I just read a report that health departments in many places are rectifying the "Sanfu Tie" practice. After reading the report, the author was genuinely surprised. If Traditional Chinese Medicine is "inherited" in this way, it seems the industry is truly not far from its demise. The author believes that managing the TCM industry under the guise of rectifying "Sanfu Tie" is not advisable and does not align with the development laws of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
First, traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods can be divided into internal and external therapies. Internal therapy refers to the method of taking Chinese herbal medicine to treat diseases, while external therapies include acupuncture, moxibustion, application, guasha, massage, tuina, qigong, etc. Among the various treatment methods, current medical laws and regulations impose stricter supervision on oral Chinese medicine and acupuncture, meaning only licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioners are allowed to apply these methods, while ordinary people or health and wellness centers are not permitted to practice them. Other external therapies in traditional Chinese medicine, such as moxibustion (except scar moxibustion), application, fumigation and washing, massage, guasha, and tuina, are relatively safe, easy for ordinary people to learn and use, and deeply rooted in people's daily lives. Therefore, they are not defined as medical practices and can be widely practiced and disseminated among the public. The so-called "Sanfu Tie" is merely a type of traditional Chinese medicine application therapy, characterized by its seasonal therapy approach in traditional Chinese medicine. It is simple to apply, causes minimal discomfort, is more easily accepted by the elderly and children, and is considered green and safe. Therefore, using the so-called "Practicing Physician Law" to regulate the application of "Sanfu Tie" is clearly an excessive enforcement and over-regulation.
Secondly, Sanfu patch is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine patch therapy. If only Sanfu patch is regulated while other traditional Chinese medicine patch therapies are not, it clearly constitutes selective law enforcement, which is logically untenable.
Again, since it is clearly regulating the "Sanfu Tie," what about patch therapies that are not called "Sanfu Tie"? What about plasters applied outside the Sanfu days? What about those not labeled as Sanfu Tie or not applied to acupoints? If everything is regulated, what about the plasters sold in pharmacies all over the streets? If not regulated, wouldn't that leave room for broad interpretation again? How would relevant laws and regulations define and enforce this?
In summary, regulating the practice of "Sanfu Tie" clearly does not align with the current national conditions, nor does it meet the developmental needs of traditional Chinese medicine. Moreover, it is detached from the lives of ordinary people. The "Sanfu Tie" therapy in traditional Chinese medicine is both easy to learn and use, as well as green and safe. It not only helps prevent diseases and maintain health but also treats illnesses and alleviates ailments. Particularly at present, when the overall physical fitness of the population is generally low, especially with a higher susceptibility among children, and an increasing number of people suffering from post-COVID-19 sequelae... as well as those with chronic conditions, all are highly suitable for traditional Chinese medicine topical therapies and seasonal treatments. Such an excellent traditional Chinese medicine technique—rather than being promoted by relevant authorities—is instead obstructed, hindering its dissemination and development. What benefit does this bring to the nation and its people? The author is also deeply perplexed and puzzled.
