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The principle of warm needle therapy is excellent. The needle should be warmed in the mouth, and acupoints must be carefully examined before needling. One must prevent the conflict between cold and heat; only when Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi are freely circulating can the patient feel peaceful and comfortable.

When inserting needles, one must first place the used needle in the mouth to warm its tip. After carefully determining the acupoint location, insertion may proceed. Avoid letting cold and heat clash, so that Blood and Qi remain harmonious, resulting in a state of tranquility.

The rationale for needle insertion lies in grasping the "Guanji" (the critical mechanism or timing of Qi movement). Deviating from the meridians or acupoints is highly inadvisable. For Yang meridians, select points in the depressions between sinews and bones; for Yin meridians, after careful deliberation, the needle stabilizes the condition, leading to recovery.

During needling, the patient’s Shen (Spirit) must be calm and respiration even; the practitioner must maintain the same composure. Regarding "Guanji," haste must be strictly avoided. One must meticulously examine the location of meridians and acupoints and avoid reckless needling that misses these targets. In Yang regions, select depressions between sinews and bones to avoid injury to them. In Yin regions, where arteries correspond, use the fingernail to press firmly on the meridian line, wait briefly, then insert the needle to avoid damaging Ying and Wei Qi. Furthermore, only after thorough consideration and confirmation should the needle be inserted, ensuring the disease heals.

Meridians in specific areas require finger palpation and guiding. If the needle lacks a heavy or tight sensation (Deqi), one can guide the Qi by pushing or drawing along the meridian path. Pushing promotes flow, while drawing halts it. By moving back and forth, Blood and Qi are harmonized and balanced, causing the needle to naturally feel heavy and tight upon arrival of Qi. This implies the intention of reducing (Xie) immediately after obtaining Deqi.

The reason for manipulating ("She") the needle is due to stagnation of pathogenic Qi in the meridians. Firmly press with the thumbnail of the thumb; do not merely hold the needle waiting passively. As pathogenic Qi moves, the resistance at the needle site will naturally lessen.

Manipulating the needle addresses cases where pathogenic Qi is stagnant and sluggish within the meridians. Press firmly with the thumbnail of the thumb to promote the circulation of Zheng (Upright) Qi, preventing pathogenic Qi from stagnating, thereby making the needle feel free and active under the fingers.

The principles of needle withdrawal must be understood. The "Sancai Jue" (Three Realms Formula) contains the essential mechanisms. Perform six counts per section, coordinated with three inhalations, and the illness will naturally dissipate shortly.

Needle withdrawal relies entirely on technique within the Sancai (Heaven, Human, Earth layers). Each layer has specific keys and mechanisms that must be known. To withdraw, slowly extract from the Earth layer to the Human layer, then gradually to the Heaven layer. Apply the reduction method using the number six associated with Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) for each layer. Pause slightly after every six counts. Across all three layers, perform a total of eighteen counts (3 x 6). Instruct the patient to take three deep breaths, lifting the needle slightly with each inhalation. Withdraw slowly to the Heaven layer, and the disease will naturally heal.