Patent Publication Number: US-7912541-B2

Title: Biofeedback electronic stimulation device using light and magnetic energy

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/799,995, filed May 12, 2006, entitled BIOFEEDBACK ELECTRONIC STIMULATION DEVICE USING LIGHT AND MAGNETIC ENERGY, and is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/203,387, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,509,165, filed Aug. 12, 2005 entitled BIOFEEDBACK ELECTRONIC STIMULATION DEVICE, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to the field of pain management systems, and more particularly, to biofeedback stimulation devices and the use of photonic and magnetic radiation simulation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are many people with injuries and ailments that are related to energy. Examples include sprained ankles, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and numbness of extremities like neuropathy, stroke, and neurology conditions such as ADD and macular degeneration. These are all ailments that the human body must work to recover from. They are not viruses or infections or other chemically related ailments. They are not instances where surgery has proven effective such as reattaching bones or ligaments or other body parts, or clearing arteries. 
     Energetic medicine addresses these energy related ailments. There has been much research into energetic medicine, and the way the body&#39;s electric and nervous system works dating back to the 1900s. Devices have been developed such as the Rife machine, Beck&#39;s Box, infrared light therapies, and magnetic therapies used in energetic medicine. There are diagnostic tools such as MEAD machines, which measure resistance in the body&#39;s energetic pathways called energy meridians. There are treatment machines in the category of TENS and electronic acupuncture. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention, as disclosed and described herein, on one aspect thereof, comprises a biofeedback stimulation device. The biofeedback stimulation device includes a user interface for providing at least one input signal. A processor generates at least one control signal responsive to the at least one input signal. Circuitry enables an application of both an electrical stimulation signal and a light stimulation signal to a body of an individual, wherein the application of the electric stimulation signal and the light stimulation signal are controlled by the at least one control signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a biofeedback stimulation device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the transformer circuit and associated transformer shunt; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a schematic diagram of the level translator circuitry; 
         FIG. 3   a - 3   b  is a schematic diagram of the microcontroller of the device; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the detector circuit of the device; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating the manner in which the control processor operates within the device to provide control signals; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating the feedback control loop of the biofeedback stimulation device; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the stimulation signal generated by the biofeedback stimulation device, and the various manners in which the packets and pulses may be controlled; and 
         FIGS. 8   a - 8   d  illustrate various output signals of the biofeedback stimulation device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout the various views, embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments of the present invention are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present invention based on the following examples of possible embodiments of the present invention. 
     The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of treating pain, such as from inflammation, numbness, tension, injuries and ailments, using biofeedback stimulation to treat the area. The device includes operating modes and controls such that the treatment can be modified as necessary. The device treats the body&#39;s electrical system through the application of unique treatment protocols that vary based on the body&#39;s own response. The treatment protocols are comprised of combinations of unique waveforms, frequencies and patterns, as well as various wavelengths of light, and magnetic energy. 
     The device may be composed of a printed circuit board containing electronic components, switches and selectors, a microprocessor, a connector jack for attaching external probes, a set of instructions stored in the microprocessor and a pair of electrodes for delivering the electronic signals to the body and sensing the body&#39;s response, a plurality of light sources and one or more light sensors. 
     The device may provide electronic stimulation to the body using selectable treatment protocols, comprised of combinations of unique waveforms, frequencies and patterns, that are varied based on the response received from the body. The device may relieve pain, by the application of biofeedback stimulation, and direct the body&#39;s own resources to promote healing and relief. The device may deliver the biofeedback stimulation in a portable and economical device. 
