SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING STRESS
A method of regulating stress in an individual engaged in one or more active behaviors includes providing the individual with remote-controllable handholdable devices having first and second tactile stimulators configured to receive wireless instructions from a controller and a securing band that can selectively hold the devices, having the individual hold or place the devices bilaterally in therapeutic contact with parts of the individual's body, having the individual activate the tactile stimulators through changing settings on the mobile digital device application, and having the individual determine the most effective amount of stimulation speed and intensity to control the individual's stress, wherein the individual self-adjusts the speed and intensity of the tactile stimulators by changing the settings of the mobile digital device application and wherein tactile stimulation is the only stimulation applied to the individual by the operation of the first and second remote-controllable handholdable devices.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/306,911, filed May 3, 2021, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING STRESS, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/438,021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,031,117, filed Feb. 21, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING STRESS, which claims benefit of priority to U.S. continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 15/345,916, filed Nov. 8, 2016, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING CHRONIC AND ACUTE STRESS, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/324,023, filed Apr. 18, 2016, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING STRESS. This application claims the benefit of priority to, and incorporates by reference the entirety of, these above-referenced priority applications.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe technical field generally relates to stress reduction, and more particularly relates to a system and method for reducing stress to improve concentration and performance.
BACKGROUNDStress is one of the most pervasive psychological complaints. Stress has been linked to digestive distress, headaches, depression, sleep problems, weight gain, underachievement, panic, avoidance, and poor physical health. When stress triggers the sympathetic nervous system, performance worsens. Returning an individual to a calm state as soon as possible is desirable. Once stress is experienced over time, the brain develops neural “habits” that overemphasize the stress response. When stress ensues, it is known to increase body inflammation and is often impeding performance and the ability to carry out normal daily activities to one's potential.
In many adults, stress begins in childhood as a result from genetic predispositions, and/or traumatic physical or emotional distress. Stress adversely impacts brain development and creates over activation of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in performance degradation, preoccupation, depression, anxiety, over-reactivity, and sub-optimal functioning in other areas of the brain. The brain's structure and function can be significantly altered in ways that promote ongoing stress and less adaptability. The more stress experienced in childhood has been shown to correlate with a number of negative outcomes related not only to psychological problems, but also physical disease and mortality.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide methods and systems for disrupting the brain's habit of over-activating the sympathetic nervous system as a result of stress. It is further desirable that the systems and methods are easy to use and do not impede individuals' mobility or performance of their job or other everyday tasks. It is further desirable that the systems and methods can be integrated into articles of daily life and available for use at a person's convenience. Other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
BRIEF SUMMARYVarious non-limiting embodiments of an alternating bi-lateral stimulation system and method for providing a therapeutic benefit to a person are disclosed herein.
In a first non-limiting embodiment, a method for providing a therapeutic benefit to an individual wearing an article having first and second tactile stimulators bilaterally positioned in the article to be in therapeutic contact with the person when the article is worn by the person is disclosed. The method includes, but is not limited to, activating the first tactile stimulator to provide a first stimulation for a first time period and activating the second tactile stimulator to apply a second stimulation for a second time period beginning at least commensurate with a cessation of the first time period. This process is repeated for a therapeutically effective number of repetitions so that the first and second stimulations are applied bilaterally to the body of the person without the person experiencing a perceivable pause in stimulation between the first stimulation and the second stimulation, to provide the therapeutic benefit to the person.
In another non-limiting embodiment, a system for providing a therapeutic benefit to an individual includes, but is not limited to, first and second tactile stimulators bilaterally positioned in an article in therapeutic contact with a body of a person when the article is worn by the individual. The system further includes, but is not limited to, a controller communicably coupled to the first and second tactile simulators, the controller causing the first tactile stimulator to apply a first stimulation for a first time period and causing the second tactile stimulator to apply a second stimulation for a second time period beginning at least commensurate with a cessation of the first time period. So configured, the system provides a therapeutic benefit to the person by the first and second stimulations being applied bilaterally to the body of the person without the person experiencing a perceivable pause in stimulation between the first stimulation and the second stimulation, to provide the therapeutic benefit to the person.
