San Jiu Tie Herbal Patch
What Is San Jiu Tie Herbal Patch Treatment?
San Jiu Tie, also known as Tian Jiu Tie, is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the application of herbal patches, one of the commonly used herbs is Mugwort/Moxa, applied to specific acupuncture points on the body. The term “Tian” refers to heaven; the supreme power reigning over lesser gods and human beings. It also refers to a deity and impersonal nature. “Jiu” means applying worming herbs on particular points on the body. “Tie” refers to a patch. This treatment is associated with San Jiu days ( which are the three nine-day periods following the winter solstice, considered the coldest days of the year) and San Fu days ( which are the three ten-day periods following the summer solstice, considered the hottest days of the year). These periods of time: San Jiu days ( the coldest days) and San Fu days (the warmest days) are believed to be crucial for addressing the sensitivity of the human body and enhancing its constitution. During San Jiu days, which are the three nine-day periods, totaling 27 days after the winter solstice, the weather is extremely cold, making it a recurring season for respiratory diseases.
During these days, our human body becomes sensitive and susceptible to external influences. Applying heat generated herbs to the Acupuncture points can activate our body’s Yan energy, enhance immunity, and address conditions especially related to the respiratory system. This treatment is recommended for people who are prone to illnesses, as it aims to balance yin and yang, invigorate various organs, and enhance overall well-being and prevention of sickness. The treatment aims to provide warmth to the body during the coldest days, addressing the vulnerability of our human body to external influences.
What health conditions can it help?
The treatment addresses various health issues related to different body systems:
- Respiratory issues (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, chronic cough),
- Digestive problems (chronic diarrhea, stomachache),
- Women’s health issues (dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation),
- Musculoskeletal issues (pain in various areas, osteoarthritis),
- Children’s health concerns (recurrent colds, asthma, poor appetite),
- Poor circulation: cold hands and feet,
- Other conditions associated with yang deficiency.
What herbs are used in the San Jiu Tie herbal patch?
The heat-generated herbs are usually used in the patch: such as Mugwort, white mustard seed, Asarum, Euphorbia, Artemisia, Corydalis yanhusuo etc. The herbal patch is prepared for external application and applied to specific acupuncture points on the body.
What are the health benefits of the Tian Jiu Tie herbal patch?
The therapy is believed to promote yang energy, replenish Qi (vital energy), invigorate the spleen, tonify the kidney, benefit the lungs, expel wind and cold, unblock meridians, and relieve pains. The warming effect is thought to reach diseased areas, strengthen the body, eliminate pathogenic factors, and enhance immunity.
When are the San Jiu days and when will the treatment start?
The San Jiu days start from Dec 21nd 2024 and end at Jan 16th 2025 The 1st nine days: Dec 21nd—Dec 29th The 2nd nine days: Dec 30th —Jan 7th 2025 The 3rd nine days: Jan 06th—Jan 16th 2025. The best time for the treatment is one week before the 1st San Jiu days (Dec 14 2024) and one week after San Jiu days ( Jan 23rd 2025).
An exception to this time frame is receiving the San Jiu patch treatment leading up to the Chinese Lunar New Year which begins Jan 29th 2025.
During the transition from winter to spring, weather fluctuates with cold nights and warmer daytime. These changes, along with increased pollen levels as plants start to bloom, can contribute to a higher risk of allergies and respiratory issues. San Jiu Tie treatment can help to prepare you to fight against spring allergies.
How often shall I have the treatment?
It is recommended at least 3 treatments within each San Jiu days which are 9 treatments.
Recommendations:
People who have undergone “San Fu Tie herbal patch” treatment during the summer are advised to consider “San Jiu Tie Herbal Patch” during the winter to maintain the effects achieved in the summer.
What precaution shall we take after applying the patch?
- It’s not recommended to take a hot bath on the day of patch application.
- The patch may not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
- If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using the patch.
- If the patch causes intense itching after application, remove it immediately.
- If you have sensitive skin, the patch should be removed within 4-8 hours of application.
- Otherwise you can keep it for 12 hours.
- Maintaining good hydration is important.
- Avoid spicy, cold, fermented food, and other foods that may trigger allergies.
- Tobacco and wine are prohibited.
