Abstract:
An Acupressure pillow provides selective pressure by location and force applied to a body of a user. By selection of a body member, a location on that body member, and a pressure point thereat, an acupressure pillow may be used for gauging and applying a localized, selective force or pressure at a designated point for a user. For example, headaches have been attributed to various causes including stress, tension, and so forth, all of which may result in involuntary tightening of muscles. Tightening of muscles affects blood flow. Restriction of blood flow may be responsible for certain headache pain. By applying a steady, predictable, reliable, continuing pressure at a designated acupressure location on member of a body of a user, muscles may be relaxed. Massage therapy requires knowledgeable application of pressure and motion. An acupressure pillow applies steady pressure, to which the body will become accustomed and relax. The actual continual application of pressure may tend to speed relaxation better than unpredictable motion such as vibration and other techniques used in the art.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. provisional patent Ser. Np. 60/087,888 filed on Jun. 3, 1998 for Acupressure Pillow Apparatus and Method. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to physical therapy and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for selectively applying pressure to designated locations on a member of a human body in order to provide relaxation of muscles for therapeutic effect. 
     2. The Background Art 
     Massage therapy has been known for several years, even decades or more. Within the established medical community within the United States and other countries of the world, massage therapy has gained increased recognition for the therapeutic benefits available by selective application of regular motion and pressure to muscles of the body in order to relieve tension and provide associated benefits. 
     Chiropractic medicine has gained favor as persons treated thereby become satisfied that they feel better. Regardless of the school that one subscribes to, feeling healthy is one ultimate measure of success of any treatment. In Asian countries, ancient arts have been practiced that have only recently become known, acknowledged, applied, investigated, and the like, within the Western Hemisphere. For example, acupuncture involves the use of carefully placed and manipulated needles for providing relief of various symptoms. 
     Similarly, another ancient art involves the use of massage, careful movement and pressure over a region of muscle in the body in order to relax the muscle. Athletic trainers during the Olympic Games used numerous massage therapists to prepare athletes for competition and to relax and promote healing in athletes coping with injuries. 
     Pressure is a mechanism that has been used for numerous benefits. In the cardiovascular system of the human body, pressure is known to be useful in constricting blood flow from wounds. It is also known that the muscular structure of the human body is interwoven with the vascular system carrying blood therethrough in order to pass nutrients and waste. Pressure applied to key points on the surface of the skin has been viewed as helpful in providing relief for a variety of symptoms. 
     As a practical matter, massage therapy, and acupressure may be related. As an individual works by finger pressure in an area of a bodily member that appears to respond or provide a response to the manipulating pressure, an individual may feel relaxation in the affected muscles. Thus, chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, acupressure, and the like, may provide relaxation of muscles, which relaxation may provide any other benefits associated therewith. One difficulty that is created by the current mechanisms for delivering such massage therapy or relaxation therapy by application of various massage techniques, is the absence of a skilled practitioner. 
     For example, quick tapping with fingers is sometimes used in order to stimulate muscles. Brisk rubbing may use friction to stimulate the flesh near the skin of a user and the skin itself. Slow, kneading motion using the thumbs and fingers along with the heel of the hand to work and squeeze large muscle groups firmly is also used. Application of pressure from a thumb, finger, palm, side of the hand, or knuckle may also be used. Since all of these manual applications of pressure are adapted to use by skilled practitioners, the growth of such techniques in popularity creates a shortage of practitioners. 
     Nevertheless, a steady pressure applied in an appropriate location, may be one effective technique for relaxation. What is needed is an apparatus and method that can be applied easily by an unskilled user. For example, if a user has a desire or need to relax, it would be an improvement in the art to provide an apparatus that is sized and structured to effectively apply pressure in a proper location, in a proper degree, and in a proper direction to provide the relaxation desired. It would be an improvement in the art to provide an apparatus and method by which a user could simply position a bodily member within or upon an apparatus that could apply proper pressure to proper muscles or muscle groups in order to provide relaxation. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for applying a selective pressure at a designated location in a manner that will be easily replicated by a user with a minimal amount of skill. 
     Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus and method are disclosed, in suitable detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. In certain embodiments, an apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention may include a pillow-like apparatus that may be effective to position or lift a bodily member to a proper position for application of localized pressure. 
     The apparatus may include one or more pressurizing elements protruding away from the pillow&#39;s outer surface or bulk outer expanse, in order to apply a selective and increased pressure distributed over a selected portion of the bodily member being affected. The apparatus may be used at rest, eliminating any need for a user to maintain any particular skill, strength, or the like. Thus, young or elderly patients need not be so physically fit as a massage therapist in order to obtain the benefits of the apparatus and method. 
     In one embodiment, the pressurizing elements of the apparatus may be designed to provide pre-selected locations, forces, and areas. For example a protrusion may be spaced from another protrusion, or from some gauge point, a selected distance effective to position the protrusion properly for a desired effect. The protrusion may then apply the proper pressure to a proper location, designated and gauged on a specific member of a body of a user, in order to be effective. Pressure may produce, for example, relaxation in a desired muscle or muscle group. 
     In one embodiment, multiple protrusions may extend away from the bulk expanse of an apparatus in order to provide self-location of the protrusions against the body of a user. In one presently preferred embodiment, a “pillow” may be provided that contains a support for receiving and supporting the back of a user. Another portion of the pillow may provide substantial support for the head of the user. Over the bulk expanse of the pillow may be multiple pressure members for applying pressure to the upper central muscles of the back. Other pressurizing elements may be adapted to fit against the neck, producing pressure thereagainst. 
     In one such particular embodiment, upper pressurizing elements, with respect to the head, may be positioned just below the occipital portion of the skull, against the neck, in the hollow where the neck muscles contract away from the skull and toward the neck vertebrae. Pressure may be applied laterally, and forwardly (with respect to a user) against the neck muscles on either side. Accordingly, the symmetry of the neck and of the pillow may provide self-location of the pillow by a user. 
     Moreover, the lower pressurizing members may be adapted to fit in a location effective to press into the back muscles near the base of the neck. The pressurizing elements may be designed to a size, resilience, area, force, effective pressure, and so forth, effective to provide a gentle but effective pressure. Moreover, the lower pressurizing elements may be so located with respect to the upper pressurizing elements as to aid a user in gauging the position of the pillow device under the neck and shoulders. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is top quarter perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the apparatus in FIG. 1 in use by a user; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic, bottom elevation view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, illustrating application of pressure to regions of the back and neck of a user; 
     FIG. 5 is a top plane view of the apparatus in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a top plane view of an alternate embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a partially cut-away, side elevation view of the apparatus in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a partially cut-away, side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a portion of the apparatus in FIG. 7; and 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a method consistent with certain embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 10, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is as broad as claimed herein. The illustrations are merely representative of certain, presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Those presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate that various modifications to the details of the Figures may easily be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, the following description of the Figures is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain presently preferred embodiments consistent with the invention as claimed. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, and to FIGS. 1-3, generally, an apparatus  10  may be formed to have a base  12 . The base may include a body support portion  14  and an extremity support portion  16 . The base  12  may have sides  18 , or may taper down to contact a supporting surface, as appropriate for the bodily member to be supported thereby. 
     Pressure elements  20  (e.g.  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d ) may protrude from the base  12  at selected locations. The pressure elements  20  are designed and positioned on the base  12  at locations selected to engage pressure points on a bodily member of a user. Each pressure element  20  may extend away from the base  12  a distance  21  selected to provide an appropriate pressure to an acupressure point associated with a bodily member. In one embodiment, the portion of a body that is closer to the center of mass is supported by the body support portion  14 . Meanwhile, a distal portion of an extremity or other bodily member (comparatively farther from the center of mass) may rest and be supported by the extremity support portion  16 . 
