Method of Conditioning a Living Body to Respond Appropriately to Stimuli

Abstract

A method of conditioning a living body of a patient to associate the unconditioned stimulus (US) of decreased sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) with the conditioned stimulus (CS) or offending agent to cease or reduce defensive reactions or symptoms. The US involves non-invasive, mechanical stimulation of the sympathetic ganglia, which is paired with the offending stimuli or representation of the offending stimuli to modify pathologically conditioned reflexes of various systems involved in a reaction. In addition, conditions are treated by using digital representations, preferably provided via a computer, to represent the offending stimulus in order to engage the multimodal functioning of the brain. Sensory stimulation is used in conjunction with the various modalities of stimuli to condition the body to respond more appropriately to the stimulus.

Claims

1. A method of training a living body to not react to benign stimuli, comprising: presenting an agent to the surface of a skin of the living body; electrically stimulating the sympathetic ganglia by transcutaneous, electrical nerve stimulation; and forming a new association with the stimulus and modifying a physiological reaction to the stimulus by said a computer playing a digitized sound, the sound being a digital audio representation of a stimulus the living body is inappropriately reacting to, while said electrically stimulating the sympathetic ganglia by transcutaneous, electrical nerve stimulation.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing visual signals while a computer plays a digitized sound, the sound being a digital audio representation of a stimulus to which the living body is inappropriately reacting.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: the computer maintaining a database that breaks stimuli down into components.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: a mat providing subcutaneous sympathetic ganglia chain stimulation and audible transmission of sound via at least one speaker.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the mat contains vibration motors designed for stimulation.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the vibration motors are positioned centrally within the mat such that the sympathetic ganglia may easily be stimulated when a back of the living body is placed atop the mat.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one speaker is embedded within the mat.

8. A method of training a living body to not react to benign stimuli, comprising: presenting an agent to the surface of a skin of the living body; playing a sound via at least one speaker, the sound being a digital audio representation of a stimulus to which the living body is inappropriately reacting; stimulating the sympathetic ganglia; and the living body forming a new association with the stimulus and modifying a physiological reaction to the stimulus.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: stimulating the sympathetic ganglia.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein stimulation of the sympathetic ganglia is mechanically achieved via vibration motors disposed within a mat, the mat disposed on a back of the living body.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein stimulation of the sympathetic ganglia is achieved via transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: a computer interfacing with the mat via a USB cable; the computer playing a digital audio representation of the stimulus via at least one speaker; wherein the at least one speaker is embedded within the mat; and the computer providing visual signals while playing the digital audio representation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0023] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a flowchart detailing the method of the present invention as performed by a practitioner.

[0025] FIG. 2 exhibits a view of the mat employed in the method of the present invention, as seen from the top.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart detailing the process of use of the software application of the present invention as used by a practitioner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0027] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0028] References in the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an example embodiment, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0029] The present invention is a method that serves to treat a specific stimulus or representation of the stimulus via various modalities in order to ultimately condition the body's natural physiology to accept such specific irritant that initially caused the sensitivity reaction. In one embodiment, stimulation is administered to locations near the sympathetic ganglia, along each side of the spine, with the use of vibratory motor stimulation. This stimulation is utilized to temporarily decrease activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Meanwhile, the stimulus or digital representation specific to the stimulus found to cause the irritation is presented. The combination of the presented stimulus and the stimulation of the sympathetic ganglia conditions the body to not react to that particular stimulus. In other words, the cutaneous exposure of an offending stimulus or different digital or visual signals, provided via a computer, that represent an irritant transmitted at the same time as decreasing sympathetic nerve activity ultimately conditions the various systems to respond without defensive or reactive behavior.

[0030] The method of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1, is preferably as follows: First, the stimulus is presented to the patient. (100) It should be noted that the patient also might be referred to as person or subject. In one embodiment, an offending stimulus is presented to the surface of the skin. In another embodiment, the stimulus may be presented via a digital audio signal transmitted, preferably via a computer. The signal being transmitted is representative of what the actual potential offending agent is purported to be. A digital audio signal means that the sound can be words representing the purported irritant. In another embodiment, the stimulus may be presented via a visual representation or cutaneous exposure.

