WO2000007658A1

WO2000007658A1 - Method and appliances for electrostimulation

Info

Publication number: WO2000007658A1
Application number: PCT/IL1999/000430
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shmuel Peltz
Original assignee: Shmuel Peltz
Priority date: 1998-08-06
Filing date: 1999-08-04
Publication date: 2000-02-17
Also published as: RU2207161C2; AU5190499A

Abstract

The known method of electrotherapy consists in passing an electrical current through a body with the help of two electrodes (5, 6) placed on the skin. In the instant case an electric current can penetrate directly into the affected areas, and even into cavities inside the body, thereby promoting healing. Liquids such as water, tea, coffee, breast milk, urine, secretion of the nose, secretion of the vagina, and respiratory air may be used in the capacity of an intermediate agent. If the intermediate agent is a drink, then electrotherapy will promote healing of the throat, esophagus, and gullet. If the intermediate agent is urine then it will promote healing in cases of urethritis, cystitis, and prostatitis. If the intermediate agent is secretion of nose then electrotherapy may be useful for promoting healing of inflamed mucous membrane of nasal cavities.

Description

METHOD AND APPLIANCES FOR ELECTROSTEVIULATION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention which we are seeking to patent, is a new electro-stimulation method and a group of the appliances on the basis of this method. The some of this appliances may be used jointly with a subjects of private life.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Electro-stimulation is a process whereby two electrodes are placed in or on a subject's body, and an electric current is passed between the electrodes. At present there are a large number of devices available which utilize this principle. The main purpose of these is anesthetization.

Experientially, it has been found that electro-stimulation is more effective if the electric current is applied close to the injure/infection. Therefore, the electrodes are usually placed as close as possible to the area requiring treatment.

However, in the case of illnesses/infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, cystitis, uretritis etc., it has not been possible to place the electrodes close to the affected area. The "Elektrotherapy method" (US Patent # 5,387,231), combines various conditions of electrical stimulation. It utilizes various wave forms of electric current, differing voltage, frequency, and positive/negative polarity, but this method can't be used in the above mentioned cases.

There is also a "Device and method for the combined electropharmacological treatment of the bladder and the prostatic urethra" (US Patent # 5,486,160) that makes it possible to treat certain urinary bladder cases, and we will use this as a starting point. This device has considerable shortcomings. A special bougie has to be embedded into urethra. It is unpleasant procedure for subject and requires skilled personnel to insert it. This is one of its chief shortcoming.

There is another device and method which helps in treatment of the prostate; (US Patent # 5,529,574, "Method and apparatus for treatment of the prostate"). It has the same shortcomings as US Patent # 5,486,160, mentioned above.

There is still another device, which is used for inducing the permeation of medication into internal tissue (US Patent 5,549,603, "Method and apparatus for inducing the permeation of medication into internal tissue"). This patent uses a catheter. It has the same shortcomings as the other appliances above viz. It is uncomfortable/painful and requires the assistance of skilled personnel.

In patents US Patents # 5,531,678 & # 5,222,936 catheters are used as well, and require skilled personnel to insert them. There is a device which assists in cases of incontinence; (US Patent # 5,314,465 "Incontinence electrode apparatus and method"). It is an interesting method, that makes it possible to prevent the urination temporarily, but it does not treat the underlying problem.

In US Patents # 4,240,437 & # 5,133,351, the therapeutic effect depends on the parameters of electrical influence.

As has been demonstrated, all the known devices have limitations, and can't be effectively or easily used in cases such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, cystitis, uretritis etc. The primary obstacle is that they can't be introduced into the affected areas easily, or if so, only with the aid of skilled personnel.

The application which we are seeking to patent, are appliances and a method which will:

- introduce controlled amounts of electrical current into several internal organs and cavities,

- provide electric stimulation for whole body sheath without some electrodes, ■provide electric stimulation for opened wounds and burns without some electrodes into the ■ affected areas,

- permit electro-stimulation without the unpleasant/uncomfortable effects of catheter etc.,

- in many cases it will not be necessary to set aside a special time for the treatment,

- not require the assistance of skilled medical personnel in most cases,

- simple and inexpensive,

- be easy to use.