In another non-limiting embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium embodying a computer program product includes, but is not limited to, instructions for providing a therapeutic benefit to a person when executed by a processor. The instructions cause the processor to communicate with first and second tactile stimulators bilaterally positioned on the person's body and activate the first tactile stimulator to apply a first stimulation for a first time period and activate the second tactile stimulator to apply a second stimulation for a second time period beginning at least commensurate with the processor instructing the first tactile stimulator to cease applying the first stimulation. In this way, the instructions contained in the non-transitory computer readable medium cause the first and second stimulations to apply alternating bilateral stimulation to the person without the person experiencing a perceivable pause in stimulation between the first stimulation, and second stimulation to provide the therapeutic benefit to the person.
Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, where like numerals denote like elements, and:
As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiment and not to limit the scope that is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Drawings Summary or the following Detailed Description.
The vibrating (stimulation) elements 104 are controlled by a mobile device 102 (e.g., cell phone, tablet computer, personal digital assistant or remote control device) running a software application (or app) that wirelessly communicates with the vibrating elements 104 via the mobile device 102 causing them to vibrate.
In one exemplary embodiment, bi-lateral asynchronous stimulation is provided by the vibrating elements 104. As used herein, “asynchronous” means to stimulate each vibrating element 104 in an alternating manner with some period of overlap where both stimulating elements are vibrating simultaneously. The overlap area may begin randomly or may be programed as will be discussed below. The vibrating elements 104 alter the brain's internal communication in multiple areas including the somatosensory cortex and other brain networks. This interferes with the brain's ability to activate the sympathetic nervous system and therefore reduces the stress response. By applying the bi-lateral and asynchronous stimulation to the individual's body, the individual experiences a reduction in stress and a lessening of distressing body sensations (e.g., racing heartbeat, stomach aches). Because the brain can activate sympathetic arousal in hundreds of milliseconds (or faster via the brain's primitive routes of processing), the overlap period provides an advantage over conventional bi-lateral stimulators in ensuring that any stimulation gap commonly used in conventional bi-lateral stimulators will not allow the brain to activate the sympathetic system. The stimulation provided during the overlap period also enhances bi-lateral impact in the somatosensory areas of the individual's brain.
In another exemplary embodiment, continuous bi-lateral stimulation is provided by the vibrating elements 104. As used herein, “continuous” means to stimulate each vibrating element 104 in an alternating manner without any perceivable gap or pause between the stimulation being applied to opposing (bi-lateral) sides of the body. Similar to asynchronous stimulation, continuous bi-lateral stimulation alters the brain's internal communication in multiple areas including the somatosensory cortex and other brain networks continuously so as not to provide time for the brain to activate the sympathetic system.
Referring now to
For illustrative purposes, the following description of the method 1100 of
It should be appreciated that the method of
The method begins in block 1102 where the bilateral stimulation application (app) is launched (begun) on the mobile device 102 so that the individual may receive the asynchronous (or continuous) alternating bilateral stimulation as discussed above. In block 1104, a determination is made as to whether the individual has selected a settings feature to adjust the programming of the stimulation as discussed above in connection with
As a non-limiting practical example of the therapeutic benefits afforded by the present disclosure,
With continued reference to
The present disclosure contemplates that the bilateral stimulation system 100 can provide therapeutic benefit to both stationary and mobile individuals. For example, stationary individuals can simply hold the vibrating elements 104 in the person's hand during a therapeutic session. In other embodiments, the vibrating elements need to be positioned on the individual in a manner that promotes the individual's mobility. Accordingly,
The vibrating elements 104 may also be combined into other devices used in daily life. For example,
As discussed above, the present disclosure contemplates that many individuals would benefit by being able to use the bilateral stimulation system 100 at any time the individual desires. Non-limiting examples include while the individual is driving or commuting, at the office, during lunch, during a phone conversation, while watching or participating in an activity, or while relaxing and watching a movie or television. Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates that the bilateral stimulation elements 104 can be readily integrated into articles of daily life that support both a mobile, stationary and par-stationary individual. In this way, the individual can activate stimulation elements 104 by the mobile device 102 at any time, and for as so much time, as the individual has to receive the therapeutic benefit. Following are non-limiting examples of various embodiments and applications for using the bilateral stimulation system 100 by incorporating the stimulation elements 104 into various articles of daily life.
