The Role, Indications, and Precautions of Fire Needle Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fire Needle TherapyFire Needle Therapy involves the application of a heated needle to acupuncture points or specific areas of the body, utilizing the heat to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood, thereby treating various ailments. Historically, fire needles were known as “burning needles,” “white needles,” or “burning acupuncture.” The mào huǒ zhēn (毫火针) is a developed form of fire needle therapy, where a standard acupuncture needle is heated until red hot, quickly inserted into the body at specific points, and then immediately withdrawn.Effects of Fire Needle TherapyFire Needle Therapy increases Yang Qi in the body, stimulates the flow of Qi, and regulates the functions of the internal organs, ensuring smooth meridian flow and circulation of Qi and blood. It possesses dual effects of acupuncture and moxibustion.1. Expels cold and dampness; 2. Uses heat to draw out heat, clearing heat and detoxifying; 3. Benefits the kidneys and strengthens Yang, lifting sinking Yang; 4. Reduces swelling and disperses nodules; promotes tissue regeneration and expels pus; 6. Expels wind and alleviates itching; 7. Relieves pain and numbness; 8. Strengthens the spleen, promotes dampness elimination, and warms Yang to stop diarrhea; 9. Smooths Qi flow and calms the lungs to relieve asthma.Clinically, it is commonly used for joint pain, lower back and leg pain, ganglion cysts, pressure sores, leg ulcers, stubborn skin conditions, eczema, herpes zoster, and paronychia.Precautions for Fire Needle TherapyPrecautions1) Safety must be ensured during the procedure to prevent burns or fire accidents.2) Acupuncture should avoid arteries and nerve trunks to prevent damage to internal organs and vital structures.3) Caution is advised for pregnant women, postpartum women, and infants.4) Caution is also advised for patients with diabetes, those with scar tissue or allergic tendencies.5) Patients who are overly tense, hungry, or fatigued should avoid this treatment.6) After the procedure, practitioners should inform patients about the care of the acupuncture site, including:a) Mild redness, burning sensation, slight pain, or itching at the needle site is normal and requires no treatment;b) Maintain cleanliness at the needle site, avoid scratching, and do not apply oily or greasy substances;c) Avoid getting the needle site wet on the same day.Contraindications1) Areas with unexplained lumps.2) Patients with significant blood loss or coagulation disorders.