[0031] While the stimulus or signal is presented or transmitted to the patient, a mechanical or electrical stimulation is applied to the region of the sympathetic ganglia chain utilizing a standard neurological reflex hammer, a TENS unit or vibratory motors that run alongside the vertebrae. (110) The stimulation to this region temporarily disrupts sympathetic nerve activity via the spinal nerves which communicate to the sympathetic nervous system via the ramus communicans. (120) Additional stimulation may be applied to specific sympathetic ganglia corresponding to organ systems which present the prevalent symptoms. (130) The stimulation, which reduces activity of the sympathetic nervous system, along with the presentation of the stimulus, disrupts the association between the two stimuli and has the effect of conditioning the patient's body to no longer associate the stimulus with increased sympathetic nerve activity. (140) This, in turn diminishes the inappropriate reaction. (150)

[0032] The mat that is utilized in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably a thin foam mat that encases a series of vibratory motors as depicted in FIG. 2. The series of vibratory motors are, in one embodiment, arranged in two columns which are each 4 feet (121.92 cm) in length; there is a 3 inch (7.62 cm) separation between the two columns. The series of vibratory motors provides a gentle percussion when activated by the practitioner, via the software program. The mat is preferably placed on a treatment table and the patient lies on the mat so that the vibratory motors make contact at the locations medial to the paraspinal muscles, specifically between the spine and the paraspinal muscles of the patient. When activated, the device stimulates the sympathetic ganglia chain areas with a gentle vibratory motion. The vibratory stimulus occurs while the offending stimulus is presented to the patient, as described above. Therefore, it is preferred, for the audio representations of the stimulus, that at least one speaker (30) is housed within the mat (10), preferably disposed at a top of the mat (10) (near where the patient's head rests) which is configured to transmit the digital audio signal(s). Alternately, a cuff equipped with at least one speaker may be used in lieu of the mat (10). The speaker is preferably disposed within the cuff noted above, and the stimulation administered to the sympathetic ganglia by the doctor/practitioner would be manually applied if percussion is not provided by the mat. It should be understood that the mat (10) and the cuff are of conventional design. The present invention is designed to engage the multimodal functioning of the brain through audio signals or stimuli shown on the monitor of the computer from the software program or presentation of the actual substance or stimulus to the surface of the skin.

[0033] An overview of the mat apparatus and overarching system of the present invention and how it is used is outlined below. The components required to enact the system and method of the present invention include a computer control application and informational signal delivery methods which preferably include a computer screen, at least one speaker (30), and mat (10) for stimulation of sympathetic ganglia.

[0034] The computer software application of the system of the present invention is preferably configured to facilitate communication between the mat (10) and the computer. The software application preferably includes a USB driver to facilitate the computer's recognition of, and ability to communicate with, the mat (10) of the present invention. It is envisioned that the computer is configured to communicate with only a single iteration of the mat (10) of the present invention. Additionally, the software of the present invention does not require the use of a user management system, nor is a login or password protection required. At least one database, preferably in communication with a computer server is required for data storage.

[0035] The process of use of the software application component of the system and method of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 3, is preferably as follows:

Session/Test Management:

[0036] 1. First, the practitioner creates a test session. (200) [0037] 2. Then, the practitioner enters a test session name (text input), test type (text input), and notes/comments (text input). (210) [0038] 3. Next, the practitioner opts to start a test session by beginning/opening the previously created test session. (220) [0039] 4. The practitioner selects an agent signal from the agent library. (230) This agent may be presented to the patient in one of several ways. [0040] 5. The practitioner selects an agent distribution method. (240) These methods include, but are not limited to: [0041] Cutaneous exposure of the actual agent [0042] Audible via Computer [0043] Visual via Computer [0044] Audible via Computer and Visual via Computer [0045] Audible via speakers embedded within the mat (10) [0046] Audible via speakers embedded within the mat (10) and Visual via Computer [0047] 6. Next, the practitioner sets vibration parameters for optional use of the mat via the software application. (250) [0048] 7. Then, the practitioner initializes the session via the software application on the computer. (260) [0049] 8. The computer application sends begin session command to the mat, which activates the vibration motors. (270) [0050] 9. The practitioner reviews the session while in progress, as well as after the session is completed. (280)

[0051] The process of reviewing previously conducted sessions via the software application of the present invention is preferably as follows: [0052] 1. First, the practitioner initiates a Search for sessions. [0053] 2. Next, the practitioner selects a session to open and view. [0054] 3. Upon selection, the session is opened, and session data is shown on a display of the computer. The practitioner may opt to save the data as a .CSV file. Similarly, the practitioner may opt to print the results of the session to a .PDF file or to paper. Results may be filtered or displayed by date, by session name, and/or by test type.

Use of the Sympathetic Chain Stimulation Mat

[0055] The use of the method of the present invention preferably employs a mat (10) which provides sympathetic chain stimulation and audible transmission of the agent sounds if the selected mode of stimulus is auditory signals via at least one speaker (30). The mat (10) may be used instead of the aforementioned cuff. During use of the method and system of the present invention, the patient will lie on the mat (10) such that his/her back is in contact with the mat (10). The process of use is preferably the same as described above with the addition of the stimulation functionality listed below.

