Fire Needle Research Articles

External treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:There is a worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, as the number of patients increases. External treatment of traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, massage, fire needle, cupping, and other alternative therapies. Currently, there are no relevant articles for systematic review.Methods:We will search the randomized controlled trials related to the external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (such as, acupuncture, massage, etc) and COVID-19 from inception to June 2020. The following database is our focus area: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wan-Fang Database. All published randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese related to massage for COVID-19 will be included. Primary outcomes include the influence of external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine on the patients with COVID-19. Secondary outcomes include accompanying symptoms (such as myalgia, expectoration, stuffiness, runny nose, pharyngalgia, anhelation, chest distress, dyspnea, crackles, headache, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea) disappear rate, negative COVID-19 results rate on 2 consecutive occasions (not on the same day), average hospitalization time, Clinical curative effect, and improved quality of life.Results:The results will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for researchers in this subject area.Conclusion:The conclusion of our study will provide evidence to judge whether external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine is an effective intervention on the patients with COVID-19.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42020181336

Efficacy and mechanism of fire needling bloodletting for lower extremity varicose veins

To compare the clinical effect of lower extremity varicose veins between fire needling bloodletting and operation, and to explore the possible mechanism. A total of 60 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the control group，the operation was adopted. The fire needling bloodletting was applied in the observation group, twice a week for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and venous disability score (VDS) were recorded, the hemorheological indexes [blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, fibrinogen and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)], immune inflammatory response indexes[serum C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], vascular endothelial cell function indexes [the number of circulatingendothelial cell (CEC), plasma endothelin (ET-1) and NO)] and apoptosis indexes (Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3) were detected in the two groups. Compared before treatment, the scores of VCSS and VDS, hemorheological indexes, immune inflammatory response indexes and levels of plasma NO after treatment were reduced in the two groups (P<0.05). The level of serum Bax after treatment was reduced in the observation group (P<0.05). The number of CEC and levels of plasma ET-1 after treatment were increased in the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of serum Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 after treatment were increased in the observation group (P<0.05). In the observation group, the scores of VCSS and VDS, hemorheological indexes，immune inflammatory response indexes, vascular endothelial cell function indexes and level of serum Bax after treatment were lower than the control group (P<0.05), and the levels of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 were higher than the control group (P<0.05). Fire needling bloodletting could effectively treat lower extremity varicose veins, and the mechanism may be related to the improvement of hemorheology, downregulation of immune inflammatory response, improvement of vascular endothelial cell function and inhibition of apoptosis.

Efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy for blood stasis syndrome of plaque psoriasis: protocol for a randomized, single-blind, multicenter clinical trial

BackgroundFire needle therapy is a characteristic treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). An increasing number of studies have indicated that fire needle treatment for psoriasis provides satisfactory results with few side effects and a low recurrence rate. We herein describe the protocol for a multicenter, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial that will provide high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy for plaque psoriasis.MethodsNinety-two patients with blood stasis syndrome (BSS) of plaque psoriasis will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive fire needle therapy (intervention group) or fire needle control therapy (control group) once a week for 4 weeks. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score will serve as the major efficacy index, while the body surface area (BSA), Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, patient-reported quality of life (PRQoL), visual analog scale (VAS) score for itching, TCM symptom score, and relapse rate will be assessed as secondary outcomes. The PASI score, BSA, PGA score, and VAS score for itching will be evaluated at baseline and during the 4-week treatment and follow-up periods. DLQI score, PRQoL, and TCM symptom score will be assessed at baseline and during the treatment period. Recurrence will be evaluated during the follow-up period. Safety assessments include vital sign monitoring, routine blood tests, blood biochemistry, routine urine tests, pregnancy tests, physical examinations, and adverse-event recording. SAS software will be used for data analysis. The data network platform will be designed by the data management center of Nanjing Ningqi Medical Technology Co., Ltd.DiscussionIt is believed that fire needle therapy can activate the meridians, promote blood circulation, and regulate skin immunity. BSS of plaque psoriasis is related to not only immune dysfunction but also poor or stagnant blood flow. We anticipate that the results of the trial described in this protocol will provide strong evidence for the safety and efficacy of fire needle therapy for BSS of plaque psoriasis.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.govNCT03953885. Registered on May 15, 2019. Name: Fire Needle Therapy on Plaque Psoriasis with Blood Stasis Syndrome

The efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy for COVID-19: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new type of coronavirus, first reported in Wuhan, China at the end of December 2019. As a result of the worldwide outbreak, the number of patients continues to increase. With multiple therapeutic interventions, more and more patients are recovering. Fire needle is used as an alternative therapy. At present, there are no relevant articles for systematic review and meta-analysis, so this study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of fire needle in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia.Methods:The following electronic bibliographic databases will be searched to identify relevant studies from December 2019 to December 2020: MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), Wan-fang data, Chinese Biological Medicine Database (CBM), and other databases. All included articles were randomized controlled trial without any language restrictions. Two reviewers will independently conduct cations retrieval, de-duplication, filtering, quality assessment, and data analysis by the Review Manager (V.5.3). Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis and/or descriptive analysis were performed on the included data.Discussion:This study will investigate the application of fire needle in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19, and provide a high-quality synthesis to evaluate whether fire needle is an effective and safe intervention for COVID-19.Systematic review registration:PROSPERO registration number: CRD 42020193703.

Fire needle plus cupping for acute herpes zoster: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAcute herpes zoster (AHZ) is a common skin disease caused by invasion of the varicella zoster virus into the ganglia and skin, and the severe pain is the most complaint, which can seriously disturb the normal life of patients. Fire needle plus cupping is a special acupuncture treatment, which is widely used to treat AHZ for its better analgesic effect in China although it has not been fully verified by rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT).Methods/designTo test the effect, a three-arm randomized parallel controlled trial protocol has been designed. A total of 105 AHZ patients suffering pain will be randomly divided into three groups in an equal proportion. The interventions are fire needle plus cupping (FC) in group A, famciclovir plus gabapentin (FG) in group B, and fire needle plus cupping plus famciclovir (FCF) in group C. The length for the trial is set for a week time frame. Precisely speaking, the A group (FC) is to carry out 1 treatment per day for the total of 7 treatment sessions within 1 week period. On the other hand, the B group (FG) will take drugs orally three times a day within the trial 1 week. Meanwhile, with its combination element, the C group (FCF) is due to undertake both treatments and drugs as prescribed for A and B groups within the trial week. As an intra-trial arrangement, analgesic medication will be carefully administered for temporary pain release if the sudden intolerable pain appeared. For the primary outcome, this study is due to apply visual analogue scale to identify pain intensity relief. As the secondary outcomes are concerned, this study is aiming to focus on the issues related to changes in substance P and beta-endorphin concentrations in peripheral plasma, as well as those issues of analgesic needs, side effects, symptoms, and physical signs including pain classification, local itching, burning sensation, fever, local lymphadenopathy, skin lesion area, blisters, herpes clusters, vesicular traits, ulcers, and pimples; all these are taken into account for evaluation. For the final stage, the participants are to be followed up for postherpetic neuralgia.DiscussionThe results of this trial aim to provide sufficient evidence on FC treatment over both FG and FCF treatments. It will then give a credible alternative treatment to cut down acute pain and to cure AHZ infection.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800015372. Registered on 28 March 2018.

Fire Needle Therapy for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Quantitative Evidence Synthesis.

Background: Fire needle therapy is a method of quickly piercing into acupoints with red-hot needles to treat diseases. Recently, multiple studies have reported that fire needle therapy is effective in the treatment of psoriasis; however, there are few articles systematically evaluating the effect of this therapy. Therefore, this systematic and meta-analysis study is conducted to estimate the efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy for psoriasis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CNKI, VIP, CBM, CENTRAL, and Wan Fang databases were systematically searched from the dates of construction of these databases to August 24, 2019, and randomized controlled trials assessing patients with psoriasis who were treated with fire needle therapy alone or in combination with other drugs were also evaluated. Results: Fire needle therapy was effective in treating psoriasis (p = 0.0002; risk ratio [RR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.33) with a lower recurrence rate (p = 0.005; RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29-0.80). Adverse events after fire needle treatment were similar to those without fire needle treatment (p = 0.38; RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.28-1.63). After fire needle treatment, the number of cluster of differentiation (CD)8+T cells, type 1 helper cells, interleukin (IL)-2, and interferon (IFN)-γ decreased, whereas the number of CD4+T cells, type 2 helper cells, IL-4, IL-10, and the proportion of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells increased. Conclusions: Fire needle therapy, specifically in combination with oral medicines, is effective in treating patients with psoriasis with low recurrence rates.