This electro-stimulation method may be used to alleviate all kinds of inflammation of the throat, trachea, bronchial tubes, nose and ear, urinary bladder, sexual organs, large intestine etc. It also unifies other current appliances such as special:- spoon, glass or cup, bottle, urinal, lavatory pan, shower etc. This unification also eliminates much of the psychological barrier to such devices which arise if the appliance is used singly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of this invention is to provide a method and appliances to conduct the electrostimulation therapy. The main concept of this invention is to introduce electric current to the affected zones by using different kinds of liquids, aerosols, and even air. The proposed method of electrotherapy consists of passing an electric current through an organism during the application of medical procedures or during natural physiological processes by means of electrodes, is characterized by the fact that at least one of the electrodes may be placed some distance from the body or in close proximity, such as on the surface of the body, or into a cavity and electrically connected to the body by means of an intermediate agent which closes the electrical circuit, which may be: a) drink or liquefied food, which flows into organism (for treatment of diseases of mucous membranes of mouth cavity, gullet, esophagus), b) secretions (including blood) from nose (for treatment of diseases of mucous membrane of nose cavities and sinuses), c) respiratory air or this air with aerosol (for treatment of mucous membrane of respiratory ways), d) milk issued from milk glands of woman on breast-feeding or from udder of animals (for treatment of mastitis), e) water from shower/crane for swilling (for treatment burns, itch, and/or to tone up or to calm), f) urine which is issuing during urination singly (for treatment of cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis), g) blood or pathological secretion from vagina (for treatment of diseases of sexual organs), h) secretion from wounds/fistula (for accelerated healing), i) gas-drop mixture for bathing (for accelerated healing of open wounds, burns, bedsores and also for treatment of the respiratory tract), j) water or watery medicine which may be used for lavage of the nose, large intestine, vagina (for their treatment), k) watery medicine or electroconductive gel which may be introduced into cavities (for treatment of otitis, sinusitis, colitis), and it may be also be introduced into cavities during/after surgery (as a prophilaxis against complications).

The appliance based on this method comprises two electrodes, and power supply. At least the one of the electrodes is connected to organism by means of an intermediate agent selected from above group of mediums. This appliance may be used in conjunction with a large range of items. These items need to be constructed in such manner that they will include the electrodes and the power supply i. The following appliances are offered:

1. Electrostimulator for the treatment of the mucous membrane of the throat and mouth's cavity, is made out in manner a food spoon, where the electrodes are insulated from each other by a dielectric layer, and one of the electrodes is connected with surface of the spoon which will carry the liquid of soft food, and second electrode is connected to the opposite spoon surface and or spoon handle.

2. Electrostimulator for the treatment of the mucous membrane of the throat, is made out in manner a cup, as well as a glass, a bottle, or a teapot. In this case one electrode is affixed to the their outside surface and/or handle, and the second electrode is placed inside the cup (glass, teapot, bottle) and makes contact with liquid in the cup.

3. Electrostimulator for the treatment of diseases of throat and mouth cavity, is connected with a drinking plastic straw/pipe that has one of the electrodes is affixed to outside of the straw/pipe or connected to the user's body and the second electrode is put into the straw/pipe and makes electrical contact with liqui passing through the straw. 4. Electrostimulator for the treatment ear, nose, and vagina, where the electrode connected with the intermediate agent (water, medicinal fluid etc.) constitutes an electrical conductor and is inserted into turunda or tampon.

5. Electrostimulator for the treatment of otitis, where the electrode connected with the intermediate agent is itself pipette (or top of pipette) which is made out of an electroconductive material.

6. Electrostimulator for the treatment of mucous membrane of respiratory tract, in which a high-voltage power supply is used and the electrode connected with intermediate agent (air, aerosol) is made out as only one or several needles and placed near the nose or the mouth or inside the respirator mouthpiece.

7. Electrostimulator which is a part of device for bathing the oral cavity, and/or for inhalation or hydrooxihenation treat of wounds, is comprised of a valve for forming a liquid stream or aerosol and the electrodes, of which one of them is electrically connected with the valve and/or makes contact with the intermediate agent.

