Fire needle, also known as “burning needle” (燔针, fán zhēn) or “quenched needle” (焠针, cuàn zhēn), is first mentioned in the “Huangdi Neijing” (黄帝内经). The “Lingshu: Guanzhen” (灵枢•官针) states: “In acupuncture, there are nine types… the ninth is the quenched needle, which is used to treat obstruction with the burning needle.” The fire needle combines acupuncture and moxibustion; acupuncture harmonizes Yin and Yang, unblocks meridians, and regulates organ functions, while moxibustion warms and opens the meridians. The combination allows for smooth blood flow and expulsion of pathogenic factors. The “Zhenjiu Juying” (针灸聚英) notes: “If wind, cold, and dampness are trapped in the meridians, fire needles should be used to expel the pathogens, as the needle utilizes the heat of fire, thus being more effective than regular acupuncture.” “Fire needles are coarse and painful, while fine needles are weak; fire needles carry strong heat, while fine needles cause minimal pain.” The fine fire needle (毫火针, háo huǒ zhēn) takes the strengths of both traditional fire needles and fine needles while avoiding their weaknesses, resulting in minimal pain during acupuncture without reducing efficacy.
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Functions of Fine Fire Needles
1. Warming Yang and dispelling cold, transforming Qi and promoting diuresis
2. Unblocking meridians and activating collaterals, dispelling stasis and alleviating pain
3. Clearing heat and detoxifying, using heat to expel heat, and releasing fire stagnation
4. Nourishing Qi and blood, uplifting Yang and raising the spirit
5. Dissolving masses and promoting tissue regeneration
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Conditions Suitable for Fine Fire Needle Treatment
① Skin diseases: Modern studies show that fine fire needle therapy stimulates pain-sensitive structures, adjusts fluid immunity, enhances anti-allergic capacity, promotes inflammation resolution, wound healing, nerve regeneration and repair, alleviates pain, accelerates blood flow, promotes tissue repair, and improves skin lesions.
② Various pains: The “Suwen: Regulation of Menstruation” (素问·调经论篇) states: “If the disease is in the tendons, adjust the tendons; if in the bones, adjust the bones; the burning needle should be used to treat the lower part and urgent cases.” This discusses the advantages of fine fire needles for tendon injuries and bone pain.
③ Oral ulcers and herpes simplex: Fine fire needles can stimulate the body’s Yang Qi through their hot nature; when the righteous Qi is strong, it can expel pathogens. They can also warm and open the meridians, promote Qi and blood circulation, allowing for the dispersal of stagnant Qi and blood around the ulcer, leading to the removal of stasis and the generation of new blood, thus promoting natural healing of the ulcer.
④ Other diseases, such as cough, asthma, dizziness, diarrhea, limb numbness, spasms, uterine prolapse, and lipomas.
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Contraindications for Fine Fire Needles
1. Fine fire needles are highly stimulating and should not be used on pregnant women or the elderly and frail.
2. Not suitable for patients with hypertension, heart disease, or malignant tumors.
3. Not suitable for patients with excessive tension or mental disorders.
4. Not suitable for patients with bleeding disorders.
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Post-Treatment Precautions for Fine Fire Needle Therapy
1. Avoid bathing immediately after treatment; keep the acupuncture points clean and dry.
2. Avoid overexertion, maintain a regular lifestyle, and avoid spicy and greasy foods.
Submitted by: Department of Preventive Medicine / Ye LiyunReviewed by: Lai Yu, Liu Guangjiao, Gao Jiyuan
Edited by: Song Yuni
Approved for release by: Xie Kunqing
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