Liniments I Use in the Clinic — Kenton Sefcik, R.Ac

I’ve used quite a few products in my years of practice. Herein are my (limited) choices on what I use and why.

White Flower Oil, Zheng Gu Shui, and Po Sum On are all popular products found in practitioner’s clinics.

White Flower Oil

This oil is named is named after the founder’s, Gan Geok Eng, favourite flower: the daffodil. Also known as ‘Old Lady’s Perfume’ in China, the origin of the formula is unknown, but combines ingredients from China, Australia, the USA and France.

Due to different countries having regulation on ingredient percentages, the amount of each ingredient can vary; however, each formula contains wintergreen, eucalyptus, peppermint, menthol, camphor, and lavender. Mr. Gan’s son has said that this formula is very balanced between Yin and Yang.

Because this formula has eucalyptus in it, it’s very good for the lungs and clearing Phlegm from the sinuses. It’s great on its own or under some cups*, however I only use it sparingly at home and not in the clinic because I find it quite expensive for such a small bottle. It’s also hard to sell to patients because of the wholesale cost.

Zheng Gu Shui

Zheng Gu Shui, translated as ‘Bone Healing Liniment’ or ‘Evil Bone Water,’ is a formula closer to a traditional liniment for physical trauma than White Flower Oil. Dit Da Jow or 'Iron Hit Wine’ is often used to heal the body after hardening training methods in Kung-Fu. The label of Zheng Gu Shui tells users to soak the area for up to 1 hour in order for the liniment to be ‘soaked down to the bone.’

Zheng Gu Shui’s ingredients are in a water-alcohol base: pseudoginseng, croton seed, cinnamon bark, angelica root, gentiana, inula flower, menthol. and camphor.

I tend to use Zheng Gu Shui at the end of treatment. It is very inexpensive and can be applied liberally. I have two issues with this liniment:
1. It stains: Like any good Dit Da Jow, there is a sediment from the herbs in the formula and is spread upon the skin. I always take a cotton ball and wipe over the area I applied it to after it has dried to ensure the liniment doesn’t stain my patient’s clothes. Being quite inexpensive to order wholesale, I end up selling bottles to patients, and I make sure to instruct them how to use it (read the directions: soak the area for 1 hour, and to be very careful as it stains clothing and furniture).
2. It’s water-alcohol based: Due to the fact that the product is not oil based, it is not good for cupping. Alcohol dries out the skin and makes it tighter, which doesn’t create a very good seal for cupping, and makes it uncomfortable for patients.

Po Sum On

Many practitioners say they are going to ‘pour some on,’ however this is the Cantonese pronunciation for what is called Bao Xin An in Mandarin (Protect the Heart's Peace oil). Po Sum On is considered a warming formula, has anti-inflammatory effects, and is indicated for chest discomfort from coughing, itching from insect bites, joints and muscle aches, motion sickness, rheumatic pains, and stomach ache caused by chills.

I don’t use this formula in the clinic because it is very strong smelling, hard to wash off, and stains. Not only is it hard for a practitioner to wash off their hands, and they continue to ‘contaminate’ everything they touch with the herbs afterwards, and it leaves the patient with copious amounts of oil on them. I do use it at home, albeit sparingly, and only when I know I don’t have anything else to touch right after.

Blue Poppy Sports Massage Oil

I’ve saved my favourite for last: Blue Poppy Sports Massage Oil is my go-to formula for all things Tui Na and Cupping. It checks off everything on my list why it’s the best product for the clinic:
1. It smells pleasant, but not strong. Patients always comment about the hint of cinnamon in the air.
2. It is inexpensive, and a little goes a long way. I only need a few drops on my fingers for Tui Na, and a small squirt for cupping. It almost has a sticky nature to it, which allows me to keep a grip on the patient with either my hands or the cup. It’s great for sliding cupping, too.
3. Other than it being oil-based, it doesn’t inherently stain because it’s clear.
4. It washes off my hands very easily.

This is not a product I am selling to patients. Typically, again, I would promote Zheng Gu Shui to them. This sports massage oil contains apricot kernel oil, fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, rosemary seed extract, clove bud, cinnamon bark, sweet fennel, frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood.

As you can see, this formula contains Ru Xiang and Mo Yao, both well known for their ability to break up Blood Stasis and generate new tissue.

The only complaint I have about this product is that once the seal is broken on the top the bottle leaks. Every bottle I have owned leaks, but this can be rectified by putting it in another massage oil bottle.

At the end of the day, you’re likely going to have to buy all these products (plus Tiger Balm, and Salonpas, and others…!) and experiment with them to see what you like to use in the home and/or the clinic.

As you can see, I like products that I can use on all patients no matter their scent preference, that won’t stain, that I can wash off my hands after treating the patient, and, finally, products that are cost effective. Think about what you’d like in a liniment and find your favourite. They’re out there!

*Always take care when using an oil underneath fire-cupping. Typically, stationary cupping and sliding cupping are fine, while flash cupping tends to heat the rim of the cup, which can cause the oil to heat up and burn the patient.

Some essential oils such as eucalyptus (if ingested) and camphor (if absorbed) can cause seizures.

More resources:

http://www.itmonline.org/

https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2148656/how-white-flower-oil-eased-million-aches-and-pains-and

https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/camphor.html

https://consumermedsafety.org/medication-safety-articles/item/56-keep-camphor-away-from-children

https://ndnr.com/neurology/wintergreen-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/

https://www.poison.org/articles/2014-jun/essential-oils