Singapore Chinese Medicine Acupoint Application Therapy

No. Although acupoint application therapy has a wide range of indications, it is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with skin ulcers or allergies, or those allergic to the ingredients in the patches. Caution is also advised for those with fever, acute infections, or severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency. Additionally, infants and young children have extremely delicate skin, requiring strict control of medication dosage and application time when using this therapy.

Acupoint application therapy is suitable for various diseases, such as respiratory conditions like colds, coughs, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; digestive system disorders including stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation; gynecological issues such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and infertility due to uterine cold; pediatric conditions like children's cough, diarrhea, and enuresis; as well as orthopedic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and pain in the neck, shoulders, waist, and legs.

Before applying the patch, clean the skin at the application site to remove dirt and oil; if there is excessive hair, trim it appropriately to facilitate better drug penetration. At the same time, keep the skin dry and avoid applying the patch immediately after sweating. Additionally, it is recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing for ease of application and movement.

If you experience only mild itching and redness, these are normal medication reactions and generally do not require special treatment; you can continue to observe. If symptoms worsen, such as stinging, burning sensations, or the appearance of rashes or blisters, remove the patch immediately and gently rinse the affected skin with clean water, avoiding scratching. For mild symptoms, applying an appropriate amount of calamine lotion can help relieve itching. If large blisters appear, seek medical attention promptly for professional treatment to prevent infection.

It is recommended to wait 6-12 hours after removing the patch before showering, allowing the skin sufficient time to recover. When showering, avoid excessively hot water and refrain from using harsh cleansing products. Opt for mild cleansers instead, gently rinsing the patch area without vigorous scrubbing to prevent skin irritation.

During the application period, avoid consuming stimulating foods such as raw, cold, spicy, greasy, or seafood items to prevent affecting the medication's efficacy or triggering skin allergies. Opt for light and easily digestible foods like rice porridge and vegetables. Additionally, ensure adequate water intake to promote metabolism.

Self-adjustment is not recommended. The timing and frequency of acupoint application are determined by doctors based on comprehensive factors such as the patient's condition and constitution. Arbitrary changes may affect the treatment efficacy or even cause adverse reactions. If adjustments are needed due to special circumstances, be sure to consult your doctor in advance and proceed under their guidance.

This depends on the specific condition and the medications being used. Before starting acupoint application therapy, patients should inform their doctor about all other medications they are taking, including oral and topical medications. The doctor will assess whether there are any potential drug interactions. Generally, when combining acupoint applications with other medications, a certain time interval should be maintained to ensure the effectiveness of each treatment.

The duration of therapeutic effects varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, individual constitution, and the course of treatment. For some chronic diseases, several consecutive courses of treatment may be required. Symptoms may gradually improve after each application, and as the treatment progresses, the effects can become more stable, with the duration of relief extending accordingly. For acute conditions, symptoms may show significant improvement after application, but some diseases still require follow-up observation and management to prevent recurrence.

The effectiveness of acupoint application therapy is primarily judged by whether disease symptoms improve. For example, for patients with cough, if the frequency of coughing decreases, phlegm reduces, and the severity of coughing lessens after application, it indicates the therapy has some effect. For patients with dysmenorrhea, if the pain level decreases, menstrual cycles become regular, and accompanying symptoms such as backache and nausea are relieved after application, it suggests the therapy is effective. Additionally, improvements in objective indicators such as pulmonary function tests and gastrointestinal function tests can also serve as evidence for evaluating the therapy's effectiveness.

Generally, it is not recommended for pregnant women to undergo acupoint application. The medication used in the application may be absorbed through the skin and enter the body, potentially affecting fetal growth and development. Additionally, stimulation of certain acupoints such as Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and abdominal acupoints may trigger uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. If a pregnant woman has special circumstances requiring this treatment, it must be strictly supervised by a doctor, with careful selection of medication and acupoints, and close monitoring of bodily reactions.

Children's skin is delicate, so the dosage of medication for acupoint application should be appropriately reduced, and the application time should be shortened, generally 2-4 hours is advisable. The specific duration should be adjusted according to the child's skin tolerance. During the application process, it is important to observe the child's reactions. If signs such as crying or scratching the application site occur, promptly investigate the cause. Additionally, the chosen medication should be as mild as possible, avoiding highly irritating substances.