GutEase

What it does

GutEase is a smart, wearable belt or patch that uses targeted heat, vibration, and TENS therapy to relieve cramps, reduce bloating and abdominal pain, support athletic recovery, and stimulate gut motility - without pills, meds, or artificial substances.

Your inspiration

Every week, someone in my friend group would be curled up like a croissant, clutching their stomach as if it were a stress ball. Whether it was period cramps, post-meal bloating, or gut pain after practice, we all experienced it. As an athlete, I felt it after intense training sessions. Be it the first day of the cycle or just a heavy lunch, the struggle was undeniable. We deserve more than just pills and ginger tea. This is where GutEase steps in — to soothe the turmoil, aid digestion, and finally give our guts a much-needed break. BECAUSE, YOU DESERVE A BETTER GUT.

How it works

GutEase offers three custom modes—After Meal, Bloat Relief, and Cramp Care. Inside the belt are embedded components that deliver targeted vibration, low-level heat, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). These work together to relax abdominal muscles, stimulate natural gut movement, and block pain signals—without needing pills or supplements. Our latest addition, Cola Rizz, replicates the soothing, bubbly sensation of a carbonated drink—through smart vibration and heat cycles. The device runs on a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery and is controlled via tactile buttons, with optional Bluetooth pairing for app-based customisation, It’s made from soft, skin-safe, breathable fabric for daily comfort. A thin, flexible patch version is also being brainstormed for on the go relief. Future versions may include biofeedback sensors to track bloating, gut activity, or menstrual cycle data in real time.

Design process

GutEase started with a straightforward question: why do so many people suffer from gut pain without a wearable solution? My initial research showed that up to 50% of girls skip school or work because of period pain. Nearly 50% of IBS cases go undiagnosed, and about 70% of athletes report gut-related problems. GutEase is designed for all of them. I used informal surveys, conversations, and research to find out what users need. Then I matched symptoms to relief methods like heat, vibration, and TENS. I created custom-use modes: After Meal, Cramp Care, and Bloat Relief. I talked with product engineers and started sketching the belt’s structure and internal layout. I also planned a portable patch for discreet, on-the-go use. Although I haven’t made a prototype yet, I have developed detailed 3D models, labeled diagrams, and a component roadmap. The next phase involves hardware prototyping, user testing, and ongoing design improvements. I will start pitching GutEase at innovation and health-tech competitions soon after I join UNC–Chapel Hill this fall, using campus resources like BeAM and Innovate Carolina.

How it is different

GutEase isn’t just another device for period cramps or digestion help; it’s a single solution for a range of stomach issues, grounded in smart design and science. Most products on the market concentrate on cramps, digestion, or recovery. GutEase is the first to mix heat, vibration, and TENS in one customisable wearable, meant for everyone from teenage girls to athletes. It features mode presets for common stomach problems: Cramp Care, Bloat Relief, and After Meal. Unlike bulky devices or those that depend on medication, it provides natural, drug-free relief through physical stimulation. Its sleek belt format allows extended use at home, while the upcoming patch design offers relief on the go—something most competitors overlook. GutEase is more inclusive, portable, tech-integrated, and versatile than anything available today. Our latest addition, Cola Rizz, replicates the soothing, bubbly sensation of a carbonated drink—through smart vibration and heat cycles.

Future plans

I plan to build the first working prototype using flexible, skin-safe materials that include heating, vibration, and TENS components. Once it's functional, I’ll test it to gather feedback on comfort, intensity, and effectiveness. After I join UNC in Fall 2025, I will pitch GutEase at Innovate Carolina, the Carolina Challenge Pitch, and BeAM’s MakerSpace programs. I also intend to work with design mentors, medical advisors, and hardware engineers on campus. Based on the testing, I’ll improve the design, explore mobile app integration, file for intellectual property protection, and start discussions with wellness, fitness, and femtech brands.

Awards