Wearable Articles.
The present disclosure contemplates that the stimulation elements 104 may be integrated into wearable articles that bring the stimulation elements 104 into therapeutic contact with the individual wearing the article. Non-limiting examples of such garments include snug-fitting clothing or portions of wearable garments that are naturally in therapeutic contact with the individual such as by the force of gravity. As used herein, a “snug-fitting” garment includes, but is not limited to, an elasticized garment or an elasticized portion of a garment. For example, undergarments typically are snug-fitting and include, but are not limited to, a sports bra as shown in
Outerwear garments can also have stimulation elements 104 incorporated therein in positions that bring the stimulation elements into therapeutic contact with the individual. For example, swimwear or garments typically worn for yoga or other exercise activities are commonly snug-fitting and may have stimulation elements 104 positioned as illustrated in
Foot-Worn Articles.
Footwear provides another opportunity for incorporating the stimulation elements 104 of the bilateral stimulation system 100 into the daily life of individuals. For example,
Head-Worn Articles.
Head-worn articles are another category of wearable articles that provide a wide variety of implementations that support the incorporation of the stimulation elements 104. For example, women's (
In addition to caps, hats and helmets, other head-worn articles are utilized by individuals for entertainment or other purposes. For example,
As previously discussed in connection with
Furniture provides a natural platform into which the stimulation elements can be incorporated for the therapeutic benefit of individuals using the furniture. Generally, an individual sitting or reclining on a piece of furniture is par-stationary meaning that the individual is not mobile but may move or reposition him/herself on the furniture so as not to be considered fully stationary.
Children's toys and games provide another platform by which the therapeutic benefit can be delivered to children in a fun or entertaining way. For example, the stimulation elements 104 can be built into plush toys (e.g., a teddy bear) as illustrated in
Additionally, the benefits afforded by the present disclosure are not limited to human persons. Veterinary persons can also benefit as shown in
While the present disclosure has been described in terms of improving performance or quality of life by reduction in stress, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the therapeutic benefits offered by the present disclosure may also offer the possibility of aiding in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorder, clinical depression, panic disorder, anxiety, eating disorder, sleep disorder and learning disabilities. The stress relieving benefits of the present disclosure can assist a person in real or imagined situations in everyday life, relieve stress or anxiety prior to surgery or a medical procedure (or themselves or a family member), relieve post-surgical and physical therapy stress during recovery.
The disclosed methods and systems provide asynchronous (or continuous) alternating bilateral stimulation to support the reduction of stress in individuals. It will be appreciated that the disclosed asynchronous methods and systems provide an advantage with the overlapping time period of simultaneous stimulation which enhances the bi-lateral impact in the somatosensory areas of the person's brain. It will also be appreciated that the disclosed continuous methods and systems provide an advantage by not allowing time for the person's brain to activate the somatosensory areas of the individual's brain. The disclosed asynchronous and continuous bi-lateral stimulations regimes provide an advantage over conventional bi-lateral stimulators in ensuring that the stimulation gap commonly used in conventional bi-lateral stimulators will not allow the brain to activate the sympathetic system.
It will be appreciated that the various illustrative logical blocks/tasks/steps, modules, circuits, and method steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Some of the embodiments and implementations are described above in terms of functional and/or logical block components or modules and various processing steps. However, it should be appreciated that such block components or modules may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope as set forth in the claims.
For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, for example, memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments described herein are merely exemplary implementations
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The word exemplary is used exclusively herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
The steps of a method described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Numerical ordinals such as “first, second, third,” etc. simply denote different singles of a plurality and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. The sequence of the text in any of the claims does not imply that process steps must be performed in a temporal or logical order according to such sequence unless it is specifically defined by the language of the claim. The process steps may be interchanged in any order without departing from the scope of the invention as long as such an interchange does not contradict the claim language and is not logically nonsensical.
Furthermore, depending on the context, words such as connect or coupled to that are used in describing a relationship between different elements does not imply that a direct physical connection must be made between these elements. For example, two elements may be connected to each other physically, electronically, logically, or in any other manner, through one or more additional elements.
While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments.