Efficacy and safety of fire-needle in the treatment of gouty arthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

Background:Fire needle therapy is an ancient external treatment method of traditional Chinese medicine. This therapy is simple to operate and has fewer side effects. Gouty arthritis (GA) is common disease that is often characterized by high excruciating pain on joint. Evidence from clinical studies show that fire needle exerts therapeutic effects on gout arthritis, but no evidence-based medicine is available. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fire acupuncture in the treatment of gout arthritis.Methods:Randomized controlled trials of fire needle in the treatment of GA published until May 2020 will be searched in the English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang database, and China Biomedical Literature Database). Additional search will be performed on Google academy and Baidu Academy. Data will be extracted from the studies by 2 reviewers working independently. Subsequently, quality assessment and a meta-analysis will be carried out for the studies using RevMan 5.3.Results:The efficacy and safety of fire needle in the treatment of GA will be evaluated based on overall effective rate, visual analog scale, blood uric acid, C-reactive protein, joint swelling and pain score, adverse reaction rate, and other clinical outcomes.Conclusions:The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis are expected to provide reliable evidence for the clinical benefits of fire-needle therapy in GA.

Exploration of fire needling therapy on coronavirus disease 2019

Combined with previous clinical experience in anti-epidemic and acupuncture, the prevention program of fire needling therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was drawn out. Fire needling therapy has the effects of clearing heat, removing dampness, replenishing for the deficiency, removing stasis and detoxifying, which is mainly aimed at preventing populations, light and common types cases, and cases in the recovery period. Acupoints of governor vessel, lung meridian, bladder meridian and stomach meridian are mainly used in this program. For the special groups, such as children, elderly and weak, and pregnant women, Shenzhu (GV 12), Danshu (BL 19), Geshu (BL 17), Zhigou (TE 6), etc. are added. It is hoped that fire needling therapy will be applied in the community and square cabin hospitals as an effective supplement to anti-epidemic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Network meta-analysis on effectiveness of fire needle, warmacupuncture, and electroacupuncture in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Network meta-analysis on effectiveness of fire needle, warmacupuncture, and electroacupuncture in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Clinical observation of filiform fire needling on moderate and severe pain in advanced cancer

To evaluate the clinical effect of filiform fire needling on moderate and severe pain in advanced cancer. A total of 66 patients with moderate and severe pain in advanced cancer were randomly divided into an observation group (34 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The two groups were treated with oral analgesics continuously for 4 weeks. The moderate pain patients was given bucinnazine hydrochloride tablets (starting at 30 mg, once every 6 hours, increasing by 30%-50% until the titration volume was reached), and the severe pain patients were given oxycodone hydrochloride sustained-release tablets (starting at 20 mg every 12 hours and increasing by 25%-50% until the titration volume was reached). The observation group was cooperated with filiform fire needling at ashi point, Zusanli (ST 36), Liangqiu (ST 34), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan(CV 4), Quchi (LI 11) and Waiguan (TE 5) once every other day for 4 weeks. The changes of numerical rating scales (NRS) scores were observed in both groups before and after treatment, and the amount of analgesics and the incidence of adverse reactions were recorded. The clinical effects in the two groups were evaluated. The effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the observation group, which was higher than 66.7% (20/30) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the NRS scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the reducing degree in the observation group was larger than that in the control group (P<0.05). The average dosage of bunarizine hydrochloride tablets and oxycodone hydrochloride sustained release tablets to titration volume in the observation group was less than that in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 23.3% (28/120) in the observation group, which was lower than 44.2% (53/120) in the control group (P<0.05). Filiform fire needling can alleviate pain symptoms of patients with moderate and severe pain in advanced cancer, reduce the amount of analgesics, and decrease the incidence of adverse reactions.

Effectiveness of fire needle combining with moist healing dressing to promote the growth of granulation tissue in chronic wounds: A case report

In this case study, we analyzed the wound-healing process of a patient with a chronic wound who underwent fire needle treatment, and we tracked the coverage of granulation tissue and decrease of slough and exudate. An 85-year-old man had repeated right shoulder and back pain, itching, and skin festering for more than 1.5 years. A fire needle was administered combined with moist dressing once every 5 days to promote wound healing. After six rounds of fire needle treatment, granulation tissue formed over the surface of the wound base, the depth of the wound had become shallow, and the wound area was reduced. No complications occurred during the intervention. Fire needle therapy combined with a moist wound-healing dressing can be an effective alternative approach in managing chronic wounds.

Effect of fire needle therapy on mild-moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia: Protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Background:Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common non-cancerous disease of the prostate and leads to lower urinary tract symptoms in middle-aged and elderly males. Fire needle therapy could improve the lower urinary tract symptoms associated with mild-moderate BPH in clinical practice. The aim of the present pilot study is to assess the preliminary effects of fire needle therapy on mild-moderate BPH.Methods:The present study is a prospective parallel randomized controlled pilot trial. A total of 60 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a treatment or control group at a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group will receive fire needle therapy and the control group will receive watchful waiting with lifestyle advice and education regarding BPH. Participants will receive intervention for 4 weeks, with a follow-up period of 4 additional weeks. Adverse events will be recorded to assess the safety and tolerability of fire needle therapy for mild-moderate BPH. The primary outcome will be the change in the International Prostate Symptom Score. The secondary outcomes will include the change in the mean number of nightly urinations, the maximum urinary flow rate, the average flow rate, and the prostate volume as measured by a B-mode ultrasound device. All outcome measures will be observed at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks following the beginning of treatment.Discussion:The present study will provide evidence of the preliminary effects of fire needle therapy on mild-moderate BPH and indicate an optimal sample size for future studies.

Clinical observation of epiphora as sequela of peripheral facial paralysis treated with pricking technique of fire needling therapy at chéngqì (承泣 ST1)

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical therapeutic effect on epiphora as sequela of peripheral facial paralysis treated with pricking technqiue of fire needling therapy at Chéngqì (承泣 ST1) and acupuncture treatment at conventional acupoints. MethodsFrom September 2018 through to October 2018, 64 cases of epiphora as sequela of peripheral facial paralysis were collected from the Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion in Suzhou TCM Hospital. According to random number table, they were divided into an observation group and a control group, 32 cases in each one. In the observation group, pricking technique of fire needling therapy was used at ST1, once every two days. In the control group, acupuncture with filiform needle was applied to Jīngmíng (睛明BL1), Tàiyáng (太阳EX-HN5), Tóngzĭliáo (瞳子髎GB1), Sìbái (四白ST2) and Quánliáo (颧髎SI18) on the affected side as well as Hégŭ (合谷LI4) on the contralateral side, once per day. The 10-day treatment was as one 1 course and the consecutive 3 courses of treatment were required in either of the groups. Before and after treatment, Munk grade, clinical effective rate and the number of treatments were observed in the evaluation of therapeutic effect. ResultsAfter treatment, Munk grade was improved in the patients of the two groups (both P < 0.05). The improvement range in the observation group was larger than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The treatment in either group achieved the obviously therapeutic effect on epiphora as sequela of peripheral facial paralysis. The effective rate in the observation group was 90.32%, higher than 61.29% in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean number of treatments of the curative case were 5.11 in the observation group and were 13.73 in the control group, indicating the statistical significance in difference (P < 0.05). ConclusionPricking technique of fire needling therapy at ST1 achieves the better effect on epiphora as sequela of peripheral facial paralysis as compared with acupuncture at conventional acupoints.

