Method of wound healing using electrical stimulation and acupuncture needles

• US 5,861,016 A
• Filed: 05/28/1997
• Issued: 01/19/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Fred P. Swing
• Original Assignee: Fred P. Swing
• Inventors: Swing, Fred P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US08/864,307
• Time in Patent Office: 601 Days
• Field of Search: 607/50
• US Class Current: 607/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/326 for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells

Abstract

A method for healing a wound of a patient using an electrical stimulator and acupuncture needles is provided. The method includes the step of positioning a plurality of acupuncture needles coupled to the electrical stimulator substantially around the wound. The next step includes applying a current to the acupuncture needles positioned substantially around the wound. The first half of the treatment, a current is applied through the needles until a stinging sensation (or pain) is felt by the patient. Halfway through the treatment, the current is increased until a stinging sensation is again felt by the patient. At least four acupuncture needles are substantially positioned around the wound and alternating the polarity of the needles. The needles are further separated by one-half to two inches from the wound.

Claims

1. A method of healing a wound of a patient using an electrical stimulator, comprising the steps of:

positioning substantially around the wound a plurality of acupuncture needles coupled to the electrical stimulator; and

applying a current through the acupuncture needles positioned about the wound.

2. The method of claim 1, further including the step of increasing the current through the acupuncture needles to the wound until a stinging sensation is felt by the patient.

3. The method of claim 1, where said positioning of acupuncture needles around the wound includes the step of inserting at least 4 acupuncture needles around the wound and alternating the polarity of said needles.

4. The method of claim 3, further including the step of separating the acupuncture needles by about two inches from one another.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least 4 needles are inserted about 0.5 to 2.0 inches from the wound.

6. The method of claim 5, further including the step of increasing the current through the acupuncture needles to the wound until a stinging sensation is felt by the patient.