The Simple Burn-Penetrate Method in Acupuncture

The method of warming and cooling needles is an invention by Guo Song Peng and Li Yu Jie, both teachers at The Acupuncture DreamWorks. They delved into the traditional compound acupuncture techniques of "Burning Mountain Fire" and "Penetrating Heaven Cool" to address temperature regulation of the body. After a comprehensive analysis of physiological structure and function, they developed a new needling method, which they named the simple "Burn-Penetrate" needling technique. This technique simplifies the intricate traditional acupuncture procedures into the fundamental actions of pressing and lifting, illustrating the core principle that acupuncture can induce warm or cool responses in the body. Furthermore, this acupuncture technique is characterized by its simplicity and reproducibility. In clinical practice, it can be employed independently or in conjunction with other acupuncture methods, enhancing the efficacy of clinical treatment. The traditional "Burn-Penetrate" technique involves complex procedures with several key points that have not been thoroughly elucidated at a technical level. Consequently, this technique has remained the exclusive domain of a few individuals, and it is unfortunate that it has not found widespread clinical application. Additionally, the authors introduced the concept of the "Four Layers of Acupuncture Points" and enhanced acupuncture methods to produce warm and cool effects on the body. They have coined the new approach as the "Simple Burn-Penetrate Method in Acupuncture" (Wang in World Chinese Med 2:40–47 [7]). This innovative method is both straightforward and replicable.