     Distances defined for discussing the manufacture and use of an apparatus  10  may include longitudinal directions  22  ( 22   a  is up, and  22   b  is down with respect to a user). A lateral direction  24  ( 24   a  is left, and  24   b  is right), and a transverse direction  26  ( 26   a  is forward, and  26   b  is backward) may be defined with respect to a user. 
     A handle  30  may attach to the apparatus  10 , and particularly the base  12 , in order to move the apparatus  10  easily. In one embodiment the handle  30  may be a strap  30  or loop  30  having an opening  32 . Handles  30  may attach to opposite sides  18  of the base  12 . A sufficiently large loop  30  on each side  18  of the base  12  may be easily grasped by a user for positioning the apparatus  10  easily with respect to a bodily member of a user. 
     In the longitudinal direction  22 , a proximate end  34  is designed to be closer to the center of mass of the body of a user. The distal end  36  or opposite end  36  is designed and shaped to rest against a bodily member of a user away from the center of gravity of the body. The extremity support  16  may be higher or lower, with respect to a supporting surface, than the body support portion  14 , depending on the body member to be affected. Extremity support portion  16  may be positioned higher (in a transverse direction  26 ) than the extremity support portion  14 . 
     In one presently preferred embodiment of an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention, the body support portion  14  is adapted to supporting the shoulders of a user near the neck and upper back. The extremity support portion  14  is adapted to support the neck and head. Accordingly, the crown  38  may be the highest portion, in a transverse direction  26 , of the base  12 , with the exception of the pressurizing elements  20 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, an elevation view of the apparatus  10  illustrates the expanse of the crown  38 . Also the ends  34 ,  36  are shown in relative position. In certain selected embodiments, the body support portion  14 , and the extremity support portion  16  may be curved non-linearly in the longitudinal direction  22 , with curvature in a lateral direction  24 , as well. The location of the pressurizing elements  20  may be selected in accordance with the bodily member to be supported by the apparatus  10 . The directionality and area of pressure to be provided by the pressure elements  20  depends upon the size, location, and extension  21  of the pressure elements  20  with respect to the base  12 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, a user may rest on the apparatus  10  in order to apply selected pressure on a selected location (e.g. acupressure location) on a body member of a user. The extremity support  16  may be sloped at an angle selected to provide the proper placement of the bodily member distant from the main center of gravity of the body. Similarly, the body support portion  14  of the base  12  may be sloped at an angle designed to properly position the body to apply pressure from the pressure elements  20  to the selected bodily members. 
     In one embodiment, the base  12  may be formed predominantly of resilient material having a spring constant governing deflection thereof For example, in one embodiment, an elastomeric foam such as polyurethane may form the base  12 , distributing localized stresses for comfort. Multiple layers having different spring constants may provide more deflection nearer the outer surface of the base  12 , with stiffer layers (greater spring constant) positioned underneath for providing additional support. Thus, conformance to the body shape of a user, particularly relieving pressure around protruding bones, may result from softer upper layers. Underlying support may be maintained by stiffer layers within or below the outermost layers. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the pressure elements  20  may apply pressure over selected regions  40 . For example, the pressure regions  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  correspond to the respective pressure elements  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d . Pressure elements  20  may apply pressure in a lateral direction  24 , a longitudinal direction  22 , a transverse direction  26 , or all of the above. 
     In one presently preferred embodiment, an apparatus  10  adapted for use in the shoulder and neck region of a user may avoid applying pressure in a longitudinal direction  22  against the skull  45  of a user. Pressure applied to flesh between a pressure element  20  and a bone structure close to the skin surface may result in inhibited circulation and discomfort. The pressurized regions  40  may be designed into the pressure elements  20 , adapted to the particular size (dimension, bulk) of an individual user. 