1. The mat (10) employed in the method of the present invention is preferably 175 cm (68.89 in) long and 62 cm (24.40 in) wide.
2. The mat (10) is preferably equipped with one-inch thick (2.54 cm) foam padding and a cotton covering for patient comfort (see FIG. 2). Additional pillows or towels may be used to provide the patient maximum comfort and head support.
3. The mat (10) is connected to the computer via USB connection.
4. The mat (10) is preferably equipped with an external power supply configured to power the vibration motors (20).
5. The mat (10) is controlled per selections made by the practitioner in the computer software application.
6. The mat (10) has at least one speaker (30) embedded at the upper portion of the mat (10) for audible agent signal transmission. The at least one speaker (30) is embedded within the foam on the upper portion of the mat (near the head) on the side where control wiring enters the mat.
7. The mat (10) has two rows of vibration motors (20) embedded within.
8. Vibration motors (20) are preferably positioned within the mat (10) as follows: [0056] Beginning 35 cm (13.77 in) from the top of the mat [0057] Spaced 3 cm (1.18 in) apart [0058] Extending a total of 60 cm (23.62 in) down the mat towards a bottom of the mat [0059] Final 20 cm (20.87 in) of vibration motors are grouped for separate control to enable flexible use for varying sizes of patients.

[0060] A practitioner is able to control the vibration motors (20) via the computer application for the stimulation of the sympathetic ganglia chain. The vibration motors (20) are preferably controllable in four separate groups to target specific regions of the sympathetic chain based on symptoms. Control of the vibration motors (20) is facilitated via the software application. Additionally, the practitioner is able to control the intensity/strength of the vibration motors (20) via the computer software application. Stimulation can be selected to run only for a selected time period during the signal transmission (3-5 seconds), or can be set to run continuously.

[0061] It again, should be understood that the stimulation can be administered manually, electrically through TENS, or via the mat (10). Additionally, it should be understood that the present invention is a method of training a living body of a patient, such that the following steps would be performed: administering the offending agent or alternative stimulus modalities to the patient; stimulating the sympathetic chain when administering the stimulus; and storing and matching each signal with the corresponding offending stimulus in a computer database.

[0062] Similarly, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, when utilizing auditory stimuli, one would place the speaker (30) (which may be embedded into the cuff in this embodiment), near an upper extremity of the patient. Moreover, the present invention can be viewed as positioning a speaker in the proximity of the patient; playing a signal from the speaker toward the patient, the signal matched with a corresponding offending stimulus; and stimulating the entire sympathetic chain locations while playing the signal from the speaker.

[0063] Furthermore, the present invention should be viewed as positioning a speaker in the proximity of the patient; be it in within the mat (10) or a cuff, playing, via a computer, signals from the speaker (30) in the proximity of the patient's ears, each signal matched with a corresponding stimulus; facing the speaker toward the body of the patient; converting each signal into a digital format via a computer; storing and matching each signal with the corresponding stimulus in a computer database; placing the speaker onto a cuff or matt, the cuff or matt configured to play the signal in the proximity of the patient's ears. It should be noted that stimulation may be administered manually, electrically or via the mat. The same stimulation procedure may be used when applying the actual offending agent to the surface of the skin while the patient is lying on the mat and stimulating the entire region of the sympathetic chain.

[0064] It should be understood that the following are features of the present invention: [0065] Non-invasive, mechanical stimulation of the Sympathetic Ganglia via stimulation of the entire sympathetic ganglia chain (T1-L2) for 5-10 seconds during presentation of conditioned stimulus. [0066] Motor vibration administered via vibration motors (20) disposed within the mat (10) of the present invention. [0067] Manual percussion (any electrical or non-electrical device that elicits a mechanical stimulation). [0068] Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used in preferred embodiments of the present invention for non-responsive cases. [0069] Low frequency (100 Hz/200 s) applied with self-adhesive electrodes in the paravertrebral ganglionar region (T1-L2) [0070] Current delivered at sensory-level intensity for 5-10 seconds [0071] Includes any form of stimulation to other regions of the body found to decrease activity of the sympathetic nervous system, such as the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. [0072] Representation of offending agents [0073] Stimuli presented during stimulation of sympathetic ganglia based on the type of offending stimulus. [0074] Visual representations depicted on the computer monitor. [0075] Auditory linguistic representations conveyed via speaker (30) embedded within cuff or mat (10). [0076] Actual stimulus [0077] The offending stimulus is presented to the surface of the skin. The stimulus includes any form of stimuli that becomes associated with increased sympathetic nerve activity resulting in a pathological or abnormal reaction. This may include, but is not limited to sensitivities, allergies, anxiety disorders, phobias and unwanted behaviors.

[0078] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0079] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.