     The device may provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is safe, inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a block diagram of the biofeedback stimulation device of the present invention. The device includes a circuit board  102  for containing each of the electronic components. The controlling portion of the device consists of a microprocessor  104 . The microprocessor  104  contains a set of stored instructions for controlling the operation of the biofeedback device. The microprocessor  104  in conjunction with other components of the device which will be discussed herein below generate output pulse packets for application to an individual&#39;s body. The microprocessor  104  is interconnected with a number of components on the circuit board  102  from which the microprocessor  104  receives inputs from and provides outputs to. An on/off switch  106  provides the user with the ability to turn the entire biofeedback stimulation device on and off. The on/off switch  106  may comprise a standard push button switch or a conventional two position switch in order to place the device in powered and non-powered states. A connector jack  108  enables external probes to be connected to the biofeedback stimulation device. The device also includes a USB port  110  to enable universal serial bus connections to the microprocessor  104 . Through the USB connection  110 , a USB communications cable may be connected to enable USB communications between the microprocessor  104  and an external device. 
     A pair of electrodes  112  provide a stimulation signal from the output circuitry  114  and provide a connection point between the biofeedback stimulation device and a body of a user. The output electrodes  112  connect the device to a point on a body of a user. The pair of electrodes  112  additionally provide an input for measuring a body&#39;s response to the applied electric signals through the electrodes  112 . The output electrodes  112  may have associated therewith outputs of a light emitting circuit  140 . The output may be on or surrounding the electrodes  112 . A connector  116  enables a battery  118  to be interconnected to the biofeedback stimulation device to power the microcontroller  104  and associated circuitry. The power level selector  120  enables a user to adjust the power level applied to a transformer  122  within the output circuitry  114  by the microprocessor  104  to various levels. The applied power level alters the strength of the stimulation signal output from electrodes  112  to a user&#39;s body, 
     Treatment selector switch  124  selects the particular mode of operation for the biofeedback stimulation device. The selected treatment mode from switch  124  provides an indication to the microprocessor  104  of a particular operating mode. The microprocessor  104  configures the pulse generator circuitry  126  to provide a desired pulse output configures the light emitting circuitry  140  to the desired photonic radiation and configures the magnetic circuitry  144  to emit desired magnetic energy according to the selected mode of operation. A series of display LEDs and/or LCDs  128  provide a visual indication of the power level of the device, the mode of operation or other device status. Additionally, a speaker  130  may be used to provide audible indicators to a user of various operating conditions. Various visual and audible indications are provided by the LEDs and LCDs  128  or the speaker  130 . These instructions include a mode indication, a power level indication, a battery power indication, a sensor connection indication, a body response status, a time status, body measurement readings, USB interface status, instructional information, treatment status, or diagnosis information. The transformer circuit  122  is energized by signals from a pulse generator circuit  126   
     The output circuitry  114  is connected to and controlled by the microprocessor  104  to generate output pulses in a stimulation signal through the electrodes  112 . The output circuitry  114  also receives feedback signals from the electrodes  112  to control the operation of the microprocessor  104 . A transformer  122  generates a signal including packets of one or more pulses responsive to removal of an applied current from the transformer  122  controlled by the microprocessor  104 . The transformer circuit  122  is energized by signals from a pulse generator circuit  126 . The output pulses provided from the transformer may be clamped by damping circuitry  125 . The various characteristics of the pulse generated by the pulse generator  126  are controlled responsive to control inputs from the microprocessor  104 . A detector circuit  132  is responsible for detecting the zero crossing of the pulse signals provided at the electrodes  112 . The time between the zero crossing are used by the microprocessor  104  to determine when the device may be removed from the body. The sensor circuit  134  provides the measurements for the zero crossings. 
     A light sensor  140  detects and measures the reflectance from the body tissues of a patient to which photonic radiation is being provided. The characteristics of the reflectance may be used to provide information to the microprocessor  104  such that the frequency and wavelength of light being emitted by a light emitter  142  may be altered responsive to the detected light reflectance. This feedback loop is designed such that when the frequencies of light and/or wavelengths emitted by the light emitter  142  cause physiological changes within the tissues of a patient, these physiological changes may then be reacted to based upon the changed reflectance of these tissues detected by the light sensor  140 . The light emitting circuitry  142  may be controlled by the microprocessor  104  to emit light waves having various different waveforms, frequencies and wavelengths. The light emitter  142  may be configured to emit the light energy either through or around the electrode  112  in order to provide additional therapeutic effects to the electrical stimulus that is provided by the electrodes. 
