Every midsummer is a critical time to nourish Yang energy and replenish Qi in the body. Do you often experience cold hands and feet, a weak constitution, or frequent colds? Or perhaps your family members—elderly or children—struggle with allergies or persistent coughs?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these are signs of a “Yang-deficient constitution.” The annual Sanfu Acupoint Application (三伏贴) is the golden treatment to address these issues. Consistently applying the patches for three years can deeply regulate your constitution, gradually expelling cold energy from the body and achieving long-term improvement.

What Is Sanfu Patch? Why Only Once a Year?

Sanfu Patch is a therapy derived from the ancient TCM principle of “treating winter diseases in summer” (冬病夏治). It involves applying herbal patches to specific acupoints during the hottest, most Yang-abundant days of the year—when the body’s Yang energy is at its peak—to warm and tonify Qi, dispel cold, and regulate overall constitution.

The Sanfu period consists of three phases (初伏, 中伏, 末伏) determined by the lunar calendar and astronomical climate. These are the hottest, most humid days of the year, when the body is most prone to “leaking Yang energy.”

2025 Sanfu Dates:

• Initial Fu (初伏): Starting Monday, July 15

• Middle Fu (中伏): Wednesday, July 24

• Final Fu (末伏): By Wednesday, August 13

What Does Sanfu Patch Do? Who Is It For?

Sanfu Patch is not a painkiller or quick Western-style treatment—it’s a gradual constitutional therapy. Clinically proven and widely practiced, it shows significant effects for:

• Respiratory issues: Asthma, chronic cough, allergic rhinitis

• Digestive discomfort: Bloating, diarrhea, cold stomach

• Yang-deficient constitution: Cold limbs, fatigue, irregular menstruation

• Children’s health: Weak immunity, bedwetting, recurrent colds

• Immune imbalance: Frequent illnesses, susceptibility to infections, unstable sleep

TCM practitioners tailor acupoint selection based on individual constitution (e.g., Yang deficiency, spleen weakness, lung Qi insufficiency). Common points include Feishu (BL13), Dazhui (GV14), Shenshu (BL23), and Pishu (BL20) to tonify the lungs, strengthen the spleen, and support overall vitality.

What Does the Treatment Involve? Is It Uncomfortable?

Specially prepared herbal patches (containing warming herbs like white mustard seed, asarum, and dried ginger) are applied to acupoints.

Application time varies by age and constitution:

• Adults: 1–4 hours

• Children or sensitive skin: ≤30 minutes

Mild warmth, heat, or localized itching is normal—indicating herbal action on the acupoints. However, remove patches immediately if severe discomfort, blisters, or broken skin occurs, and consult your TCM practitioner.

Important Notes:

❌ Avoid during fever or acute illness

❌ Pregnant women or those with eczema/open wounds should avoid application

❌ Inform your practitioner of any allergies to adhesives or herbs

Does It Really Work? Hear from Our Patients

Many patients report fewer colds, reduced allergy symptoms, and improved conditions like cold stomach or menstrual pain after regular Sanfu sessions. For families with children, elderly members, or asthma/allergy sufferers, Sanfu Patch acts like a “preventive booster”—strengthening the body’s defense system from within. It’s not about curing disease but building a constitution resistant to illness.

Lucky Phoenix Health Management Center ∣ Integrated Care for Your Personalized Sanfu Therapy

We combine TCM diagnosis with modern health management, customizing herbal prescriptions and treatment plans based on age, symptoms, and lifestyle. Paired with necessary nutritional support and physical therapies, we help you build multi-layered immune protection.

Whether you’re trying Sanfu for the first time or are a long-term user, we provide the safest, most professional care.