Fire needle therapy refers to a traditional acupuncture method that involves using specific needles that are heated until red hot, then quickly inserted into acupuncture points or areas of skin lesions, followed by a rapid withdrawal. This method is a crystallization of the wisdom of the Chinese people in combining fire and needles to treat diseases. It incorporates the characteristics of both needles and fire, having the effect of stimulating qi (vital energy) with the needle while also utilizing mechanisms such as warming the meridians, dispelling evil, and using heat to draw out heat. It has special therapeutic effects on various stubborn and chronic diseases, making it a unique acupuncture therapy that is “simple, convenient, effective, and economical.”
As a unique acupuncture treatment method, fire needle therapy has a history of over two thousand years. Fire needles are classified as one of the “nine needles” in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) and are referred to as “burning needles” in the Shanghan Zabing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases). Through continuous improvement and development by generations of physicians, a complete theoretical system has been established.
Fire needle therapy has a wide range of indications, with its advantages particularly noted in the following conditions:
1. Chronic Strain Pain
This includes pain resulting from long-term overuse or repeated micro-injuries, such as cervical spondylosis, rotator cuff injuries, lumbar muscle strain, degenerative changes in the knee joint, and ganglion cysts. The use of fire needles to penetrate the painful area (Ah Shi point) combined with corresponding meridian points has a very strong effect in promoting circulation and alleviating pain.
2. Gouty Arthritis
This condition is primarily characterized by swelling, heat, redness, and pain in the joints. Fire needle therapy can dispel wind and dampness, using heat to draw out heat, rapidly alleviating pain and swelling. It is important to combine treatment with a reasonable diet and avoid alcohol to prevent recurrence.
3. Spastic Hemiplegia After Stroke
During the recovery period after a stroke, increased muscle tone and stiffness occur in the limbs, which is described in TCM as “yang is slow and yin is rapid.” Fire needle therapy can help balance the local yin and yang, reduce muscle tone, and alleviate limb stiffness.
4. Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia
Herpes zoster falls under the category of “snake string sore” in TCM, often caused by insufficient righteous qi and the internal accumulation of damp-heat toxins. Fire needle therapy can “release the fire” to allow the evil to exit, while also promoting local qi and blood circulation and supporting righteous qi, thus facilitating the healing of the herpes and alleviating pain.
5. Other Skin Disorders
Fire needle therapy is primarily used to treat skin diseases such as acne, flat warts, pustular dermatitis, boils, chronic eczema, and neurodermatitis. It can promote blood circulation, clear heat and detoxify, and relieve itching. Fire needle therapy not only reduces inflammation but also improves skin metabolism and enhances the skin’s anti-inflammatory capacity, preventing the recurrence of skin diseases.
Contraindications and Precautions for Fire Needle Therapy
1. Patients who are overly tense, hungry, fatigued, or intoxicated should avoid fire needle therapy to prevent adverse symptoms such as fainting, which could cause unnecessary suffering. Treatment should only be resumed once discomfort has alleviated.
2. Fire needles should not be used on certain areas of the body, such as major blood vessels, internal organs, and key organs. Caution is advised for diabetic patients.
3. During fire needle therapy, patients should avoid consuming cold foods.
4. Bathing is prohibited within 24 hours after fire needle therapy to prevent infection at the needle sites.
Expert Introduction
Name: Bao Yimei
Department: Acupuncture Department II
Title: Chief Physician
Specialty: Specializes in cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, shoulder periarthritis, obesity, menstrual disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, post-stroke hemiplegia, facial paralysis, herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia, tinnitus, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, etc. Proficient in acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis, stroke, and atrophy, as well as acupuncture for weight loss, treatment of menopausal syndrome, insomnia, and depression. Also skilled in using fire needles for musculoskeletal disorders and five-element acupuncture for psychosomatic diseases.
Consultation Hours: Every Monday morning, Wednesday morning
Consultation Location: Room 301, Acupuncture Clinic, 3rd Floor, Inheritance Building, Autonomous Region Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.
Consultation Hours: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday morning
Consultation Location: Room 707, 7th Floor, Cangfanggou Building, Autonomous Region Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.
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Source: Acupuncture Department, He Huan, Luo Qiong
Editor: Ma Ying, Ma Qian
Reviewer: Sun Qiang
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