[Design and development of new sham-acupuncture device]

The simple and effective controlled needle devices were provided for acupuncture clinical trial so that the double blind acupuncture trial could be conducted possibly. The basic structure of filiform needle was modified. The needle handle was designed as hollow, the upper 1/3 of needle body as hollow and the lower 2/3 part as solid. The upper and lower parts were linked with an elastic unit. At the same time, the needle pad was attached. With this method, the new sham-acupuncture device was designed and developed. The new sham-acupuncture device could simulate needle insertion, manipulation and the techniques of reinforcing and reducing, without inserting into the human body. This innovation lays the foundation for perfecting the clinical randomized controlled blind trial of acupuncture.