     The light emitter  142  may comprise any number of light emitting sources such as an LED, a laser, an electro luminescent fiber, wire or wave guide. An LED may be used to emit a particular range of frequencies wherein the frequencies of the light may have different characteristics on the body tissues of a patient. LEDs may emit light in the range from invisible ultraviolet through infrared and above depending upon the type of LED utilized. A laser may be used to emit a range of frequencies that cover the entire spectrum of frequencies producible by lasers. As described previously, the light emitter  142  may be configured to emit light in the area of the electrodes providing the electro stimulation to a patient&#39;s body or additionally may be administered by a separate electro luminescent fiber, wire, or light guide to any other part of the body. The light emitting circuit  142  may emit the light to the patient in a pattern that may or may not track the electro stimulation pattern provided by the electrodes  112 . 
     The electrodes  112  may additionally be magnetic in nature and made from rare earth magnets or other magnetically permeable combinations. The magnetic electrodes may be magnetized by some type of magnetic circuitry  144  including coils or a straight magnet. In this way, in addition to the electrical stimulation signals and the light stimulation signals applied by the biometric feedback device, the patient may apply magnetic therapies to portions of their body. The magnetically applied signals to the body of the user may be altered by control signals to the magnetic circuitry  144  by the microcontroller  104  in response to feedback signals obtained from electromagnetic signals from the bodies detected through the electrodes or from signals provided by the light sensor  140 . Magnetic sensors  146  may also be utilized to detect changes in the magnetic fields or emissions of the body having magnetic signals applied thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a schematic diagram of the transformer circuitry  122 , the pulse generator circuitry  126  and the damping circuitry  125 . A charging current is applied at input  202  to resistor  204 . The charging current is provided from the level translator circuit  270  ( FIG. 2   a ) under control of the microprocessor  104 . The charging current provides energy to a transformer  206  for generating the stimulation signal. Resistor  204  is also connected to node  208 . An anode of diode  210  is connected to node  208  and the cathode of diode  210  is connected to V Batt . A resistor  212  is connected between V Batt  and node  208 . The base of transistor  214  is connected to node  208  and the emitter-collector path of transistor  214  is connected between node  216  and node  218 . A diode  220  has its anode connected to V Batt  and its cathode connected to node  216 . A diode  222  has its anode connected to node  218  and its cathode connected to a center tap  224  of transformer  206 . One side of transformer  206  is connected to ground, and the opposite side of transformer  206  is connected to node  226 . When a charging current is applied to node  202 , transistor  214  is turned on causing a current to be applied to the center tap  224  of transformer  206  by the pulse generator circuitry  126  and begin energizing the transformer. 
     A resistor  228  is connected between node  226  and node  230 . In the preferred embodiment, the resistor  228  has a value of 150 kilo ohms. A capacitor  232  is in parallel with resistor  228  between nodes  226  and  230 . In a preferred embodiment, the capacitor  232  has a value of 500 picofarads. This capacitor can eliminate the need for the damping device  246  discussed below by limiting the amplitude of pulses generated by the transformer  206 . A resistor  234  is connected between node  230  and ground. Sensor one output  236  is connected to node  226 . Sensor two output  238  is connected to node  230 . An external sensor  240  is connected between node  226  and node  230 . The transformer circuitry  122  is interconnected with the damping circuitry  125  via a capacitor  242 . The capacitor  242  is located between the center tap  224  and node  244  of the damping circuitry  125 . 
