The Amazing Fire NeedleApplicable Conditions
The fire needle therapy refers to a traditional acupuncture method that involves using specific needles that are heated and then quickly inserted into acupoints 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 integrates the characteristics of both needles and fire, having the effect of stimulating qi through the needle while also utilizing mechanisms such as warming the meridians, dispelling evil, and using heat to draw out heat, making it particularly effective for various stubborn and chronic ailments. It is 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 “big 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 formed.
Fire needle therapy has a wide range of indications, with its advantages particularly noted in the following conditions:
Chronic Strain Pain
Including local long-term overuse or accumulation of multiple micro-injuries, such as cervical spondylosis, rotator cuff injuries, lumbar muscle strain, degenerative changes in the knee joint, and ganglion cysts. The fire needle is inserted into the painful area (Ah Shi point) and combined with corresponding meridian acupoints, providing a strong effect in promoting circulation and alleviating pain.
Gouty Arthritis
Mainly characterized by swelling, heat, redness, and pain in the joints. Fire needles can dispel wind and dry dampness, using heat to draw out heat, quickly alleviating pain and swelling. During treatment, a reasonable diet and avoidance of alcohol are recommended to prevent recurrence.
Spastic Hemiplegia After Stroke
During the recovery period after a stroke, increased muscle tone and stiffness occur in the limbs, which is referred to in TCM as “yang is slow and yin is urgent.” Fire needle treatment can balance the local yin and yang, reduce muscle tone, and relieve limb stiffness.
Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia
Herpes zoster falls under the category of snake string sores in TCM, often caused by insufficient righteous qi in the body and the internal accumulation of damp-heat toxins. Fire needles can “release the fire and vent it out,” providing an exit for the evil, while also promoting local qi and blood circulation and supporting righteous qi, thus facilitating the healing of the herpes and alleviating pain.
Other Skin Disorders
Fire needles are primarily used to treat skin diseases such as acne, flat warts, pustular dermatitis, boils, chronic eczema, and neurodermatitis. They can promote blood circulation, clear heat and detoxify, and relieve itching. Fire needles not only reduce inflammation but also improve skin metabolism and enhance the skin’s anti-inflammatory capacity, preventing the recurrence of skin diseases.
Contraindications and Precautions for Fire Needles
1. Patients who are overly tense, hungry, fatigued, or intoxicated should avoid fire needle therapy to prevent adverse reactions such as fainting, which could cause unnecessary suffering. Treatment should only be resumed once discomfort has alleviated.
2. Certain areas of the body, such as major blood vessels, internal organs, and vital organs, should not be treated with fire needles. Caution is advised for diabetic patients.
3. During fire needle treatment, avoid consuming cold foods.
4. Bathing is prohibited within 24 hours after fire needle treatment to prevent infection at the needle site.
Contact Us
Fan Yan, Director of the Geriatric Rehabilitation Department, National Level II Psychological Counselor. Inheritor of the Shanxi Province Intangible Cultural Heritage “Nine Needle Therapy,” recipient of the Excellent Award in the “First National College Student Acupuncture and Tuina Competition,” council member of the Jin Cheng Shuhe Research Association, and council member of the Jin Cheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Alliance.
Treatment Scope: Specializes in using nine needles, small needle knives, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and fascial theory to treat pain-related diseases such as neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, as well as diseases like rhinitis and tinnitus. Particularly effective in using psychology in conjunction with TCM acupuncture to treat conditions such as breast hyperplasia and insomnia.
Location: Jin Cheng City Rehabilitation Hospital, Geriatric Department (Entrance at the south gate of Xiushui Garden, behind the city center blood station)
Contact: 0356-2698663
18635660839 Director Fan
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Submitted by: Geriatric Department Fan YanReviewed by: Geriatric Department Fan YanEdited by: Online Promotion Department Wang JundongChief Editor: Online Promotion Department Zhang Xin
