Sanfu Days: Boost Your Health and Beat Chronic Illness with TCM

The Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Diseases During Sanfu Days

Hey there friends! Recently I've been trying a traditional Chinese medicine treatment, because I have been suffering from eczema in the recent years. First developed in 2012, all the way till now. Lately, I've been hearing amazing things about this method, so I decided to give it a try. Here are some info that I've gathered after some research. Hopefully this could be helpful to you too. 

Have you heard about Sanfu Days? They're the hottest days of the year in the Chinese calendar and a prime time to boost your health with some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Let's chat about why this period is special and how you can make the most of it.

Why Sanfu Days are Great for Us? What Can Be Treated During SanFu Days?

1. Chronic Respiratory Issues

   • Asthma and Bronchitis: The heat helps to strengthen your lungs and clear out phlegm. Think acupuncture and herbal remedies to boost lung health.

2. Digestive Disorders

   • Gastritis and Ulcers: Your digestive system gets a boost as your metabolism revs up. Herbs like Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang can help soothe your stomach.

3. Rheumatic and Joint Pain

   • Arthritis and Rheumatism: Warm weather is great for joints. Moxibustion and herbal patches can ease pain and stiffness.

4. Skin Conditions

   • Eczema and Psoriasis: The heat helps detoxify your skin. Herbal baths and topical treatments work wonders here.

5. Immune System Boost

   • General Support: Strengthen your defenses with tonifying herbs like Astragalus and Ginseng, along with some acupuncture sessions.

The Origins and Magic of Sanfu Days

Sanfu Days have their roots in ancient Chinese traditions, closely linked to the principles of yin and yang in TCM. This period, often referred to as the "dog days of summer," is considered the best time to harness the yang energy (heat) to expel cold and dampness from the body. The idea is that the body is most receptive to treatments during this time, making it perfect for preventive care and managing chronic conditions.

Sanfu Days are divided into three periods:

• First Fu (Toufu)

  Time: Early to mid-July Main Function: Begin to warm and boost yang energy, enhancing the immune system. Actions:

  • Diet: Eat light and easily digestible foods like mung bean soup and winter melon soup, and avoid greasy and cold foods.
  • Health: Perform gentle moxibustion and cupping to expel cold from the body.
  • Lifestyle: Avoid prolonged air conditioning, and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

  Second Fu (Zhongfu)

  Time: Mid-July to early August Main Function: Peak period for expelling dampness and toxins through sweating. Actions:

  • Diet: Eat foods that clear heat and expel dampness, such as bitter melon and loofah.
  • Health: Continue moxibustion and cupping, and apply Sanfutie (herbal patches) to manage chronic diseases.
  • Lifestyle: Engage in light exercise such as walking and tai chi in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat.

  Third Fu (Mofu)

  Time: Early to mid-August Main Function: Consolidate the effects of the previous phases and prepare the body for autumn. Actions:

  • Diet: Consume foods that clear heat and moisten dryness, like pears and lily bulbs, while still avoiding greasy foods.
  • Health: Final round of Sanfutie application for disease prevention and treatment.
  • Lifestyle: Maintain good sleep hygiene, avoid getting cold, and ensure proper rest.

When Are Sanfu Days?

Here are the dates you need to mark on your calendar in 2024:

• 2024:
  • First Fu: July 15 - July 24
  • Second Fu: July 25 - August 13
  • Third Fu: August 14 - August 23

Sanfu Days are a fantastic time to take charge of your health with TCM. By aligning with the season and using natural remedies, you can boost your well-being and tackle chronic issues head-on. So, grab those herbal teas, enjoy some light exercise, and consult with your TCM practitioner to make the most of these hot days!