US 20020188336A1

(19) United States

(2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0188336A1
Bothe Loncar et al. (43) Pub. Date: Dec. 12, 2002
(54) METHOD OF ENHANCING AND Related U.S. Application Data
REGULARIZING SPECIFIC AUTONOMIC
NERVOUS AND ENDOCRINE FUNCTIONS (60) Provisional application No. 60/296,487, filed on Jun.
THROUGH THE CONTINUOUS AND 8, 2001.
DISCRIMINATE THERMAL OR ELECTRIC
STIMULATION OF SPECIFIC IDISCRETE Publication Classification
SKIN AREAS
(51) Int. Cl." ................................ A61F 7/00; A61F 7/12
(76) Inventors: Goetz Friedrich Bothe Loncar, (52) U.S. Cl. … 607/96
Tepoztlan (MX); David Ignacio
Garduno, Tepoztlan (MX)
(57) ABSTRACT
Correspondence Address:
DAVID I. GARDUNO
NETZAHUALCOYOTL 36 In accordance with the present invention, a method for
WALLE DE ATONGO enhancing and regularizing specific autonomic nervous and
TEPOZTLAN 62520 (MX) endocrine functions is disclosed whereby specific discrete
skin areas are stimulated with copper and aluminum plates.
(21) Appl. No.: 10/157,151 The discriminate stimulation of such specific discrete skin
areas with copper and aluminum plates enhances, in turn,
(22) Filed: May 30, 2002 specific autonomic nervous and endocrine functions.

Forearm Ventral Anterior (fava)

Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 1 of 9 US 2002/0188336 A1

Drawings of the 28 specific discrete skin areas to be stimulated

Fig. 1. Forearm Ventral Anterior (fava)

Fig. 2 Forearm Ventral Medial (favm)

Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 2 of 9 US 2002/0188336A1

Fig. 4. Forearm Posterior (fap)

Fig. 6 Forearm Dorsal Anterior (fada)

Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 3 of 9 US 2002/0188336 A1

Fig. 7 Forearm Anterior (faa)

Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 4 of 9 US 2002/0188336 A1

Fig. 10 Hand Ventral Posterior (hvp)

Fig. 11 Hand Posterior (hp)

Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 5 of 9 US 2002/0188336A1

Fig. 13 Hand Dorsal Anterior (hda)

Fig. 14 Hand Anterior (ha)

Fig. 15 Leg Ventral Anterior (lva)

Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 6 of 9 US 2002/0188336A1

Fig. 16 Leg Ventral Medial (lvm)

Fig. 17 Leg Ventral Posterior (lvp)

Fig. 18 Leg Posterior (p)

Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 7 of 9 US 2002/0188336A1

Fig. 19 Leg Dorsal Posterior (ldp)

Fig. 20 Leg Dorsal Anterior (ida)

24's
Fig. 21 Leg Anterior (la)
Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 8 of 9 US 2002/0188336A1

Fig. 22 Foot Ventral Anterior (?wa)

Fig. 23 Foot Ventral Medial (fum)

Patent Application Publication Dec. 12, 2002 Sheet 9 of 9 US 2002/0188336 A1

Fig. 25 Foot Posterior (?p)

|
Fig. 26 Foot Dorsal Posterior (fop)

*s
Fig. 27 Foot Dorsal Anterior (fia)

ºs,
Fig. 28 Foot Anterior (fa)
US 2002/0188336 A1 Dec. 12, 2002

METHOD OF ENHANCING AND REGULARIZING Physiology and Biochemistry, ed. Schönbaum E and
SPECIFIC AUTONOMIC NERVOUS AND Lomax P, Pergamon Press, New York, Oxford, Beijing,
ENDOCRINE FUNCTIONS THROUGH THE Frankfurt, Sao Paulo, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto, pp
CONTINUOUS AND DISCRIMINATE THERMAL 309-326, 1990.
OR ELECTRIC STIMULATION OF SPECIFIC
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[0001] The present Non-Provisional Patent Application is num Publ Corp, New York, pp. 455-498, 1978.
related to a previous Provisional Patent Application with the
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ING DATE: Jun. 08, 2001
tissue: molecular mechanisms controlling activity and
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED thermogenesis. In: New Perspectives in Adipose Tis
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9. J. and Cannon, B. The uncou
SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT pling protein thermogenin and mitochondrial thermo
[0004] Not Applicable genesis. New Comprehens. Biochem 23:385-420,
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US 2002/0188336 A1 Dec. 12, 2002

