Acupoint Herbal Patch: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Technique
Published 2026-06-02 · 412 words · TCM & Functional Medicine
Acupoint herbal patch therapy, also known as acupoint application, is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves applying medicinal substances directly to specific acupoints on the body. This method combines the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine with the stimulation of acupoints, offering a unique approach to treating various common ailments.
The drugs used for acupoint application can be either single herbs or compound formulas. Common solvents include water, white wine, yellow wine, ginger juice, honey, and petroleum jelly. In some cases, herbal extracts are used as solvents to enhance efficacy.
The herbal preparations can be made into various forms, such as pills, powders, pastes, and ointments, depending on the condition and desired effect.
Acupoints for application are typically chosen based on the affected area, local tender points (ashi points), or empirically effective points. The navel (Shenque, CV8) and the sole of the foot (Yongquan, KI1) are commonly used for this therapy.
Before applying the herbal preparation, clean the local area with warm water or a 75% alcohol cotton ball. Then, secure the herbal paste or patch with gauze, oil paper, or medical tape. The duration of application depends on the intensity of the herbal stimulation and the patient's tolerance.
Note: An illustration of the acupoint herbal patch application process is provided for reference.
This therapy is particularly effective for bronchial asthma, especially when applied during the summer solstice period (Sanfu days) according to TCM principles.
A classic formula includes: stir-fried white mustard seed (Bai Jie Zi) 21g, corydalis tuber (Yan Hu Suo) 21g, euphorbia kansui (Gan Sui) 12g, and asarum (Xi Xin) 12g. Grind all ingredients into a fine powder and set aside.
Take one-third of the powder mixture and mix with ginger juice to form a paste. Divide into six equal portions. Apply each portion to the following bilateral acupoints: Feishu (BL13), Xinshu (BL15), and Geshu (BL17). Secure with tape and leave on for 4–6 hours. Repeat every 10 days for a total of three applications, starting from the first Sanfu day.
References
1. Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic), Lingshu chapter on acupoints and meridians.
2. Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders) by Zhang Zhongjing – principles of herbal combination.
3. Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) by Li Shizhen – details on herbs like Bai Jie Zi, Gan Sui, and Xi Xin.
4. Modern clinical studies on acupoint herbal application for asthma (e.g., Zhang et al., 2015, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine).