As the saying goes, “Prepare the umbrella before it rains!” For this month, we introduce you to a time-sensitive form of TCM treatment called Celestial moxa.

Celestial moxa (also known as San Fu Tie or Allergy & Asthma Patch) is a method that treats disease through a combination of Acupuncture, Chronomedicine and Preventative Medicine. It originated from the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) when Dr. Lu Zhang implemented this approach to successfully treat a chronic asthma patient. To this day, Celestial moxa is one of the most popular treatments in China and it is even covered by their national health insurance.

What is the theory behind it? 

The main concept behind Celestial moxa is Chronomedicine, which refers to treating specific conditions at the right time to yield the best and most effective results. A herbal patch is placed to specific acupuncture points based on the diagnosis during “San Fu” days in the summer. “San Fu” refers to three specific time periods in the lunar calendar that correspond to metal, one of the five elements, which is paired with the Lung organ according to the Five Element Theory. There is an ancient saying that a “good doctor cures diseases, but a great doctor prevents one.” Preventative care has always been a strength of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As stated in the Emperor’s Classic, one can strengthen the Yang energy of the body during spring and summer time to prevent the onset of winter illnesses such as Asthma, Chronic Rhinitis, Allergies, Cold/Flu and etc.

How does it work? 

The patches are made with ginger, mustard seeds and various Chinese herbs. These herbs have functions such as warming the Yang energy of the body and activating acupuncture channels and meridians, thereby boosting one’s immune system against external pathogens and alleviating cough or asthma. Celestial moxa is a diagnosis-based treatment, meaning each individual will be patched on different acupuncture points depending on the condition one would like to prevent.

Who is it for? 

If you are suffering from itchy eyes, runny nose, or constant sneezing on a seasonal basis, you would benefit the most from the Allergy & Asthma Patches. Many people resort to allergy pills, or boxes and boxes of tissues to resolve their allergies but these patches are surprisingly an easy way for you to prepare your body for the allergy seasons. The herbal patches are pain-free with very little side effects and are safe to administer to both adults and children so it is especially recommended for the whole family.

Don’t keep suffering from allergies year after year — prevent it today!

Royce Yu Chang Liu B. Sc (hons.), R. Ac

Registered Acupuncturist

Royce Yu Chang Liu (R.Ac, R.TCMP) is a Registered Acupuncturist and TCM practitioner whose extensive studies is equivalent to a Doctoral degree of Oriental Medicine in the United States. He volunteered as an assistant and practitioner at various countries including Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Peru and continues his training through seminars. Royce specializes in pain management and various internal conditions.