Culture insider: TCM fire treatment
Updated: 2014-07-16 07:21
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Fire treatment, also known as "fire moxibustion", is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The treatment stimulates acu-points and lesions through heat produced by alcohol, fire and air convection. Through a transmission of main and collateral channels, it activates viscera functions and adjusts the body's qi (breathing).
A medicine rope that has been soaked in dozens of Chinese medical herbs is the fire treatment's key link. The rope is placed on the body and then covered with plastic wrap to prevent the heat from diffusion. Then, two layers of wet towels are placed over the plastic wrap before alcohol is poured onto the towels and ignited. The fire travels along the rope.
The medicine rope is covered by plastic wrap during a fire treatment in Quanzhou city, Fujian province, June 9, 2014. [Photo/CFP] |