Tag: Ao Yi

Ao Yi Acupoint Pain Patches: Needle Free Herbal Support

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Connor Clark - Topical Remedies

Ao Yi Acupoint Pain Patches package with example patches in front

July 23, 2026

3 minutes read

Topical Remedies

Ao Yi Acupoint Pain Patches: Needle Free Herbal Support

What the Ao Yi Patch Actually Is

Acupuncture’s point-based logic, in something you can apply yourself.

Long before adhesive patches existed, many folk traditions applied warming, moving herbs directly over sore, stuck areas — the topical cousin of acupuncture’s point-based logic. The Ao Yi Patch, pronounced “owie,” modernizes that idea using Miao minority medicine into a clean, reusable, acupoint-sized patch.

The Miao are one of China’s oldest ethnic minorities, with a distinct and highly developed tradition of topical herbal medicine. This is not a generic warming patch with a story attached. It is a specific lineage of practice.

The Three-Stage Design

What makes these different from a drugstore patch is that the design follows an arc — the same progression a practitioner might follow over a course of care.

Stage One - Open and Move

Traditionally aimed at removing pain and opening the channels where things feel stuck

Stage Two - Warm and Spread

Warming the area to spread and free the collaterals — the small, surface-level channels

Stage Three - Nourish and Support

Finishing by tonifying yang and helping clear lingering damp

A Practitioner’s Note:

This is a nice bridge for people who want the point-based logic of acupuncture without needles — and a useful thing to send home between visits. It is not a substitute for evaluating new, severe, or radiating pain. If you’re pregnant or have sensitive skin, check with your practitioner first.

How to Use Them

The practical instructions matter more here than with most products, because the wear time is deliberately short.

These give people a genuinely traditional, needle-free way to work with points at home. That makes them a natural companion to the work we do in the treatment room.

Ao Yi Acupoint Pain Patches

Needle-free, reusable up to three days.
Acupoint-sized herbal patches drawn from Miao minority medicine.

Research & Resources

Bensky D, Clavey S, Stöger E. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed. Eastland Press, 2004. (Reference for topical herbal strategy and channel theory.)
Overview of transdermal and acupoint herbal application in traditional Chinese medicine. PubMed →
Botanical Biohacking product documentation, Miao minority medicine lineage. (Supplier material.)

Share on

Willard Sheppy is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) and Founder of Valley Health Clinic specializing in using Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat acute injuries and chronic conditions, and to improve sports performance and rehabilitation.

Psoriasis Flare Ups and Why You Need Three Sprays

Dr. Meli, in her own words, on why she and her husband built the Shu Hong

Does Evil Bone Water Work? An Acupuncturist Reads the Research

Does Evil Bone Water work? An acupuncturist reviews the evidence for Zheng Gu Shui, camphor, menthol,

Will Sheppy, Founder and Acupuncturist at Valley Health Clinic

Acupuncture for Ménière’s Disease: The Points I Use

Learn which acupuncture points Will Sheppy uses for Ménière’s disease, vertigo and dizziness, plus treatment frequency

Ao Yi Tea

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Valley Health Clinic - Herbal Teas & Formulas

Ao Yi Tea

A Better Pain Option

Ao Yi Tea is a Tibetan-Chinese herbal pain tea crafted from some of the most studied and clinically trusted botanicals for natural pain support.

If you’re one of the millions of people who can’t take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, due to stomach sensitivity or blood-thinner

Ao Yi Tea offers a powerful, natural alternative.

AO YI Tea Overview

Explore Ao Yi Tea a traditional Tibetan Chinese herbal pain tea created for people who want pain relief but can’t or don’t want to rely on over-the-counter pain medications.

Here is what you’ll learn

Why I Went Looking for a Better Pain Option

Why I began searching for a safer, natural alternative to pain meds

AO YI Tea Ingredients

A brief look at the three traditional botanicals in Ao Yi Tea

Who Is AO YI Tea For?

Who benefits most from Ao Yi Tea. Can it help you?

How To Make AO YI Tea?

How to prepare Ao Yi Tea properly for best results

FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions about use, dosing, storage, and safety.

Why I Went Looking for a Better Pain Option

Click the video to see what I discovered about AO YI Tea

Millions of people deal with pain every day but can’t rely on ibuprofen, aspirin, or other OTC meds because of stomach issues, blood thinners, or side effects.

