PRES-SENSE
Wearable acupressure therapy
In Spring 2023, I took a class at MIT called “Computing Fabrics”, an MIT x RISD Collaborative Study Project. Collaborating with Victor Baltin (Studying Biomedical Engineering at MIT), this project is a speculative proposal for an adaptive, adjustable, and portable mode of acupressure therapy.
Regions addressed are Pressure point P6 - Inner Gate point; Position - 3 inches below the inner wrist. It is believed to improve digestion and relieve any nausea or stomach pain. Pressure point TH5 - Outer gate point; Position - 3 inches below the outer wrist. It is believed to improve immunity.
Reflexologists believe applying pressure to this part of the hand could give you a rush of energy. The potential use is a travel belt for motion sickness/morning sickness for pregnant women.
The travel band provides a visual indication using colour marking to help the wearer measure the position of the spot. LED activation that allows the device to detect touch and calibrates the time to hold the pressure point. Deliberate pressure is applied using Velcro closures, also creating adjustable positions for the interchangeability of pressure points.
Circuitry and coding allow for the LED to light up upon pressure after 45 seconds, dictating to the wearer that the pressure point has been enabled and the treatment is complete.