receptor integrates multiple pain-producing stimuli. be incremented; salt and fluid balance can be modified;
Neuron, 21: 531-543, 1998. hunger can be enhanced; and specific metabolic pathways
can be influenced.
[0228] 218. Nagy I and Rang H: Noxious heat activates
all capsaicin-sensitive and also a sub-population of [0242] The method is very safe, drug free, highly efficient,
capsaicin-insensitive dorsal root ganglion neurons. and very easy to apply.
Neuroscience, 88: 995-997, 1999.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0229] 219. Schaffer K, and Braun HA. Modulation of
cutaneous cold receptor function by electrolytes, hor [0243] There is a drawing for each of the twenty-eight
mones and thermal adaptation: Physiol Res 41: 71-75, specific discrete skin areas to be stimulated with copper and
1992. aluminum plates. Seven different positions have been des
[0230] 220. Ivanov K P: Physiological problems and ignated for the forearm, seven for the hand, seven for the
functional mechanisms of the thermoregulation system. lower leg and seven for the foot. The specific discrete skin
Ann NY Acad Sci 813:32-8, 1997. areas to be stimulated are filled in black.

[0231] 221. Ivanov K. P. Dymnikova L. P. et al: [The DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE

“thermoresponsive” neurons of the thermoregulation INVENTION
center and their functional characteristics]. Biull Eksp
Biol Med 116(7): 11-3, 1993. [0244] I. Description of the Theoretical Basis of the Inven
tion
[0232] 222. Jessen C: Thermal afferents in the control of
body temperature. Pharmacol Ther 28(1): 107-34, [0245] II. Description of a Clinical Case
1985.
[0246] III. Brief Description of what we Claim to be Novel
[0233] 223. Simon E: The enigma of deep-body ther [0247] 1. Description of the Theoretical Basis of the
mosensory specificity. Int J Biometeorol 44(3): 105-20, Invention
2000.
[0234] 224. Brock JA, Pianova S, Belmonte C. Differ [0248] Temperature regulation involves integration of
ences between nerve terminal impulses of polymodal autonomic, endocrine, and skeletomotor responses. Neu
nociceptors and cold sensory receptors of the guinea ronal circuits involved in thermoregulatory control are com
pig cornea. J Physiol June 1:533(Pt 2):493-501, 2001. plex. Effector areas for specific thermoregulatory responses
are located throughout the brain stem and spinal cord.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thermosensitive neurons in and near the anterior/preoptic
hypothalamus respond to subtle changes in hypothalamic or
[0235] In accordance with the present invention, a method core temperature. Such neurons, which also receive input
for enhancing and regularizing autonomic nervous and from visceral, skin, and spinal thermoreceptors, compare
endocrine function is disclosed whereby specific discrete and integrate central and peripheral information, acting as a
skin areas are stimulated with copper and aluminum plates. coordinating center that strongly influences each of the
The discriminate stimulation of such specific discrete skin lower effector areas, eliciting in this way the optimal ther
areas with copper and aluminum plates enhances, in turn, moregulatory responses for both internal and environmental
specific autonomic nervous and endocrine functions. thermal conditions. Thermal receptor afferents from differ
[0236] The method consists of applying one of the fol ent tissues affect thermoregulation in different ways. In
lowing procedures: addition, other humoral or endogenous factors, such as
pyrogens, are integrated.
[0237] 1. Externally placing two cold (colder than [0249] Sympathetic control of cardiovascular and immune
skin temperature) copper plates, wrapped and soaked
in a solution, in strategic specific discrete skin areas functions, hormonal control of energy balance, and neuro
hormonal control of salt and fluid balance have been
during some hours of the day and/or night. reviewed and analyzed in as much as they are challenged by
[0238] 2. Externally placing one copper plate and one competing demands of thermoregulatory requirements.
aluminum plate (4×1 cm), wrapped and soaked in a These interactions illustrate the close relationship of non
solution, in strategic specific discrete skin areas thermoregulatory control systems with thermoregulatory
during some hours of the day and/or night. activation and vice versa, and constitute a very useful
analytical and experimental tool to elucidate the cytoarchi
[0239] In this way specific regions of the autonomic tecture of neuronal circuits by which specific endocrine and
nervous and endocrine systems are stimulated and their autonomic regulatory activities are controlled.
functions are enhanced and regularized.
[0240] One of the most intended applications of the is the [0250) Skin thermal sensory systems consist of separate
regularization of menstrual cycles and the enhancement of receptors of warmth and cold, which are arranged in separate
fertility. A different specific discrete skin area is to be spots on the skin where thermal stimulation elicits the
sensation of either warmth or cold. The threshold for elic
stimulated continuously during each specific phase of the iting a thermal sensation at these spots is considerably lower
menstrual cycle. than in surrounding regions of the skin. Cold and warmth
[0241] Many other applications of the invention exist. spots correspond to discrete zones of innervation by cold
Some examples are: the synthesis of particular hormones and warmth receptors whose pattern of distribution differs
can be enhanced; the performance of the immune system can from one specific discrete skin area to another.
US 2002/0188336 A1 Dec. 12, 2002

