Yesterday was the first day of the san fu, or the hottest period of the year based on the Chinese almanac. At a TCM hospital in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, a doctor helps to put san fu tie patches on a boy. These patches, which are stuffed with Chinese herbs, are stuck onto the body at specific acupoints to help prevent or cure ailments. From colds and headaches to asthma and some kidney problems, the best time to fix these problems is at the height of the summer heat, say TCM experts.