Fire needling on dysphagia due to pseudobulbar palsy after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the clinical effect of fire needling on dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke and to compare the difference in clinical effect between fire needling and swallowing function rehabilitation training. A total of 76 patients with dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 38 cases in each group (1 case dropped out in the control group). The both groups were based on conventional western medication treatment. Fire needle pricking was exerted at Lianquan (CV 23), Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) without needle retaining every other day in the observation group. The control group was treated with the swallowing function rehabilitation training. In both groups, treatment for 2 weeks was as one course and 2 courses of treatment with 2-day interval were required. After treatment, swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro and swallow quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) scores were observed in both groups, and the clinical effect was compared. Follow-up of swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro in 4 weeks after treatment was completed to evaluate the clinical effect. The clinical effective rates after treatment and follow-up were 92.1% (35/38) and 94.7% (36/38) in the observation group, higher than 75.7% (28/37) and 83.8% (31/37) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro and SWAL-QOL scores were increased in the two groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro were increased during follow-up in the two groups (P<0.05). Fire needling has a better effect than conventional rehabilitation training in the treatment of dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke, which can obviously improve the swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia.

Effect of fire-needle intervention on joint function, cartilage impairment and inflammatory response in knee osteoarthritis rats

To observe the effect of fire-needle stimulation of "Neixiyan"(EX-LE4) and "Dubi"(ST35) on changes of motor function, structure of cartilage degradation and inflammatory factors in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improving KOA. Thirty-nine male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model and fire-needle groups (n＝13 in each group). The KOA model was established by injection of Monoiodoacetate (MIA, 1 mg) into the lumen of the right knee joint. On the 7th day after successful modeling, fire-needle was applied to EX-LE4 and ST35, twice a week for 3 weeks. The rats' behavioral reactions of gait (0 to 3 points) and claw pressure (0 to 3 points) were scored, and histopathological changes scored by assessing the impairment grade (0 to 6) and stage (0 to 4) of the articular cartilage after safranin O-fast green staining. The contents of serum Interleukin (IL)-1α， Tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), IL-10, IL-37 and transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) were assayed by ELISA, and ultrastructural changes were observed under transmission electron microscope(TEM). After modeling, the gait and claw-pressure scores were significantly increased in the model group in comparison with the normal group (P<0.05), and the OA score and contents of serum IL-1α and TNF-α were also appa-rently increased in the model group relevant to the normal group (P<0.05，P<0.01), while the levels of serum IL-10, IL-37 and TGF-β remarkably decreased in the model group in contrast to the normal group (P<0.01). After the intervention, the increase of gait and claw-pressure and OA scores, as well as serum IL-1α and TNF-α contents, and the decrease of serum IL-10, IL-37 and TGF-β levels were all reversed in the fire needle group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Outcomes of TEM showed more and larger lipid droplets, swollen mitochondria with some vacuoles, and expanded, broken or dissolved rough endoplasmic reticulum in the model group, which was milder in the fire-needle group. Fire-needle can improve motor function and relieve impairment of articular cartilage of KOA rats, which may be related to its effects in reducing inflammatory factors and in increasing anti-inflammatory factor levels.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in post-stroke depression (PSD): Protocol for a Bayesian analysis.

Background:Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common emotional problem after stroke. It can lower the quality of life and increase the recurrence and mortality. Pharmacological agents have been shown to treat PSD. However, the benefits of pharmacotherapy are debatable and the side-effects are significant. More and more clinical trials suggest that acupuncture plays an important role in patients with PSD. The primary purposes of the study are to conduct a Bayesian analysis of randomized trials to determine the effect of acupuncture and investigate the effect of several acupuncture therapies on PSD.Methods:We will retrieve articles from 5 English databases [PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry (TCTRP)] and 4 Chinese databases [Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese VIP Information, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM)]. The publication period will be from inception to January 2019. All randomized controlled trials that evaluate the safety and efficacy of acupuncture on PSD will be included. The primary outcomes will be the change in the degree of depression as measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Two reviewers will separately extract the data and assess the risk of bias by using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Bayesian analysis will be conducted to pool the effects of several acupunctures. The ranking probabilities for several acupunctures (simple acupuncture, fire needle, warm acupuncture, auriculo-acupuncture, or electroacupuncture) will be estimated by the surface under the cumulative ranking curve.Result:This study will provide reliable evidence for acupuncture on PSD.Conclusion:The results of this review will introduce a safe and effective treatment and provide reliable evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of several acupuncture therapies on PSD.Trial registration number: CRD42019132725