[0251] Specialized cold and warmth receptors are present [0258] The mechanism by which thermal receptors are
in dorsal root ganglion sensory fibers as well as in the activated is not clearly understood in molecular terms.
anterior/preoptic hypothalamus. Presumably, the afferent Although the molecular basis of heat sensitive neurons is
pathways related to discrete groups of cold or warmth beginning to be elucidated, knowledge about cold sensitive
sensitive spots on the skin reach specific points of the neurons is still lacking. It has been suggested that some skin
thermoregulatory circuitry, eliciting specific thermoregula receptors involved in thermal perception are polymodal.
tory responses.
[0259] The present invention stimulates receptors located
[0252] The present invention is based on the assumption in discrete skin areas using one of the following procedures:
that the continuous and discriminate stimulation of specific
discrete thermal receptors influences thermoregulation is [0260] 1. Applying a direct cold stimulus to such
specific ways. specific discrete skin areas with cold copper plates.
[0253] The present invention takes advantage of such [0261] 2. Creating an electromagnetic flow using
interactions by stimulating specific discrete skin areas such specific discrete skin areas as terminals by
directly integrated in thermoregulatory control systems, placing a copper plate in the specific discrete skin
which in turn enhance specific endocrine and autonomic area in one side of the body and an aluminum plate
functions. in the specific discrete skin area of the symmetrical
[0254] The precise location of each specific discrete skin side of the body.
area to be stimulated has been originally designated arbi [0262] The copper and aluminum plates have a potential
trarily in the feet, hands, forearms, and lower parts of the difference of approximately 0.6 Volts. The plates are
legs. Seven different positions, or locations—two in the wrapped in a cotton material and soaked in a saline solution,
dorsal side, three in the ventral side, one in the anterior side, which makes conduction to the skin efficient. Once the
and one in the posterior side—have been assigned to each of copper and aluminum plates—previously wrapped and
these parts of the body. Each of these positions: forearm soaked in the saline solution—are placed on the specific
ventral anterior (fava), forearm ventral medial (favn), fore discrete skin area to be stimulated, the plates are covered
arm ventral posterior (favp), forearm posterior (fap), fore with a plastic material in order to keep them humid and
arm dorsal posterior (fadp), forearm dorsal anterior (fada), maintain conductance.
forearm anterior (faa), hand ventral anterior (hva), hand [0263] The present invention succeeds in enhancing and
ventral medial (hvm), hand ventral posterior (hvp), hand regularizing specific autonomic nervous and endocrine func
posterior (hp), hand dorsal posterior (hdp), hand dorsal tions by discriminately applying the proper stimuli (cold or
anterior (hda), hand anterior (ha), leg ventral anterior (lva), electromagnetic) to specific discrete skin areas.
leg ventral medial (lvm), leg ventral posterior (lvp), leg
posterior (lp), leg dorsal posterior (ldp), leg dorsal anterior EXAMPLE
(lda), leg anterior (1a), foot ventral anterior (fwa), foot ventral
medial (fum), foot ventral posterior (fwp), foot posterior (fp), Regularization of Menstrual Cycles and
foot dorsal posterior (fdp), foot dorsal anterior (fda), and Entrancement of Fertility
foot anterior (fa) is represented in each of the twenty-eight
drawings respectively. Efforts are being made to fine-tune [0264] Four different specific discrete skin areas are to be
these locations through experimental research and through stimulated throughout the menstrual cycle. The electromag
the analysis of the pattern of expression of Hox gene netic stimulation of the first specific discrete skin area
complexes during limb formation in vertebrate embryos. A triggers autonomic and endocrine responses that enhance the
subset of members of the HoxD complex is expressed in a functions of the menstruation days; the electromagnetic
series of domains ordered along one limb axis, and a subset stimulation of the second specific discrete skin area triggers
of members of the HoxA complex is expressed in series autonomic and endocrine responses that enhance the func
along a different axis. tions of the follicular phase of the cycle; the electromagnetic
[0255] During development, Hox genes help specify the stimulation of the third specific discrete skin area triggers
differences between body segments. They code for DNA autonomic and endocrine responses that enhance the func
binding proteins whose expression patterns help subdivide tions of ovulation; and the electromagnetic simulation of the
the body into developmental compartments. Subsequent fourth specific discrete skin triggers autonomic and endo
processes generate a fine-grained pattern of cell differentia crine responses that enhance the functions of the luteal phase
tion inside each compartment, helping organize the creation of the cycle. Menstrual cycles will regularize and fertility
of minutely specialized sets of cells, forming structures such will be enhanced if the four different specific discrete skin
as thermal sensitive complexes. areas are stimulated during the proper days throughout the
cycle.
[0256] In accordance to the theoretical basis and perfor
mance of the present invention, it is proposed that the pattern [0265] II. Description of a Clinical Case
of expression of Hox, and some other regulatory genes, [0266] One clinical case is exposed herein in order to
expressed during developmental stages delimit specific dis illustate the performance of the discriminate stimulation of
crete skin areas whose discriminate stimulation enhances specific discrete skin areas with copper and aluminum plates
specific autonomic and endocrine functions in response to in the enhancement and regularization of specific autonomic
thermoregulatory activation. nervous and endocrine functions. It is strongly suggested
[0257] Many of the specific autonomic and endocrine that specific autonomic nervous and endocrine functions can
responses that the proper stimulation of each specific dis be enhanced and regularized by the discriminate stimulation
crete skin area elicits are still to be clarified through experi of specific discrete skin areas with copper and aluminum
mental research. plates.
US 2002/0188336 A1 Dec. 12, 2002

