Jinzhenfu Needling Methods and Needling Technique on Reinforcement and Reduction

The chapter explores the complication of Jinzhenfu” Golden Needle Ode” needling methods, particularly focusing on reinforcement and reduction techniques. Authored by Quan Shixin in 1439, this text laid the foundation for acupuncture techniques, with its impact extending to the development of national standards in China. The 14 single-needle techniques, such as ZAO and QIE, serve as the basis, while compound techniques like Setting Fire on the Mountain and Coolness through Penetrating heaven add complexity. The needling techniques for reinforcement and reduction play a key role in balancing the body's deficiency and excess. Twisting and Rotating, Fast-Slow Needling, Lifting and Thrusting, Respiratory Reinforcement and Reduction, Opening and Closing Reinforcement and Reduction, and Nine-Six Reinforcement and Reduction are discussed in detail. These techniques aim to tonify or reduce the body's energy based on the patient's condition and specific acupoints. Factors influencing the effectiveness of reinforcement and reduction techniques include the patient's functional status, relative specificity of acupoints, and the selection/application of acupuncture techniques. The chapter emphasizes tailoring techniques to the patient's condition and the importance of obtaining qi beneath the needle before implementing tonification or reduction.