What is hot needle treatment?

Hot needle treatment, also known as warm needle acupuncture (WA), is a therapeutic technique that combines traditional acupuncture with moxibustion (9). The primary aim is to transmit heat from the needle to deeper tissues in the acupoint, helping to alleviate pain and enhance function.

Understanding Warm Needle Acupuncture

Here’s a breakdown of how warm needle acupuncture works:

• Needle Insertion: Just like traditional acupuncture, fine needles are inserted into specific acupoints on the body.
• Moxibustion Attachment: A small piece of moxa (a dried herb), is attached to the end of the inserted acupuncture needle.
• Heat Transfer: The moxa is then lit, and the heat generated is transferred through the needle, reaching the deeper tissues of the acupoint.

Benefits of Hot Needle Treatment

• Pain Reduction: By transmitting heat, hot needle treatment is particularly effective in reducing pain.
• Improved Function: The technique helps improve function in the targeted areas.
• Deeper Tissue Stimulation: Heat transfer reaches deeper tissues, providing more comprehensive therapy compared to regular acupuncture.

Example: Osteoarthritis

• Warm needle acupuncture is a common therapy for osteoarthritis, where pain and reduced function are common symptoms. The heat helps to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and provide pain relief.