Claims
1. A method of regulating stress comprising:
- (a) providing an individual engaged in one or more active behaviors with (i) a first and a second remote-controllable handholdable device, the first device comprising a first tactile stimulator and the second device comprising a second tactile stimulator, wherein the first and second tactile stimulators are configured to provide tactile stimulation to the individual, (ii) a first removable securing band and a second removable securing band configured to position the first and second devices in contact with the individual's first and second ankles (iii) a mobile digital device application wireless controller that allows the individual to selectively control the speed and intensity of stimulation in the first and second tactile stimulators through speed and intensity settings of the mobile digital device application wireless controller;
- (b) having the individual hold or place the first and second devices bilaterally in therapeutic contact with the individual's first and second ankles during a therapeutic session associated with the one or more active behaviors;
- (c) having the individual activate the first and second tactile stimulators and through automatic operation of the mobile digital device application controller presenting the individual with options to separately set the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting on the mobile digital device application wireless controller, determining the individual's input with respect to whether to change the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting, and if the individual changes the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting, recording such changed speed setting, intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting in the mobile digital device controller's electronic memory;
- (d) by activity of the mobile digital device application wireless controller, applying tactile stimulation to the individual according to the settings stored in the memory of the mobile digital device application wireless controller through the first and second tactile stimulators, wherein tactile stimulation is the only stimulation provided to the individual through the operation of the first and second devices and wherein the mobile digital device application wireless controller does not provide any additional stimulation simultaneously with the application of tactile stimulation; and
- (e) through automatic operation of the mobile digital device application controller, presenting the individual with options to separately change the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting at least one time during the therapeutic session, wherein if the individual changes the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting, the changed setting(s) are recorded in the memory of the mobile digital device application wireless controller and thereafter applied by the first and second devices when activated,
- wherein the devices and mobile digital device application controller are free of any sensor that is capable of changing the speed setting or the intensity setting.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises attaching the first and second devices to the first and second securing bands and placing the first and second securing bands bilaterally, whereby the first device is in contact with the individual's first ankle and the second device is in contact with the individual's second ankle.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first device and second device lack any visual display.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein each of the first device and second device lack any visual display.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the individual is diagnosed with one or more of an attention deficit disorder, an obsessive/compulsive disorder, clinical depression, a panic disorder, anxiety, an eating disorder, a sleep disorder, a learning disability, or other stress-related disorder.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method comprises the individual attaching the first and second devices to the first and second securing bands, positioning the first and second securing bands bilaterally, whereby the first device is in contact with the individual's first ankle and the second device is in contact with the individual's second ankle, and causing the first and second devices to apply tactile bilateral stimulation to the individual.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein after causing the first and second devices to apply tactile bilateral stimulation, the method further comprises the individual detaching the first and second devices from the first and second securing bands and causing the tactile stimulators to apply tactile bilateral stimulation to the individual.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises at least two therapeutic sessions wherein the individual actively changes the speed setting, the intensity setting, the overlap setting, or two or more of these settings at least once during each of the at least two therapeutic sessions.
9. A method of regulating stress comprising:
- (a) providing an individual engaged in one or more active behaviors with (i) a remote-controllable handholdable device, the device comprising a tactile stimulator, wherein the tactile stimulator is configured to provide tactile stimulation to the individual, (ii) a removable securing band for the device, wherein the securing band is configured to position the device in contact with either of the individual's ankles, and (iii) a mobile digital device application wireless controller that allows the individual to selectively control the speed and intensity of stimulation in the tactile stimulator through speed and intensity settings of the mobile digital device application wireless controller;
- (b) having the individual hold or place the device in therapeutic contact with either the individual's first ankle or second ankle during a therapeutic session associated with the one or more active behaviors;
- (c) having the individual activate the tactile stimulator and through automatic operation of the mobile digital device application controller presenting the individual with options to separately set the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting on the mobile digital device application wireless controller, determining the individual's input with respect to whether to change the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting, and if the individual changes the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting, recording such changed speed setting, intensity setting, or both speed setting and intensity setting in the mobile digital device controller's electronic memory;
- (d) by activity of the mobile digital device application wireless controller, applying tactile stimulation to the individual according to the settings stored in the memory of the mobile digital device application wireless controller through the tactile stimulator, wherein tactile stimulation is the only stimulation provided to the individual through the operation of the device and wherein the mobile digital device application wireless controller does not provide any additional stimulation simultaneously with the application of tactile stimulation; and
- (e) through automatic operation of the mobile digital device application controller presenting the individual with options to separately change the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting least one time during the therapeutic session, wherein if the individual changes the speed setting, intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting, the changed setting(s) are recorded in the memory of the mobile digital device application wireless controller and thereafter applied by the device when activated,
- wherein the device and mobile digital device application controller are free of any sensor that is capable of changing the speed setting or the intensity setting.