[0267] A 33-year-old woman had unsuccessfully on the skin surface in position fadp (refer to the
attempted to become pregnant for more than eight years. The drawings) on the right side and placing one alumi
woman had been previously treated systematically and num plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material,
unsuccessful during five years with several drugs and meth and soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface
ods already approved and commonly used by Medical in position fadp (refer to the drawings) on the left
Doctors to enhance fertility. side. Each plate—previously cleaned with a knife,
[0268] One year after she had quit all the other treatments, wrapped in a cotton material, soaked in a saline
our procedure was applied to her, consisting of the following solution, and placed in the position described
steps: above—was covered with a plastic material and held
in place with a bandage every night during days ten
[0269] 1. Placing one copper plate (4x1 cm, wrapped to sixteen of that second cycle of treatment.
in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution)
on the skin surface in position favn (refer to the [0274] 6. Placing one copper plate (4x1 cm, wrapped
drawings) on the right side and placing one alumi in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution)
num plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material, on the skin surface in position fap (refer to the
and soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface drawings) on the right side and placing one alumi
in position favm (refer to the drawings) on the left num plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material,
side. Each plate—previously cleaned with a knife, and soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface
wrapped in a cotton material, soaked in a saline in position fap (refer to the drawings) on the left side.
solution, and placed in the position described Each plate—previously cleaned with a knife,
above—was covered with a plastic material and held wrapped in a cotton material, soaked in a saline
in place with a bandage every night during the days solution, and placed in the position described
of menstruation of the first cycle of treatment. above—was covered with a plastic material and held
[0270] 2. Placing one copper plate (4x1 cm, wrapped in place with a bandage every night during the rest of
in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) that second cycle of treatment.
on the skin surface in position faa (refer to the [0275] Results
drawings) on the right side and placing one alumi
num plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material, [0276] The woman became pregnant during the second
and soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface cycle of treatment.
in position faa (refer to the drawings) on the left side.
Each plate—previously cleaned with a knife, [0277] Conclusion
wrapped in a cotton material, soaked in a saline [0278] Although a study with several women is necessary
solution, and placed in the position described to assess the precise performance of this application of the
above—was covered with a plastic material and held invention, this case illustrates one of its most intended
in place with a bandage every night for the rest of applications, and suggests that the treatment applied to the
that first cycle of treatment. woman enhances fertility.
[0271] 3. Placing one copper plate (4x1 cm, wrapped
in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) [0279] III. Brief Description of What we Claim to be
on the skin surface in position favn (refer to the Novel
drawings) on the right side and placing one alumi
num plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material, [0280] A. The discovery that the continuous and
and soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface discriminate stimulation of specific discrete skin
in position favm (refer to the drawings) on the left receptors with copper and aluminum plates, previ
side. Each plate—previously cleaned with a knife, ously wrapped in a cotton material and soaked in a
wrapped in a cotton material, soaked in a saline saline solution, enhances specific autonomic nervous
solution, and placed in the position described and endocrine functions.
above—was covered with a plastic material and held [0281] B. The finding and designation of the specific
in place with a bandage every night during the days discrete skin areas to be stimulated during each
of menstruation of the second cycle of treatment. phase of the menstrual cycle in order to regularize
[0272] 4. Placing one copper plate (4×1 cm, wrapped the cycle and enhance fertility.
in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution)
on the skin surface in position faa (refer to the [0282] C. The finding and designation of the specific
drawings) on the right side and placing one alumi discrete skin area to be stimulated for other specific
num plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material, applications of the method, such as enhancing the
and soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface performance of the immune system.
in position faa (refer to the drawings) on the left side. [0283] D. The proposition stating that the pattern of
Each plate—previously cleaned with a knife, expression of Hox and some other regulatory genes
wrapped in a cotton material, soaked in a saline expressed during developmental stages delimit spe
solution, and placed in the position described cific discrete skin areas whose discriminate stimula
above—was covered with a plastic material and held tion enhances specific autonomic and endocrine
in place with a bandage every night during days four functions in response to thermoregulatory activation.
to nine of that second cycle of treatment.
[0273] 5. Placing one copper plate (4x1 cm, wrapped [0284] E. The proposition stating that some poly
in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) modal skin receptors can be activated creating an
US 2002/0188336 A1 Dec. 12, 2002