8. Electrostimulator for the treatment of mastitis, which is used in conjunction with a brassiere for the treatment of mastitis, where the both electrodes are placed on the inside surface of the brassiere and one of them which makes contact with the intermediate agent, is disposed on the nipple areas, and they both make contact with the intermediate agent.

9. Electrostimulator for the treatment urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, is made in manner a lavatory pan or bed pan, where one of the electrodes is affixed to the surface of the seat of the lavatory pan/bed pan and second electrode is affixed with inside surface of lavatory pan/bed pan and the circuit is completed through the stream of urine during the urination process.

10. Electrostimulator for the treatment urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, is made in the form of a urinal, where one of the electrodes is connected with inside surface of urinary receiver and second one - with urinal handle and/or with body in pubis area.

11. Electrostimulator for the treatment a thermal & solar burns, inflammation of the skin, itches etc., is made in the form of a bathroom shower where one of the electrodes makes contact with the water spout while it is running from the shower head, and second one is connected to electroconductive surface of the shower mat on which the user stands, or/and with electroconductive surface of the drain through which the water exits.

12. Electrostimulator for the treatment of thermal & solar burns, inflammation of the skin, itches etc., is made in the form of a bathroom shower with has a handle and a hose, where one of the electrodes is connected with handle's surface and second one with the water spout while it is running from the shower head.

13. Electrostimulator for the treatment of colitis, is made in the form of a medical enema which has a bowl for water and a pipe with top, where one of the electrodes is connected to the body and second one - with inside surface of the element from the group: pipe/top/bowl.

14. Electrostimulator for the treatment caws mastitis, which is used jointly with part of an aggregate for milking which has bowls provided a electroconductive flexible flanges, which are attached to the nipples of the animal and through which the milk passes, and the power supply is connected with different flanges.

The electrodes may be made out of different electrochemical materials which form a galvanic couple in the all above mentioned cases. For instance, the straw may be constructed as a galvanic couple without the necessity of having and outside power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS SUBMITTED

The invention is explained in terms of the following diagrams: FIG. 1 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a glass. FIG. 2 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a spoon. FIG. 3 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a drinking straw (pipe). FIG. 4 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a pipette. FIG. 5 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a lavatory pan. FIG. 6 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a bed pan. FIG. 7 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a urinal. FIG. 8 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a enema. FIG. 9 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a bathroom shower. FIG. 10- diagram of the electro-stimulator for the treatment ear, nose and vagina. FIG.11 - diagram of the electro-stimulator which is constructed as an integral part of the milking machine. FIG.12 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a part of the device for hydro-oxigenation treat of wounds. FIG.13 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a straw, without an outside power supply. FIG.14 - diagram of the electro-stimulator which is integrated into brassiere. FIG.15 - diagram of the electro-stimulator for electrotherapy of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. FIG.16 - diagram of the electro-stimulator in the form of a shower with flexible hose.

THE BEST VERSIONS OF INVENTION'S UTILIZATION

The following is an explanation of the proposed means of electro-stimulation in conjunction with a description of the application of the various appliances.

FIG.l illustrates the electro-stimulation appliance used in conjunction with a glass 1, electrodes 2 & 3, one on the outside and the other on the inside surfaces of glass, and power supply i which is connected with those electrodes. Expression is "power supply i" designates a source of direct, or alternating, or impulse current with the parameters which are permitted for electrotherapy, (as also everywhere in the description of this invention). There is a straw 4, in the glass, and the user can drink water through it, but it is not obligatory. The appliance works as follows: -The user takes the glass with a hand. His hand comes into contact with electrode 2. When the user begins to drink the water from glass through straw 4, an electric current runs through user's body. The electric circuit comprises the power supply i, electrode 3, water in the glass (it is not shown on diagram), water in straw, user's body, his hand, which holds the glass, and electrode 2. It is necessary to place the straw into mouth in such a way that water from straw will wash the inflamed area. In this way, treatment is present. In the absence of a straw, the user drinks water from the glass and the same process takes place.

This method doesn't need in additional expenditure of time for the organization of medical procedure, because it combines the medical procedure with natural process of drinking tea or any other liquid. Analogous appliances for electrotherapy may be made in the form of a bottle, a cup, a teapot (they are not shown on diagram). The bottle, as also the glass, have the electrodes on both the outside and inside surfaces, which are connected with power supply. Both the cup and the teapot contain handles, on the outside of which an electrode may be affixed. When the user drinks water from the teapot he can direct the stream of water onto sore spot in his mouth or throat. So when subject is drinking water from any such appliances, he undergoes treatment of inflammations of the oral cavity, tonsils, gullet, and esophagus. The power supply which contains the electric battery, may be attached to the bottom of the cup, glass, teapot, or bottle. The electrode located in the glass (bottle etc.) may be affixed by means of microelectronics. There are other technical possibilities. For example, the electro-stimulator may be manufactured as glass-holder, which will contain the power supply and both the electrodes. One of the electrodes may be placed inside the glass and second affixed to the handle of glass-holder. The power supply may be placed either in the handle of the glass-holder, or in the base.

FIG.2 illustrates the electro-stimulator in the form of a plastic spoon 5, which contains the power si, and two electrodes 6 & 7. One of them, 6, is affixed to the inside surface of spoon, and the other is affixed to the spoon's handle. The user takes spoon in his hand and as he swallows the food, which should be in a semi-liquid state, the electric current will run through his body. The power supply is placed in spoon handle (in Fig 2 one is placed separately). Current technology allows to be done.

FIG.3 illustrates the electro-stimulator in the form of a plastic straw 8, with the electrode 9, affixed to the outside surface. The electrode 10, is inserted into straw, while the electrode 11, in the form of a bracelet is worn on the user's wrist. Here and bellow the electrode 11, is for the electrical connection of the user's body with electric circuit. It is not necessary to use both electrodes 9, and 11, simultaneously. It is sufficient to use only one of the alternatives. While the user is drinking through this straw, electric current is passing through the circuit:- power supply i, electrode 10, stream of water in the straw, user's body, electrode 9, or 11. If electrode 9, is used, then the straw should be held with the hand, alternatively, electrode 9 may be held in the lips. The power supply may be separated from straw and connected to it by contacts or embedded in the straw. This appliance will be beneficial in treating a sore throat, mouth cavity or the esophagus.

FIG.4 illustrates the electro-stimulator for treatment of beach ear. It contains the power supply i, electrode 13, which is designed as the pippete's body, elastic cap 12, and electrode 11. The pipette's body 13, may be made metallic or electro-conductive rubber/plastic. The pipette with liquid medicine is inserted into the aural cavity, then the liquid medicine flows out of there the electro-therapy of the aural cavity is carried out. By means of this appliance it is possible to conduct the electrophoresis. A power supply may be placed behind the helix, as in the case of a hearing aid. In the case of children the same electrodes may be applied to the surface of the skin by means of a bonnet. One of the electrodes is placed inside bonnet in the area of the forehead. The second electrode is put into ear. The power supply will be an integral part of the bonnet.

FIG.5 illustrates electro-stimulator which is made in the form of a lavatory pan. The lavatory pan contains the seat 14, and bowl 15. The seat has electrode 16, attached. Alternatively the whole seat may be made out of an electroconductive plastic or metal. In the bowl is the electrode 17. Alternatively, the bowl itself may also be made out of an electroconductive plastic or metal. The power supply i, connects with electrodes 16 & 17. When subject sits down on the seat 14, and urinates, the electric current runs through the power supply i, electrode 16, subject's body, jet of urine, and electrode 17. The electric current by means of jet of urine penetrates into urethra and further into urinary bladder, urethra etc., because urine is a good conductor for electric current. The standard construction of a lavatory pan remains the same. As rule, the lower part of lavatory pan contains a quantity water. The urine mixes with this water. If this water has high resistance (for example if the water is very pure), it will impede the electric current. In such a case it is possible to reduce water resistance by adding common salt to the water. This appliance introduces electro-therapy to the body, promoting healing in cases of cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis through the natural process of urination.