10. A method of regulating stress comprising:
- (a) providing an individual engaged in one or more active behaviors with (i) a first and a second remote-controllable handholdable device, the first device comprising a first tactile stimulator and the second device comprising a second tactile stimulator, wherein the first and second tactile stimulators are configured to provide tactile stimulation to the individual, (ii) a first removable securing band and a second removable securing band configured to position the first and second devices in contact with one or more parts of the individual's body, and (iii) a mobile digital device application wireless controller that allows the individual to selectively control the speed and intensity of stimulation in the first and second tactile stimulators through speed and intensity settings of the mobile digital device application wireless controller;
- (b) having the individual hold or place the first and second devices bilaterally in therapeutic contact with either the individual's hands, shoulders, neck, chest, waist, thighs, legs, arms, calves, ankles, or wrists during a therapeutic session associated with the one or more active behaviors;
- (c) having the individual activate the first and second tactile stimulators and through automatic operation of the mobile digital device application controller presenting the individual with options to separately set the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting on the mobile digital device application wireless controller, determining the individual's input with respect to whether to change the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting and if the individual changes the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting, recording such changed speed setting, intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting in the mobile digital device controller's electronic memory;
- (d) by activity of the mobile digital device application wireless controller, applying bilateral tactile stimulation to the individual according to the settings stored in the memory of the mobile digital device application wireless controller through the first and second tactile stimulators, wherein tactile stimulation is the only stimulation provided to the individual through the operation of the first and second devices and wherein the mobile digital device application wireless controller does not provide any additional stimulation simultaneously with the application of bilateral tactile stimulation; and
- (e) through automatic operation of the mobile digital device application controller presenting the individual with options to separately change the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting at least one time during the therapeutic session, wherein if the individual changes the speed setting, the intensity setting, or both the speed setting and the intensity setting, the changed setting(s) are recorded in the memory of the mobile digital device application wireless controller and thereafter applied by the first device and second device when activated,
- wherein the first device, second device, and mobile digital device application controller are free of any sensor that is capable of changing the speed setting or the intensity setting.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method comprises attaching each of the first and second devices to one or more articles of clothing.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the method comprises attaching the first and second devices to the first and second securing bands and placing the first and second securing bands bilaterally in contact with body parts of the individual as disclosed in (b).
13. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the first device and second device lack any visual display.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the first device and second device lack any visual display.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or more articles of clothing is configured to be in therapeutic contact with the individual and wherein the one or more articles of clothing is further configured to maintain the first and second devices in therapeutic contact with the individual.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the individual is diagnosed with one or more of an attention deficit disorder, an obsessive/compulsive disorder, clinical depression, a panic disorder, anxiety, an eating disorder, a sleep disorder, a learning disability, or other stress-related disorder.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method comprises the individual attaching the first and second devices to the securing bands and causing the first and second devices to apply tactile bilateral stimulation to the individual.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises the individual affixing the first and second devices to the one or more articles of the individual's clothing and causing the tactile stimulators to apply bilateral tactile stimulation to the individual.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises the individual detaching the first and second devices from the securing bands and causing the tactile stimulators to apply tactile bilateral stimulation to the individual.
20. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises at least two therapeutic sessions wherein the individual actively changes the speed setting, the intensity setting, the overlap setting, or two or more of these settings at least once during each of the at least two therapeutic sessions.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 25, 2022
Publication Date: Dec 29, 2022
Inventors: Vicki Mayo (Scottsdale, AZ), Amy Serin (Scottsdale, AZ)
Application Number: 17/822,422