What is Summer Herbal Patch Therapy (Sanfu Therapy) ?
Summer Herbal Patch Therapy, also known as Sanfu Therapy (三伏貼), is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment performed during the hottest days of summer.
Specially prepared herbal patches are applied to selected acupuncture points to support the body's yang Qi. Traditionally, this seasonal therapy has been used for people who experience recurring respiratory symptoms, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, particularly during the colder months.
_______________________________
Who may benefit?
Sanfu Therapy may be suitable for people who experience:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Stable asthma
- Frequent colds
- Chronic cough
- Cold-sensitive constitution
- Seasonal allergies
At Lily TCM Clinic, we first assess whether Sanfu Therapy is appropriate for your individual condition and discuss whether it may be a beneficial option for you.
_______________________________
Why is it performed during the summer?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the hottest days of the year are when the body's Yang energy is at its strongest.
This seasonal timing is traditionally believed to provide the best opportunity to support respiratory health and help prepare the body before the colder seasons arrive.
_______________________________
2026 Sanfu Treatment Dates
The traditional Sanfu dates for 2026 are:
- Initial Sanfu (初伏): July 15
- Middle Sanfu (中伏): July 25
- Final Sanfu (末伏): August 14
Good news! You do not need to attend on these exact dates.
At Lily TCM Clinic, treatments are available throughout July and August. We recommend completing three treatments during this period, and we will help you choose appointment dates that best fit your schedule.
_______________________________
What's Included?
Your CAD $150 Summer Herbal Patch Therapy program includes:
- Initial consultation and assessment
- Personalized treatment planning
- Preparation of the herbal patches
- Three Sanfu Therapy treatments (July–August)
- Follow-up support and aftercare guidance throughout the treatment period
Everything is included in one program fee of CAD $150, payable at your first appointment.
_______________________________
What does current research tell us?
Traditional use of Sanfu Therapy dates back hundreds of years, and in recent decades it has also been studied in modern clinical research.
Several systematic reviews suggest that acupoint herbal patch therapy may help improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and provide supportive benefits for people with stable asthma. Researchers also note that additional high-quality clinical studies are still needed.
A clinical study conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan reported improvements in symptoms among patients with allergic rhinitis following a course of Sanfu Therapy, with benefits observed during follow-up in the winter months.
While Sanfu Therapy is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment, it may serve as a complementary therapy as part of an individualized care plan.
ShaoWen Yu
Contact Me