Can the Sanfu Patch regulate deficiencies in qi and blood?

Jul 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the three-fu patch (Sanfu patch) has a certain auxiliary effect in regulating qi and blood deficiency, but its effectiveness is limited, and it should not be relied upon solely to improve qi and blood deficiency. In daily life, to regulate qi and blood deficiency, one can consume more foods that nourish qi and blood, such as red dates, red beans, and lean meat; avoid excessive fatigue, ensure sufficient sleep, and engage in mild exercises such as walking and yoga.

Generally, the Sanfu Patch (Three伏贴) has a certain auxiliary effect in regulating qi and blood deficiency, but its effectiveness is limited, and it should not be solely relied upon to improve qi and blood deficiency. The specific analysis is as follows:

Qi and blood deficiency is often related to spleen and stomach weakness and impaired transformation and transportation functions. The Sanfu Patch can, to some extent, promote the circulation of meridians and regulate qi and blood through medicinal stimulation of acupoints, possibly alleviating mild symptoms such as fatigue and pallor caused by poor circulation of qi and blood. It is particularly suitable for application during summer when yang energy is abundant, enhancing the regulatory effect by harnessing the power of nature.

If symptoms of qi and blood deficiency are significant, such as frequent dizziness, palpitations, or reduced menstrual flow, the Sanfu Patch alone is unlikely to achieve satisfactory regulatory effects. A comprehensive approach combining diet, exercise, and other methods is necessary for improvement. Moreover, if qi and blood deficiency is caused by conditions such as anemia or chronic diseases, the Sanfu Patch cannot replace targeted treatments, and addressing the root cause is essential.

In daily life, to regulate qi and blood deficiency, one can consume more foods that nourish qi and blood, such as red dates, red beans, and lean meat. It is also important to avoid excessive fatigue, ensure adequate sleep, and engage in gentle exercises like walking or yoga to promote circulation of qi and blood, thereby improving overall physical condition through a comprehensive approach.

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What to eat to regulate qi and blood deficiency

Generally, for regulating and improving deficiency of qi and blood, one can consume foods such as red dates, spinach, pork liver, longan, and black-boned chicken, as well as oral medications like Danggui Bu Xue Oral Liquid, Bazhen Granules, Ejiao Oral Liquid, Guipi Pills, and Shiquan Dabu Pills. To effectively manage qi and blood deficiency, it is important to maintain a varied diet in daily life, ensure balanced nutrition, and increase intake of foods rich in iron and vitamins.

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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.

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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.

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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.