     The damping circuitry  125  includes a clamping device  246  located between node  244  and node  226 . The clamping device  246  prevents the pulses generated when the current is released from the transformer  206  from exceeding a particular amplitude. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device  246  comprises a bidirectional rectifying diode. The remaining portion of the pulse generator circuitry  126  consists of a transformer shunt enabling the load applied across the transformer  206  to be adjusted by switching a resistance into and out of the load applied to the transformer  206 . The transformer shunt consists of three relays  250  which switch a resistor load  254  into and out of the circuit. Each relay  250  has four connections. A first connection is connected to a resistor  252  that is also connected to the system voltage. The relays  250  have a second connection to a load resistor  254  connected between the relay and node  226 . Another connection of the relay  250  is connected to control inputs  256  from the microprocessor  104 . A light emitting diode  258  is connected between the connection to resistor  252  and the input connected to the control input  256 . The light emitting diode  258 , when lit actuates a pair of photo sensitive transistors  260  connected between third and fourth inputs of the relay  250 . When a control signal is applied to input  256  of one of the relays  250 , the light emitting diode  258  causes the actuation of the photo sensitive transistor pair  260  which switches the resistor  254  of the transformer shunt across the transformer  206 . As can be seen, there are three relays  250  enabling eight different combinations of the resistors  254  to be switched across the transformer  206  responsive to control signals applied to lines  256   a  through  256   c . Using these various combinations of relays  250 , the microprocessor  104  controls the shape and configuration of the packet of pulses output by the transformer in a number of fashions which will be discussed more fully herein below such that the stimulation signal may be configured in a number of desired modes responsive to user inputs. While only three relays  250  are described with respect to the present embodiment, any number of relays  250  may be used. 
       FIG. 2   a  illustrates the level translator circuit  270  for generating the transformer charging signal on line  202 . The transformer charging signal is generated by the level translator  270  responsive to control inputs  304  and  306  applied to first and second inputs of a NAND gate  274 . The output of the NAND gate  274  is provided to three separate inputs of the level translator  270 . A resistor  276  is connected between the input of NAND gate  274  connected to control input  304  and ground. An audio speaker  272  is connected to receive an audio signal from the level translator circuit  270  on line  278  responsive to a control input  308  from the microcontroller  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   b , there is illustrated the microprocessor  104  for controlling the biofeedback stimulation device described herein. The microprocessor  104  provides three control outputs  256  for controlling the transformer shunt relays  250  described previously. As described herein above, these signals enable the control of the configuration of the pulse packages generated from the transformer  206 . Control outputs  304 ,  306  and  308  provide control signals to the level translator  270  to control the provision of the transformer charging signal on output  202  responsive to control signals  304  and  306  and to control the audio output to speaker  272  via control output  308 . An LED circuit  320  receives a number of control outputs  322  from the microprocessor  104  to provide various visual indicators to the user of the biofeedback stimulation device. 
     Control input  312  receives an input control signal from the detector module  132  as described in  FIG. 4 . The detector module  132  is responsible for determining the number of zero crossings for pulse signals generated within signal packets provided by the transformer  206 . The input  404  of the detector module  132  is connected to node  226  on one side of the transformer  206  through capacitor  296  and resistor  298 . The input  404  is connected to node  406  of the detector  132 . A resistor  408  is connected between node  406  and system power. A second resistor  410  is connected between node  406  and system ground. A capacitor  412  is in parallel with resistor  410  between node  406  and ground. A first input of NAND gate  414  is connected to node  406 . The second input of NAND gate  414  is connected to system power. The output of NAND gate  414  is connected to a first input of NAND gate  416 . The second input of NAND gate  416  is connected to system power. The output of NAND gate  416  is connected to control input  312  from the microprocessor  104 . A resistor  418  is connected between the input of NAND gate  414  connected to node  406  and to the output of NAND gate  416 . Control inputs  314  and  316  are connected to a battery sensor circuit. 
     The processor may use the control signals to control a number of processes within the device. The processor may control the amount of damping applied to each pulse. The processor may also control the stimulation pulse applied by the pulse generator to the transformer and the power or pulse width of the stimulation pulse. The processor may also control the frequency and wavelength of the photonic and magnetic radiation that are applied. Control signals may also be generated responsive to the analysis of patterns in a response signal from the body and altered in real time. The altered control signals may generate a pulse that drives the response from the body to a desired outcome. The analysis may also be communicated to the user or a data collection apparatus along with any derived information. 
     The generation of control signals by the microprocessor  104  is more fully described with respect to the flow diagram illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Initially, at step  502 , the microprocessor  104  determines the selected mode of operation of the biofeedback stimulation device responsive to inputs received from the treatment mode selection switch  124  and the power level selection switch  120 . From the selected mode and power level, the microprocessor  104  determines the appropriate control signals to be applied to the relays  250  of the damping circuitry  125  and to the light emitting circuitry  142  and magnetic circuitry  144  and applies these control signals at step  504 . The microprocessor  104  also determines and applies at step  506  the appropriate control signals  125  to charge the transformer  206  via the level translator  270 . This is accomplished by applying the appropriate control signals at step  506  to the level translator circuit  270 . The control signals are continuously applied to the transformer  206 , to the light emitter  142  and/or magnetic circuitry  144  at step  506  until inquiry step  508  determines a release point has been received responsive to the applied control signals from the microprocessor  104 . 
     Once inquiry step  508  determines to release either of the control signals applied to the transformer  206 , the light emitter  142 , or the magnetic circuitry  144 , the microprocessor modifies the control signals applied to the transformer shunt and to the light emitting circuitry  142  at step  509  to modify the electrical light and magnetic stimulation signals as desired. In some embodiments, the control signals applied may remain constant and the control signals will not be modified at step  509 . The microprocessor  104  next monitors the feedback provided from the electrodes  112  that are providing the electronic stimulation signal to the body of a user and from the light sensor  140  detecting the light reflectance from the body of a user. The specifics of feedback detection will be more fully discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 . Inquiry step  512  determines if the feedback received by the microprocessor has remained constant for a selected period of time. If not, the microprocessor continues to detect the feedback at step  510 . Once inquiry step  512  determines that the feedback is constant for a selected period of time, some type of notification is provided at step  514  to the user of the biofeedback stimulation device. This notification may take the form of an audio indicator such as a beep played through speaker  272  or some type of visual indicator through one of the LEDs or LCD displays  128 . The microprocessor  104  monitors for a shut down indication by the user powering off the device at inquiry step  516 . Inquiry step  516  continues to monitor for some type of shut down signal until it is received. Upon receipt of a shut down signal, the microprocessor turns off the device at step  518 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated the manner in which the microprocessor  104  monitors the feedback from the electrodes  112  which are applying the electronic stimulation signal to an individual&#39;s body and detecting feedback from the body. The feedback determined by the microprocessor  104  comprises a determination of the time between zero crossings of the electronic stimulation signal. The time between the zero crossings of the pulses will alter based upon the resistance provided by the body to which the device has been attached. As the resistance in a person&#39;s body decreases, the time between zero crossings of the pulses of a packet will alter. Once the resistance is steady, the time between zero crossings of the pulses will remain constant and the treatment regimen may be stopped. 
     Once the time between the zero crossings of pulses is determined at step  602 , this time value is stored within a memory associated with the microprocessor  104  at step  604 . Inquiry step  606  determines if a count value is equal to a predetermined value that is used for averaging a number of time values. If not, control passes back to step  602 . Once the appropriate number of time values have been stored and count is equal to the preselected value at inquiry step  606 , the average time between the zero crossings of pulses may be determined at step  608 . This value may be compared with a previously determined value at inquiry step  610  to determine if the determined average time value is constant. If the determined average time value is not constant, count is reset to zero at step  612  and control passes back to step  602 . If it is determined that the stored time value is constant with a previously stored time value, inquiry step  614  determines if the successive number of average time values have been constant for a selected period Y. If not, count is reset to zero and control returns to step  602 . Once the average time values have been constant for a selected period of time as determined at inquiry step  614 , an indicator is generated to the user indicating the device may be shut down at step  616 . In an alternative embodiment, the indicator could cause the device to automatically shut down rather than waiting for a user provided shut down signal. 