I kept seeing this problem in my clinic, so I started looking for a safer, natural option that actually works. What I found surprised me and it might help you too.

AO YI Tea Ingredients

Ao Yi Tea is made from three powerful, clinic-grade botanicals traditionally used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine for natural pain relief.

Lamiophlomis Herba (Du Yi Wei)
Corydalis Rhizoma (Yan Hu Suo)
Radix Angelicae Dahuricae (Bai Zhi)

Corydalis Rhizoma

an Hu Suo is one of the most researched pain-relief herbs in Chinese medicine, containing over 80 naturally occurring alkaloids. It has a long history of clinical use and growing scientific interest for its ability to support pain modulation through natural pathways. In traditional terms, it reduces pain by moving blood and qi—addressing stagnation, a common root of discomfort.

Lamiophlomis Herba

Du Yi Wei is revered in Tibetan medicine for its deep, penetrating pain-relieving effects. Traditionally used for trauma, joint pain, and stubborn, cold or damp pain patterns, it works by strongly moving blood and clearing stagnation in muscles and joints. Ethically harvested by an ethnobotanical team working directly with Tibetan communities

Radix Angelicae Dahuricae

Bai Zhi works closer to the surface, helping release tension in the head, face, neck, and shoulders. Traditionally used to open the channels and disperse damp-cold patterns, it complements deeper-acting herbs by lifting and spreading their effects outward. This creates balance in the formula some herbs work deep, others help the body release supporting more complete, whole-body relief.

Who Is AO YI Tea For?

Ao Yi Tea is a warming, blood-moving herbal tea designed for people whose pain is closely tied to tension, stress, cold, or stagnation. By supporting circulation and helping the body relax, it provides gentle yet effective relief for cramping, tightness, and stress-related discomfort—while also promoting an overall sense of calm and ease.

How To Make AO YI Tea?

The preparation instructions on the bag are meant as a general guide

I don’t think a quick teabag-in-a-cup method does this formula justice. One of the primary ingredients is a root, which traditionally benefits from a longer decoction.

I recommend gently boiling the tea in a kettle or on the stove for a longer extraction.

1 teabag for 0.5 liters of water,
2 teabags for 1 liter,
3 teabags for 1.5 liters

I brew it in the morning and transfer it to a thermos to sip throughout the day.

Most people do well with 3–4 cups daily. It doesn’t need to be hot, but it’s best enjoyed warm or at room temperature—avoid drinking it cold.

AO YI Tea FAQ

Ao Yi Tea is enjoyed as a tea, but it is also a traditional herbal medicine. While it is made from safe, food-grade botanicals and prepared like a beverage, the herbs in this formula are selected for their therapeutic actions and have been used clinically for centuries. This means AoYi Tea is gentle enough for regular use, yet powerful enough to be respected as real medicine rather than a casual drink.

What is Ao Yi Tea used for?

Ao Yi Tea is a warming, blood-moving herbal tea traditionally used to support the body during pain caused by tension, stress, cold, or stagnation. Many people use it for menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, and overall body tightness.

Is Ao Yi Tea a good alternative to over the counter pain relievers?

Ao Yi Tea is easy on the stomach and is often chosen by people looking for a natural option when they can’t tolerate OTC pain medications like ibuprofen or aspirin.

How does Ao Yi Tea work in the body?

Research shows that Du Yi Wei (Lamiophlomis Herba) has strong anti-inflammatory effects driven by key compounds such as cycloenol ether terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenylethanol glycosides. Clinical and experimental studies indicate it can significantly reduce inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-8, and PCT, improve recovery after trauma, and decrease swelling and effusion. Its anti-inflammatory activity appears strongest when these compounds work together in specific ratios, supporting the idea that Du Yi Wei’s whole-herb synergy is central to its effectiveness.

Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizoma) contains dehydrocorydaline (DHC), the most abundant of its many alkaloids, which has demonstrated both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in animal studies. DHC has been shown to reduce pain in multiple inflammatory pain models without impairing motor function. Research also suggests its analgesic effects may involve opioid-related pathways and modulation of immune cells in the spinal cord, including shifting microglial activity toward a less inflammatory state—highlighting its potential role in managing complex and severe pain patterns.

Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) has been widely studied for inflammation-related conditions. Extracts of the root have been shown to suppress inflammatory signaling pathways, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibit mediators such as NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS. Animal studies further demonstrate its ability to reduce swelling, tissue inflammation, and allergic-type immune responses, supporting its traditional use for surface-level pain, tension, and inflammatory discomfort.

Does Ao Yi Tea need to be drunk hot?

Ao Yi Tea does not need to be hot, but it should not be consumed cold. Drinking Warm or room-temperature tea is so much better for digestion and over all health. Drink Tea preferred.

Don’t drink cold water 🙂

How many cups of Ao Yi Tea should I drink per day?

Most people drink 3–4 cups per day, sipped throughout the day. Many users prepare it in the morning and keep it warm in a thermos.

Can I drink Ao Yi Tea for menstrual cramps or stomach cramps?

Yes. Ao Yi Tea is commonly used for menstrual cramps and stomach discomfort, especially when symptoms feel better with warmth.

Does Ao Yi Tea contain caffeine or additives?

No. Ao Yi Tea is naturally caffeine-free and contains no additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.

But some people find they do have an increase in energy when drinking the tea.

How should Ao Yi Tea be stored?

Store Ao Yi Tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Because it contains no preservatives, keep it sealed and refrigerate after opening. For best quality, use within one month after opening.

Try AO YI Tea for yourself

Now that you understand how AoYi Tea works and who it’s for, the next step is simple.

About the Author

Willard Sheppy is a writer and healthcare practitioner who seamlessly melds scientific knowledge with practical applications in engaging and authoritative articles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Oregon State University and a Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the distinguished Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.

In his work, Willard skillfully combines his extensive educational background in scientific research with his practical experience as a healthcare practitioner. Willard balances his life with martial arts and cherished family adventures. As a father of three, he often leads his family on camping and hiking trips along the breathtaking Oregon coast.

Connect with Willard on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/valleyhealthclinic or learn more about his services at valleyhealthclinic.com. Embark on this journey towards holistic health with Willard!

AO YI Acupoint Patch

Posted on February 16, 2025 by Valley Health Clinic - Topical Remedies

A New Type of Patch

Industry Changing AO YI Patches Are Here!

Acupoint Size

Unique size perfect for both channel-based and localized applications

Opens & Moves

Unique Blood and Qi moving herbs not found in other patches.

Long Lasting

Real herbs allow for treatment to last up to 2 days per patch

This formula was created through collaboration with scientists and Gui Zhou Miao minority medicine experts.

These patches are inspired by Gui Zhou Miao Minority Medicine, is a tradition known for its powerful blood-moving, and circulation-boosting herbal formulations.

“After surgery, swallowing was unbearable. Morphine barely helped. But two patches on my feet at (Kd1) did more for my pain than any drug. By Day 2, I used these exclusively.”

Play

If you've tried pain patches before and felt underwhelmed, it's time to check this out

Real superpower is their ability to cut through excess, penetrate deeply, and warm the Yin meridians

Chronic illness and stubborn pain often stem from deep-seated stagnation, cold, and excess accumulation in the body—disrupting the natural flow of Qi and blood. Many treatments only address surface-level symptoms, offering temporary relief without reaching the root cause. Aoyi Patches’ real superpower is their ability to cut through excess, penetrate deeply, and warm the Yin meridians, where cold and stagnation tend to linger. By activating circulation and dispersing obstruction, they restore movement and warmth to areas that have remained stuck for too long. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before—a game-changer for chronic pain, fatigue, and deep-rooted imbalances.

ACU Point-Size

10 patches per bag (8cm x 8cm each)

Use Them Like Acupuncture Needles

Patients can take them home to maintain the effects of treatment.

These work exceptionally well on distal points where Tung-style acupuncture and classical channel theory come into play.

Perfect for Telemedicine

Ship them to patients and guide them on placement

Teach acupoint massage and patch use online while selling these patches to patients.

Powerful For Distal Point Applications

They open the whole meridians and spread warmth through the collaterals.

gynecological blood stasis

lower back pain

shoulder pain

Because You Are Putting Herbs Directly On Your Skin, You Get Three Stages of Absorption.

