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A New Fixation Method for Acupuncture Treatment in Rats
Rongming Qi1, Zhengtang Liu2, Yuanjie Gao3
1Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|June 30, 2025
Summary
A novel, anesthesia-free restraint method keeps rats stable during acupuncture experiments. This simple device ensures animal welfare and experimental consistency, proving effective and safe in trials.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Research Methodology
- Acupuncture Research
Background:
- Controlling animal subjects during acupuncture experiments is challenging.
- Existing restraint methods may not accurately mimic human treatment conditions.
- A need exists for a reliable and safe method to immobilize rats for acupuncture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a new, simple restraint device for prone, quiet, and awake rats during acupuncture.
- To ensure the method is safe and does not impede the acupuncture treatment process.
Main Methods:
- A restraint system was designed using a porous plastic platform, cotton cloth, and straps.
- Rats were positioned prone, with head/forelimbs and waist/hind limbs secured by straps.
- The procedure was performed on 60 rats without anesthesia to assess efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- All 60 rats completed acupuncture treatment using the new restraint method.
- No adverse effects or complications were observed in any of the animals.
- 14 rats showed brief struggling, but this did not lead to negative outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The developed restraint method is effective for immobilizing rats during acupuncture.
- The technique is safe, simple to operate, and suitable for animal research.
- This method enhances experimental consistency by maintaining a stable treatment state.
