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Fire needle, also known as quenched needle (Cuì zhēn), is frequently dipped in sesame oil and burned red-hot over a lamp before use to be effective. If not heated sufficiently, it fails to cure the disease and may instead harm the patient. When heating, the needle tip should be kept downward to prevent hot oil from burning the hand; it is advisable to have an assistant heat the needles for the practitioner to use immediately, thereby avoiding heat transmission to the hands. Mark the acupoints with ink beforehand to ensure accuracy during needling. The technique of fire needle is difficult and requires the resolve of a general facing battle; only then can one proceed. Use the left hand to press the acupoint and the right hand to insert the needle. Avoid inserting too deeply to prevent damage to the meridians and collaterals (Jīng luò); if too shallow, the disease cannot be expelled. One must carefully gauge the appropriate depth. Before performing fire needle therapy, comfort the patient to alleviate fear and anxiety, similar to moxibustion. Moxibustion causes prolonged pain, whereas fire needle pain is brief. After insertion, withdraw the needle quickly without retention. Immediately press the puncture site with the left hand to stop pain. Fire needle can be applied to all parts of the body except the face, where it is contraindicated. Fire needle is unsuitable for treating Hong Kong foot (Zú xiè, tinea pedis) as it may exacerbate swelling and pain. It is indicated for breaking open carbuncles and back sores (Yōng jū fā bèi) where pus is retained internally but no external head is visible. Press the soft area of the toxicity to facilitate pus drainage. For large lesions, mark the head, tail, and center with ink; three needles are suitable. Pierce to break the skin and drain pus. For a single needle on the swollen area, do not press; instead, use fingers to press from both sides to guide the pus out. If swelling is severe with abundant pus, avoid facing the lesion directly during needling to prevent spray contamination.

Wang Jiezhai stated: Recently, some practitioners use warm needle (Wēn zhēn), a method originating from Chu. The technique involves inserting a needle into the acupoint, placing a round cake of Bletilla striata Rhizome (Xiāng bái zhǐ) onto the needle handle, and applying moxibustion. This often yields good results. However, in ancient times, needling was performed without moxibustion, and moxibustion without needling. Combining both is a later folk practice. This method is prevalent among poor people in rural areas and may be effective for diseases caused by wind-cold invading the meridians and collaterals, primarily by warming and unblocking Qi. It benefits blood nourishment but has little direct effect on the disease itself. Ancient needling techniques were superior, but their transmission is lost. Without skilled practitioners, misuse could lead to danger or ineffectiveness instantly. Moxibustion at accurate acupoints is beneficial and harmless, making it highly recommended. For individuals weakened by wind pathogen, combining acupuncture and moxibustion is also acceptable.