The Formula

Stage One

Pain Relief & Opening Exterior

Herbs That Open Exterior

Menthol – (Bo He Nao)
Camphor – (Zhang Nao)
Borneolum Syntheticum – (Bing Pian)
Ginger Rhizoma – (Gan Jiang)

Essential Oils & Aromatic Compounds (Terpenes & Phenols)

These compounds act as penetration enhancers, helping other herbal ingredients absorb more efficiently while also providing immediate cooling, numbing, and circulation-stimulating effects.

Stage Two

Move Blood & Clear Inflammation

Herbs That Regulate and Invigorate Blood

Carthami Flos – (Hong Hua) Safflower
Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix – (Niu Xi) Ox Knee Root
Spatholobi Caulis – (Ji Xue Teng) Spatholobus Vine
Draconis Sanguis – (Xue Jie) Dragon’s Blood (tree resin)
Lycopodii Herba – (Lu Lu Tong) Clubmoss

Herbs That Clear Heat and Inflammation

Cynanchi Paniculati Radix et Rhizoma – (Bai Wei) Swallowwort Root
Sargentodoxa Cuneata – (Hong Teng) Sargentodoxa Vine
Phryma Leptostachya – (Xia Ku Cao) Chinese Prunella
Tinospora Sinensis – (Jin Guo Lan) Chinese Tinospora

Moderately polar and Medium-Sized Molecules (Alkaloids & Saponins)

These compounds have a delayed but sustained impact, promoting blood circulation, tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Stage Three

Tonifying & Dampness Removal

Herbs That Tonify

Notoginseng – (San Qi)
Dipsaci Radix – (Xu Duan)
Eucommiae Cortex – (Du Zhong)
Cibotii Rhizoma – (Gou Ji)

Herbs That Drain Dampness

Poria Mushroom – (Fu Ling)
Angelicae Pubescentis Radix – (Du Huo)
Acanthopanacis Cortex – (Wu Jia Pi)
Bauhinia Championii – (Long Xu Teng)

Larger Hydrophilic molecules that take longer to penetrate (Polysaccharides & Triterpenoids)

These herbs provide long-term nourishment, reduce chronic inflammation, and help with deep-seated pain and stiffness.

Unmatched Quality

Quality

At Botanical Biohacking, we don’t cut corners—we set the standard. Trusted by practitioners and herbalists alike, we bring top-tier Chinese herbs to the United States with an obsessive commitment to quality, purity, and effectiveness.

You can smell the difference the moment you open an Aoyi Patch—the rich, earthy aroma of premium herbs blended with potent volatile oils is proof of their power. This isn’t just another pain patch; it’s a meticulously crafted formula backed by centuries of herbal wisdom and cutting-edge science.

Typical pain patches that rely on essential oils and extracts, AO YI Patches are true herbal poultices

Long Lasting

Unlike typical pain patches that rely on essential oils and extracts, Aoyi Patches are true herbal poultices, delivering whole, high-quality herbs directly to your skin. This isn’t just surface-level relief—it’s deep, layered healing. The complete herb allows for staged release, working in phases: first cooling and opening the channels, then spreading warmth and circulation, and finally nourishing and restoring balance.

Delivering whole, high-quality herbs directly to your skin

Absorption Speeds of Herbal Compounds

Absorption Speed	Compound Type	Example Herbs	Effects
Fast (Minutes–1 Hour)	Volatile Oils & Terpenes	Menthol, Camphor, Borneol	Immediate cooling, pain relief, penetration enhancement
Moderate (1–3 Hours)	Alkaloids & Saponins	Notoginseng, Eucommia, Achyranthes	Circulation, inflammation reduction, tissue repair
Slow (3+ Hours, Long-Lasting)	Polysaccharides & Triterpenoids	Poria, Cibotium, Spatholobus	Deep nourishment, chronic pain relief, dampness removal

With every application, you’re experiencing real, full-spectrum herbal medicine

Product Details

What You Get

MSRP: $39 /bag why is this?

Ship in 3-7 business days

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Questions

What are AO YI Patches?

Aoyi Patches are acupoint-sized herbal patches designed to relieve pain, activate acupuncture channels, and open collaterals. They combine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles with Gui Zhou Miao Minority medicine, providing deep, systemic relief that works in three stages:

Pain Relief & Channel Opening – Improves circulation and unblocks stagnation.
Warming & Collateral Expansion – Spreads Qi, increasing warmth and mobility.
Tonifying & Dampness Removal – Nourishes Yang and removes dampness for long-term healing.

