Fire needle therapy, also known as “chuan ci” or “ran zhen” (one of the nine needle techniques), refers to the method of heating a specially designed needle until it is red hot and then quickly inserting it into specific areas or acupuncture points on the body. This technique utilizes the heat to warm and unblock the meridians, invigorate the qi, and treat diseases. It is characterized by its simplicity, minimal side effects, significant efficacy, and wide range of applications. It is suitable for various clinical departments and has a broad range of effects.
【Effects of Fire Needle Therapy】
1. Warming yang, transforming qi, unblocking meridians, and expelling pathogens.
2. Clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and draining pus, promoting tissue regeneration, and resolving masses.
3. Expelling cold and dampness, warming and unblocking the meridians.
Research in Western medicine suggests that fire needle therapy can improve local blood circulation, promote metabolism, and enhance self-repair; it can help reduce inflammation and provide analgesic effects.
【Indications】
The indications for fire needle therapy are quite extensive.
Internal Medicine: Wind-cold cough, wind-cold headache, pain in the brow ridge, gastric ptosis, epigastric pain, allergic asthma, facial paralysis, facial muscle spasms, diarrhea with edema, nocturnal enuresis in children, rib-side distension and pain, enteritis, etc.;
External Medicine: Bone and joint diseases, cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, shoulder periarthritis, osteoarthritis of the knee, mastitis, ganglion cysts, tenosynovitis, fibromas, vasculitis, etc.;
Gynecology:
Acute and chronic adnexitis, uterine fibroids, dysmenorrhea, vulvar leukoplakia, etc.;
Dermatology: Neurodermatitis, herpes zoster, eczema, acne, psoriasis, urticaria, vitiligo, moles, warts, etc.;
Otorhinolaryngology: Conditions such as eyelid inflammation, nasal polyps, and throat pain can also be treated with fire needle therapy.
【Precautions】
1. During the procedure, avoid major blood vessels, internal organs, and important structures.
2. Prevent burns or fire accidents.
3. Patients with weak constitutions should lie down during treatment.
4. Caution is advised when applying fire needles to the face. Ancient practitioners believed that fire needles should not be used on the face due to the potential for scarring. However, if fine needles are used, they can treat conditions without leaving scars, making the prohibition not absolute.
5. Patients should be informed of the following:
① It is normal for the needle holes to become red, itchy, or form raised red spots after treatment.
② Do not scratch the itchy needle holes.
③ Avoid bathing on the same day to protect the needle holes.
④ Wear loose clothing to avoid friction on the treated area.
【Contraindications】
1. Patients who are overly anxious, hungry, fatigued, or intoxicated.
2. Pregnant women and the elderly or frail should not use this therapy.
3. Patients with bleeding disorders.
4. Patients with hypertension, heart disease, or malignant tumors should avoid this therapy.
Quxing People’s Hospital, Malong District, Qujing City
Contributed by: Zhang Liling Reviewed by: Wang Wenbing Edited by: Zhang Weifeng
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