     In the embodiment in FIG. 4, muscles  42  of the neck  44  may be pressurized just below the occipital portion of the skull, where the muscles typically form a hollow. Muscles  46  of the shoulders  48 , in the upper back region, may be pressurized locally in the pressure regions  40   c ,  40   d  by the pressure elements  20   c ,  20   d  respectively. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, a lateral distance  50  may be prescribed for positioning the upper pressure elements  20   a ,  20   b  with respect to one another. The distance  50  may be selected to correspond to the dimensions of the neck  44  of a user. Similarly, a lateral distance  52  may be selected for spacing the lower pressure elements  20   c ,  20   d  from one another in order to properly position the pressure elements  20   c ,  20   d  with respect to the muscles  46  of the shoulders  48 . 
     The longitudinal distance  54 , by which the centers of the pressure elements  20  are separated from one another, corresponds to (e.g. varies with) the height of a user. Similarly, the overall length  56  in a longitudinal direction  22  may be selected in accordance with the stature of a user. For example, a child or adult of modest stature may prefer a lower or thinner crown  38  with respect to a supporting surface, but may require a shorter length  56  in order to properly position the head with respect to the body. 
     By contrast, a larger user may require an additional overall length  56  in order to accommodate the distance between the skull  45  and the shoulders  48 . Thus, the overall length  56  may be adapted, along with the spacing  54  of the pressure elements  20  to fit a range of sizes of a user. 
     The diameter  60  of the pressure elements  20  may be the same for all pressure elements  20 . In one embodiment, the diameter  60  of the upper elements  20   a ,  20   b  may be different from the diameter  60  of the lower pressure elements  20   c ,  20   d . Again, the spacing  52 ,  54  between the respective pressure elements  20  may be designed in conjunction with the respective diameters  60 ,  62  of the pressure elements  20  for any particular bodily member. 
     In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the proportions of the length  56  and the width  58  of the apparatus  10  may reflect directly the size of a user and the intended use of a particular embodiment in the neck and shoulder region of a user. As a practical matter, the width  58 , need not be the full width of the shoulders  48  of a user. Nevertheless, the width  58  and the bodily support portion  14  should be sized for comfort of a user and proper support of the pressure elements  20   c ,  20   d.    
     Gauge points  64 ,  66 ,  68  may be used for positioning an apparatus  10  with respect to a user. Each pressure element  20  may act as a gauge, felt directly. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus  10  may be positioned such that the gauge point  64  corresponds to the bottom of the ear of a user. Thus, the pressure elements  20   a ,  20   b , will not contact the skull with an uncomfortable pressure. Similarly, the gauge point  68  may reduce or eliminate contact with the skull  45 . In one embodiment, the gauge point  66  may maintain the orientation of the apparatus  10  with respect to the back of a user. 
     For example, a user may not be able to see the apparatus  10  while adjusting it. Instead, a user may sense whether or not the pressure elements  20   c ,  20   d  are each positioned symmetrically in a lateral direction  24  and in a longitudinal direction  22  on each side of the back. Thus, maintaining non-contact with the skull at a gauge point  68  may be important. Alternatively, positioning the bottom area of the ear in a longitudinal direction  22  at about the gauge point  64  may also serve to position the apparatus  10 . Maintaining symmetry of gauge points  66  near the longitudinal  22  centers of the pressure elements  20   c ,  20   d  may quickly permit a user to position the apparatus  10  by feel in a comfortable and effective location with respect to the neck  44 , skull  45 , and shoulders  48 . 
     Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may include pressure elements  70  corresponding to the pressure elements  20 . Pressure elements  70  (e.g.  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c ,  70   d ) may be positioned about a thin or shallow region  72  (in a transverse direction  26 ) in order to apply pressure to locations of the lower back and pelvic area. For example, pressure points may be found in the lower back (e.g. lumbar area) as well as in the hollow just below the outer apex of the hip bone. Accordingly, an elevated region  74  (measured in a transverse direction  26 ) may be provided for positioning the pressure elements  70   c ,  70   d  with respect to the proper acupressure points, and with respect to the upper pressure elements  70   a ,  70   b.    
