Traditional physician Do Minh Tuan, of the Vietnam Traditional Medicine Association, notes that back pain, knee fatigue, stiff shoulders and neck, cold abdomen, or cold hands and feet are common symptoms. Warm compress methods are considered an immediate and effective remedy, particularly beneficial for women after childbirth, the elderly, sedentary individuals, or those with a "cold" constitution.

The physician recommends a nightly compress using mugwort, ginger, lemongrass, and coarse salt. When applied warm, the heat combined with the essential oils from the herbs penetrates the skin, directly stimulating acupoints. This process helps to improve qi and blood circulation, expelling "cold energy" from the body.

Here's how to prepare and use the compress:

Ingredients: A handful of fresh mugwort, one fresh ginger root (choose an older, more fibrous one), four lemongrass stalks, and coarse salt.

Illustration: AI

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Mugwort: Wash thoroughly, drain, and lightly crush to release essential oils when heated.

Ginger: Crush, keeping the skin on.

Lemongrass: Cut into segments, then crush to enhance fragrance.

These herbs possess warming and pungent properties, effective in promoting qi circulation, dispelling wind and cold, reducing pain, and providing mild antiseptic benefits. Ginger's pungent, warming nature offers quick pain relief. Mugwort warms the uterus, beneficial for women with menstrual irregularities or period pain. Lemongrass aids qi movement, dispels dampness, and relaxes tendons and muscles. Coarse salt retains heat, helps the medicinal properties penetrate deeply, and acts as a mild antiseptic while reducing swelling and pain.

Step 2: Heat the mixture

Combine all prepared ingredients with coarse salt in a pan (preferably cast iron or thick-bottomed). Stir consistently over low heat for about 5–10 minutes.

The mixture is ready when it emits a strong aroma, the salt is evenly hot, and the herbs have softened. Immediately transfer the mixture to a thick cloth bag or clean towel and tie it securely.

Step 3: How to apply the compress

Check the compress's temperature to ensure it is comfortably warm (avoiding excessive heat or insufficient warmth). Then, place it on target areas such as the back, lower back, knees, shoulders, and neck to alleviate aches, stiffness, and joint coldness. Applying it to the lower abdomen can help reduce menstrual pain, cold abdomen, and indigestion. For feet, it helps reduce coldness and pain.

Each compress session should last approximately 15–20 minutes. If the bag is still warm, you can reheat it slightly for a second application. It is recommended to apply the compress in the evening before bedtime to enhance its calming effect and promote deeper sleep.

For acute pain, apply the compress once daily for 5–7 consecutive days. For individuals with chronic pain or qi and blood deficiency, maintaining the practice 3–4 times per week can provide long-term warmth and nourishment to the body.

The herbal mixture can be reused 2–3 times; simply reheat it in the pan.

Do not apply the compress to areas with open wounds, sores, or rashes. Individuals with allergies to herbal essential oils or high blood pressure should not apply the compress directly to the neck and nape area. Pregnant women must not apply the compress to the lower abdomen.

However, this method offers only temporary pain relief. If you experience prolonged or severe aches and pains, consult a doctor for appropriate medical treatment.

Thuy An