Summer is here, and many hospitals and pharmacies are selling "Sanfu" plasters. So, what are the functions and effects of these plasters?
Functions and Effects of Sanfu Plasters
Promote meridian circulation and regulate qi and blood
Sanfu plasters can promote meridian circulation, regulate qi and blood, expand the chest and lower qi, strengthen the spleen and stomach, invigorate yang qi, and regulate the lung and spleen functions of the body. This continuously enhances the body's immune function, resulting in the effects of invigorating yang qi, promoting blood circulation, dispelling cold pathogens, and enhancing disease resistance.
Adjust the balance of yin and yang in the body
During the Sanfu period, the body's yang qi rises, meridians are unobstructed, and qi and blood are abundant. This is the best time to warm and dispel internal cold pathogens. Utilizing this favorable opportunity to treat certain cold-related diseases, the body's yang qi can be fully assisted by the external yang energy, maximizing the elimination of internal ailments, adjusting the balance of yin and yang in the body, reducing the severity of symptoms, and even preventing the occurrence of diseases.
Relieve baby's illnesses
Sanfu plasters can effectively help relieve baby's illnesses. They have a good therapeutic effect on symptoms or diseases such as chronic bronchitis, chronic pharyngitis, chronic rhinitis, recurrent colds, bronchial asthma, chronic diarrhea, chronic gastritis, cold limbs, aversion to cold, and bedwetting.
Health preservation and disease prevention
The Sanfu period is the hottest time of the year, with the strongest yang energy and the highest temperature. Applying Sanfu plasters during this time can help relax the body's pores, promote the circulation of meridians and qi and blood, and effectively prevent diseases and promote health.
Treating winter diseases in summer
Treatment of various diseases
1. Treating respiratory system diseases: chronic cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, recurrent colds, etc.
2. Treating musculoskeletal system diseases: cervical spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis, joint pain, limb numbness, frozen shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
3. Treating digestive system diseases: chronic gastritis, chronic enteritis, indigestion, etc.
4. Treating otolaryngological diseases: allergic rhinitis, chronic pharyngitis, etc.
5. Treating pediatric diseases: asthma, cough, bronchitis, susceptibility to colds, weak spleen and stomach, delayed development, etc.
6. Treating chronic skin diseases: chilblains, etc.
7. Treating gynecological diseases: chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, dysmenorrhea, diarrhea during menstruation, infertility, etc.
8. It has certain effects on people with yang deficiency constitution.
How to Use Sanfu Plasters
1. The plaster treatment lasts for 3 to 5 years.
2. Each year is divided into three stages: early, middle, and late Sanfu.
3. Generally, the plaster is applied 3 times during each stage, with 4 acupoints pasted each time, totaling 4 plasters.
4. Children should wear the plaster for 2 to 4 hours each time, while adults should wear it for 6 hours each time.
5. However, the doctor may adjust the duration and frequency of application according to individual differences and the patient's condition.
Side Effects of Sanfu Plasters
Aggravation of yin deficiency and internal heat symptoms
Sanfu plasters are not suitable for everyone. If you are healthy and do not have any illnesses, you do not need to use them. Only those with indications should use them.
If someone with yin deficiency and internal heat uses such warming yang medicine, it may actually worsen their symptoms.
Skin allergies
Many children have delicate skin, and even those with indications may experience some side effects, such as skin irritation, localized red rashes, darkening, or roughness.
Precautions after Applying Sanfu Plasters
Maintain continuity
Diseases that are more prevalent in winter may not show obvious symptoms or no symptoms at all in summer, so the effects of treatment may only be observed in winter. Some patients who try treatment with a "let's see if it works" attitude may give up continued treatment when they don't see immediate results, leading to prolonged illness.
Pay attention to disinfection
Before applying the plaster, the application site should be disinfected with iodine solution. Then, take out a small amount of ointment with a diameter of about 1 centimeter and a height of 0.5 centimeters, apply it to the corresponding acupoints according to the doctor's advice, and secure it with a 5cm x 5cm hypoallergenic adhesive tape.
Observe the time of application
During the plaster application, it is important to pay attention to the time. The application time for adults is 3-6 hours per session, while for children it is 2-4 hours. The specific application time depends on the patient's skin reaction. Generally, children under 6 years old should wear the plaster for 2-4 hours.
Observe constantly
Parents must constantly observe the child's skin condition during the application process. If any abnormalities occur, the plaster should be removed immediately.
Avoid consuming cold foods
During the application period, children should not consume cold, spicy, or seafood foods to avoid affecting the therapeutic effect of the Sanfu plaster.
Choose loose and breathable clothing
It is best to choose loose, dark-colored, and breathable clothing during plaster application, as this will make it easier to apply the Sanfu plaster.
Avoid getting cold
On the day of application, try to avoid exposing the child to fans, air conditioning, and especially cold beverages. Otherwise, it may affect the treatment effect and worsen the symptoms.
