The Sanfu period, also called the "dog days of summer," is the hottest days of the year. It is the prime season for the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice of addressing winter ailments through summer therapies. On July 15, the first day of the Sanfu period, Ahsan Nizamani from Pakistan visited Changsha Central Hospital to have an immersive experience of "Fire Dragon Massage" (governor vessel moxibustion), gaining firsthand insight into the wisdom behind this TCM practice.

Governor vessel moxibustion is a traditional external therapy where spreading moxibustion is applied along the midline of one's back—the pathway of the governor vessel. "Sanfu Governor Vessel Moxibustion" specifically refers to governor vessel moxibustion performed during the dog days of summer. Applying this therapy during the dog days makes it easier to "utilize the peak summer heat (the 'heavenly fire') to invigorate the body's internal defensive yang (the 'human fire')," achieving a synergistic effect in dispelling cold and dampness and warming and activating the governor vessel.

During the treatment, medical staff applied medicinal ingredients such as ginger paste and moxa to Ahsan's spine. Once lit, a gentle heat penetrated deep into his muscles and bones, dispelling cold and dampness from his body. This prompted Ahsan to exclaim that the "TCM spa treatment" was "so comfortable and amazing!" Additionally, the medical staff introduced classic therapies of "addressing winter ailments through summer therapies" such as Sanfutie, a traditional Chinese herbal plaster, and acupuncture, explaining the principles of TCM wellness in simple terms.

This unique experience gave Ahsan a brand new understanding of TCM culture. It not only vividly showcased the sophisticated, distinctive TCM diagnosis and treatment techniques at Changsha Central Hospital but also promoted TCM wisdom of health preservation during the dog days, breathing new life into ancient TCM culture.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: Voice of Hunan