Abstract:
An acupressure device for promoting healing includes a plate having a frame, a vertical center plane and independently moving left and right wings attached to the frame. Three horizontal pairs of acupressure protrusions are affixed on the left and right wings, each protrusion affixed equal-distant from the vertical center plane. A fourth horizontal pair of acupressure protrusion is affixed to a bottom portion of the frame, both protrusions affixed equal-distant from the vertical center plane. Finally, a fifth horizontal pair of acupressure protrusions is affixed on the left and right wings and positioned vertically between a lowest and a second lowest pair of the first four pairs of protrusions and is centered about the vertical center plane at a horizontal distance greater than a horizontal distance of the first four pairs of protrusions.

Description:
CROSS-SECTION TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/639,005, filed Apr. 26, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of medicine, including pain relief and healing. In particular, the present invention relates to oriental medicine, specifically lower back acupressure. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses localized and direct pressure on acupuncture points and meridians to release muscle pain and tension, and to increase circulation. Acupressure has been used to alleviate pain and promote healing throughout the body in Chinese medicine for centuries. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on natural healing and the shifting of energy throughout the body to relieve pain and increase overall wellness. Only recently has western culture begun looking into acupressure as a healing tool. 
         [0004]    Acupressure points, also called potent points, are places on the surface of a body that are especially sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body and conduct those impulses readily. When stimulated, these acupressure points may also stimulate coordinating organs and muscles. Stimulating acupressure points triggers the release of endorphins which are the neurochemicals that relieve pain. As a result, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promote healing. 
         [0005]    Besides relieving pain, acupressure may help rebalance the body by dissolving tensions and stresses that keep it from functioning smoothly and that inhibit the immune system. Acupressure also enables the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. 
         [0006]    As an acupressure point is stimulated, the muscle tension yields to the pressure, enabling the fibers of the muscle to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas, thereby increasing the body&#39;s resistance to illness. 
         [0007]    In order for acupressure therapy to be effective, the pressure points must be identified and contacted with precision and sufficient pressure. In addition, it may be necessary for the pressure to be applied over a continued period of time. Manual application of pressure is subject to short comings, especially when it is attempted by a user, because of difficulties in locating the appropriate pressure points, as well as difficulties associated with the continuous maintenance of pressure on the desired point over an extended period of time. Further, in many instances, it is appropriate to apply acupressure to numerous acupressure points at the same time. 
         [0008]    A common area for acupressure therapy is the lower back of a user. The lower back contains numerous acupressure points. U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,647, entitled “Spinal Acupressure Device,” discloses a device for a user to attempt to provide pressure to multiple pressure points in the back of a user. The &#39;647 patent discloses a flat pad or plate having two rows of four projections projecting from the pad or plate, all on two flat strips. The design in the &#39;647 patent does not take into consideration the natural curve of the lumbar spine or the lumbar spine&#39;s connection with the sacrum (tailbone). Further, the &#39;647 patent focuses on lumbar vertebras 1-4 (L1-L4) and does not address two of the most common locations for lower back pain, which include lumbar vertebra 5/sacral 1 (L5/S1) and the sacroiliac joint. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,258, entitled “Method and Device for Relieving Pain,” discloses a flat pad or plate having projections projecting from the pad or plate. The device disclosed in the &#39;258 patent has many short comings. First, the protrusions are not uniquely placed to target acupressure points in the back of a user. Second, the device does not allow for need curvature of the lower back and sacrum to be effective in treating lower back pain. Third, the protrusions have a height of only about 0.125 inches and a base diameter of only about 0.125 inches, which are incapable of providing the depth of pressure needed at acupressure points to provide meaningful muscle pain relief or increased circulation. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    A lower back acupressure device for alleviating pain has been developed. The acupressure device alleviates lower back and sacral-iliac pain by stimulating acupressure points within the user and triggering the release of endorphins which are neurochemicals that relieve pain. Thus, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to an affected area is increased. This may cause the affected related muscle(s) to relax and promote healing. Further, the acupressure device may help to rebalance the body of a user by dissolving tensions and stress that keeps the body from functioning optimally and that inhabits the immune system. The acupressure device may also enable the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. In addition, when properly positioned on a lower back of a user, the acupressure device decreases muscle tension associated with a stimulated acupressure point, enabling the fibers of the muscle to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation brings more oxygen and other nutrients to the affected area. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, a lower back acupressure device for alleviating lower back and sacral-iliac pain includes a plate having a frame, a vertical center plane, and independently moving left and right wings attached to the frame. The acupressure device includes three horizontal pairs of acupressure protrusions, each pair of protrusions consisting of a left protrusion affixed to the left wing horizontally equal distant from the vertical center plane and a corresponding right protrusion affixed to the right wing horizontally equal distant from the vertical center plane. A fourth horizontal pair of protrusions consists of a left protrusion affixed to a bottom portion of the frame left of the vertical center and a right protrusion affixed to the bottom portion of the frame right of the vertical center. These four horizontal pairs of protrusions are positioned on the device such that all of the left protrusions are aligned in a vertical plane and all of the right protrusions align in another vertical plane. Further, the lower back acupressure device includes a fifth horizontal pair of acupressure protrusions consisting of a left protrusion affixed to the left wing and a right protrusion affixed to the right wing such that this fifth horizontal pair of protrusions is positioned vertically between the lowest and the second lowest pair of previously described protrusions and centered about the vertical center plane at a horizontal distance greater than the horizontal distance of the four pairs of previously described acupressure protrusions. 
         [0012]    The present invention further provides the lower back acupressure device having a belt detachably affixed to the plate for securing the plate to a person at a proper location and a proper pressure. Ideally, the belt secures the device to a person such that the vertical center of the plate is aligned with the spine of the person. Further, if properly positioned, the device will be secured to a person by the belt such that the two lowest pairs of horizontal acupressure protrusions are positioned adjacent to a sacrum and an iliac bone of the user and the remaining three pairs of horizontal protrusions are positioned adjacent a junction of lumbar vertebra 5/sacral 1 (L5/S1), lumbar vertebra 4/lumbar vertebra 5 (L4/L5), and lumbar vertebra 2/lumbar vertebra 3 (L2/L3). 
         [0013]    The present invention further provides the left and right wings are each capable of independent movement or flexing with respect to the other wing, so as to maintain or apply additional pressure, one side at a time, while the user is walking or moving. This individual movement or flexing of the saloon door style device also improves contouring capability for various body types, and is more comfortable to wear than prior rigid, solid designs. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a lower back acupressure device for alleviating lower back and sacral iliac pain includes a plate having a contoured top surface and a vertical center plane. The device further includes four pairs of acupressure protrusions, each pair centered about the vertical center plane of the top surface of the plate. Further, the device includes a fifth pair of acupressure protrusions located vertically between the lowest and the second lowest pair of acupressure protrusions and centered about the vertical center plane at a horizontal distance greater than the horizontal distance of the four other pairs of acupressure protrusions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an acupressure device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a back view of an acupressure device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an acupressure device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an acupressure device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a view of the inside of an attaching and support devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a view of the outside of an attaching and support devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7A  is a top view of a butterfly hot/cold pack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of a butterfly hot/cold pack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a front view of an acupressure device incorporating a hot/cold pack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a back view of an acupressure device incorporating a hot/cold pack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an acupressure device incorporating a hot/cold pack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an acupressure device incorporating a hot/cold pack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of an acupressure device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a top view of an acupressure device and support device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments may be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 1-4  are a front view, a back view, a side view, and a perspective view of acupressure device  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Acupressure device  100  may be a device for healing and utilized to provide pain relief and/or promote healing and wellness when properly attached to a user. Acupressure device  100  may be attached at various locations to a user, including, in one embodiment, the lower back of a user, to provide pain relief and promote healing and wellness of the user. In one embodiment, acupressure device  100  is a substantially horizontal oriented plate; as opposed to vertical oriented plates such as plate  200 , to cover a greater width of the lumbar region of a user. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , acupressure device  100  includes saloon door style plate  102  having outer frame  104  and bottom extension  106  of outer frame  104 . Acupressure device  100  further includes left wing  108  having connection points  109 Aand B and right wing  110  having connection points  111 A and B. Left and right wings  108  and  110  are permanently attached to outer frame  104  of plate  102  at connection points  109 A and B and  111 A and B, respectively. Vertical center plane  112  is shown to highlight that the left and wing halves of acupressure device  100  are identical to each other. It is understood that vertical center plane  112  is not a physical element of acupressure device  100 ; vertical center plane  112  merely highlights the symmetry of acupressure device  100 . Left wing  108  is capable of independent movement or independent flexing, as represented in  FIG. 4  at least by the bold arrows. As such, left wing  108  is capable of independent movement or flexing with respect to right wing  110 , as well as with respect to outer frame  104  and bottom extension  106  of outer frame  104 . Likewise, right wing  110  is capable of independent movement or independent flexing, as represented in  FIG. 4  at least by the bold arrows. As such, right wing  110  is capable of independent movement or flexing with respect to left wing  108 , as well as with respect to outer frame  104  and bottom extension  106  of outer frame  104 . 
         [0032]    Acupressure device  100  also includes acupressure protrusion pairs  114 A,  114 B,  116 A,  116 B,  118 A,  118 B,  120 A,  120 B and  122 A,  122 B. As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , acupressure protrusion pairs  114 ,  116  and  118  are affixed to left wing  108  and right wing  110  such that one acupressure protrusion of each pair is located on left wing  108  and one acupressure protrusion from each acupressure protrusion pair is located on right wing  110 . Acupressure protrusion pair  120  is affixed to bottom extension  106  of outer frame  104 . Acupressure protrusion pair  122  is affixed to left and right wings  108 ,  110 , such that one acupressure protrusion is affixed to left wing  108  and one acupressure protrusion is affixed to right wing  110 . Each pair of acupressure protrusions  114 - 122  are horizontal acupressure protrusion pairs such that the two acupressure protrusions A, B of each acupressure protrusion pair are located horizontal to each other. When properly affixed to a user, such that the vertical center of plate  112  is aligned with a spine of the user, horizontal acupressure protrusion pairs  120 A,  120 B and  122 A,  122 B are positioned adjacent to a sacrum and an iliac bone of the user. The remaining three pairs of horizontal protrusion pairs  118 A,  118 B,  116 A,  116 B and  114 A,  114 B are positioned adjacent a junction of lumbar vertebra 5/sacral 1 (L5/S1), lumbar vertebra 4/lumbar vertebra 5 (L4/L5) and lumbar vertebra 2/lumbar vertebra 3 (L2/L3), respectively. 
         [0033]    Acupressure protrusion pairs  114 - 122  may be affixed to acupressure saloon door style plate  102  in any known means, either permanently or temporarily. In one embodiment, the entire acupressure device  100  is formed in a single mold or fabrication of medium to hard plastic, such as material similar to a dashboard of an automobile. In another embodiment, outer frame  104 , bottom extension of outer frame  106 , left wing  108  and right wing  110  are formed of a single mold, and acupressure protrusion pairs  114 - 122  are later attached via known means. 
         [0034]    Each acupressure protrusion of acupressure protrusion pairs  114 - 122  have a height greater than 0.50 inches, and preferably in the range of approximately 0.625 inches to 0.750 inches, and more preferably have a height of approximately 0.6875 inches. In addition, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each acupressure protrusion is tapered from a base of the protrusion to a tip of the protrusion, such that a diameter of the tip is smaller than a diameter of the base, and each acupressure protrusion has debossed tip  134 . The height and the design of each acupressure protrusion  114 - 122  ensures that when properly attached to a user, acupressure points in the lower back of the user are properly stimulated by acupressure protrusions  114 - 122 . Acupressure protrusions having a height less than 0.50 inches may not properly apply pressure to and stimulate acupressure points in the user, thereby minimizing the pain relief, healing and wellness effects of acupressure device  100 . 
