention in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment thereof mounted to the limbs of human subjects;

[0028] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a hand showing acupuncture points thereof; and

[0029] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a leg bottom portion and a foot showing acupuncture points thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Generally stated, the present invention is concerned with a device for stimulating acupuncture points and a method of making a device for stimulating acupuncture points as well as a method of stimulating acupuncture points.

[0031] In a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a facial mask for stimulating facial acupuncture points. More specifically, the mask includes permanent magnets integrated therein. Each magnet is intended to stimulate a predetermined acupuncture point. The mask is customized according to the facial morphology of a given subject, so that each of the permanent magnets is suitably superposed over a specific corresponding acupuncture point that is to be stimulated. Furthermore, the acupuncture points to be stimulated are determined according to the specific needs of the given wearer.

[0032] This mask is customized by: (i) forming a first positive imprint of the wearer's face by means of alginate and plaster bands applied thereon and thus forming a mold; (ii) pouring some plaster twice into the mold, so as to form a plaster negative imprint; (iii) removing the mold from the plaster negative imprint; (iv) juxtaposing a plaster basis to a posterior face of the plaster negative imprint; (v) marking the position of each of the magnets at the surface of the plaster negative imprint and driving therein a ferromagnetic

rod, on which a transitory magnet is placed; and (vi) forming a second positive imprint from the plaster negative imprint by means of thermoforming, wherein the second positive imprint comprises cavities to receive the magnets.

[0033] The mask is characterized by a first opening for freeing both eyes of the wearer, a second opening for freeing the nostrils and the mouth of the wearer, and an arch passing on the ridge of the nose of the wearer so as to join the two cheeks of the mask.

[0034] The device of the present invention also includes bracelets for the hands and the legs. These hand and leg bracelets allow the electromagnetic energy to flow and circulate within a closed circuit . Each bracelet incorporates an 800 gauss magnet and is designed to match the Sanyinjiao and the Hegu acupuncture points. Without these bracelets the subject may experience headaches wearing the mask of the present invention.

[0035] With reference to the appended drawings, a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be described herein so as to exemplify the invention and by no means limit the scope thereof.

[0036] The device

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 , 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, the present invention provides a device D comprising a mask 10 and bands 100.

[0038] The mask of the device [0039] Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4 show the mask 10 for covering the face F of a patient or human subject H. The mask 10 comprises a customized main body 11 includes an outer side 12 an opposite inner side 14. Magnets 16 are strategically placed in predetermined areas 18 on the inner side 14 of the mask 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the magnets 16 are 800 to 2500 gauss magnets. The inner side 14 of the mask 10 is interfaced with the patient's face F so that the magnets 16 are in contact with predetermined acupuncture points on the face F of the patient H. The mask 10 also includes openings 20 for the eyes, nose and mouth of the wearer H. The mask 10 may also

include orifices 22 for ventilating the wearer H during wearing of the mask 10.

[0040] With particular reference to Figure 1 , and accordance with another non- restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the mask 10 stimulates the tendinous muscular network N. More specifically, each magnet 16 stimulates a specific muscle attachment (tendon) T and brings back muscle firmness which results in muscle lifting. Each magnet 16 must be positioned on an area 18 of the inner side 14 of the mask 10 that corresponds to an acupuncture point in need of stimulation depending on the needs of a given patient. By positioning the magnets 16 along a given branch B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6 of the tendinous muscle network N the present device D can also alleviate a particular pathology as it simultaneously provides a face lift to the patient H. These pathologies include: recessive gum problems, sinusitis, tinnitus, memory loss, cataracts, baldness, palpebal prolapse and facial paralysis. As shown in the Figure, each branch stimulates a given organ. For example, branch B1 corresponds to the stomach, branch B2 corresponds to the triple burner, branch B3 corresponds to the bladder, branch B4 corresponds to the large intestine, branch B5 corresponds to the small intestine and branch B6 corresponds to the gallbladder.

[0041] The mask 10 may be worn without any additional treatment.