     The microprocessor may further make adjustments in the control signals applied to the light emitter circuitry  142  responsive to the signals detected by the light sensor  142 . As described previously, responsive to detections of changes in the reflectance of light from the body tissues, the waveforms and wavelengths applied by the light emitter  142  may be altered to achieve different therapeutic results. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the control values provided to the transformer shunt circuitry to the light emitting circuitry  142  and to the magnetic circuitry  144  may be used to configure packets  702  of pulses  704  which are transmitted in an electronic, light or magnetic stimulation signal  706 . Using the control signals, the packets  702  of pulses  704  are controlled in a number of manners. In one embodiment, a time t 1  between a first packet  702   a  and a second packet  702   b  may be controlled using the control signals applied to the level translator circuit 270 m light emitter  142  and magnetic circuitry  144 . The time t 1  may be varied between adjacent packets or held constant. The microprocessor  104  may also control the number of pulses  710  located within a particular packet  702 . The number of pulses  710  may be randomly varied between packets, gradually increased/decreased between packets or maintained constant. The size of the packet  702  may be extended or reduced by altering the number of pulses  704  within a packet  702  through use of the applied control signals to the pulse generation circuitry  126 , light emitter  142 . and magnetic circuitry  144 . The pulses may be varied from any number from 1-n. Within the stimulation signal the size of packets  702  may be varied or constant. 
     The microprocessor  104  may also control the time t 2  between adjacent pulses  704  of a packet  702 . This would be an alternative way for increasing or decreasing the size of a particular packet  702  by altering the time t 2  between pulses  204  rather than changing the number of pulses per packet  710  as described previously. The time t 2  may also be varied in any number of desired fashions. The time t 2  between pulses may also be controlled using the control signals to the pulse generation circuitry  126 . Additionally, the pulses  704  may be damped such that the amplitude  714  may be increased or decreased to change the magnitude of the pulses  704  provided within the electronic stimulation signal  706 . The amplitude  714  is also controlled through the damping circuitry  125  and may be done with a combination of the relays  250  in the damping circuitry  125 , the light emitter  142  and the magnetic circuitry  144 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8   a  through  8   d , there are illustrated a number of pulse waveforms that illustrate the variety of outputs that may be achieved from the biofeedback stimulation device described herein above. While the creation of electronic pulses are described, similar light and magnetic wavelengths may be created.  FIG. 8   a  illustrates a first pulse wherein the charging signal has been applied for a medium amount of time and released from application to the transformer at point  802 . The output of the transformer begins the fly back oscillation mode creating the oscillations in the positive and negative directions with a steadily decreasing magnitude for the oscillation. The time period that the charging signal is applied between  804  and  802  controls the amplitude of the modulations of the output. By varying the release point  802 , the amplitude of the output pulse may be increased or decreased. A situation wherein the amplitude of the output pulse is decreased is illustrated in  FIG. 8   b . In this figure, the charging time is held between points  804  and point  805 . Due to the shorter magnitude of the application of the charging signal, the amplitude of the oscillation of the output signal between  806  and  808  is decreased. Referring now to  FIG. 8   c , there is illustrated a situation wherein the charging signal is applied between points  804  and  810  for a longer period of time, causing the amplitude of the output pulse to increase. 
     In addition to controlling the amplitude of the output by controlling the release point of the charging signal to the transformer, the damping circuit may be used to control the output pulse in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 8   d . In this case, the charging signal is applied between points  804  and  812 . In this case, the output signal generates a single oscillation  814  in the negative direction that then approaches zero rather than oscillating in the positive direction. This may be achieved by applying the appropriate load across the output of the transformer using the damping circuitry  125 . 
     Therefore, using the above-described device, a user may strategically apply an electronic light and magnetic stimulation signal to specific parts of their body and by the use of mode selection buttons, may control the configuration of the packets of pulses applied to their body. The pulses may be adjusted in any of the fashions discussed herein above. 
     Utilizing the above described circuitry, varying combinations of electrical stimulation, light stimulation and magnetic stimulation may be applied to a patient&#39;s body to achieve therapeutic effects associated with the application of these various energies to the body. The application of the various energies may be done in any combination wherein only one or a combination of the energies can be applied to the body at any particular time to achieve differing therapeutic effects. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this invention provides a biofeedback stimulation device. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, the invention includes any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.