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Abstract

Behavior

Moxibustion Strategies for Mice

Published: January 7th, 2022

DOI:

10.3791/63119

1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 2Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, 3Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4Department of Pharmacy Service, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 5Department of Acupuncture, Southwest Medical University Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, 6Department of Acupuncture, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital

* These authors contributed equally

Abstract

The field of moxibustion research is expanding, with a rapid increase in publications in recent years. Moxibustion is a therapy that ignites moxa on the skin of humans, with an increase in peripheral skin temperature and localized redness. During this treatment, the recipient must remain still to prevent scalding and expose intervention sites for easy manipulation; however, maintaining a fixed posture during moxibustion is a big challenge for animals. Thus, manipulating moxibustion in small animals, such as mice, can lead to several difficulties for researchers. In addition, an uncomfortable posture for animals can lead to fear and resistance to moxibustion, increased risk of injury, diminished animal welfare, and less valid research data. An efficient, comfortable moxibustion method is needed to protect animal welfare and minimize the adverse effects on experimental results. However, moxibustion methods are highly variable and often have limited efficacy. More importantly, an uncomfortable moxibustion posture might cause a stress response, such as those observed with anxiety, fear, and anger, which could influence the research data. Therefore, strategies for animal moxibustion that inflict the least harm possible during the intervention are required. This protocol introduces a mouse tethering method for moxibustion intervention, minimizing mouse discomfort and improving study efficiency. Essential strategies for tethering mice and application of moxibustion are highlighted, and the structure of the tethering instrument is described.

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Keywords Moxibustion

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