Can the Sanfu Patch alleviate cervical spondylosis?

Jul 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Sanfu patches may provide some relief for certain types of cervical spondylosis, but they are not suitable for all cases, and their effectiveness is limited. In daily life, to alleviate cervical spondylosis, one should maintain proper sitting posture, avoid prolonged periods of looking down, and appropriately move the neck during work breaks. Choosing a pillow of appropriate height to maintain the natural curvature of the cervical spine is also recommended.

Generally, the Sanfu Patch (three伏贴) may provide some relief for certain types of cervical spondylosis, but it is not suitable for all cases and its effectiveness is limited. The detailed analysis is as follows:

For cervical spondylosis caused by cold-damp obstruction in the meridians, which manifests as neck stiffness, pain exacerbated by cold, and limited mobility, the warm herbal ingredients in the Sanfu Patch may help dispel cold and dampness and promote circulation in the neck meridians through acupoint penetration, thereby relieving local discomfort. During application, acupoints related to the neck should be specifically targeted and the treatment should be conducted in courses to enhance effectiveness.

If the cervical spondylosis is caused by organic lesions such as bone spurs or intervertebral disc herniation, or if the neck pain is due to a heat-related constitution characterized by burning pain, the Sanfu Patch is unlikely to provide significant relief and may even worsen discomfort due to its warming properties. In such cases, targeted treatment measures are required to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, to help relieve cervical spondylosis, it is important to maintain proper sitting posture, avoid prolonged periods of neck flexion, and perform appropriate neck exercises during breaks. Choosing a pillow of suitable height to maintain the natural curvature of the cervical spine, applying heat therapy or gentle massage to the neck area when appropriate, and improving local blood circulation through comprehensive care can help reduce the burden on the cervical spine.

View All

Are the Sanfu herbal patches effective for lung diseases?

For patients in the remission phase of chronic bronchitis, asthma, and similar conditions, the Sanfu贴 (herbal patch application during the three hottest periods of summer) may help regulate bodily functions, reduce the frequency of disease recurrence, and improve daily respiratory status by stimulating specific acupoints with medicinal ingredients. However, this regulatory effect requires long-term adherence to become evident. On the other hand, for acute pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia or pulmonary infection, or during acute exacerbations of chronic conditions, the Sanfu贴 is unlikely to effectively control symptoms.

View Full Answer

Are the Sanfu herbal patches effective for prolonged cough that does not resolve?

In general, whether the Sanfu Patch is effective for prolonged cough without healing depends on the specific circumstances. It may have some effect on prolonged cough caused by deficiency-cold, but typically has no significant effect on prolonged cough due to heat conditions. To better improve prolonged cough, daily management should be combined with symptom characteristics. For prolonged cough caused by deficiency-cold, the Sanfu Patch can be used under professional guidance, while keeping warm and avoiding cold exposure.

View Full Answer

Is the Sanfu Patch effective in enhancing immunity?

Under normal circumstances, the Sanfu Patch (Three伏贴) has a certain auxiliary effect in enhancing immunity, although the effectiveness may vary from person to person, and it should be used appropriately according to individual conditions. The Sanfu Patch is a commonly used method in traditional Chinese medicine for treating winter diseases in summer. It involves applying medicinal patches to specific acupuncture points during the hottest days of summer, utilizing the abundant yang energy of summer to stimulate the body's yang energy and regulate organ function.

View Full Answer

Do the Sanfu herbal patches help with rheumatic diseases?

If rheumatic disease is in the remission stage, and the main manifestations are joint sensitivity to cold and worsening symptoms upon exposure to cold, and if the skin is tolerant to the ingredients of the herbal patch, following the prescribed course of treatment may help alleviate discomfort slightly by regulating local qi and blood circulation through warm stimulation. In such cases, it can provide some support in regulating the body's condition. However, for acute exacerbations or severe rheumatic disease, it is unlikely to produce significant improvement.