An auxiliary device for double-blind placebo acupuncture research / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

This device is an auxiliary device with reasonable design for placebo acupuncture research, so as to make double-blind placebo acupuncture control possible. This new auxiliary acupuncture device includes an acupuncture device and a placebo acupuncture device with exactly the same appearance. Both of them are composed of a hemispherical base and a telescopic tube. Through the rotation of the telescopic tube in the notch of the base, the insertion angle of needles can be adjusted from 15 degrees to 165 degrees. The operation of twisting and lifting and inserting can be carried out through the horizontal rotation and vertical sliding of the telescopic tube. A silicone needle pad is arranged in the base, which can simulate the blocking feeling of skin and muscle during needle insertion. The bottom of the base is attached with hydrogel, which has good fixity. The auxiliary device is applicable to multiple parts of the human body and can effectively reduce the risk of unblinding.