Acupuncture Continuing Education

Acupuncture Setting the Mountain on Fire

New research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces the presence of toxins in the bloodstream. Two acupuncture needle manipulation techniques were evaluated for their ability to eliminate endotoxins from the blood.  The first technique is referred to as Shaoshanhuo (Setting the Mountain on Fire) and the second technique is Toutianliang (Penetrating Heaven’s Coolness). Example of an acupuncture needle is depicted. Acupuncture NeedleLaboratory results demonstrate that both techniques reduce serum endotoxin levels and lower rectal temperatures in rabbits with bacterial infections. However, penetrating heaven’s coolness demonstrated greater clinical efficacy over setting the mountain on fire for reduction of toxins in the bloodstream.

In this randomized and controlled clinical study, rabbits received the acupuncture needling techniques applied to acupoint LI11 (Quchi) for a total of five minutes. LI11 is a standard point used for the treatment of inflammation and infections. These disorders are categorized as heat-syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Rectal temperatures were monitored and serum endotoxin levels were assayed by luminescence measuring. The control group showed a significant increase in blood toxins whereas both acupuncture groups showed significant down-regulation of endotoxins.


Reference:
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2012 Aug;37(4):277-80. [Effects of heat and cool-producing needling manipulations on rectal Temperature and serum endotoxin content in endotoxin-induced heat syndrome rabbits]. Zhou HY, Yang J, Feng Y, Yang SQ. College of Acu-moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine.