Reinforce the yang in spring and summer

Acupuncture today is getting popular the world over and newer methods used by the Chinese for getting relief from various ailments are being used.  Traditionally, one strategy in Chinese medicine is to ‘treat winter ailments in the summer’. ‘Tian Jiu (celestial moxa)’, or ‘San Fu Tie (patch)’, or ‘San
Fu Jiu (moxibustion)’ is a significant theory of preventive medicine that has been passed down and practiced for generations.

According to the principle from ‘Su Wen: Si Qi Tiao Shen Lun’ (Simple Questions: Treatise on the Four Qi & Regulating the Spirit), one may “reinforce the Yang in spring and summer” through the external application of herbal patches to particular points on the body.The correct Qi may be invigorated to defend against pathogenic factors and in turn,treat and prevent conditions commonly occurring in winter.

Celestial moxa is most ideal for treating winter respiratory conditions such as allergies, asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease etc. These conditions are generally associated with Yang-deficiency or predominantly cold in a mixed condition.

It is also suitable for individuals with a deficient and cold body constitution, who commonly notice aversion to cold, aversion to wind, or are prone to catching cold frequently during the winter cold seasons.
Acupuncture today is getting popular the world over and newer methods used by the Chinese for getting relief from various ailments are being used.  

Among these techniques is a method of using specialised herbal patches at specific acupuncture points to get complete relief from various types of allergic disorders.These herbal patches are applied in winters and in summers. The patches are applied because the pores at these points are open at these times. Patients are advised to come once in winter and once in summer for complete relief from their symptoms.  
The more chronic patients are advised to continue this treatment for three consecutive years. These patches are left on these specific points for a duration of six hours and then removed. The main indications for this therapy are: Chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic cough, people who easily catch cold, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, sore throat and weak constitution patients.  

Most patients notice a significant improvement the following winter as they catch fewer colds
and/or have fewer asthma flare-ups. Patients with spring allergies could do a second round of ‘Celestial moxa’ during the winter and would see that their hay fever symptoms were far less severe the following spring.

The author is Head of the Department of Acupuncture, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi.
This treatment is now being made available in India at his clinic in Delhi.