         [0035]    It is understood that the specific terms used to identify elements of acupressure device  100  should not be construed in a limiting way. For example, plate  102  represents any type of support vessel; left and right wings  108  and  110  represent any type of moving instrument; acupressure protrusions  114 - 122  represent any type of applicable therapeutic agents, including, but not limited to, medicinal aid(s) or a patch or fabric material having or capable of containing a medicinal aid; and belt  140  (shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) represents any type of support or securing mechanism including, but not limited to, a belt,a patch, or fabric material. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  illustrates the back of acupressure device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , location identifiers  124 A,  124 B,  126 A,  126 B,  128 A,  128 B,  130 A,  130 B and  132 A,  132 B are shown at identical locations to acupressure protrusion pairs  114 - 122 , respectively. Location identifiers  124 - 132  aid the user in correctly positioning acupressure device  100  on his/her lower back. In addition, belt guide markers  133 A and B aid the user in assuring proper location of a belt (Belt  140  further described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to be used to secure acupressure device  100  to the lower back of a user. Belt guide markers  133 A and B provide a small or minor edge for the bottom of the belt to rest on, thereby ensuring the proper vertical location of the belt during attachment and use by the user. In one embodiment, the belt opening between belt opening points  136 A and B, as well as the belt opening between belt opening points  136 C and D, is greater than 4.0 inches to accommodate a 4.0 inch belt, and preferably in the range of approximately 4.01 inches to 4.50 inches, and more preferable  4 . 19  inches. However, the belt opening, as well as the belt, may be different dimensions, based on the desired application, without deviating from the present invention. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , outer frame  104  of acupressure device  100  is contoured such that the contoured slop of acupressure device  100  more accurately replicates an actual normal lumbar curvature of an adult user, thereby providing a correct anatomical fit to the lower back of the user. The lower part of plate  100  flares out away from the surface contain acupressure protrusions  114 - 122  such that the angle of curvature between the top portion of acupressure device  100  and the bottom portion of acupressure device  100  is between 120° and 160°, ideally approximately 140°. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 4  at least by the bold arrows, left wing  108  and right wing  110  are each capable of independent movement or flexing, similar to a saloon door design. Connection points  109 A and B and  111 A and B of left wing  108  and right wing  110 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 1 , act as hinges permitting independent movement or flexing of each wing, independent of the other wing and independent of outer frame  104 . Thus, when properly affixed to the lower back of a user, left and right wings  108 ,  110  may move or flex independent of each other and of outer frame  104  due to movement of the user, such as walking, running, twisting, bending, reaching, etc. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , acupressure protrusion pair  122  is located horizontally wider than acupressure protrusion pairs  114 - 120 , which are located horizontally equal to one another. Acupressure protrusion pair  122 , when acupressure device  100  is properly attached to the lower back of a user, corresponds to identified acupressure points of the sacroiliac joint which, when properly stimulated, provides additional pain relief and promotion of healing and wellness as compared to providing adequate pressure to pressure points associated with acupressure protrusion pairs  114 - 120  alone. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are top views of both the inside of belt  140  and turbo adaptor support  144 . Belt  140  includes Velcro strip  142 , while turbo adaptor  144  includes Velcro adaptors  146  and  148 . Belt  140  is used to secure acupressure device  100  to the back of a user. Belt  140  may be permanently or temporarily affixed to acupressure device  100 . In one embodiment, belt  140  is inter-looped to acupressure device  100  and wrapped around the user. Belt guide markers  133 A and B (showing in  FIG. 2 ) provide for directional guidance for the lower edge of belt  140 . Further, the lower edge of the top portion of outer frame  104  provides for directional guidance for the upper edge of belt  140 . In one embodiment, belt  140  may be connected to device  100  by threading belt  140  in front of the inner edge of the side portion of outer frame  104  near wing  108 , continuing behind left and right wings  108 ,  110 , and in front of the opposite side inner edge of the side portion of outer frame  104  near wing  110 . It is understood that belt  140  may be connected to device  100  in the opposite direction, such as moving in the direction from right wing  110  to left wing  108 , without deviating from the present invention. 
