A non-invasive method and device for promoting a localized change in a
flow of blood through a limb segment by a series of electrically
stimulated contractions of muscle tissue, the method including: (a)
providing a device including: (i) at least a first electrode, a second
electrode, and a third electrode, each of the electrodes for operatively
contacting the limb segment of the body; (ii) a signal generator,
operatively connected to each electrode, for producing a series of
electrical impulses to the limb segment via the electrodes, and (iii) a
control unit, associated with the signal generator, for controlling the
signal generator so as to produce the series of electrical stimulation
impulses; (b) positioning the plurality of electrodes on the limb
segment; (c) applying electrical impulses to induce a substantially
radial contraction of a first portion of the muscular tissue in the limb
segment; (d) applying electrical impulses to induce a substantially
longitudinal contraction of a second portion of the muscular tissue in
the limb segment, such that the muscular tissue acts upon the blood
vessel to produce the localized change in the flow of blood.