Can the Sanfu Patch help relieve joint pain in the elderly?

Aug 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, whether the Three-Anti-Heat Plaster (Sanfu Tiegao) can help alleviate joint pain in the elderly depends on the specific underlying cause. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Before applying the plaster, it is important to determine the individual's body constitution and identify the cause of the condition, which should be evaluated by a qualified physician prior to use. During application, monitor the skin's reaction closely; if significant itching, redness, swelling, or blistering occurs, the plaster should be removed promptly and appropriate measures taken.

Generally speaking, whether Sanfu patches can help relieve joint pain in the elderly depends on the specific cause. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If joint pain in the elderly is caused by cold-damp invasion or yang deficiency, Sanfu patches may provide some relief. In such cases, joint pain usually worsens with cold exposure and improves with warmth, accompanied by symptoms like cold sensitivity and stiffness. Sanfu patches typically contain herbs that warm the meridians, dispel cold, and relieve pain through collateral circulation. Applied during the peak of summer heat, these patches can help strengthen the body's yang energy, expel cold and dampness, improve local blood circulation, and thereby alleviate discomfort.

If joint pain is caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat or yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, Sanfu patches may not only fail to relieve symptoms but might exacerbate them. This type of pain is often accompanied by local redness, swelling, and warmth, with pain intensifying upon exposure to heat. The warming herbs in the Sanfu patches could further increase internal heat pathogens, irritating the joint area and worsening symptoms such as pain and swelling.

Prior to application, the individual's constitution and underlying cause should be clearly identified and evaluated by a qualified physician. During application, attention should be paid to skin reactions; if significant itching, redness, swelling, or blistering occurs, the patch should be promptly removed and appropriate measures taken. The duration of application must strictly follow medical instructions and should not be prolonged arbitrarily. Spicy and cold foods should be avoided during the application period, and the application area should be kept clean and dry.

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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.

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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.