Chinese fire power

But I hadn't heard of the even more bizarre practice of Huo Liao (fire treatment), until I came across some pictures on Wechat dramatically showing people being set alight. The technique, I was told, is an ancient practice similar to Moxibustion (jiu). Checking on line I discover that the later burns small quantities of dried Mugwort on the skin to produce small blisters and scars. The pictures I saw, looked far more spectacular and dangerous - the dried plants replaced with what appears to be petrol. The flames are more dramatic and I assume, the energy involved more powerful.

I met Doctors Wang and Luyu in a large, ground floor room of an apartment block where the fire treatment takes place. They asked me about aches and pains and I admitted to having a bit of a stiff neck. Huo Liao was promptly prescribed and wet towels were placed on my head. Bulldog clips were used to ensure my face was clear before alcohol was poured over the towels, then a cigarette lighter used to set it all alight. I couldn’t see what was happening, but my head gradually grew warmer and the reflection of flames flickered in the doctor's eyes.

The fire didn't hurt, but after the alcohol had burned off Dr Wang pressed the now scalding towels onto the scalp. I mentioned that it was painful on the top of my head and I could see that they attributed this to a large lump I've had there since childhood.

There were several more rounds of applying the fuel, burning it off and then pressing the boiling towels onto my skin. I kept quiet in case discomfort was a sign that more treatment was needed. Besides, even though my head was on fire I didn’t like to make a fuss. Dr Luyu said the colour and height of the flame gave clues about my health. "The flames," he informed me "were very high." It meant I was very unhealthy.

After 30 minutes the towels were removed and some sickly smelling oil was applied to my hair. I was swaddled in more towels and made to lie down in a quiet room for 45 minutes with the instructions not to have any cold drinks, or wash for 24 hours.