A non-invasive method and apparatus are provided for treating orthostatic
hypotension and for reducing the effects caused there from. An increase
in blood and fluid flow in the lower extremities is achieved by vibrating
the lower body of the individual at a frequency in the range of 10-120
Hz. The apparatus includes a strap for being secured to a body part of
the individual's lower extremities, e.g., the sole of one's foot, and a
displacement sensor which senses any movement of the body part. The
displacement sensor continuously sends signals to a processor of the
apparatus which indicate whether there was any movement of the body part.
If the displacement sensor did not sense any substantial movement of the
body part for a predetermined period of time the processor sends a signal
to a vibrating mechanism. The signal activates the vibrating mechanism
causing vibration of the body part for increasing blood and fluid flow in
the lower extremities. The vibrating mechanism causes vibration for a
predetermined period of time.