     In a generalized embodiment, the pressure elements  70  may be arranged to influence pressure points (e.g. acupressure points) associated with any particular bodily member of a user. By rendering the pressure elements  70  movable, more flexibility may be obtained. By rendering the pressure elements substantially fixed (within the bounds of the force and resilience exerted by the base  12  and the pressure elements  70 ) in a structure  10 , minimal knowledge may be required of a user in order to produce desired effects. 
     Fixing the length  76  and width  77  of any single configuration adapted to a user may be extremely useful and effective. Use may require minimal instructions, training, and skill on the part of a user. Similarly, providing a “fixed” distance  80  between the centers of the upper pressure elements  70   a ,  70   b , and a fixed longitudinal distance  84  may result in simplified and effective use. 
     Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the bulk region  86  of a base  12  may be bounded by a bottom surface  88 . Spheres  90  (or hemispheres  90 ) may seat within the bulk expanse  86  of the base  12 . Each of the spheres  90  or balls  90  may fit into a cavity  92  formed in the bulk material  86  for supporting the spheres  90 . 
     The walls  94  of each sphere  90  may be sized for resilience, transfer of pressure, biasing of pressure, and comfort of localized pressure on a user. For example, the wall thickness of the sphere may be thin and hard. However, an improved design may have a thicker wall  90 , substantially more compliant and soft. Nevertheless, a cushion layer  96  applied between the spheres  90  and outer cover or skin  98  may provide additional comfort and distribution of highly localizes stress, in order to transfer the bulk pressure of the hollow  100  of the spheres  90  to the acupressure location of a user. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1-10, an apparatus  10  need not apply pressure in a constant manner over time, but may. That is, a pressurized region  100  or hollow  100  containing a fluid, such as air, maintains pressure. A user may increase or reduce the pressure within the cavity  100  by any suitable means known in the art. Direct injection, built-in pumps, and the like may inject pressure into the cavity  100 . However, upon deflection of the wall  94 , the pressure within the sphere  90  may increase. 
     Nevertheless, the pressure may remain constant over an area of contact  40  at all points. Accordingly, the pressure within the cavity  100  applied through the wall  94  is substantially the fluid pressure within the cavity  100 . Depending on the dimensions of the wall  94 , additional resistance, force, resilience, and the like, may be provided by the spring constant or coefficient of elasticity of the solid elastomeric material from which the wall  94  is constructed. 
     In designing an apparatus  10 , a user has the selection of material, porosity, elasticity coefficient, and other material properties of use in the bulk expanse  86  of the base  12  as design parameters. In addition, the dimensions, diameters, wall thicknesses, and the like of the spheres  90  may be selected along with the specific materials and material properties thereof. 
     Likewise, a covering layer  98  or cushion layer  98  may be selected for thickness, material properties (e.g. coefficient of elasticity, void fraction, homogeneity, etc.) for relieving highly localized stress. The covering material  98  may be selected to be stiff or soft, compliant or dimensionally stable. Thus, considering the dimensions of FIGS. 5-6 along with the material properties and configurations of FIGS. 7-8, designs of the apparatus  10  may apply precise and localized pressure to acupressure points on a bodily member of a user. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment of an apparatus  10 , in accordance with the invention, may rely on molding the bulk expanse  86  of the base  12 . The covering material  98  may be optional. The pressure elements  20  may be formed directly from the same material as the bulk expanse  86  of the base  12 . In the embodiment in FIG. 8, density of the pressure elements  20  may differ from that of the bulk expanse  86 . 
     For example, a controlled density region  104  may be molded, by relying upon temperature control, resin control, timing, materials, and the like. In one embodiment, the controlled density  104  may be obtained by a preliminary injection of one material followed by a bulk injection of another material. Alternatively, selecting the injection location for gates in an injection process, and other techniques, may provide controlled density regions  104 . 