San Fu Tie Patch Therapy or Dong Bing Xia Zhi
(Winter Disease Summer Treatment)
Winter Disease Summer Treatment (Dong Bing Xia Zhi or San Fu Patch Therapy) usually starts in the summertime when the weather is hot.
According to TCM, if we can tonify our body, which means to increase energy to the body during summer months, we can help to prevent diseases that usually occur in the winter. Chinese medicine focuses on prevention and emphasizes the relation and harmony between environment and humans.
In summertime, the Yang energy is at its maximum level in the body. Therefore, it is the best time to improve the disease defense ability and care of many chronic health issues. This tradition of preventative medicine is most often used for diseases that are worse in the winter, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic cough, emphysema, those easily chilled or catching frequent colds, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis. Other diseases include chronic diarrhea and arthritis caused by cold dampness, infertility (cold type of uterus), painful period, numbness, facial paralysis, childhood diseases and those that tend to affect individuals with weak immune and constitutions, as well as for chronic pain and arthritis.
The treatment principle is based in the summer, nourish yang energy and in the winter nourish yin energy. Warm and pungent herbs are used to disperse cold and transform phlegm, warm the lungs, boost the kidney, and secure the root of qi. The treatment of Acupuncture, Guasha, Cupping, San Fu Patch Therapy or using warming herbs at this special time allow us to treat the root of the disease rather than the branch. This means eliminating the disease or preventing the symptoms before the cold
season arrives.
After the Acupuncture treatment, the herbal plaster patch will be taped on Acupuncture points. These externally used plasters consisting of warming herbs are applied to specific acupuncture points. The herbal plaster is only for external use. Patients should never take it orally. The plaster should be left on for 4-6 hours. Patients usually have a warming and tingling sensation in the taped areas. When the plaster is dry, they can be removed. However, if the patient feels a burning or painful sensation, the
application should be removed to avoid irritation. The herbal patch treatment is not applicable for everyone.
Those who are diabetic, who have sensitive skins, who have decreased sensation and those who have recent vomiting or other heat conditions are advised not to take the herbal treatment. They might not detect if the skins are being irritated or burnt. Yet they can still take the Acupuncture, cupping and Guasha treatment.
What Does NIH say about San Jiu Tie Herbal Patch?
Tian Jiu therapy for allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial – PMC
What do our patients say about San Jiu Tie/San Fu Tie?
It’s fascinating to hear about the positive outcomes from our patients who received the San Fu patch treatment during the hottest days in the summer (the dog days) and San Jiu Tie Treatment during the coldest days in the winter. In the summer of 2023 and 2024, we launched 2 times of San Fu Patch treatment. In the winter of 2023, we launched our 1st San Jiu Tie treatment. There are about 200 patients receiving the treatment. More than 90% of the patients experienced improvement in their symptoms, including allergies, cough, bronchitis, and chronic pain. Some of them have shown immediate symptoms reduction and a lot of them reported that they have had an easy winter and easy spring.
Please listen to what our patients say:
“Over the past year, I have been receiving Acupuncture and herbal patch immunity treatments —1-2 times every 10 days during the summer (San Fu Tie during the “dog days”) and 1-2 times every 9 days during the winter (San Jiu Tie during the coldest days). I can genuinely say that these treatments have significantly strengthened my immune system!
I have not experienced any colds, flus, or viruses in the past year, even when illness seems to be more prevalent than ever. This year, in particular, it feels like everyone around me is catching the flu more frequently, not me. I strongly recommend these treatments to anyone looking to enhance their immune system and better protect themselves from circulating viruses during this time of year.”
– Gregory Wims (written in Jan 2025)
Member of House of Delegates
Director of Upcounty Regional Services Center of Montgomery.
“I recently tried the San Jiu Tie treatment for persistent cold and cough symptoms, and I’m truly impressed by the results. I had been dealing with a nagging cough and a feeling of congestion that just wouldn’t go away. Over-the-counter remedies provided little relief, so I decided to explore alternative treatments. San Jiu Tie turned out to be exactly what I needed. The patches were comfortable to wear. Within 3 treatments, I noticed a significant reduction in my cough and chest congestion. What stood out to me was the soothing warmth the patches provided—it felt like they were actively working to release the blockages causing my discomfort. This ancient Chinese medicine technique truly lives up to its reputation for holistic healing.”
