Fire needle therapy involves the rapid insertion of a heated needle into the skin, a traditional external treatment method in Chinese medicine. It primarily relies on thermal stimulation and the mechanical stimulation at the moment of needle insertion to exert therapeutic effects. Clinically, it can be applied to various skin diseases, such as common acne, flat warts, vitiligo, chronic eczema, neurodermatitis, nodular prurigo, and herpes zoster.
1.Fire Needle Treatment for Acne:Fire needle treatment for acne is a common method in traditional Chinese medicine. It utilizes acupuncture needles heated over alcohol for disinfection, which are then quickly inserted into the skin to expel the pus from the acne, thereby promoting skin recovery. Below are before and after treatment images:
2.Fire Needle Treatment for Herpes Zoster:Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the neural pain in patients with “she chuan chuang” (herpes zoster) is primarily due to the stagnation of fire, toxins, and heat in the skin meridians, leading to pain from obstruction. Therefore, fire needle therapy, which has the effect of “warming the meridians and promoting circulation, resolving stasis and alleviating pain,” is widely used for treating postherpetic neuralgia. Below are before and after treatment images:
3.Fire Needle Treatment for Vitiligo:The mechanism of fire needle treatment for vitiligo is based on the thermal effects produced by the fire needle. Research indicates that thermal effects are beneficial for the generation of melanin. When the fire needle punctures the white patches, it can create tiny channels in the skin that facilitate the absorption of medications, thus enhancing the therapeutic effect and aiding in the recovery from vitiligo. Below are before and after treatment images:
Precautions for Fire Needle Treatment:
1. Keep Warm: After fire needle treatment, it is important to dress promptly to avoid exposure of the treated area to cold or wind. Additionally, avoid air conditioning and fans to prevent cold air from entering the body through dilated capillaries post-treatment;
2. Avoid Scratching: After fire needle treatment, the area may experience itching, swelling, or pain. It is important to refrain from scratching, as this can lead to skin breakdown. Iodine can be applied locally for disinfection;
3. Prevent Infection: After fire needle treatment, avoid bathing, especially soaking in water, until the needle puncture has healed. Additionally, prevent sweat or dirty water from contacting the treated area to avoid skin infections.
Consultation Phone: 0476-5689636
Contributed by: Dermatology Department, Na Ren
Images: Na Ren
Editor: Liu Bin
Reviewed by: Li Min, Li Hongbin
Final Review: Wang Wei