Acupressure Stimulation Device: An Innovative Practice of Non-Invasive Acupoint Therapy

I. Device Introduction

1. Device Overview

The acupressure stimulation device is a non-invasive medical device developed based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, combined with modern material science and engineering technology. It typically consists of one or more spherical bodies (or similar protrusions) with specific shapes and hardness, and a medical adhesive tape with good biocompatibility. Its core mechanism of action is to apply continuous or intermittent physical pressure stimulation to specific acupoints on the human body through the spherical bodies. This device aims to provide a simple, safe, and non-invasive method of acupoint stimulation to relieve discomfort, assist in treatment, and promote the recovery of body functions. It is an effective extension of traditional acupoint therapies such as acupuncture and massage in the field of daily health care and auxiliary treatment.

2. Device Type Introduction

Given the relatively simple structure of acupressure stimulation devices, their classification mainly reflects the material, shape, and size of the core components, as well as the characteristics of the adhesive tape.

• Spherical body material: Medical-grade stainless steel, ceramic, natural minerals (such as Bian stone), polymer resin, or silicone can be selected. Different materials may bring different tactile sensations and biological effects (e.g., some minerals may have weak far-infrared emission properties).
• Spherical body shape and size: Common shapes include round, semi-circular, conical, or elliptical, and sizes range from millimeters to centimeters to adapt to the characteristics of different acupoints and stimulation needs.
• Medical adhesive tape: It needs to have good breathability, low allergenicity, moderate stickiness, and be easy to remove, to ensure comfort and safety during long-term application. Some products also use waterproof or elastic adhesive tape to adapt to different usage scenarios.

Its working principle is purely based on physical pressure stimulation, not involving drug penetration, electromagnetic waves, lasers, or other forms of energy, ensuring its wide applicability and safety.

3. Device Function Introduction

The main functions and technical characteristics of the acupressure stimulation device are reflected in the following aspects:

• Non-invasive: Avoids the risk of skin breakage and infection, greatly improving safety of use, especially suitable for people who fear needles or have contraindications to needling.
• Local precise stimulation: The spherical body design ensures that pressure is concentrated on the selected acupoint, achieving precise stimulation and improving therapeutic efficacy.
• Continuous action: After application, it can maintain continuous pressure stimulation on the acupoint for a long time, compensating for the difficulty of maintaining traditional massage techniques for extended periods.
• Simple operation: No professional medical personnel are required for operation; patients can use it at home by themselves or with the assistance of non-professionals, greatly improving accessibility and convenience.
• Auxiliary treatment and daily health care: As an auxiliary means of traditional Chinese medicine acupoint therapy, it can be used to relieve various mild discomforts and can also be used as a daily health care product.
• Material safety: All components are selected from medical-grade, non-toxic, non-irritating materials and have passed strict biocompatibility tests to ensure no harm to the human body.

II. Scope of Application

1. Application Scenarios

Due to its non-invasive and simple characteristics, acupressure stimulation devices are widely used in various scenarios:

• Home daily care and health maintenance: Used to relieve common discomforts in daily life such as fatigue, soreness, insomnia, and nausea.
• TCM clinics and rehabilitation departments: As an auxiliary or alternative method to traditional therapies such as acupuncture and Tui Na, used for chronic disease rehabilitation, pain management, etc.
• Sports rehabilitation: Helps athletes or sports enthusiasts relieve muscle fatigue, local soreness, and promote recovery.
• Special population care: Such as pregnant women (requires selection of specific acupoints and cautious use under doctor's guidance), children (requires adult supervision), etc., as an auxiliary intervention measure in specific circumstances.
• Travel or business trips: Easy to carry, can relieve travel discomfort anytime, anywhere, such as motion sickness, seasickness-induced nausea and vomiting.

2. Applicable Diseases and Symptoms

This device primarily regulates the circulation of Qi and blood and unblocks meridians through acupressure stimulation to achieve the purpose of relieving symptoms. It is often used to assist in relieving the following diseases or symptoms:

• Pain categories: Mild to moderate pain such as neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, joint soreness, headache, dysmenorrhea.
• Digestive system discomforts: Nausea, vomiting (e.g., motion sickness, morning sickness), indigestion, abdominal distension.
• Nervous system symptoms: Insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, difficulty concentrating (as an aid for relaxation and regulation).
• Others: Such as early cold symptoms (relieving nasal congestion, headache), relieving eye fatigue.