Nevertheless, in order to obtain optimum results the wearing of the mask 10 should be proceeded with a stimulation treatment of each facial muscle and the placement of acupuncture needles in predetermined acupuncture points. The mask will therefore optimize and continue acupuncture treatment.

[0042] The mask 10 is customized starting from an imprint of the face F of the patient H. Thirty to about forty magnets 16 are strategically placed along different areas 18 which correspond to different acupressure points in order to attenuate wrinkles and give the skin a more elastic and bright allure.

[0043] The magnetic field with respect to a precise bi polarity will increase blood flow which will contribute revitalisation and regeneration of cells. The red blood cells contain iron which is attracted by the magnet 16 having the effect of automatically

increasing blood circulation at that specific area of the face (corresponding to an acupuncture point). The mask 10 should be worn for about thirty minutes. As will be explained herein during the wearing of the mask 10 it is advantageous to place magnets on the Hegu (leg) and Sanyinjiao (hand) master acupuncture points.

[0044] In addition to providing a face lift, the mask 10 can also help alleviate sinuses, headaches, migraines, toothaches, facial paralyses, cataracts as well as other health problems.

[0045] The mask 10 is not recommended for children, persons having a pacemaker, a defibrillator or other electromagnetic device. Furthermore, pregnant women and persons suffering from diabetes, hyper tension, skin disease, cancer, tuberculoses or fever should also avoid the mask 10.

[0046] The mask 10 targets at least the following acupuncture points: Yintang,

Zanhu, Sizhukong, Chengqui, Sibai, Yingxiang, Juliao, Quanlio, Tinggong, Helioa, Dicang, and Chengjiang.

[0047] The bands of the device

[0048] With respect to Figures 7 and 8, the device D also includes bands 100 for the limbs of the human subject H. In this example, the bands 100 are in the form of bracelets. One bracelet 102 is mounted to the hands 104, while the other bracelet 106 is mounted to the legs 108. These hand and leg bracelets 102 and 106 allow the electromagnetic energy to flow and circulate within a closed circuit. . The bracelets 102 and 106 include a respective outer side 110 and a respective opposite inner side (not shown) which is interfaced with the limbs 104 and 108. The inner side of each bracelet 102 and 106 incorporates a respective magnet (not shown), such as an 800 gauss magnet. The band magnet of the hand bracelet 102 is so positioned as to correspond to, contact and stimulate the Sanyinjiao (hand) acupuncture point 400 as shown in Figure 8. The band magnet of leg bracelet 106 is so positioned as to correspond to, contact and stimulate the Hegu (leg) acupuncture point 600 as shown in Figure 9.

[0049] As mentioned above, the mask 10 should be worn for about thirty minutes for about two to three times per daily session. Before each session magnets should be placed on the Hegu and Sanyinjiao points.

[0050] Manufacturing the mask

[0051] The manufacturing protocol of a customized mask 10 will help attenuate wrinkles and restore brightness and elasticity to the skin.

[0052] The mask 10 is customized by forming a first positive imprint of the wearer's face F. In one non-restrictive illustrative embodiment, this first imprint is formed by means of alginate and plaster bands applied on the face thereby forming a mold. A negative imprint is formed from the initial imprint mold. In a non-restrictive embodiment, this negative imprint is formed by pouring plaster into the mold, so as to form a plaster negative imprint.

[0053] As shown in Figured 5A and 5B, once the negative 50 of the mask 10 is ready the acupuncturist marks the positioning 52 of the magnets 16. The goal of this operation is to produce receiving areas 52 within the moulded plastic 50 in order to permanently receive magnets 16. As such, the areas 52 are circled or distinctly marked by the acupuncturist. Holes are then made at these marked areas 52. Woodscrews are then placed into the holes and a magnet 16 on each woodscrew. The negative 50 is then submitted to thermoforming, such as high-speed heating of the surface of the plastic and suction of 90Ib to 100Ib by square inch for example.