         [0041]    Velcro strip  142  secures belt  140  to itself. Belt  140  should be sufficiently long enough to fit around the waist of the user. In one embodiment, belt  140  is approximately 4 inches wide and 56 inches long. In one embodiment, belt  140  is made of Neoprene material on one side and Tempo material on the other side. Velcro strip  142  is approximately 5 inches long and 3 inches wide and formed from Velcro. Belt  140  and acupressure device  100  are to be worn firmly around the waist and lower back and sacrum of a user, with acupressure device  100  held in place at the middle of the lower back and sacrum regions. Turbo adaptor  144  may be removably affixed to belt  140  in order to provide additional and isolated tightening pressure for the plate against the lower back/sacrum of a user without providing extra tightening pressure about the front and sides of the user. Turbo adaptor  144  is to be worn on top of belt  140  and acupressure device  100  and may be pulled from back to front on both sides of the body and attached to belt  140  via 5 inch long by 3 inch wide Velcro strips  146  and  148 . In one embodiment, turbo adaptor  144  measures approximately 24 inches in length and 4 inches in width, and is preferably made from an elastic material. Belt  140  and turbo adaptor  144  may include Velcro to provide adequate attachment, as disclosed, or may include any other hook and loop system to provide adequate attachment. 
         [0042]    When properly positioned on the lower back of a user via belt  140  with turbo adaptor  144  applying proper pressure, acupressure device  100  provides for adequate pressure to be applied to pressure points in the lower back/sacrum of the user. Acupressure points located near the spine of a user or located near the sacrum and iliac bone of the user are known to respond to applied pressure. Properly applied pressure to acupressure points in the back of a user, including acupressure points within a juncture of lumbar vertebra 5/sacral 1 (L5/S1), lumbar vertebra 4/lumbar vertebra 5 (L4/L5), lumbar vertebra 2/lumbar vertebra 3 (L2/L3) and adjacent to the sacrum and the iliac bone of the user facilitate increased circulation, including greater blood and oxygen profusion. Due to this increased blood and oxygen profusion, neurologically, the brain is stimulated, endorphins are released, pain is relieved and healing and wellness may be achieved. Further, proper location of acupressure protrusion pairs  114 - 122  may eliminate stagnation or unblock obstructions within the lower back of a user, thereby allowing greater circulation of blood and oxygen, thereby also providing pain relief, healing and wellness. 
         [0043]    Further, when properly attached to the lower back of a user via belt  140 , acupressure device  100  alleviates lower back and sacral-iliac pain by stimulating acupressure points within the user and triggering the release of endorphins which are neurochemicals that relieve pain. Thus, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to an affected area is increased. This may cause the affected related muscle(s) to relax and promote healing. Further, acupressure device  100  may help to rebalance the body of a user by dissolving tensions and stress that keeps the body from functioning optimally and that inhabits the immune system. Acupressure device  100  may also enable the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. In addition, when properly positioned on a lower back of a user, acupressure device  100  decreases muscle tension associated with a stimulated acupressure point, enabling the fibers of the muscle to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation brings more oxygen and other nutrients to the affected area. 