Please note: This device is an auxiliary medical device and cannot replace drug treatment or professional medical diagnosis and intervention. For severe or persistent symptoms, medical attention should be sought promptly.

3. Contraindicated Populations

To ensure safe use, the following populations or conditions should avoid using or use with caution under the guidance of a doctor:

• Individuals with skin damage, infection, inflammation, eczema, tumors, or open wounds: Avoid stimulating to worsen the condition or cause infection.
• Individuals allergic to the product material (especially the adhesive tape): May cause contact dermatitis.
• Pregnant women's abdomen, lumbosacral region, and other acupoints that may cause uterine contractions or affect the fetus: Must be used with caution under the guidance of a professional doctor.
• Individuals with bleeding tendencies or coagulation disorders: Avoid subcutaneous bleeding that may be caused by local pressure.
• Patients with severe cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, malignant tumors, and other serious illnesses: Should be used under doctor's guidance to avoid risks caused by improper stimulation.
• Infants and patients who cannot accurately express discomfort: Their skin is delicate, and they cannot provide feedback on sensations, making them prone to injury.
• Patients with impaired consciousness or mental disorders: May not understand usage instructions or be able to provide timely feedback on discomfort.

III. Usage Guidelines and Precautions

1. Usage or Operation Method/Steps

1. Clean the skin: Before application, ensure that the skin at the acupoint area to be applied is clean and dry, free of sweat, oil, or cosmetic residue, to ensure the adhesion of the tape and avoid skin irritation.
2. Locate the acupoint: Refer to professional acupoint charts or under the guidance of a professional, accurately locate the acupoint that needs to be stimulated. The accuracy of acupoint localization directly affects the stimulation effect.
3. Peel off the protective layer: Peel off the protective film from the acupressure stimulation device, exposing the adhesive tape with the spherical body.
4. Secure application: Place the side with the spherical body facing the skin, accurately align it with the acupoint, and gently but firmly apply the adhesive tape to the skin, ensuring the spherical body is in close contact with the acupoint.
5. Press/Massage (optional): After application, depending on personal sensation or medical advice, you can gently press or rotate the spherical body on the surface of the device with your fingertip to enhance the stimulation effect.
6. Retention time: According to the product instructions or doctor's advice, it can generally be left on for several hours to one day. If there are no special requirements, it is recommended to change it every 24 hours and allow the skin to rest appropriately.
7. Removal: Gently peel off the device, avoiding excessive force that could damage the skin. After removal, the local skin can be cleaned.

2. Common Error Reminders

• Inaccurate acupoint localization: Incorrect acupoint localization may lead to poor stimulation effects or even unnecessary side effects. It is recommended that first-time users carefully compare with acupoint charts or consult a professional TCM practitioner.
• Application too tight or too loose: Applying too tightly may lead to poor local blood circulation, causing redness, indentations, or pressure sores; applying too loosely will not effectively apply pressure, affecting the stimulation effect. It should be applied comfortably, so the device does not easily fall off.
• Excessive retention time: Exceeding the retention time specified in the product instructions or by a doctor may increase the risk of skin allergies, itching, eczema, or local pressure sores. Skin condition should be checked regularly, and the device should be replaced on time.
• Ignoring skin discomfort: During use, if local redness, itching, pain, burning sensation, or blisters occur, immediately remove the device, clean the local skin, and seek medical guidance.
• Reusing single-use products: Most acupressure stimulation devices are single-use products. Reusing them may lead to hygiene issues (cross-infection), decreased adhesive tape stickiness, deformation of the spherical body, etc., thereby affecting safety and effectiveness.
• Using on contraindicated areas or for contraindicated populations: Failure to strictly adhere to the rules for contraindicated populations and areas may lead to serious adverse consequences. For example, using on damaged skin may cause infection.
• Substituting this device for regular medical treatment: Acupressure stimulation devices are auxiliary treatment and health care products and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis, drug treatment, or surgery. For the treatment of diseases, always follow medical advice.
• Neglecting storage: The product should be stored in a dry, dark place, out of reach of children, to avoid high temperatures or humidity affecting product quality.