[0054] The mask 10 is then demoulded. This can be done by using a wooden spatula, wooden stick or the fingers. Any device or apparatus that will deform the mask should of course be avoided. Openings 20 are there formed into the mask 10 for the eyes, the nose and the mouth. The contour of the face F is then drawn onto the mask 10 and the excess material is cut off. The openings 20 for the eyes and the mouth create a deposit on the inner walls of these openings 20 that should be grinded and sandblasted.

[0055] Positioning of the magnets 16 is a very delicate phase. A scratch on the

plating of the magnet 16 may cause corrosion thereof. A magnet bar having a polarity indicator should be used. The north polarity will be used in order to treat wrinkles. This polarity activates treatment. A glue is used in order to adhere the magnet 16 to the plastic. In one example, this glue may be cyanoacrylate based. A variety of solvents can be used in order to detached a magnet 16 so that in may be replaced.

[0056] It is important to try the mask 10 on the subject H before, adhering the magnets 16 thereto in order to make sure that there is a proper fit and that the holes which will receive the magnets 16 are properly positioned. Of course the mask 10 may be used several times on the same subject H, as such it is important to wash the mask 10 between uses.

[0057] Furthermore, orifices 22 are cut into the mask 10 in order to provide for ventilation of wearer's face F.

[0058] Method of stimulating acupuncture points on the face of a human subject

[0059] 1 - Aesthetic session [0060] 1.1 - Steps of an aesthetic acupuncture session (face lift) performed on a subject

[0061] I) Firstly, a diagnosis is reached according to traditional Chinese medicine. This first step comprises the following sub-steps:

[00β2] a) evaluating the energetic aspect of the five organs by means of a pulse examination so as to define the state of energy and blood and so as to assess vacuum or plenitude;

[0063] b) visually examining the tongue so as to assess its morphology, color and coating; and

[0064] c) inquiring about subjective symptoms and observing objective symptoms.

[0065] II) Depending on the observations collected in step I, corrective actions are carried out or a treatment is initiated. If an energy level in general has to be raised before undertaking the treatment, a Korean moxas is applied to the Quihai point (sea of energy) and to the Guanyuan point (meeting point of the three Yin of the foot with the Ren May point). Applying moxas to the Zu Sanli point is also possible.

[0066] III) When moxas is applied, the diagnosis of step Il is revised. If the energy level is better, the treatment can be undertaken on the subject If the subject is pale or weak, the aesthetic acupuncture session is postponed. In this case, a regular treatment for improving the subject's health can be proposed so as to make her or him ready to undergo an aesthetic acupuncture session.

[0067] Aesthetic acupuncture aims at increasing both energy and blood flow conveyed to the face of the subject. Acupuncture points chosen for the aesthetic acupuncture session can vary according to the subject. It is to be noted, that meridian lines (lines of energy) begin and end at the feet and hands, and span the whole body. Needles applied to strategic points establish a circuit that brings more energy at a given area, (i.e. the face in this present case).

[0068] 1.2 -Preparation to the aesthetic acupuncture session

[0069] The following list of acupuncture points can be advantageously worked on in preparation of the aesthetic acupuncture session: Hegu, Shousanli, Quchi, Shufu, Tianshu, Zusanli, Zhao, Neiting, Xiangu, Chongyang, Lieque, Baihui, Shanzhong, Zhongguan , Qihai, and Sanyinjiao.

[0070] 1. 3 -Massaαe bv electro-stimulation

[0071] A continuous movement of muscles of the face is induced by placing an electro-stimulation device on two acupuncture points simultaneously. Typically, all chosen facial points are worked on during fifteen minutes. The first chosen facial points to be worked on are those under the chin. Then, the device is moved up to ST6 (Jianche) (stomach). Typically, the order in which facial structures are acted upon and moved as a

result of the action of the device are the chin, the lips, the cheeks, the nose, the eyelids and the forehead, up to the hairline.

[0072] 1.4 Aesthetic acupuncture session

[0073] The suggested points that can be stimulated via needle (puncturer) are: Yintang, Taiyang, LI20 (Yingxiang), ST3 (Juliaos), ST5 (Daying), ST6 (Jiache), SI18 (Quanliai), Yu Yao , BL2 (Zanghu), ST7 (Xiaguan), and GB2 (Tinghui).