FIG.6 illustrates the use of a bed pan to provide electro-therapy in the case of invalids. The bed pan contains an upper part 18, which makes contact with subject's posterior, and a receptacle with an electro-conductive surface 21. The surfaces 20 & 21, are the electrodes of electro-stimulator and are connected with power supply i. Electic current flows only during the process of urination. Here principle of action is analogous to that described above (see description the lavatory pan with electro-stimulation).

FIG.7 illustrates how the electrostimulator can be made in the form of an standard urinal which contains urine receiver 22 and handle 23. There are three electrodes 24, 25 & 26 here. Electrode 24 is affixed onto the upper part of the urine receiver, electrode 25 is affixed onto the handle 23, and electrode 26 is affixed onto the inside surface of the urine receiver. Either one of the electrodes 24 or 25 may be omitted. Considering the use of appliance with one electrode 25; the user holds the handle 23 of the urinal while urinating. The electric circuit is completed (i.e. closed) only during the urination process. Electric current runs through the power supply i, electrode 26, jet of urine, subject's body and electrode 25. This kind of urinal is useful in the treatment of urethritis and cystitis. If electrode 24 is used instead electrode 25 and the user places it on the area of the pubis and perineum, then the urinal is useful in the treatment of prostatitis, because in this case a stronger electric current will pass trough the prostate. It is also possible to use both the electrodes, 24 & 25, simultaneously.

FIG.8 illustrates the electrostimulator in the form of an enema, which contains the bowl for water 27, tip 29, connecting pipe 28. The electrode 11, is placed on the subject's body, and second electrode 30, is inserted into bowl 27, or connected to tip 29 (which must then be electroconductive), or inserted into pipe 28 (this alternation is not shown on FIG 8). When the enema is being used, the electric current runs through the power supply i, electrode 30, (or 29), the flowing liquid in the large intestine, the subject's body and electrode 11. This treatment is beneficial in cases of inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. It is possible to construct the enema without the outside electrode 11. If the tip 29, has an outside surface which is electroconductive, it is possible to connect it to power supply, and for example to electrode 30. This alternative is not shown on FIG.8.

FIG.9 illustrates the electrostimulator in the form of a shower. It comprises the shower head attachment 31, the power supply i, and two electrodes. One of them is connected with the water which is flowing through the shower head. The second electrode is placed into the metal outlet 32, of the bath or floor of the shower 33. Electric current runs through the power supply i, the jet of water, which is flowing out from the shower head 31, subject's body, water in the bath and the electrode connected to the outlet 32. Instead of connecting the electrode to the bath outlet, an electroconductive rug may be used, on which the user stands while he takes shower (not shown on FIG.9). If the user takes shower in the shower cabin then the electroconductive mat on the floor will be the path of the current. If the case of a shower which comprises a flexible hose 61, handle 62 with electroconductive cover 63, shower head 64, power supply i and two electrodes (FIG.16), the electrode which was connected to bath outlet 32, or to electroconductive rug is connected to electroconductive cover 63 of the handle of shower and the body if the user takes shower. The second electrode is connected with the water which is flowing through the shower head 64. Thus the electric circuit is closed through power supply i, jet of water, user's body and electroconductive cover 63. This appliance is beneficial in the case of burns, itches, inflammation, muscle fatigue, and also can act as a sedative or a stimulant on the nervous system depending on the parameters of the electric current.

FIG.10 illustrates electrostimulator in use during a woman's menstrual cycle. Its use is beneficial in the treatment of inflammation of uterus's & vagina's mucous membrane and it also alleviates pain. The current path consists of the power supply i, two electrodes 11 and 36, connector 37. Electrode 11, is connected to body directly and the flexible electrode 36, is inserted into a hygienic tampon 34. The tampon is placed into the vagina with the help a bush (not shown on FIG.10) and removed with help the string attachment 35. Electrode 36 is connected to power supply i, through connector 37. Tampon 34, together electrode 36, is inserted into vagina during the menstural cycle. The other end of this electrode, with part of connector 37, is placed on the subject's body or attached to the lingerie. Secretion from uterus wets hygienic tampon. If user place the electrode 36 into connector 37 then the electric path is closed and it is place the treatment.

