More than 85 percent of secondary-level traditional Chinese medicine hospitals and over 90 percent of tertiary hospitals now provide sanfu moxibustion services, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine said on Tuesday.

Sanfu refers to the hottest days of summer. This year, the period will run from July 20 to August 18.

Sanfu moxibustion is a TCM treatment applied during these days to boost immunity against winter chills and ills. It involves plastering warm herbal patches onto acupuncture points.

Ouyang Bo, an official of the administration, said that authorities have released regulations on the application scope of sanfu moxibustion and basic requirements. She advised the public to seek services at legitimate hospitals.

Wu Jie, from the Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, said that the TCM therapy has advantages in treating respiratory and digestive illnesses, joint and muscle conditions, fatigue and some women's health issues such as menstrual cramps.

She stressed that the treatment should not be used on those with malignant tumors, severe allergies, cold or fever symptoms, infectious or contagious diseases and skin conditions.