With summer just around the corner, excitement fills the air as we eagerly anticipate warmer days and outdoor adventures. As we gear up for this vibrant season, it’s the perfect time to explore ways to naturally optimize our health and immunity. We’re thrilled to introduce you to the incredible healing power of San-Fu-Tie. This ancient practice offers a unique approach to boosting your well-being, aligning perfectly with the vitality and energy of the summer months. Join us as we discuss the rejuvenating and transformative benefits of San-Fu-Tie and discover how it can elevate your health and resilience this summer season.
Table of Contents
Exploring Classical Wisdom
The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is not just a book but a repository of ancient wisdom. It imparts timeless insights on harmonizing human vitality with the rhythms of nature. Within its pages, two fundamental principles emerge, guiding the practice of San-Fu-Tie:
What is San-Fu-Tie?
San-Fu-Tie, or “Acupoint Herbal Patching (AHP),” is a unique preventive healthcare therapy and self-care practice in Chinese Medicine. The term “San-Fu” refers to the three periods of ten days each that make up the hottest days of summer. “Tie” refers to the herbal medicine patches, which contain a combination of medicinal herbs, and these patches are placed on specific acupuncture points on the back. The patches are typically left in place for several hours, allowing the medicinal properties of the herbs to penetrate the skin and stimulate a therapeutic effect.
One of the most important herbs that is included in the paste is mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), or moxa. In some cases, acupuncture and moxibustion may be applied directly to acupuncture points on the back instead of placing herbal patches.
How Does San-Fu-Tie Work and What is its Effectiveness?
The theory behind San-Fu-Tie is that it takes advantage of the three hottest days of the year, known as San-Fu Days or “The Dog Days of Summer,” when the yang energy of the body is at its peak, making it more receptive to treatment. During this time, the body’s “Cou-Li” space, the space between our skin and muscles, is open, and the flow of qi (life energy) and blood is smoothest, facilitating the deeper penetration of medicinal properties into the organs. By stimulating specific acupuncture points with moxa, San-Fu-Tie aims to regulate the flow of qi and strengthen the body’s resistance to illness.
Benefits of San-Fu-Tie
San-Fu-Tie is incredibly beneficial for individuals with various health conditions. Adults and children who suffer with respiratory tract infections, seasonal allergies, chronic bronchitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis can benefit from San-Fu-Tie treatments.
This specialized seasonal treatment can improve conditions associated with reduced immunity such as recurrent colds, prolonged cough, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Other conditions that can benefit from San-Fu-Tie treatments include recurrent respiratory tract infections, gynecological issues like menstrual cramps and vaginal discharges, and chronic cold hands and feet.
San-Fu-Tie offers benefits for the following conditions:
Allergic Conditions
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Atopic dermatitis
Respiratory Issues
- Frequent respiratory tract infections (especially in children)
- Seasonal allergies
- Chronic bronchitis
Low Immunity
- Recurrent colds
- Prolonged cough
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
Gynecological Issues
- Menstrual cramps
- Vaginal discharges
Circulatory Issues
- Cold hands and feet
Schedule San-Fu-Tie Treatments This Summer
As we prepare to embrace the warmth and vitality of summer, the wisdom of San-Fu-Tie beckons us to harmonize with the season’s energy and fortify our well-being. By harnessing the power of herbal patches and acupuncture points during the peak of summer’s heat, San-Fu-Tie not only strengthens our defenses against illness but also nurtures our vitality from within. Whether combating respiratory ailments, bolstering immunity, or addressing circulatory and gynecological concerns, the healing power of San-Fu-Tie has the power to help you take full advantage of the season.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the healing benefits of San-Fu-Tie during the Dog days this summer. Use our online scheduling system to book your appointment during the three periods of the Dog Days this Summer:
- First Dog-Day Period: 7/15 – 7/24
- Second Dog-Day Period: 7/25 – 8/13
- Third Dog-Day Period: 8/14 – 8/23
References:
Lo, V. (2013, P55). Paul U. Unschuld and Hermann Tessenow (with the assistance of Zheng Jingsheng): Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: An Annotated Translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic: Basic Questions. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. Volume 1, Chapter 2, “Comprehensive Discourse on Regulating the Spitit [in Accordance with] the Qi of the Four [Seasons]” pp 55. ISBN 978 0 520 266988 (set). Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 76(1), 159–161.
Lo, V. (2013, P171). Paul U. Unschuld and Hermann Tessenow (with the assistance of Zheng Jingsheng): Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: An Annotated Translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic: Basic Questions. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. Volume 1, Chapter 9, “Discourse on the Six Terms [of a Year] and on Phenomena [Associated with the Condition] of the Depots” PP171. ISBN 978 0 520 266988 (set). Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 76(1), 159–161.
About the Author
As a practitioner and healer in Washington, DC for more than a decade, I take a patient-centered approach to care through acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicines, and mind-body coaching, with a specialty in full-spectrum reproductive health care.
