San Fu Tie (三伏贴), also known as Three Solar Treatments, Celestial Moxibustion, or Solar Therapy, is a time-honored therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) applied during the hottest days of summer. This seasonal treatment aims to strengthen the body’s defenses, particularly for individuals who experience chronic or cold-aggravated health conditions.
Rooted in the principle of seasonal alignment, San Fu Tie uses the heat of summer to promote healing and prepare the body for the challenges of fall and winter.
What is San Fu Tie?
San Fu Tie involves applying herbal plasters to specific acupuncture points, commonly on the upper back. These medicated patches are infused with warming herbs such as mustard seed, asarum, cinnamon bark, and ginger, all selected for their ability to invigorate circulation, warm the body, and strengthen Yang energy.
This treatment is non-invasive and painless. No needles are involved. The application takes only a few minutes in clinic, and the plaster is left on for 30 minutes to a few hours depending on individual skin sensitivity. The patient removes the plaster at home.
Typical reactions may include mild redness, warmth, or itching, which generally subside quickly. These effects indicate the body’s active response to the herbs and are considered normal.
Why is San Fu Tie Done in Summer?
San Fu Tie is timed with the San Fu Days, the hottest, most Yang-dominant days of the year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. During this peak in external heat and internal Yang energy, the body is more receptive to herbal stimulation. This enhances the absorption and effectiveness of the treatment, supporting long-term health and resilience, especially during the colder seasons when conditions like asthma, joint pain, or fatigue may worsen.
Common Conditions Treated with San Fu Tie
Respiratory Health
Asthma
Chronic cough
Seasonal allergies
Sinus congestion
Recurrent colds
Digestive Disorders
Chronic diarrhea
Bloating
Low appetite
Cold Sensitivity and Low Vitality
Cold hands and feet
Fatigue
Susceptibility to illness
Musculoskeletal Pain
Arthritis
Stiff neck or shoulders
Cold-induced body pain
Women’s Health
Menstrual cramps associated with cold
Cold-related infertility (due to Yang deficiency or excessive cold exposure)
Pediatric Conditions
Pediatric asthma
Recurrent respiratory infections
Weakened immune function
Also Read :
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs List to Improve Overall Health
How Does San Fu Tie Work?
Once the herbal plaster is applied to selected acupuncture points, the warming herbs penetrate the skin and stimulate the meridians. This helps to dispel cold and dampness, strengthen Yang energy, and modulate the immune system.
Clinical studies have shown that San Fu Tie may result in up to a 70 percent improvement in symptoms such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. The most effective approach includes a full course of three treatments, ideally repeated for three consecutive summers to achieve lasting results.
San Fu Tie Treatment Dates for 2025
San Fu Tie treatments are scheduled according to the Chinese stem–branch calendar, aligning with the three peak summer periods:
| Treatment Period | Dates |
| Initial Fu (初伏) | July 20 to July 29, 2025 |
| Middle Fu (中伏) | July 30 to August 8, 2025 |
| Final Fu (末伏) | August 9 to August 19, 2025 |
Patients may receive one to three sessions between July 20 and August 19, 2025. A complete course of three treatments, spaced one week apart, is recommended for optimal results.
Post-Treatment Recommendations
To support the effects of the therapy:
Cleanse the area gently after removing the plaster
Avoid cold or raw foods, heavy exertion, and exposure to wind or cold for several hours
Eat warm, easily digestible meals on the day of treatment
Repeat the treatment over three summers for enhanced long-term benefits
Conclusion
San Fu Tie is a safe, efficient, and preventive approach to managing chronic conditions through the seasonal wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. By utilizing the natural Yang energy of summer, this treatment strengthens the body’s resistance to cold-related illnesses and promotes vitality year-round.
If you experience recurring respiratory issues, fatigue, or cold sensitivity, San Fu Tie offers a proactive, natural solution. Book your treatments between July 20 and August 19, 2025 and take the opportunity to align your health with the rhythm of the seasons.
