Is the Sanfu Patch effective in enhancing immunity?

Aug 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

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.

Generally, the Sanfu Patch (Three伏贴) has a certain auxiliary effect in enhancing immunity, but its effectiveness varies from person to person and should be used appropriately according to individual conditions. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The Sanfu Patch is a commonly used method in traditional Chinese medicine for treating winter diseases in summer. By applying medicinal patches to specific acupoints during the hottest days of summer, it utilizes the strong yang energy of summer to stimulate the body's yang energy and regulate organ functions. For individuals with weak constitutions, those prone to frequent colds, or those with weaker respiratory systems, consistent use according to the recommended course might help improve immune status and reduce the frequency of illness.

However, the effects of the Sanfu Patch are not immediate, and it does not significantly enhance immunity for everyone. For individuals with a heat-prone constitution or sensitive skin, adverse reactions such as redness or itching might occur after application, which could negatively affect physical condition. If the application time is inappropriate or the medication is improperly combined, the desired results may not be achieved.

When using the Sanfu Patch, it is important to choose a qualified healthcare institution and determine the appropriate application plan and duration based on one's own constitution. During the application period, avoid consuming cold or spicy foods to minimize bodily irritation.

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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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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.

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Can the Sanfu Patch help with chronic fatigue?

In general, the Sanfu Patch (Three伏贴) may be helpful for long-term fatigue caused by physical weakness and insufficient yang energy, but it is less effective for chronic fatigue caused by excessive fatigue or excessive mental stress. To relieve long-term fatigue, it is important to maintain a reasonable daily routine, avoid staying up late and overexertion, and engage in regular physical activity to improve overall physical health.