A patient is given moxibustion treatment at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province on July 13, the first day of sanfu. TCM practitioners say moxibustion, which involves the burning of a moxa stick above or on the skin, can improve blood circulation and restore balance. Photo: CFP

A doctor applies a sanfu patch to the back of a boy at a TCM hospital in Huaibei, Anhui Province. Photo: CFP

A patient in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province receives acupuncture and moxibustion. TCM practitioners believe acupuncture can balance the body's flow of energy and ease chronic pain. Photo: CFP

This TCM hospital in Suining, Sichuan Province is offering free sanfu patches for locals. Photo: CFP

These men in Henan Province are having cupping therapy before sanfu patches are applied to their skin. Cupping, which involves placing small glass cups on the skin as suction devices, is used to relax stiff muscles and encourage blood flow. Photo: CFP

As China sweats through the scorching summer heat, people are flooding into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals and clinics in the hope of curing their winter ailments in the summer, an age-old practice that is still popular today.

According to China's Lunar Calendar, sanfu is the hottest period of the year and normally lasts for 30 or 40 days. This year, the first day of sanfu fell on July 13, and will last 40 days until August 11.

According to TCM, hot summer days are the best time to treat chronic illnesses or diseases that worsen during the winter, including  bronchitis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and allergic rhinitis. This is because summer is considered the best period for the human body, which is supposedly full of energy at this time, to absorb medicine.

TCM practitioners apply sanfu patches, dabbed with pastes made of Chinese herbs, onto specific pressure points on the patients' chests and backs. Used only during sanfu, these patches are believed to be able to warm the lungs, help the kidneys, secure the body's flow of energy and strengthen weak constitutions. In addition to the patches, cupping, acupuncture and moxibustion therapies are also popular in the summer.

TCM practitioners also believe that during sanfu people should avoid icy food and drinks and consume lukewarm summer beverages such as green bean soup.

Global Times