The similar appliance may be used for treatment rhinitis and otitis. The turunda with the flexible electrode is placed into nasal cavity or cavity of outer ear. The turunda is impregnated with an appropriate liquid to facilitate the flow of current. The secretions from nose will help to carry the current to the inflamed areas which are profoundly disposed in the body. FIG.11 illustrates electrostimulator being used during automatic milking of cows in order to combine milking and the treatment or prophylaxis of mastitis. During rnilking four glasses with rubber suckers are attached on 4 nipples of the cow. The glasses and suckers are creating the vacuum during milking. Electrostimulation may be applied through either two or all four the attachments. FIG.11 illustrates electrotherapy only on 2 nipples. The glasses 38, with rubber suckers 39, are made of electroconductive material. Electric current passes through nipples and jet of milk and along milk glands into udder and so inflammation areas can be treated. The similar concept may be used in creating the electrostimulator for the treatment of mastitis, chaps and injuries of the woman nipples. In this case, the electrostimulator is made out together a brassiere (FIG. 4). A cloth brassiere has two small cups 47 and shoulder-straps 48. There are two electrodes 49 which are connected together electrically inside the small cups in nipple areas. The electrode 50 can be affixed on some place of the brassiere in order to make contact with the body. The power supply i is affixed on the brassiere too. The electrodes may be made from layer of electroconductive metallized cloth. In the period of time between breast-feedings when the brassiere is put on, secretions from the nipples assist in making electrical contact with the electrodes, and the electric current passes into the breasts, and are penetrated into the milk glands. A switch can be used to turn the electric current on or off. There are devices being used for bathing of the mouth's cavity, for inhalation of the respiratory tract, for hydro-oxihenation treat of wounds. The common element for all anyone is the valve which forms water or aerosol jet. The power supply i, and two electrodes may be built into those devices.

FIG.12 illustrates the electrostimulator for hydro-oxihenation treat of injured skin. It consists: the pipe 41, for oxygen transport under pressure, the pipe 42, for liquid transport, power supply i, and two electrodes. The metalic pulverizing valve itself is one of those electrodes. The second electrode 11, is made contact with body. By applying pressure to the pulverizing valve (not shown on diagram) the jet of spray from the gas and the drops of liquid are falling on and cleaning the wounds, bedsores, burns. Thus promoting healing. The healing may be enhanced to an even greater degree if the jet of spray is the path of electric current. In such manner it is possible too to made out electrostimulators on the basis of both inhalation and device for bathing of the mouth's cavity, for example being used in stomatology. In the case of the inhalation (it is not shown on the diagram), which have cylinder with medicinal liquid under pressure, pulverizing valve and the pipe for supply this liquid to the valve, the power supply may be affixed to the cylinder's bottom. One of the electrodes is affixed to outside lateral surface of the cylinder and made contact with body, and the second electrode is the metallic valve and made contact with medicinal liquid. In this case aerosol is intermediate agent. In the case of the device for bathing of the mouth's cavity the intermediate agent is water or medicinal liquid. Such electrostimulator will be useful for treatment of inflammation of mouth's cavity and throat. The well known conditions of electric current can used in all anyone above described electrostimulators. The conditions are as direct current as alternation one with frequency from units of hertz to tens of kilohertz, and also different frequency modulations and various impulse forms.

It is possible to achieve the medicinal effect without application of a special power supply if the electrodes are made of materials which have different electrochemical potential. In this case the physiological bases of the therapy is influence of galvanic current that arises in biological objects between two different electrodes (Galvani's effect). The possibility of using this method is presented in the manuscript "Biogalvanization and Physio - and Reflexotherapy" by V.G.Makats (Vinnitsa, 1992, Ukraine). This book presents data referring to the ability of various electrode couples to initiate current generation in biological systems under conditions of dry and wet electrodes, current depending both on area dimensions of electrodes and on the correlation of different electrodes' areas.

