Is applying Sanfu patches effective for schizophrenia?

Applying Sanfu patches cannot treat schizophrenia. However, for some patients with schizophrenia who also experience physical discomfort due to deficiency-cold conditions, Sanfu patches may be used under medical guidance as an adjunctive therapy to help regulate symptoms, but they must not replace standard medical treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Sanfu patch therapy is a traditional Chinese external treatment method that involves applying medicated patches to specific acupoints. Leveraging the abundant yang energy during the hottest days of summer, it aims to regulate organ function and is primarily used for preventing and treating deficiency-cold conditions such as asthma and rhinitis. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder whose core treatment relies on antipsychotic medications and psychological interventions. Sanfu patches have no direct effect on regulating central nervous system neurotransmitters or improving core symptoms such as disordered thinking.

Some patients with schizophrenia may develop deficiency-cold symptoms—such as cold intolerance, fatigue, or chronic diarrhea—due to long-term medication use or individual body constitution. In such cases, Sanfu patches may be considered after joint evaluation by psychiatrists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to help alleviate physical discomfort. However, potential allergic reactions should be monitored; if skin redness, swelling, or itching occurs after application, use should be discontinued immediately.

Treatment for schizophrenia requires strict adherence to prescribed medication regimens. Patients should never reduce or stop their medications on their own due to using Sanfu patches. In daily life, maintaining regular sleep patterns, emotional stability, and cooperating with family members and healthcare providers in rehabilitation management are essential to improving quality of life.