     In the embodiment in FIG. 8, the controlled density region  104  may be more dense, more stiff, or both, as compared with the bulk expanse  86  of the base  12 . Thus, the pressure elements  20  may apply pressure calculated to exceed the overall pressure of the body support portion  13  and extremity support portion  16 . 
     For example, the base  12  must deflect to a greater extent under the pressure elements  20 , as compared with a smooth surface. The dimensions of the pressure elements  20  are selected to position the pressure elements  20  in the proper location with respect to an acupressure point while also providing the proper pressures in response deflection from a bodily member resting thereon. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus  10  may rest on a bodily member. In other embodiments, a bodily member may rest on the apparatus  10 . In certain embodiments, a harness or tether may actually bind an apparatus  10  to a bodily member of a user in order to maintain the proper deflection to produce the proper pressure by the pressure elements  20  against the acupressure points selected. 
     For example, a leg wrap may provide unconstricted motion of a leg while applying localized pressure from pressure elements  10 . Similarly, an elbow sleeve may surround the elbow portion of the arm wit hat comparatively soft material, easily compliant, as a base  12 , with comparatively more force or pressure elements  20  selectively disposed. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, a detail of the sphere  90  illustrates the cavity  92  in the bulk expanse  86  of the base  12 . The wall  94  surrounding a pressurized cavity  100  is also illustrated. A cushion layer  96  may extend underneath the covering material  98  around the base  12  (bulk expanse  86 ) and the sphere  90 . Alternatively, the dimensions of the cushion layer  96  may vary selectively at any point desired in a design, and the cushion layer  96  may cover only the sphere  90  in order to relieve highly localized pressure applied to an acupressure point of a bodily member. 
     Referring to FIG. 10, a method  107  may include methods  108 ,  110  for manufacture and use of an apparatus  10 . In one presently preferred embodiment of a method  107  and apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention, a select step  112  may select acupressure points for application of selective pressure. A provide step  116  may provide a base. The provide surface treatment step  118  may be optional. 
     For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the covering material  98  is completely arbitrary. For easy removal for cleaning, a cover material  98  may be recommended. Nevertheless, the entire base  12  and pressure elements  20  of the apparatus  10  may be formed in a single molding process, in one embodiment. Thus, the optional assemble step  120  may or may not be required , depending upon the particular embodiment selected. 
     The provide pressurizers step  108  may include a variety of steps. For example, providing a size  122  may depend upon the select step  112 . The select step  112  may be affected by the bodily location, size of a user, age of a user, and the like. 
     Similarly, providing a pressure  128  may be determined by the foregoing steps as well as the sophistication of a user. For example, a less sophisticated user may require lower pressure and perhaps a fixed pressure. A more sophisticated user may find additional pressure useful, and may be able to provide direct user control of pressure in the spheres  90 . 
     The stiffness on the pressure elements  20  or pressurizers  20  refers to the material properties of the sphere  90 , and particularly the modulus of elasticity. Other factors  128  may also be selected. For example, the dimensions of the pressure elements  20  and the manufacturing processes for reliability, predictability, and the like may be considered. 
     Providing  130  a length  56 ,  76  for the base may be dependent upon the size of an anticipated user. Similarly, the width step  132  or selection  132  or providing  132  a width  58 ,  77 , depends upon not only the size of the user, but the particular bodily member that is to be affected by the apparatus  10 . Thus, the length  130  and width  132  steps may be adapted to the size of the user and the particular expected dimensions of the neck  44  and shoulders  48  thereof. 
     The thickness step  134  or selection  134  of a thickness, may require selection of a thickness (extension in a transverse direction  26 ) of the body support portion  14 , extremity support portion  16 , and the crown  38 . Thus, the thickness step  134  may require a multi-dimensional curve. The angles of curvature with respect to a longitudinal direction  22 , and a lateral direction  24  may be important in this regard. In the presently preferred embodiment of FIG. 3, adapted for use in the shoulder and neck region, the application of pressure by the pressure elements  20  and locating the pressure elements  20  are served by the slopes and dimensions of the entire base  12 . 