“I would highly recommend San Jiu Tie to anyone looking for a natural and effective solution for colds and coughs. It’s become my go-to remedy, and I’m so grateful for the relief it has brought me!”
– Mart (Dec 2024)
“In the summer of 2023, I had the San Fu patch treatment, followed by the San Jiu Tie treatment in the winter of the same year. These traditional Chinese therapies have addressed my frequent colds during seasonal transitions and persistent springtime allergies.”
“The results have been remarkable! After completing both treatments, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my overall health. Seasonal changes, which used to trigger constant colds, are no longer a major issue. My spring allergies, once a yearly struggle, have also become much more manageable.”
“I’m deeply grateful for the benefits I’ve experienced and would wholeheartedly recommend San Fu and San Jiu Tie treatments to anyone seeking natural, effective ways to strengthen their immune system and combat seasonal sensitivities.”
– Jan ( Nov 2024)
“I have struggled with chronic asthma and recurrent bronchitis for over a decade. Every winter, the cold weather would exacerbate my symptoms, leaving me dependent on inhalers and frequent doctor visits. This year, I decided to try the San Jiu Tie therapy at the recommendation of a friend.”
“After Acupuncture treatment, the practitioner applied an herbal patch to specific acupoints on my back. It was slightly warm at first and felt soothing. Over the course of three sessions, I noticed a remarkable improvement in my breathing. My chest felt less tight, and I experienced fewer nighttime coughs.”
“What truly amazed me was the lasting effect — even during the coldest months, my asthma was significantly less severe, and I didn’t need to use my inhaler as frequently.”
I am incredibly grateful for this treatment. San Jiu Tie not only eased my symptoms but also gave me a sense of empowerment in managing my health through natural methods. I would highly recommend it to anyone dealing with chronic respiratory problems.”
– Katie: Nov 2024
“I’ve struggled with severe spring allergies for years—itchy eyes, constant sneezing, nasal congestion, and fatigue made the season unbearable. Traditional over-the-counter medications only provided temporary relief, and I was desperate for a more sustainable solution. That’s when I came across San Jiu Tie therapy, a form of Chinese herbal patch treatment.”
“At first, I was skeptical. The treatment involves applying herbal plasters to specific acupoints on the skin during the hottest days of summer and the coldest days of winter, known as the “dog days” and “san jiu days.” I wasn’t sure how something applied months before allergy season could make a difference, but I decided to give it a try.”
“During my first session, I had Acupuncture and Cupping treatment. Within 2 days I came back for my patch. After the Acupuncture treatment, Dr Ji placed herbal patches on my back related to my respiratory system and immune function. Over the course of three hottest days in the summer and 9 coldest days in the winter, I diligently followed the treatment schedule.”
“When spring arrived the following year, I was amazed at the results. My allergies were significantly reduced—no more endless sneezing or itchy eyes. For the first time, I could enjoy the blooming flowers and fresh air without fear of triggering symptoms. Even my nasal congestion, which used to persist throughout the season, had disappeared.”
“San Jiu Tie not only alleviated my spring allergies but also seemed to strengthen my overall immune system. If you’re battling spring allergies and looking for a long-term, natural remedy, I wholeheartedly recommend San Jiu Tie. It may take time and commitment, but the results are truly life-changing.”
– Allisa (09/2024)
“For years, I struggled with a persistent chronic cough that disrupted my daily life. It would worsen during cold seasons and after exposure to certain irritants. Despite trying various medications and treatments, I saw little improvement and grew frustrated with the lack of lasting relief.”
“I came to the East West Wellness Center for my other health issue. I saw the promotion of San Jiu Tie treatment and I decided to give it a try. I was intrigued but skeptical. However, after completing a full course of treatment, I am amazed by the results.”
“The treatment was gentle and comfortable, with only mild warmth or tingling at the application sites.
Over a course of 9 treatments, I noticed a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of my coughing episodes. Over the following months, my respiratory health improved noticeably, and I was able to sleep better and breathe more freely.”
– April (09/2024)
“In 2023, my entire family had San Fu patches treatment and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. I’ve witnessed a significant improvement in my husband’s health, particularly in managing his severe spring allergies.”
“Before discovering San Fu patches, springtime was always a dreaded season for us. My husband would suffer from debilitating allergies, often relying heavily on medication to alleviate symptoms. However, after San Fu patch treatment last year, for the first time in years, he didn’t need any allergy medication. The patches seemed to have strengthened his body’s resilience against allergens, making the entire season much more manageable for him. He was able to enjoy outdoor activities without the usual discomfort and fatigue that allergies used to bring.”