[0074] 1.5 Positioning of the magnets 16

[0075] Magnets 16 are to be positioned on points that are either hardly accessible by acupuncture needles or too painful to be worked on with needles. Typically, all magnets are positioned with their negative side being adjacent to the skin of the subject, except for ST2 (Sibai) wherein the magnets are positioned with their positive side adjacent thereto. Magnets applied at CV22 (Tiantu), ST12 (Quepen), ST9 (Renying) or LI18 (Futu), SH 7 (Tianrong) and Ashl can mitigate the sagging of the neck.

[0076] 1.6 - After fifteen minutes of treatment [0077] Typically, magnets and needles are left in place on the acupuncture points for fifteen (15) minutes. Then, all needles and magnets are removed and a moisturizing cream is applied on the face concurrently with a gentle massage thereon. Optionally, moxas and/or needles can be applied to the back of the subject, depending on the diagnosis reached at step I. Typically, this part of the session is brief and ends with a relaxing massage of the back.

[0078] 2. Facial massage of acupressioπ points

[0079] 2.1 Preparation

[0080] Hands should be washed, facial cream should be used.

[0081] 2.2 Contact, hair GV20 (Baihu)

[0082] The hands are positioned above the eyes of the subject and come into contact with her or his face. The meridian line of the gallbladder on each side of the head is gently massaged. The hair of the subject is gently pulled so as to activate blood vessels of the scalp. A pressure is exerted on the GV20 (Baihu) point and rotations in clockwise and counterclockwise directions are made.

[0083] 2.3 Forehead

[0084] The skin of the face, forehead, under the eyes and under the nose is brushed. The forehead is brushed with each hand, from one side of the forehead to the other. The Yintang point is pinched. The Bamboo sheet is pinched (horizontally and vertically). The BL2 (Zanzhu), the Yuyao, the TB23 (Sizhukong) points are worked on by pressing the tip of the finger thereon and then pressing the nail and performing rotations thereon. Using phalanges, the eyebrows are separated away from the middle thereof. A pressure is exerted on the Tai Yang point, this pressure is held and rotations are performed.

[0085] 2.4 Ears

[0086] The ears are massaged by pressing thereon. The ear lobe is rubbed with a circular motion. The pressure on the ears is then removed. The ears are then pressed inwardly. Finally, the ears are folded up.

[0087] 2,5 Nose

[0088] The nose is massaged [0089] 2.6 Face

[0090] - Pressing and performing rotations on point BL1 (Jingming).

[0091] - Pressing, spurring and performing rotations around point ST1

(Chengqui).

[0092] - Pressing, spurring and performing rotations around point ST2 (Sibai).

[0093] - Pressing, spurring and performing rotations around points LI20

(Yiangxiang), followed by working on point ST3 (Juliao) followed by working on point SI18 (Quanliao).

[0094] - Pressing gently on SH 9 (Tinggong). [0095] After having worked on the aforementioned points, the practitioner brushes the three following areas: below the eyes, on the middle of the cheeks and under the cheeks; from the interior to the exterior, so as to release stagnant energy.

[0096] This is followed by:

[0097] - Brushing the forehead, and the regions under the eyes and under the nose.

10098] - Pressing, spurring and performing rotations around point GV26

(Shuingou).

[0099] - Pressing, spurring and performing rotations around point L119 (Helioa).

[00100] - Pressing, spurring and performing rotations around point ST4 (Dicang).

[00101] - Pressing, spurring and performing rotations around point CV24

(Chengjiang).

[00102] Once the aforementioned points have been stimulated, the practioner massages the mouth outwardly, making rotations under the jaw clockwise and counterclockwise. [00103] Once more, this Is followed by brushing the forehead, under the eyes and under the nose and finally setting down the hands above the eyes.

[00104] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in

various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present invention has been described hereiπabove byway of embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.