Fire Therapy
by Adam Tate, 2015MedicineTraditions is a subscription service for students and practitioners of Herbal and Traditional Medicine. A Unique Resource with the most comprehensive Materia Medica ever created, ‘s of Traditional Combinations and Formulas, Treatment of Disease, and ample Resources to help you become a Master.
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Introduction
One less commonly known traditional therapy in TCM is Fire Therapy.
While in Xining in western China in July 2015, I was invited to dinner by a local couple who I met on the long train ride from Chengdu. When we arrived, they had invited a number of their friends. During the dinner, one of the ladies developed a severe, acute abdominal pain. One of the other ladies arranged to take her for treatment immediately and invited me to join them, and of course, I expected the emergency ward of the local hospital. But we attended a residential building and were taken into an apartment that had been set up as a clinic. Here, I witnessed Fire Therapy for the first time. To my amazement, within half an hour of Fire Therapy being applied to first the whole back, and then the abdomen, the patient was pain free and feeling very relaxed, almost euphoric.
This was a most interesting case as this case would typically have been diagnosed as Stomach Heat, or at least Qi stagnation with smoldering Heat that presented with acute abdominal pain.
The procedure
Basically, warm, damp towels cover the body in a number of layers, usually about 4–6 layers (2–3 large towels folded in half to cover the whole back for example).
Next, alcohol is applied in a specific manner. Plastic containers like sauce bottles hold the alcohol which is squirted, starting with the circumference of the area to be lit, and working towards the middle. Once an adequate amount of alcohol has been applied, it is set on fire. A large, damp towel is held by the practitioner ready to smother the fire, usually after 10–20 seconds. Almost immediately, the remaining alcohol is reignited. More alcohol is applied and again set alight, this being repeated up to a dozen or more times over a period of 10–15 minutes.
Eventually, the patient will feel the penetrating warmth, the skin becomes rosy and the pores open. The practitioner always checks that the patient is not feeling uncomfortably hot. The treatment promotes activity of the skin, stimulating the pores, flesh and nerves of the area.
Typically, the area is then covered with plastic cling wrap that would be used in the kitchen, and the person is wrapped tightly in heavy blankets and left to sweat for 20 to 30 minutes. When the plastic wrap is removed, copious amounts of sweat are found which is wiped clean.
Of course there are variations on this theme, but this is typical.
The patient is well protected with several layers of warm, wet towels before alcohol is applied. Notice the extra protection under the chin to protect the face.Theory
The theory behind Fire Therapy is closely allied to the traditional theory originally proposed in the TCM classic Shang Han Lun. It also marries beautifully with the recently popularised school of thought known as Huo Shen Pai (‘Fire Spirit School’) from Sichuan in Western China.
All of these propose that Cold, Wind and Damp are primary causes of most of our illness, but in particular, Cold. Cold is directly opposed to human life which depends on warmth (Innate Heat or Yang) to active circulation of Vital Spirit (Qi) and Blood and keep healthy organ function. Metabolism, Digestion and Circulation all depend on Innate Heat (Yang).
The practitioner is ready with a
wet towel to smother the flames
after around 10 seconds. The
remaining alcohol is reignited
afterwards.
Fire Therapy being applied to the Head and neck.
Such treatment can be applied to baldness,
alopecia, headaches, cervical spondylosis etc.
Applications
There are many diseases which may be treated with Fire Therapy. In particular:
1. Lumbar Pain
2. Lumbar Disc herniation
3. Gout
4. Arthritis
5. Rheumatism
6. Cervical Spondylosis
7. Varicose Veins
8. Poor circulation
9. Various skin diseases including intractable Acne, Eczema and Herpes Zoster
10. Various Gynecological diseases including Dysmenorrhea and Infertility.
11. Baldness and Alopecia.
12. To help with Fluid retention and obesity.
It is also a potent cleansing therapy as it activates the skin and promotes sweat. Therefore, it can be used as an auxiliary in numerous chronic diseases, especially associated with Damp, Wind or Cold.
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CautionsObviously without proper precautions, there is the chance of burns or starting a fire.
1. The patient must be fully covered so the no part of the skin is exposed.
2. The towels used should not be the type of synthetic fiber that is flammable; cotton towels are best.
3. The towels must be applied warm and damp (wet and spun in a washing machine briefly), in several layers.
4. It is imperative that the patient keeps still during the procedure otherwise movement may expose protected skin, leading to the chance of burns.
5. The container of alcohol must be kept well away from the fire to avoid fire hazard.
6. The patient should avoid cold and wind after treatment.
7. Precautions may include a bucket with water or a small fire extinguisher in case of accidents. A bucket with a large, thoroughly wet towel can be kept ready in case of emergency.
Watch this Video of Fire Therapy:
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