         [0044]    For long lasting relief, acupressure device  100  should be properly positioned on the lower back/sacrum of a user for one hour daily and not to be used while driving, when pregnant, while exercising, or when certain activities or medical conditions which might make using this belt dangerous to one&#39;s health. This process should be repeated for 30 consecutive days to promote long lasting effects and benefits. In one embodiment acupressure device  100  and belt  140  are detachable, which provides for ease of washing of belt  140  separate from acupressure device  100 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a butterfly style dual hot/cold pack  150 . Dual hot/cold pack  150  includes center clip  152  (which may be removable from or affixed to hot/cold pack  150 ), left hot/cold pack  154  and right hot/cold pack  156 . Center clip  152  may be removable from or affixed to hot/cold pack  150 . Center clip  152  may be releasably attached to dual hot/cold pack  150  by pinching center clip  152  such that a portion of dual hot/cold pack  150  in positioned within center clip  152 . Further, center clip  152  may be removed from hot/cold pack  150  by releasing the pinch of center clip on dual hot/cold pack  150 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , dual hot/cold pack  150  has been designed so that it may be secured to acupressure device  100  such that center clip  152  may be centrally positioned at vertical center plane  112  of acupressure device  100  between left wing  108  and right wing  110  and fits between left wing  108  and right wing  110  of acupressure device  100 . Therefore, left and right hot/cold packs  154  and  156  may be positioned and secured within the spaces of saloon door style plate  102  of acupressure device  100 . Belt  140  ensures that dual hot/cold pack  150  remains in proper position, as it weaves through sandwiching dual hot/cold pack  150  between itself and acupressure device  100 , during uses such that left hot/cold pack  154  and right hot/cold packs  156  are properly positioned within the spaces of left wing  108  and right wing  110  of acupressure device  100 , respectively. As left wing  108  and right wing  110  of acupressure device  110  are each capable of independent movement or flexing, left and right hot/cold packs  154  and  156  are also each capable of independent movement. Thus, similar to wings  108  and  110 , hot/cold packs  154  and  156  are capable of maintaining contact with the back of the user, regardless of motion or movement. Dual hot/cold pack  150  may be heated or cooled by known means, such as including the use of a microwave, a refrigerator, a freezer, or hot or cold water. While Dual hot/cold pack  150  is shown as a single element having two distinct hot/cold packs, it is understood that two separate and distinct hot/cold packs may be used without deviating from the present invention. 
         [0047]    In addition to the previously described acupressure points in the lower back of a user, additional acupressure points have been identified which are horizontally farther away from the spine of a user than acupressure points associated with acupressure protrusion pairs  114 - 120 , and vertically above and possibly slightly lateral to acupressure points associated with acupressure protrusion pair  122 . These additional acupressure points are sensitive to, and react to, hot and cold stimulation. Temperature stimulation to these identified pressure points, especially heat stimulation, may promote additional blood and oxygen profusion and may promote vasodilation wherein vessels affected by the change in temperature expand, thereby promoting greater circulation of both blood and oxygen, as well as promoting pain relief and healing. In addition, temperature stimulation may eliminate stagnation and unblock obstruction within muscles, blood and oxygen flow, and promote pain relief and healing. As such, dual hot/cold pack  150  is designed to target these additional acupressure points. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown acupressure device  200  having curved plate  202  with affixed acupressure points  214 - 222  designed to treat lumbar 2/3 (L2/L3), lumbar 4/5 (L4/L5), and lumbar 5/sacral 1 (L5/S1) vertebral pain, as well as sacral-iliac pain. Affixed to curved plate  202  are ten uniform acupressure protrusions; points  220 A and B and  222 A and B are at the bottom to contour to the sacrum and it&#39;s connection to the iliac bone. Points  218 A and B line up with the junction of lumbar vertebra 5 and Sacral 1 (L5/S1), whereas points  216 A and B line up with lumbar vertebrae 4 and 5 junction (L4/L5). Finally, points  214 A and B align with lumbar vertebrae 2 and 3 junction (L2/L3) in a region of the body known in Chinese medicine to be a command point for the lower back. Plate curve  202  shows the curve of the plate, and it&#39;s unique design to contour to the lower back. Plate  200  shown in  FIG. 12  is adhered to belt  240  as shown in  FIG. 13 , perpendicular to the belt, which wraps around the lower waist of the user. 
         [0049]    In more detail, belt  240  in  FIG. 13  keeps plate  200  in place to the lower back and sacral region of the user. In regards to proper placement of belt  240  and plate  200  acupressure points  214 - 220  are aligned in two parallel lines next to each other. The lower back spine is to be positioned in between these parallel lines. To align the proper height of the belt  240 , acupressure points  220 A and B and  222 A and B are to rest in the sacroilaic joint located medial to the outer hips where a natural depression lies in the skin. Once belt  240  is properly placed, Velcro strip  242  can be adjusted to a snug fit with Velcro  246  and  248 . To confirm proper placement of belt  240  the wearer should feel all 10 acupressure points in the lower back and sacral iliac region of the body. 
         [0050]    In further detail, still referring to the invention of  FIGS. 12-13  to achieve results, the size of plate  200  is sufficiently long enough to cover the lower back and sacral iliac region, such as about 5.0 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, and the 0.375 inches at the height of the curve  202 . The acupressure points  214 - 222  are sufficiently tall to apply the needed pressure for treating skin, muscle, tendon, nerve, cartilage and bone pain, such as about 0.6-1.0 inches in height and such as about 0.25-0.75 inches in diameter at the base. The tips of acupressure points  214 - 222  should be blunt and rounded like a finger, and not sharp which could otherwise pierce the skin. 
         [0051]    Belt  240  has strips  260  to prevent wrap over of the belt  240  onto itself, and to allow belt  240  to curve slightly up fitting to the shape of the waist. Velcro strip (male end)  242  lines one end of the belt  240 , and attaches around the waist to Velcro strip (female end)  246  and  248 , to close the belt for a wide range of waist sizes. 
         [0052]    Belt  240  needs to be sufficiently long enough to fit around the waist of the user, such as about 3 feet, and sufficiently wide enough to encase plate  200 , such as about 6 inches wide. The strips  260  are needed, about 4 in all, to sufficiently allow belt  240  to curve correctly around the waist of the user. Velcro strips  242 ,  246  and  248  need to be sufficiently wide and long to keep belt  240  closed and to allow for users with different sized waists, such as about 2 inches wide by 5.5 inches long for Velcro  242 , and 2 inches wide by at least 5 inches long for Velcro  246  and  248 , placing Velcro  242 ,  246  and  248  at the corners of belt  240  to allow the best possible closing capability. 
         [0053]    The construction details of the invention as in  FIGS. 12-13  are that plate  200  and acupressure points  214 - 222  may be made of urethane plastic from a mold or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic, rubber and the like. The construction details of belt  240  are that the belt be made of elastic, strips  260  may be made of plastic or any other semi rigid and strong materials so as to keep the belt from folding onto itself. The Velcro strips  242 ,  246  and  248  may be made of Velcro, or another hook and loop system to close the belt sufficiently around the users waist. 
         [0054]    The lower back acupressure device shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-13  is based on how traditionally acupuncture or acupressure has been administered in China, which is to receive treatment every day (and in many cases more than once daily) for at least one month for many lower back health concerns to resolve optimally. However, due to the high expense, relative lack of cultural acceptance of acupuncture and/or acupressure in the United States, and lack of available time for most westerners to get treatment daily, in the United States treatment tends to be only administered once or twice a week, and subsequently the results are less effective then everyday treatment. 
         [0055]    Aside from the unique design of the curved plate and affixed acupressure points, the specific health benefits of this plate and belt invention comes from receiving affordable and accessible daily acupressure treatment for lumbar 2/3 (L2/L3), lumbar 4/5 (L4/L5) and lumbar 5/sacral 1 (L5/S1) vertebral related pain, as well as sacrum and iliac related pain, without the extra expense and hassle of going for daily visits to their Oriental medicine healthcare professional. When possible, users are recommended to continue seeing their Oriental medicine healthcare professional as requested by such practitioners; however this present invention may serve as an invaluable adjunct to the care given by an Oriental medicine healthcare professional. It may also be tried as an alternative when a user suffering from lower back and/or sacral-iliac pain is unable to see an Oriental medicine healthcare professional, for one reason or another. 
         [0056]    Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.