Product information Today, electrical nerve stimulation has a secure place as a recognised therapeutic method for relieving pain. Without doubt, it represents a supplement and an alternative to conventional pharmacological and neurosurgical pain therapy. Successes in many areas of pain relief -- both with chronic and acute pain -- is resulting in an increasing number of doctors and therapists using this method. This treatment method is gentle on the body and has no side-effects. The pain is soothed by the transfer of electrical pulses to the nerve fibres, which function as conductors for pain. Muscle fibres can also be relieved. The electrical nerve stimulator acts via two different mechanisms: · The electrical pulse acts on the nerve fibres and can prevent pain signals from being sent on to the brain. · The body's pain suppression system is stimulated to produce its own pain-soothing substances (endorphins) and release them into the bloodstream. This results in pain being relieved effectively, naturally and without recourse to medicines. A successful therapy program, based on co-operation between the user and the doctor, and effective treatment with the electrical nerve stimulator. Therapy with the electrical nerve stimulator has proven particularly successful against muscular pain, joint pain, neuralgia and amputation pain. The unit can be used for the following indications (also see the Appendix "Doctor's setting recommendations"): · Neck, chest and lumbar vertebrae syndrome · Intercostal neuralgia 4 · Shoulder/arm syndrome · Tennis elbow · Knee and hip arthritis · Phantom pain · Tension headaches · Stiffness of the joints after extended periods of nonmovement · Muscular injuries and sprains Do not perform any therapy without first having obtained a doctor's diagnosis. Since the sensitivity to the current is different for every patient, no precise details can be given here. The settings for the therapy must be made under the doctor's supervision! Contra-indications: (see "Correct use" on Page 6) Scope of delivery · Electrical nerve stimulator · Block battery (9 V) · Operating instructions · Case 5 Correct use The electrical acupuncture unit is used to directly stimulate the nerves by way of electrical pulses. The unit is used for self-treatment of discomfort and pain, tension and stress-related problems. Other areas of use and possible acupuncture points will be outlined in these operating instructions. The unit may only be used as described in the operating instructions. It must not be misused or used for purposes other than those for which it is intended. The system is for external use only (application via the dry skin). Do not use the unit when bathing or taking a shower, and protect it against moisture. Damp or wet skin conducts electricity better than dry skin, thereby increasing the effect of the electrical pulses. Do not use the unit of the patient: · has heart problems, · particularly heart rhythm problems · has a heart pacemaker or other implants · is pregnant · is a child Not following these instructions can be harmful to the patient's health. 6 Do not use the unit on the eyelids or on the front of the neck (only after consulting a doctor) or so that electricity is conducted via the heart (e.g. in the direct proximity of the heart) or brain (e.g. on the temples). Not following these instructions can be harmful to the patient's health. Use the unit for at most 3-5 times per day for a maximum of 3-5 minutes. Terminate use and consult your doctor as soon as the therapy becomes unpleasant of ineffective. 7 General safety and warning instructions Read these operating instructions carefully before using the electrical nerve stimulator! The operating instructions must be followed and the unit must be used correctly! Keep the unit is a safe place away from children. Do not use the unit in the vicinity of microwave appliances or short-wave units. Electromagnetic interaction can impair the function of these units and of the electrical acupuncture unit. Do not use the unit in the vicinity of highfrequency surgical devices. Electro-magnetic interaction can produce high temperatures that can cause burns. Do not use the unit in aircraft. The electrical pulses of the electrical acupuncture unit can interfere with the aircraft's electronic systems and put at risk the safety of the passengers and crew. If the device becomes damaged, send it to our Service Centre. See "Service and warranty" on page 36. 8 Putting into operation Note: A 9 V block battery is provided to operate the unit. It is always possible to use a rechargeable battery. However, in this case it must be noted that the battery is charged up before use. Also note that alkali batteries have a higher capacity and service life than rechargeable batteries. Damaged batteries and rechargeable batteries may not be used! > Open the battery compartment by pressing on the napped surface and pulling off the cover at the same time. > Insert the battery so that the polarity corresponds to the drawing in the bottom of the battery compartment. > Close the battery compartment. 10 Use > Remove the transparent protective cap of the stimulation pins. > Set the intensity regulator to the level recommended by your doctor. This switches on the unit and the indicator on the unit lights up. > Gently guide the stimulation pins with circular movements over the parts of the skin discussed with your doctor (see "Doctor's setting recommendations" on Page 17). If the battery is discharged, the stimulation is stopped and the indicator lamp goes out. > After the end of treatment, switch off the unit by turning the intensity regulator to the circle and point. You must be able to clearly feel the regulator engaging and the indicator on the unit goes out. > Replace the transparent protective cap in order to protect the stimulation pins. 11 Changing the battery > Open the battery compartment by pressing on the napped surface and pulling off the cover at the same time. > To remove the battery, press it down slightly at the front and pull it out of the housing with the aid of the tape. > Insert the new battery so that the polarity corresponds to the drawing in the bottom of the battery compartment. > Close the battery compartment. 