Systematic Review of Fire Needling or Warm Needling Treatment for Ankle Sprain

The effectiveness of fire needling or warm needling treatment in clinical studies for the treatment of ankle sprains was reviewed using 4 international (PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, CNKI) and 5 Korean databases (NDSL, RISS, KISS, OASIS, KTKP). Randomized controlled trials, that performed fire needling or warm needling treatment for ankle sprains until October, 2018 were retrieved (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 8). All studies were performed in China, and 7 out of 8 studies were published within the last 5 years. There were 4 studies that used fire needling treatment, 3 studies used warm needling treatment, and 1 study used fire and warm needling treatment. The ashi-points and gallbladder meridian were the most frequently selected acupoint and meridian each. All intervention groups in the 8 studies showed statistically significant beneficial effects compared with control groups. The results of this study could provide preliminary data as the basis for welldesigned randomized controlled trials on fire needling or warm needling treatment for ankle sprains.

30 cases of popliteal cyst treated by fire needling and cupping therapy

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of the fire needling with the three-edged needle and the cupping on popliteal cyst. MethodsA total of 60 patients of popliteal cyst were divided into two groups, 30 cases in each one according to the random number table. In the fire needling group, the burnt-red three-edged needle was inserted to the deep layer of the cyst. After the fluid was squeezed out, the cupping was exerted. The treatment was given 1 to 2 times a week, for 4 weeks totally. In the western medication group, prednisolone acetate 25 mg was injected in the cyst capsule, once a week, for 4 weeks totally. The effective rate, recurrence rate and Rauschning–Lindgren grading were evaluated before and after treatment. ResultsThe total effective rate was 80.0% in the fire needling group and was 83.3% in the western medication group, without statistical significance in comparison (P > 0.05). The recurrence rate was 6.7% in the fire needling group and was 30% in the western medication group. The recurrence rate in the fire needling group was lower than that in the western medication group, indicating the statistical significance (P < 0.05). After treatment, Rauschning–Lindgren grade was different statistically as compared with that before treatment in either group (both P < 0.05). Rauschning–Lindgren grade was distributed in 0 to I in the fire needling group after treatment, which was different significantly as compared with the western medication group (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe combined treatment with the fire needling combined with cupping therapy achieves the satisfactory effect on popliteal cyst and the very low recurrence rate and it is easy in operation and deserves to be promoted in primary care.

A New Therapy for Vitiligo Using Fire Needles: A Systematic Review of Evidence from 3618 Subjects.

Introduction Fire needle therapy has been reported as an effective treatment for vitiligo. However, current clinical evidence has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine whether fire needle therapy is effective and safe for treating vitiligo. Methods Seven databases were searched until October 2019 for randomized controlled trials on fire needle therapy, with and without conventional treatments, versus any type of conventional therapy for treating vitiligo. The RevMan 5.3.5 software was used to perform meta-analysis of the included studies. Results Forty-seven trials comprising 3618 patients were included. Fire needle combined with conventional vitiligo treatments had a higher efficacy (risk ratio (RR): 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46–1.65, P < 0.00001 and RR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.24–1.61, P < 0.00001, respectively) and a greater effect on restoring the color of the area of the skin lesion (mean difference (MD): 3.40, 95% CI: 2.11–4.69, P < 0.00001), increasing the pigment point of vitiligo (MD: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.54–1.13, P < 0.00001) and improving the cytokine level (MD: 8.10, 95% CI: 6.94–9.27, P < 0.00001) and effectual time (MD: −4.76, 95% CI: −7.33 to −2.19, P=0.0003) than traditional methods. Limb lesions (RR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.31–1.95, P < 0.00001) were more effectively treated when the treatments included fire needles, whereas the therapeutic effect of fire needles on either the head and neck (RR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.78–1.64, P=0.52) or torso lesions (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.82–1.81, P=0.33) was not significantly different compared to that without fire needles. No statistically significant differences in adverse effects (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.89–1.49, P=0.28) and recurrence rates (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.17–4.92, P=0.91) during the follow-up period were observed between treatment with and without fire needles. Conclusions Fire needle therapy combined with other conventional treatments is useful in treating vitiligo. Further studies with larger sample sizes should be performed to make a conclusive judgment. This trial is registered with CRD42018094918.

Evaluation of the immediate analgesic effect of the fire needle technique at Ashi points

Evaluation of the immediate analgesic effect of the fire needle technique at Ashi points