Theoretical Basis and Mechanism of Millifire Needling"Tu Sanzhen"in Treating Primary Hypothyroidism
YU Huiyuan
WANG Jian
LAI Yiwen
LIU Jun
Abstract：Hypothyroidism has a relatively high prevalence in China,approximately 17.8%,and is more common among women and the elderly.Currently,Western medicine primarily employs thyroid hormone replacement therapy,which presents issues such as drug dependence,complex dosage adjustments,and limited application in special populations.As a non-pharmacological therapy,millifire needling of"Tu Sanzhen"(Three Prominence Needles),integrating traditional Chinese medicine disease differentiation and syndrome differentiation theory,offers a novel approach for hypothyroidism treatment."Tu Sanzhen"consists of the Tiantu(CV22),Shuitu(ST10),and Futu(LI18)acupoints,originating from the Jin's Three Needles technique.It acts by locally stimulating the thyroid region to regulate qi and blood,resolve phlegm and dissipate nodules,thereby alleviating hypothyroid symptoms.Millifire needling combines the warming and unblocking effects of traditional fire needling with the precise manipulation of modern filiform needles,offering the dual benefits of warming yang and boosting qi,as well as harmonizing qi,blood,yin,and yang.It is particularly suitable for patients with the spleen-kidney yang deficiency type of hypothyroidism.Its mechanism of action may involve regulating the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid(HPT)axis,improving immune dysregulation,and promoting local qi and blood circulation.Clinical studies indicate that combining millifire needling with Western medication can significantly increase thyroid hormone levels and reduce thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),with superior efficacy compared to monotherapy.In a case of a 59-year-old female patient,after 12 weeks of treatment,TSH decreased from 11.49 μIU/mL to 4.15 μIU/mL,the levothyroxine dosage was gradually reduced until discontinuation,and symptoms markedly improved.Although acupuncture therapy demonstrates unique advantages in relieving hypothyroid symptoms,current research has small sample sizes and lacks long-term follow-up data.Future large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to further validate its efficacy and durability,in order to optimize clinical treatment protocols.Millifire needling of"Tu Sanzhen"provides a safe and effective alternative for hypothyroidism treatment,holding significant clinical value.
Keywords：primary hypothyroidismmillifire needletu sanzhenacupuncturemechanism of action
Publication Date：2026-03-20
Online Publishing Date：2026-07-17(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 41-46 )