Friday marked the start of the dog days in China, the hottest time of the year when many Chinese follow the tradition of receiving Sanfu medical patches at local hospitals. /VCG Photo

The patch, also known as Sanfutie, is a bandage filled with Chinese herbal medicine. Doctors will apply the patch on different acupoints according to the symptoms. /VCG Photo

It is believed that receiving Sanfutie at the beginning of dog days is effective against coughs, asthma and arthritis. /VCG Photo