Episode Details

As hospitals have begun providing a variety of sanfu moxibustion services — a traditional Chinese medicine treatment applied during the hottest days of summer to boost immunity against winter chills — officials and experts stressed that the therapy is only recommended for people with certain respiratory conditions and weak immunity and is not suitable for everybody.

随着夏季酷暑的深入，医院纷纷推出“三伏灸”这一传统中医特色疗法，旨在利用一年中最炎热时段的自然之力，强化人体免疫力，为抵御冬季严寒打下坚实基础。但这种疗法只推荐给患有呼吸系统疾病和免疫力低下的群体，并不适合所有人。

Sanfu in Chinese refers to the hottest period of the year.

三伏是指中国一年里最热的时期。

Liu Qingquan, president of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said that sanfu moxibustion — which involves plastering warm herbal patches onto acupuncture points — dates back to a traditional Chinese medicine formula in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and mainly comprises white mustard seeds and dried ginger.

北京中医院院长刘清泉介绍，三伏天艾灸是明朝（1368-1644）的一种传统中药方剂，即将温热的草药（主要由白芥和干姜组成）制成贴片贴在穴位上。

"The therapy was originally used to treat asthma and would leave blisters and marks on acupuncture points on the skin," he said. "But now we have upgraded the formula so that blisters will be reduced while the effects in stimulating acupuncture points are strengthened."

他进一步阐述：“三伏灸原用于治疗哮喘，过程中或会在皮肤穴位上留下水疱和烫伤等，但经过现代改良，不仅减少了不适感，更增强了穴位刺激的疗效。”

Liu said that sanfu moxibustion is among a series of TCM approaches aimed at enhancing overall health to prepare for the cold season and protect against winter diseases. Components of the patch also vary based on an individual's health condition and local climates.

刘清泉院长强调，三伏灸作为中医综合疗法的一环，旨在全面提升体质，“冬病夏治”。其配方根据患者体质差异及地域气候特点灵活调整，确保个性化治疗。

"But not all people are suitable. These treatments are recommended for people who tend to suffer asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis and recurrent colds, as well as people who have cold hands and feet," he said.

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