– Denise (06/2024)
“As someone prone to allergies, I was skeptical about the San Fu patch treatment. However, after trying it during the dog days of summer, my allergy symptoms improved remarkably. Breathing became easier, and I could finally enjoy the spring season without the usual struggles.”
– Sharon (06/2024)
“I’ve struggled with asthma for many years. When I first heard about the San Fu Patch treatment, I was skeptical. However, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try something new after dealing with asthma for so long. Last summer, I underwent a series of 8 San Fu Patch treatments and the results were astonishing.”
“Throughout the entire winter season that followed, I only needed to use my inhaler twice. This was a significant improvement compared to previous years when I relied on it much more frequently. The relief and improvement in my condition were so remarkable that I eagerly await next year’s San Fu Patch treatment.”
– Bob (May 2024)
“My name is Jin. For years, I have struggled with frequent colds, almost like clockwork, every month. Coughing, fevers, and often require antibiotics and steroids. In the summer of 2023, I decided to try something different and opted for San Fu patch treatment during the dog days of summer. I was amazed by the results. The following winter, typically a season fraught with multiple colds for me, I
only experienced a mild cold once. I didn’t need antibiotics or steroids at all.”
“The San Fu patches seemed to have strengthened my immune system in a way that I hadn’t experienced before. They provided relief that was not only effective but also sustainable. I’m grateful for discovering this alternative approach to managing my health, and I would recommend it to anyone who, like me, has struggled with frequent illnesses.”
– Jin Zang (02/2024)
“The San Fu patch treatment not only eased my bronchitis symptoms but also seemed to have a lasting impact. Surprisingly, I’ve noticed a smoother transition into winter. It’s been the easiest winter I’ve had in years, and I attribute it to the positive effects of the treatment.”
– Nancy (03/2024)
“I’ve been dealing with a persistent cough for as long as I can remember. The San Fu patch treatment provided relief that other methods couldn’t. My cough and itchy throat got diminished after 2 times of treatment and I experienced a level of comfort I hadn’t felt in a long time. I’m genuinely impressed.”
– Linda ( Sept 2023)
“I had been grappling with a relentless cough caused by allergies for months. Despite trying various medications, the cough persisted, disrupting my work and sleep. The constant coughing left me exhausted and drained. Desperate for relief, I decided to explore alternative options and found my way to East West Wellness Center. From the moment I stepped in, I knew I was in capable hands. Under the guidance of the incredibly knowledgeable Dr. Hongji Ma, I embarked on a treatment plan that combined acupuncture, cupping, and the remarkable San Fu Herbal patch, specifically tailored to address my asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues. To my sheer amazement, after just three treatments, my stubborn cough vanished completely. No more incessant coughing throughout the day and night. I felt an incredible transformation breathing became effortless, and I experienced a newfound vitality that had eluded me for months. I can’t emphasize enough how East West Wellness Center has positively impacted my life. The entire staff radiates warmth and friendliness, creating an inviting and comforting atmosphere. The facility itself is pristine and inviting, fostering a sense of tranquility that is essential for healing. I am committed to incorporating this wellness center into my regular routine, as it has not only alleviated my physical discomfort but has also lifted my mood and enhanced my overall well-being. If you’re searching for a holistic approach to health, I wholeheartedly recommend East West Wellness Center. This place is a true gem that offers a blend of expertise, compassion, and effective treatments. It’s not just about addressing ailments; it’s about nurturing your entire being. Trust me, the journey to better health and happiness begins here. Don’t wait – take the leap and experience the transformative power of East West Wellness Center.”
– Jennifer Frazer (Aug 2023)
“Doctor Ji asked me to send her a brief testimonial about our family’s experience with the dog days of summer treatment, here it is: My young daughters and I received Dr. Ji’s dog days of summer preventive treatment this summer, and I’m happy to say that no one has been sick yet through this cold weather. My three-year-old son did not want to have the treatment done, and he has been sick twice now and has had a long cough that’s taking weeks to go away. I am grateful for Dr. Ji’s treatment and we look forward to the winter booster! Thank you!”
– Andreea Culian ( Nov 2023)