By Dr. Heidi Lovie, [Headshot of Dr. Heidi Lovie]. Squarespace. Available here.
San Fu moxibustion, or San Fu Tie, is an ancient Chinese therapy that revitalizes the body and mind. At Kamwo Herbs, we are passionate about this seasonal therapy and excited to share its principles and benefits with you, in collaboration with Dr. Heidi Lovie.
Understanding San Fu Moxibustion
San Fu moxibustion, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), harnesses the body’s energy and strengthens the immune system by applying herbal pastes to acupuncture points. It’s particularly effective for chronic conditions like asthma, allergies, and digestive disorders.
Heavenly Moxibustion and San Fu
Heavenly Moxibustion, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, has gained renewed interest in recent years. Instead of using mugwort, it uses herbs ground into a powder, mixed with fresh ginger juice, and taped to points to treat asthma, lung disorders, and allergies affecting the upper respiratory system. The treatment is traditionally done on specific summer days according to the Chinese calendar and Daoist cosmology, aligning with the hottest days of the year, also known as the "Dog Days of Summer."
Credit: Kamwo
Moxibustion: An Ancient Heat Therapy
Moxibustion is an ancient form of heat therapy that predates acupuncture, known as zhen jiu (针灸) in Chinese. It involves burning mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) at or above specific acupuncture points to stimulate circulation and improve health. Modern research shows moxa therapy effectively raises white blood cell counts in debilitated patients and is famously used to reposition breech babies. There are three main types of moxibustion:
Needle Moxibustion: Mugwort is molded into small balls and placed on the end of needles to provide deep tissue warmth.
Direct Moxibustion: Mugwort is applied directly to the skin or placed on substances like salt or ginger to warm acupuncture points.
Indirect Moxibustion: Mugwort is compressed into a cigar-like pole, lit, and held above the skin to warm regions or points indirectly.
Timing and Science Behind San Fu
San Fu moxibustion is administered during the hottest days of the year, in three sessions spaced 10 days apart, aligning with the body’s maximum Yang energy. The heat opens the skin’s pores, allowing herbs like mustard seed, ginger, and ephedra to penetrate deeply and act more effectively.
Benefits of San Fu Moxibustion
Boosts Immune Function: Enhances the body’s immune response, making it more resilient against seasonal illnesses.
Improves Respiratory Health: Provides significant relief from asthma, chronic bronchitis, and allergies.
Enhances Digestive Health: Improves circulation and energy flow to digestive organs.
Promotes Overall Wellness: Leads to improved energy levels, better sleep, and general well-being.
What to Expect During a San Fu Session
During a San Fu session, practitioners apply a specially prepared herbal paste to specific acupuncture points on your back. The paste is covered with a small adhesive to keep it in place. Patients typically experience a warming sensation, indicating the herbs are penetrating the skin and starting their therapeutic work. Each session lasts about 30 minutes, and it’s normal to feel slight redness or tingling at the application sites, which usually subsides within a few hours.
Post-Treatment Care
Post-treatment care is crucial for maximizing the benefits of San Fu moxibustion. After your session, avoid cold foods and drinks, strenuous exercise, and exposure to cold air. These precautions help the herbs work effectively. Drinking warm water and eating light, easily digestible foods support your body’s natural healing processes.
Experience the Healing Power of San Fu
We are dedicated to preserving and promoting the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our San Fu moxibustion sessions provide the highest quality care, combining traditional techniques with modern expertise. Whether you seek to improve respiratory health, boost your immune system, or enhance your overall well-being, San Fu moxibustion offers a natural and effective solution.
About Dr. Heidi Lovie
Dr. Heidi Lovie, DACM, is a private practitioner specializing in Acupuncture and Asian Medicine, with a focus on autoimmune disorders, particularly Hashimoto's. She also addresses women's health, pain management, HIV management, cancer care, and complex cases. Dr. Lovie integrates functional and integrative medicine into her practice, utilizing modern clinical knowledge alongside classical Chinese medicine. She is also a clinic supervisor and instructor at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, with extensive training in Master Tung's Acupuncture system.
To explore more in-depth information and additional follow-up care details, visit Dr. Heidi Lovie’s website here.