12 Care > Switch off the unit when it is not in use. > Regularly check the state and charging capacity of the battery, because the function and the storage time are limited by the battery's service life. > Remove the batteries from the unit if you are not going to use it for a long time. Discharged batteries can leak and damage the unit. > Protect the unit from moisture, otherwise the electronics can be damaged. Do not immerse the unit in water or other liquids. Clean it only with a slightly damp cloth. > When using a rechargeable battery, this should always be stored fully charged in order to obtain its longest possible service life. The battery should not be completely (exhausted), because this can damage it. For the charging time, refer to the instructions for the charger and the battery manufacturer's instructions. 13 Output curves [V] 450 400 300 200 100 0 t1 = 0.001 s t2 = 0.1 s Prf = 10 Hz [t] Output curve shape [k ] Load impedance 25 20 15 10 5 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 [V] [k ] Load impedance 25 20 15 10 5 0 4.1 4.125 4.15 4.175 4.2 4.225 4.25 4.275 [mA] 15 Effective voltage [V] 9 8 7 6 5 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 [V] Effective voltage [V] 9 8 7 6 5 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 [mA] 16 Doctor's setting recommendations Discuss the course of treatment with your doctor. He/she will advise you on the duration, frequency and intensity of use. Application period and frequency Unless otherwise stated by the doctor, treatment is recommended 3 to 5 times daily, each time for a period of 3-5 minutes. Treatment of the selected areas should be conducted by performing gentle circular movements stroking across the skin. Regulating the intensity The stimulation intensity can be set with the intensity regulator. The rotary regulator is labelled with the numbers 1-5; the higher the set number, the greater the intensity (pulse amplitude). During use, the patient should feel the characteristic tingling sensation. Intensity sensitivity can depend on your day-to-day condition. Adjust the intensity as required. 17 Ask your doctor to note his recommendations here: Therapie 1 Recommended treatment points: Recommended intensity: Recommended duration: Recommended frequency: 18 Therapie 2 Recommended treatment points: Recommended intensity: Recommended duration: Recommended frequency: The following is an overview of the possible uses for electro-acupuncture: 19 Test electro-acupuncture Headaches Headaches have many causes, e.g. migraine, engorgement, problems with the sinuses or teeth, over-exertion, fatigue, tension, pressure etc. Try to reduce the discomfort by exciting the points shown in the drawings, either directly or by stroking over them in circular movements. Figure 1 Figure 2: Particularly effective against deep headaches Figure 3: Particularly effective against headaches caused by engorgement Figure 4: Outside, effective against general headaches 20 Test electro-acupuncture Back problems Most back problems affect the lower back. The most frequent causes are sudden vigorous movements, a poor body posture, over-extended muscles, lifting incorrectly, menstrual problems etc. Try to reduce the discomfort by exciting the points shown in the drawings, either directly or by stroking over them in circular movements. Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 21 Test electro-acupuncture Sleeping disorders Sleeping disorders can be triggered by, among other things, stress, a change in sleeping environment, high altitude (holidays in the mountains), a sudden over-sensitivity to quiet noises, heavy meals, excessively intensive Figure 8 physical exercise etc. Try to reduce the discomfort by exciting the points shown in the drawings, either directly or by stroking over them in circular movements. Figure 9: Inside Figure 10: Particularly effective against nervous or stress-related sleeping disorders 22 Test electro-acupuncture Shoulder problems Shoulder problems can be caused by heavy physical work, over-stretched muscles, a poor body posture (e.g. when working at a desk or computer), general over-exertion, a trauma or a direct impact on the shoulFigure 11 der, bursitis, arthritis, rheumatism etc. Figure 13: Outside Figure 12: Particularly effective against shoulder problems Figure 14 23 Test electro-acupuncture Elbow problems Elbow problems can be caused by carrying heavy objects, overexertion during sports (tennis elbow), generally over-extended or over-exerted muscles, a direct impact on the elbow in the event of a fall, bursitis, arthritis, rheumatism etc. Figure 16 Figure Figure 16 and 17: Particularly effective against shoulder problems Figure 15 Figure 17: Inside 24 Test electro-acupuncture Knee problems Knee problems can be caused by wear and tear, over-exertion (e.g. during jogging), over-extended or over-exerted muscles or ligaments, general over-exertion, a trauma or a direct impact on the knee (e.g. in the event of a fall), bursitis, arthritis, rheumatism etc. Figure 18: Particularly effective against knee problems (including the shaded areas) Figure 19 25 Test electro-acupuncture Neck problems Neck problems can be caused by sitting for long periods, a poor body or head posture, over-extended or over-exerted muscles, general over-exertion, or incorrect (e.g. jerky) head movements, arthritis, rheumatism etc. Try to reduce the discomfort by exciting the points shown in the drawings, either directly Figure 20 or by stroking over them in circular movements. Figure 21 Figure 23 Figure 22: Outside use on both hands in turn 26 Test electro-acupuncture Acute pain In the case of acute pain such as colic or acute stomach problems, it is often possible to achieve rapid pain relief with electro-acupuncture. Even if you succeed in relieving the pain, it is essential to consult your physician Figure 24: Can contribute about such pains! towards psychological stabilisation Figures 26: Outside Figures 26 and 27: Particularly effectivepoints Figure 25: Inside, for sickness and nausea Figure 27 27 Test electro-acupuncture Nervousness States of nervousness can often be successfully treated by electro-acupuncture. Significant calming often results after only a single treatment. Permanent harmonisation is often only achievable with just a few treatments. Figure 28 Figure 29: Inside Figure 30 Figure 31: Inside 28 Test electro-acupuncture Gastritis Heartburn, satiation and strong pain in the stomach can cause gastritis. Chronic gastritis can manifest itself in the form of loss of appetite, general fatigue and a feeling of emptiness in the stomach. Electro-acupuncture can relieve the pain, but not its cau ...