A heat-plus-aroma method: a decoction of herbs is kept hot so its steam rises toward the skin, or the whole body sits in a warm herbal vapour cabinet. In the classical frame it combines warmth (to move what is "cold and congealed") with the herb's surface-reaching quality; it is traditionally used for sore, stiff, cold-sensitive muscles and joints. Modern practice uses controlled steam cabinets with temperature settings.
The physical risks are straightforward: scalding from overly hot vapour, dizziness or dehydration from prolonged heat, and aggravation for people with certain cardiovascular or skin conditions. Pregnancy, high blood pressure and open wounds are standard reasons to skip it. Any "custom formula" sold with the steaming session should be viewed with the same caution as any herbal product — it is a pharmacologically active decoction, not just a pleasant smell.
热与药气结合的外治法：将药液保持滚烫，令蒸汽升腾熏于局部皮肤，或全身坐在药雾熏蒸舱中。传统思路是温热之力（行"寒凝"）加上药物走表的特性，多用于酸冷僵硬的肌肉关节。现代做法使用带温度控制的熏蒸舱。
物理风险很直接：蒸汽过烫可致烫伤；久蒸可致头晕、脱水；部分心血管或皮肤疾患者不宜。孕妇、高血压、皮肤破溃是常规禁忌。随熏蒸搭售的"专属药方"应与一切内服中药同等看待——那是药理活性的煎液，不只是好闻的气味。
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