FIG 13. illustrates electrostimulator without a special power supply for prophylactic treatment of diseases of the throat. It consists of a straw 43, which is made from plastic. The electrode 44, is affixed onto the straw, and electrode 45, is affixed into the straw. Those electrodes are not connected to each other electrically and have different electrochemical potentials. If the straw's end 46, is placed into a glass with liquid then a potential difference arises between electrodes 44 & 45. When user is drinking the straw, and simultaneously touches the electrode 44, with his hand or lips then electric current passes through his body. There is liquid intermediate agent in all say above constructions. But not only liquid, but air also can be used as an intermediate agent.

FIG.15 illustrates the electrostimulator for the treatment of the respiratory tract. This stimulator contains the pipe 51, six electrodes 52 which are presented themselves as metallic arrow-headed needles (diameter of the spike is from 10 to 200 micron) and fastened onto the opens 56 of the pipe 51 by the glue 57, circular electrodes 53, 54 & 55, and the electrode which is made contact with the body 11.

The electric part of the device consist of high-voltage power supply i, resistors Rl - R6, amplifier 58, comparator 59 and LED 60. In the case of value of negative potential difference is 4-8 Kilovolts and it is supplied between the electrodes 52 and electrode 53, the a dark independent discharge arises between the electrodes 52 and 53, which creates easy aeroions.

The dark independent discharge have been described by M.N.Lifshits in book "Aeroionification. Practical application.", Moscow, Stroyizdat, 1990, pp.51-52. There is the electronics diagram here, with help of which it is possible to create powerful flow of easy aeroions. This diagram answers the demands of safety. The user breathes in the air through the pipe 51. The flow of easy negative aeroions runs together with air in respiratory tract and exerts medicinal influence.

In order to carry out this electrotherapy the user must either to take the pipe into mouth and to touch to electrode 55 by his lips, or to bring the pipe to the mouth or the nose at the close distance and to touch to electrode 55 by his fingers. In those cases the electric circuit will be closed. This appliance may be built into the device for lung artificial ventilation. Then the user must dress the electrode 11 on the his hand in order to close the electric circuit. The aeroion charges is flowing out to electrode 53 from the body through the resistor R7. The electric current passing through the body, may be observed this way: the electric signal from the electrode 55 or 11 comes to the amplifier 58, then onthe comparator 59, which turn on and off the LED 60. The outside circular electrode 54 makes an obstacle on the way of current leakage from the electrodes 52 to the electrodes 55 and 11. The current force of dark independent discharge from one of the electrodes 52 depend on:

- the distance between the electrode 52 and the electrode 53,

- the diameter of the spike,

- the value of application voltage.

The maximum current force is 1.5 microamper. Thus the maximum current force from six electrodes 52 is 9 microamper. In order to provide approximately the same current force from each of the electrodes 52, the resistor R1-R6 are used. This appliance may be used for promoting healing in cases of open wounds, bedsores, burns, if to provide this appliance with force-pump.

Claims

1. Method of electrotherapy consisting in passing an electric current through a living organism by means of two electrodes electrically connected to the body, is characterized by the fact that at least one of the electrodes may be placed some distance from the body or in close proximity, such as on the surface of the body, or into a cavity and electrically connected to the body by means of an intermediate agent closed the electrical circuit, which may be: a) drink or watery food, which flows into organism (for treatment of diseases of mucous membranes of mouth cavity, gullet, esophagus), b) secretions (including blood) from nose (for treatment of diseases of mucous membrane of nasal cavities and in the case of sinusitis), c) respiratory air or this air with aerosol (for treatment of mucous membrane of respiratory tract), d) milk issued from milk glands of woman on breast-feeding or from udder of animals (for treatment of mastitis), e) water from shower/crane for swilling (for treatment burns, itch, and/or to tone up or to calm), f) urine which is issuing during urination singly (for treatment of cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis), g) blood or pathological secretion from vagina (for treatment of diseases of sexual organs), h) secretion from wound fistula (for accelerated healing), i) gas-drop mixture for bathing (for accelerated healing of opened wounds, burns, bedsores and also for treatment respiratory tract), j) water or watery medicine which may be used for lavage of the nose, large intestine, vagina (for their treatment), k) watery medicine or electroconductive gel which may be introduced into cavities (for treatment of otitis, sinusitis, colitis), and it may be also be introduced into cavities during/after surgery (as a prophilaxis against complications).

