In the Chinese Lunar Calendar, Sanfu refers to the three 10-day periods that are predicted to be the hottest days of the year, which are called Toufu, Zhongfu and Mofu. China now has entered Zhongfu, the second phase of Sanfu.
Sanfu is between mid-July to mid-August. Chinese people some tradition ways of spending the dog days of summer.
Receiving the Sanfutie
Sanfutie, or Sanfu medicinal patch, is a bandage made of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believe that receiving Sanfutie during the hottest summer days is effective for coughs, asthma and arthritis; it is a patchwork solution for winter ills in summer.
The treatment is based on the TCM principle of yin and yang, which believes the balance of both elements in human body is vital for good health. Sanfutie contains a paste of herbs that are "hot" in nature, and when applied to specific acupuncture points, usually on the back and neck, they replenish the yang elements.
These patches have been used in TCM since earliest recorded times, according to Huangdi Neijing (The Canon of the Yellow Emperor), more than 2,000 years ago, the time-tested textbook for TCM practitioners. Sanfu patch treatment became extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and has enjoyed a revival in recent years as more patients turn to TCM treatment.
Eating dumplings during Toufu
When the dog days come, many people get easy to lose their appetites, and jiaozi (dumplings), can refresh people’s feelings toward food. Actually jiaozi is an all-time classic, with 2,000 years of history.
Eating noodles during Zhongfu
The second phase of Sanfu is traditionally a time for consuming noodles because it is believed to help people sweat and relieve internal heat. Some time-honored noodle restaurants around China have increased their supply and launched new products.
Eating Chinese egg pancake during Mofu
When Mofu comes, the weather turns cool. People, especially those living in North China, customarily eat the Chinese egg pancake.