     The spring constant step  136  involves selection of a material having the particular porosity and effective stiffness or resilience of the base  12 . Other parameters  138  may be selected that effect the overall provision  116  of a base  12 . For example, providing  116  a base  12  may subsume the provide step  114  associated with the pressure elements  20 . For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, steps  114 ,  116  may be very closely integrated. 
     The method  110  for using the apparatus  10  may include positioning  140  the apparatus  10  with respect to a bodily member of a user. Nevertheless, the position step  140  may merely initiate positioning  140  on a suitable surface such as a bed, floor, rug, or the like. 
     The position step  142  positions a bodily member of a user with respect to the apparatus  10 . The position step  142  may involve a certain amount of trial and error. For example, the engage step  144  may involve checking, by a user, the relative position of a bodily member of a user with respect to the apparatus  10 . Accordingly, a return  146  or feedback  146  may result in either a change of the position  140  of the apparatus, a change in positions  142  of the bodily member, or both. 
     Upon satisfactory gauging  144 , a user may have obtained the desired relative position  140  of the apparatus and the position  142  of a bodily member thereon. The handles  30 , straps  30  in one presently preferred embodiment, facilitate movement of the apparatus  10  without recourse to sight. That is, a user need not see the apparatus  10  while moving it. Rather, the gauge points  64 ,  66 ,  68  may be detected as pressure elements  20  are felt. The symmetry may be felt and detected extremely well by many users. Moreover, the comparative pressure or stress felt due to application of the pressure elements  20  may typically be readily felt after a minimal experience or exposure of a user to the apparatus  10 . 
     The rest step  148  may involve resting the bodily member of a user, a bodily member such as the neck, head, leg, etc., or resting  148  the apparatus  10 . For example, the apparatus  10  may be placed on couch, on a ramp, on a level floor, in an elevated position, in a tilted position, in a lowered position, or the like. In one presently preferred embodiment, the apparatus in FIG. 3 may be laid on a comfortable floor (e.g. rug or carpet) providing a stable platform for relaxation. 
     As a practical matter, the body appears to relax more with the constant pressure of the apparatus  10  than with motion, such as vibration, and the like. It appears that the steady, predictable pressure of the pressure elements  20  provides relaxation of muscles affected by the respective acupressure points. The stable, flexible support of the base  12  also appears to aid relaxation of a user. 
     With the rest step  148  comes an immediate and a residual deflection step  150 . The deflection or deflect step  150  deflects the pressurizers  20 . The deflection  150  also may deflect the base  12 . Thus, the design of the stiffness  126  or spring constant  136  of the pressure elements  20  and base  12  give the result of the deflect step  150 . The deflect step involves deflection of the pressurizers  20 , which may have additional deflection of translation (motion) due to the softness or spring effect of the material of the bulk expanse  86  of the base  12 . 
     In one presently preferred embodiment, an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may be used in accordance with the methods  107 ,  108 ,  110  of FIG. 10 to provide effective relaxation in a matter of a few minutes. For example, initial discomfort from localized pressure may be resolved within approximately three minutes. Relaxation may occur within five to fifteen minutes. Many users find that comfort is substantial within three to five minutes, and relaxation is substantial within seven to fifteen minutes. 
     The foregoing discussion clearly demonstrates that the present invention may provide several advantageous individual features and combinations thereof The invention provides, for example, localized pressurization of acupressure points. Acupressure points may be easily located by gauging the pressure elements  20  of the apparatus  10  with respect to particular body locations. 
     A minimum of training is required in order for a user to be effective in recognizing the proper location of the pressure elements  20  with respect to a bodily member such as the neck  44 , shoulders  48 , and the like. Pressure may be provided across the localized pressurization area  40  associated with each pressure element  20 . The area and pressure of each pressurized area  40  may be designed into the geometry and materials of each pressure element  20 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.