2. Appliances for electrotherapy of living organism, which have electrodes connected with power supply and body of organism, are characterized by the fact that at least one of the electrodes is connected to the organism by means of an appropriate intermediate agent chosen from group of mediums, which may be liquid, air, gas-drop mixture which are:

- to wash organism,

- excreted or secreted by the organism,

- introduced into some cavity of organism.

3. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment of the mucous membrane of the throat and mouth's cavity, is made out in manner food spoon, where the electrodes are insulated from each other by a dielectric layer, and one of the electrodes is connected with surface of the spoon which will carry the liquid of soft food, and second electrode is connected to the opposite spoon surface and/or spoon handle.

4. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment of the mucous membrane of the throat and mouth's cavity, is made out in manner cup (glass, teapot, bottle), in which one of the electrodes is affixed to the their outside surface and/or handle, and the second electrode is placed inside the cup (glass, teapot, bottle) and makes contact with liquid.

5. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment of diseases of throat and mouth cavity, is made out in manner drinking plastic straw/pipe where one of the electrodes is affixed on outside of the straw/pipe or connected to the user's body and the second electrode is put into the straw/pipe and makes electrical contact with intermediate liquid agent.

6. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment ear, nose, and vagina, where the electrode connected with the intermediate agent is made out as electrical conductor and inserted into turunda or tampon.

7. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment of otitis, where the electrode connected with the intermediate agent is itself pipette (or top of pipette) which is made out from electroconductive material.

8. An appliance according to claim 2 for electrotherapy of the mucous membrane of respiratory tract, in which is used a high-voltage power supply and the electrode connected with intermediate agent (air, aerosol) is made out as only one or several needles and disposed inside the respirator mouthpiece.

9. An appliance according to claim 2 which is made out jointly with the part of device for bathing of the mouth's cavity, for inhalation or hydro-oxihenation treat of wounds, comprised both the valve for forming of the liquid stream or aerosol and the electrodes, and one of them is electrically connected with the valve and/or makes contact with the intermediate agent.

10. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment of mastitis, which is used in conjunction with a brassiere, where the both electrodes are placed on the inside surface of the brassiere and one of them which makes contact with the intermediate agent, is disposed on the nipple areas of the brassiere.

11. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment urethitis, cystitis, prostatitis, is made as lavatory pan or bed pan, where one of the electrodes is affixed to the surface of the seat of the lavatory pan/bed pan and second electrode is affixed with inside surface of lavatory pan/bed pan and makes contact with the stream of urine during the urination process.

12. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, is made as urinal, where one of the electrodes is connected with inside surface of urinary receiver and second one - with urinal handle and/or with body in pubis area.

13. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment a thermal and solar burns, inflammatory process on the skin, itches etc., is made as shower, where one of the electrodes makes contact with the water spout while it is running from the shower head, and second one is affixed to the electroconductive surface of the shower rug on which the user stands, or/and with electroconductive surface of the drain through which the water exits.

14. An appliance according to claim 2 or claim 13 is made in manner a shower with has handle and a hose, where one of the electrodes is affixed to handle's surface and second one - makes contact with water spout while it is running from the shower head.

15. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment colitis, is made in manner the medical enema with has a bowl for water and a pipe with top, where one of the electrodes is connected to the body and second one - with inside surface of the element from the group: pipe, top or bowl.

16. An appliance according to claim 2 for the treatment caws mastitis, which is used jointly with part of an aggregate for milking with has bowls provided the electroconductive flexible flanges, which are attached to the nipples of the animal and take the milk into themselves, and power supply is connected with a different flanges.

17. Appliances according to claim 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 or 13 or 14 or 15 in which the electrodes have different electrochemical potential and form a galvanic couple, which manifest themselves as power supply only during their use.

18. An appliance according to claim 2 or 5 or 17 is made as a drinking straw/pipe with the two additional electrodes in manner the metallic layer coats on outside and inside of the straw/pipe with different electrochemical potentials, which manifest themselves as power supply.