These patches go beyond basic pain relief, offering long-lasting, whole-body benefits.

How are AO YI Patches different from regular pain patches?

Aoyi Patches are more like herbal poultice than a standard patch using essentail oils.

Use real herbs, not just menthol and capsaicin
Work in three stages, ensuring both immediate and long-lasting effects
Are acupoint-sized, allowing for precise placement

These patches work like strong acupuncture without the needles—stimulating meridians, opening collaterals, and cutting through stagnation.

What are the active ingredients?

The patches contain:

Menthol (Bo He Nao) and Camphor (Zhang Nao – Provides immediate cooling and mild pain relief.

But the real power are in the “inactive ingredients” the other powerful Chinese herbs, each selected for opening channesl and increasing circulation.

How do I apply AO YI Patches?

Clean & dry the skin before applying. The adhesive is gentle and a lot of oil on the skin wil cause it not to stick well. We like to apply an alcohol topical like Evil Bone Water before hand which will help open the skin protective barrier and allow the patch to work better.
Peel off the white back. One edge of the white back is made to come off. If you are having difficulty just try another side.
Peel off the inner sticker covering the herbs. . This step is critical—without it, the herbs won’t work!
Apply the patch directly to the affected area or an acupuncture point farther down.
Leave on for up to 4 hours (can be used for longer as long as your skin is no sensitive, So check inwith your skin every 4 hours)

How long should I wear an Aoyi Patch?

Each patch is effective for 2 days. The Problem is more about how your skin is handling the herbs. We recommend checking on your skin every 4 hours. If it is uncomfortable or if you have a history on reactions, please take the patch off after 4 hours let your skin rest and then reapply.

Ao Yi Acupoint Pain Patches: Needle Free Herbal Support

Willard Sheppy Dipl. OM, LAc, BS

Table of Contents

What the Ao Yi Patch Actually Is

The Three-Stage Design

Stage One - Open and Move

Stage Two - Warm and Spread

Stage Three - Nourish and Support

How to Use Them

Ao Yi Acupoint Pain Patches

Research & Resources

Share on

Willard Sheppy

Recent Posts

Ao Yi Tea

A Better Pain Option

AO YI Tea Overview

Why I Went Looking for a Better Pain Option

Click the video to see what I discovered about AO YI Tea

AO YI Tea Ingredients

Who Is AO YI Tea For?

How To Make AO YI Tea?

The preparation instructions on the bag are meant as a general guide

AO YI Tea FAQ

Try AO YI Tea for yourself

About the Author

A New Type of Patch

Industry Changing AO YI Patches Are Here!

Acupoint Size

Opens & Moves

Long Lasting

This formula was created through collaboration with scientists and Gui Zhou Miao minority medicine experts.

These patches are inspired by Gui Zhou Miao Minority Medicine, is a tradition known for its powerful blood-moving, and circulation-boosting herbal formulations.

“After surgery, swallowing was unbearable. Morphine barely helped. But two patches on my feet at (Kd1) did more for my pain than any drug. By Day 2, I used these exclusively.”

If you've tried pain patches before and felt underwhelmed, it's time to check this out

Real superpower is their ability to cut through excess, penetrate deeply, and warm the Yin meridians

ACU Point-Size

10 patches per bag (8cm x 8cm each)

Use Them Like Acupuncture Needles

Perfect for Telemedicine

Powerful For Distal Point Applications

gynecological blood stasis

lower back pain

shoulder pain

Because You Are Putting Herbs Directly On Your Skin, You Get Three Stages of Absorption.

The Formula

Stage One

Pain Relief & Opening Exterior

Essential Oils & Aromatic Compounds (Terpenes & Phenols)

Stage Two

Move Blood & Clear Inflammation

Moderately polar and Medium-Sized Molecules (Alkaloids & Saponins)

Stage Three

Tonifying & Dampness Removal

Larger Hydrophilic molecules that take longer to penetrate (Polysaccharides & Triterpenoids)

Unmatched Quality

Quality

Typical pain patches that rely on essential oils and extracts, AO YI Patches are true herbal poultices

Long Lasting

Delivering whole, high-quality herbs directly to your skin

Absorption Speeds of Herbal Compounds

Product Details

What You Get

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Questions

Other Questions

Recent Posts

Categories