Golf gloves having one or more raised element(s) on an interior surface thereof are disclosed. The raised element(s) are located such that they cause pressure to be applied to acupuncture points when the glove is in use.

[0002] It is known to imprint apparel with markings of meridian pathways and acupuncture points. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,236 to Ward ("Ward") discloses apparel that has markings of at least portions of meridian pathways and acupuncture or acupressure regions that generally correspond to where they are on the human body when the apparel is worn. The apparel disclosed in Ward is said to facilitate instructing, practicing or performing a skill or exercise that relies upon knowing where the meridian pathways and acupuncture or acupressure regions are on the body without the need to refer to pictorial diagrams of the human body that have the pathways and/or points identified. The skills and exercises identified in Ward include acupressure massage, shiatsu massage, martial arts, dance, and acupuncture medicine. The apparel disclosed in Ward may be a body suit, head coverings, hand coverings and/or foot coverings, and hand coverings may be gloves or mittens, preferably fingerless or half-fingered or wrist warmers.

[0003] There remains a need for apparel having raised areas such that pressure is applied to acupuncture points when the apparel is in use. The present invention provides such apparel and the use thereof as a golf glove. Golf gloves of the present invention may provide one or more of the following benefits: stress relief, improved concentration, relaxation assistance, and increased endurance.
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[0011] Meridians are the pathways of chi (i.e., "life energy") and blood flow through the body. It is believed that massaging or applying pressure to particular points along the pathways (i.e., acupuncture points) stimulates the flow of energy, blood, nutrients, and nerve impulses to corresponding organs/body systems. This stimulation is believed to clear energy blockage and congestion along the nerve and meridian pathways, thereby reducing accumulated stress and encouraging pain release. Therapies in which acupuncture points are manipulated (e.g., acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, reflexology) are based on these concepts.

[0012] By the present invention, it has been found that curative properties can be engaged during golf play by utilizing gloves marked with meridian pathways and/or acupuncture points. In one embodiment, the glove contains raised elements such that pressure is applied to acupuncture points, thereby engaging curative properties, when the golfer grips a golf club. In another embodiment, the glove contains one or more markings of acupuncture points illustrating where the golfer is to apply pressure to engage the curative properties. Thus, the markings on the glove correspond to where they are on the human body when the glove is worn. The location of meridian pathways and acupuncture points on the human body are well known.

[0013] Using gloves of the present invention preferably reduces stress, improves concentration, promotes relaxation, and/or increases endurance.