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Sanfu (三伏) patch involves applying specially prepared Chinese medicinal paste to acupoints on the body's surface, allowing the medicinal properties to gradually transmit through the acupoints and meridians (see What Exactly are Meridians and Acupoints?), reaching the zang-fu organs, thereby promoting the flow of meridians and qi-blood, and regulating the functions of the zang-fu organs.

The medicinal paste used for Sanfu patch was originally called "Yiyuan Paste" ⁽¹⁾. It is named "Sanfu" because it is recommended to be applied during the three hottest periods of the lunar calendar: the initial, middle, and final fu (伏) days, which fall around July and August in the Gregorian calendar ⁽²⁾. During this time, the climate is the hottest of the year, akin to the period between 1 to 3 pm in a day. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that using hot-natured medicine to treat cold diseases during the hottest days can enhance the therapeutic effect due to the combined influence of the weather and the medicine, and there is almost no burden on the internal organs from oral medication, hence it should be promoted.

Sanfu patch is generally used to treat cold-natured upper respiratory diseases and skin allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, cough, panting, atopic dermatitis, etc. These diseases fall under the lung system in classical TCM, and the acupoints often used are mainly those related to the lung system, such as Feishu, Fengmen, Bailao, Tiantu, etc. Additionally, acupoints that regulate the functions of the whole body's zang-fu organs can be added, such as Ganshu, Pishu, Shenshu, etc. According to statistics from TCM institutions in Taiwan, the effectiveness is about 60-70%.

Sanfu patch does not necessarily have to be applied only during the Sanfu days. For any cold-natured diseases, it can be applied at any time. However, for those with a hot constitution or during acute episodes of illness, applying hot-natured medicine might worsen the condition. It is best to consult a TCM physician before deciding to apply the patch. Some clinics apply the patch indiscriminately without considering the patient's cold or heat deficiency and excess, which could lead to adverse effects. For some patients with a hot constitution, some institutions prepare cool-natured medicinal paste for application. Some TCM physicians have also created similar patches like the Sanjiu patch, with principles largely similar to the Sanfu patch, and will not be elaborated further.

The application time for Sanfu patch: generally 4-5 hours for adults; for children with delicate skin, 2 hours is sufficient. Prolonged application may cause blisters and pain.

After removing the patch, if there are slight blisters, redness, or a burning sensation at the application site, some Ziyun Paste or Mentha Paste can be applied. Wait until the local discomfort subsides before bathing. If blisters rupture, apply some Sanhuang Powder ⁽³⁾ or antiseptic solution, and cover with a band-aid or gauze to avoid water contact and prevent infection. There may be pigmentation at the application site, which usually fades gradually on its own.

bubble_chart Footnotes

1. Composition of Yiyuan Paste: White mustard seed, Corydalis Tuber, Gansui Root, Asarum, ground into fine powder, mixed with ginger juice to form a paste, and kneaded into small pills for application. The composition may vary slightly among different institutions.
2. The third Geng day after the Summer Solstice (around June 21st in the Gregorian calendar) (approximately within 30 days after the Summer Solstice) is the beginning of the first fu; the fourth Geng day (approximately within 40 days after the Summer Solstice) is the middle fu; the first Geng day after the Beginning of Autumn (around August 8th in the Gregorian calendar) (approximately within 10 days after the Beginning of Autumn) is the end of the last fu.
3. The fine powder made from equal parts of Rhubarb Rhizoma, Coptis Rhizome, and phellodendron bark is an excellent Chinese medicinals for "anti-inflammatory and antibacterial" purposes, with no side effects.