Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plasters or patches are topical applications used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, or promote healing based on traditional Chinese medicinal principles. They typically contain a blend of herbal ingredients and are applied directly to the skin over the area of concern.

Here’s what’s important to know:

1. How Do They Work?

   The concept is rooted in TCM theories, especially those involving meridians, qi (vital energy), blood flow, and the balance of yin and yang. The plaster's herbs penetrate the skin and:

   • Unblock energy flow (qi) in meridians

   • Promote blood circulation

   • Expel wind, cold, and dampness (common causes of pain in TCM)

   • Alleviate pain and swelling

   Though the explanation may differ from Western medicine, the effects are often similar to localized pain relief through anti-inflammatory and counterirritant effects.

2. Common Types of TCM Plasters / Patches:
   • Pain Relief Plasters
     • Used for muscle aches, joint pain, arthritis, back pain, and sprains.
     • Common ingredients: camphor, menthol, myrrh, borneol, safflower, angelica root, and capsaicin.

   • Herbal Plasters for Bruises and Swelling
     • Promotes blood circulation and reduces bruising and swelling.
     • Often used in sports injuries or trauma.
     • Herbs like notoginseng (San Qi), frankincense (Ru Xiang), and dragon’s blood (Xue Jie) are common.

   • Warming Plasters
     • Used to dispel cold and damp from joints, often for chronic pain or arthritic conditions.
     • Ingredients may include cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), dried ginger, and aconite.

   • Cooling or Detox Patches
     • Claimed to draw toxins from the body or reduce heat/inflammation.
     • These are less supported by scientific evidence and may be more aligned with modern wellness trends.

3. Common Uses:
   • Muscle pain

   • Joint pain and arthritis

   • Back pain

   • Sprains and bruises

   • Tendonitis

   • Neck and shoulder stiffness

With years on studying and researching clinical historically tested and proven Chinese medicine prescription and integrating with her own clinical practice and experience, Dr. Kimberly Du developed current three Chinese medicine plasters.

These specialized prescribed TCM ointments can help for:

1. Arthritis

2. Osteoarthritis

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

4. Old traumatic arthritis

5. Sciatica

6. Bone hyperplasia

7. Lumbar disc herniation

8. Fibromyalgia

9. Gout

10. Plantar fasciitis

11. Achilles tendinitis

12. Tennis elbow

13. Sports injury