Tian jiu therapy is an ancient technique for treating allergic rhinitis and asthma, considered 'winter' diseases in Chinese medicine.
It's a mix of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture theory, but there are no needles involved.
Based on the formula in General Medicine According to Master Zhang, printed in 1695, and the result of clinical trials, eight carefully selected, stimulative Chinese herbs are ground into powder and mixed with ginger extract to form a pellet, which is then applied on specific acupoints according to the individual's condition. The medication acts on these acupoints, stimulating the meridians and harmonising the visceral system (heart, liver, intestines and other internal organs) for prevention and treatment of diseases.
Chinese medicine believes in treating winter diseases in summer, and tian jiu therapy (tian jiu coming from the characters for sky and moxibustion) is performed on three designated dates each year so as to achieve the best effect. These are known as 'Three Dog Days', which are the hottest in summer.
The treatment dates with the strongest yang qi are chosen according to the Chinese calendar. For 2011, the first, July 14, is 30 days after the summer solstice, or xiazhi. The second is July 24. Finally, the third, August 13, is 10 days after the start of autumn, or liqiu. The treatment takes one hour for adults and 20 minutes for children under the age of 16, and it's advisable to complete the course of treatment.
Yang is related to situations such as heat, brightness and synergy. Thus, the medicine will be absorbed and drive away the phlegm and cold inside the body. Similarly, it's best to shower with warm water on the day of treatment to help efficacy.