| abstract |
A device for assisting addiction treatment comprises an earphone (26) adapted to be placed in the external auditory canal of a user's auricle, the earphone having an electrode (58) adapted to contact the surface of the auricle, and a buzzer operable to make sounds of ultra-low frequency, and a clip (28) adapted to be attached to the rim of the auricle, the clip having an electrode (70) adapted to contact the rim. Electrical circuitry in a case (12) includes a sound generating circuit adapted to deliver low voltage signals of low frequency to operate the buzzer, and an acupuncture point stimulating circuit adapted to deliver a high voltage stimulus of low current to the electrodes (58) and (70). In operation, good contact of the electrodes with the ear is first confirmed and then the sound is generated followed by the acupuncture point stimulation. Between the electrodes (58) and (70) lie at least three acupuncture points (98a, 98b, 98c). |