electromagnetic flow by placing a copper plate in a the skin surface in position favm (refer to the draw
specific discrete skin area and an aluminum plate in ings) on the right side and placing one aluminum
another. plate (4×1 an, wrapped in a cotton material, and
We claim: soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface in
1. A method of enhancing and regularizing autonomic position favm (refer to the drawings) on the left side,
nervous and endocrine function consisting of placing cold every night during the days of menstruation.
(colder than skin temperature) copper plates (4×1 cm, (2b) placing one copper plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a
wrapped in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline solu cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) on
tion) on the skin surface in any of the twenty eight positions the skin surface in position faa (refer to the draw
described in the drawings. ings) on the right side and placing one aluminum
2. A method of enhancing and regularizing autonomic plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material, and
nervous and endocrine function consisting of: soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface in
(a) placing one copper plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton position faa (refer to the drawings) on the left side,
material, and soaked in a saline solution) on the skin every night during the follicular phase of the cycle.
surface in any of the twenty eight positions described in (2c) placing one copper plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a
the drawings, and cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) on
(b) placing one aluminum plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a the skin surface in position fadp (refer to the draw
cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) on the ings) on the right side and placing one aluminum
skin surface in any of the twenty eight positions plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material, and
described in the drawings. soaked in a saline solution) on the skin sure in
3. A method of regularizing menstrual cycles and enhanc position fadp (refer to the drawings) on the left side,
ing fertility in women consisting of the steps of: every night two days before, during, and two days
after ovulation.
(1a) placing one copper plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a (2d) placing one copper plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a
cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) on the cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) on
skin surface in position favn (refer to the drawings) on
the right side and placing one aluminum plate (4×1 cm, the skin surface in position fap (refer to the draw
wrapped in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline ings) on the right side and placing one aluminum
solution) on the skin surface in position favm (refer to plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton material, and
the drawings) on the left side, every night during the soaked in a saline solution) on the skin surface in
days of menstruation. position fap (refer to the drawings) on the left side,
every night during the luteal phase of the cycle.
(1b) placing one copper plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a 4. A method of enhancing the functions of the immune
cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) on the system consisting of
skin surface in position faa (refer to the drawings) on
the right side and placing one aluminum plate (4×1 cm, (a) placing one copper plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a cotton
wrapped in a cotton material, and soaked in a saline material, and soaked in a saline solon) on the skin
solution) on the skin surface in position faa (refer to the surface in position fava (refer to the drawings) in one
drawings) on the left side, every night for the rest of the side of the body, and
cycle. {steps 1a and 1b are to be applied during the first (b) placing one aluminum-plate (4×1 cm, wrapped in a
cycle of treatment. Steps 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are to be cotton material, and soaked in a saline solution) on the
applied during the second and following cycles of skin surface in position fava (refer to the drawings) in
treatment} the opposite, symmetrical side of the body.
(2a) placing one copper plate (4×1 cm wrapped in a
cotton material and soaked in a saline solution) on