A new-type digital electric plum-blossom needle instrument of controllable and adjustable parameters was developed to achieve an automatic tapping instead of manual tapping technique and integrate the function of plum-blossom needle with that of micropulse electrical phase. The alternating current of periodic variation changes the direction of magnetic field around, induces the vibration of the cone head and tapping movement, outputs the micropulse current and acts on the affected area in treatment. The new-type digital electric plum-blossom needle instrument achieves the automatic tapping movement, precisely adjusts the stimulating strength and frequency according to diseases and integrates the tapping stimulation with pulse current to form circulation loop on the skin and intensify the therapeutic effects. This instrument is the big innovation of traditional plum-blossom needle. It is not only applicable for clinical treatment or family healthcare, but also for scientific research with the adoptable digital therapeutic parameters, which benefits the application and development of plum-blossom needle therapy.
Keywords: digital TCM; instrument development; patent; plum-blossom needle.