As is well known, rheumatic bone diseases are classified as cold-related conditions, caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, as well as the invasion of wind, cold, and dampness into the body. "Piercing cold, excruciating pain" is a common experience among many patients with rheumatic bone diseases. Treating winter diseases in summer is a major characteristic of traditional Chinese medicine. Zhang, the originator of plasters, treats diseases caused by pathogenic cold and rheumatism based on the principle of "nourishing yang in spring and summer."
Due to the summer heat, the body's yang energy reaches its peak. Utilizing the natural high temperature and abundant yang energy within the body can maximize the expulsion of wind and cold, remove chronic ailments, and adjust the yin-yang balance. This not only prevents recurrence of old illnesses but also stores yang energy for autumn and winter, protecting the body from the cold. Applying plasters to treat rheumatic bone diseases is particularly effective in summer. At this time, the skin pores are open and relaxed, allowing the medicine to easily penetrate the skin and reach the acupoints and meridians, directly reaching the affected area through the flow of qi and blood.
