Abstract: A non-invasive percutaneously acting apparatus for relieving constipation or diarrhea and appropriately stimulating peristaltic movement in the human gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. The apparatus includes an annular or toroidal shaped hollow housing having a working surface on one side thereof. A multi-point electrode generally coextensive with the working surface includes a plurality of point electrodes each separately mounted in and preferably biasingly moveably extend outwardly from the working surface. A d.c. pulse generator selectively and sequentially connectable to the point electrodes whereby, when the working surface is positioned against or in close proximity to the skin over the GI tract, the point electrodes deliver electrical pulses percutaneously and sequentially moving from one point electrode to the next adjacent point electrode repeatedly around the working surface.

Abstract: An optical/electrical transmission type acupuncture needle, controller and system for acupuncture treatment. The needle has a sharpened needle point one end configured for penetration into body tissue and a needle holder at the other end. The needle body is formed of a central optical transmission core, preferably an intermediate opaque non-conductive clad layer atop the core and an outer conductive layer positioned atop the clad layer, all of which are substantially coextensive one to another. The needle point is formed as a unit with the needle body by tapering, sharpening and highly polishing one end portion of the core sufficiently for body tissue penetration. The core carries light provided by a light source in the system controller which may simultaneously provide pulsed electricity carried by the outer conductive layer whereby pulsed light and electricity are transmitted into body tissue through the needle point.