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Various diseases of the throat and pharynx were divided into seventy-two categories by ancient physicians. In reality, they can be governed by three main principles. What are these three principles? First is Hou'e (Tonsillitis), second is Houbi (Pharyngeal Obstruction), and third is Housheng (Wind-Throat).

Hou'e (Tonsillitis): At the onset, there is aversion to cold and fever. The swelling is round, high, and elevated, with red coloration; the pulse is rapid or tight. After four to five days, pus forms. During the pre-ulcerative stage, it is appropriate to prick Shaoshang (LU-11), Shaochong (HT-9), and Zhongchong (PC-9) acupoints to bleed. Medications should focus on resolving toxicity and reducing swelling, such as Flos Lonicerae (Jinyinhua), Radix Paeoniae Rubra (Chishao), Cortex Moutan (Danpi), Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian), Cortex Phellodendri (Huangqin), Fructus Gleditsiae Sinensis (Zaocys/Shaojiao), Raw Radix Glycyrrhizae (Sheng Gancao), Bulbus Fritillariae (Beimu), and Fructus Aurantii (Zhike). Topical powders for insufflation include Xixian San and Kaiguan San. Alternatively, using tung oil to induce vomiting can expel phlegm; once the orifice is cleared, swelling subsides and eating resumes. If after four to five days pus has formed, appearing red or purple, with a surging and rapid pulse, the affected area must be lanced to drain pus, toxins, and foul blood. Internal medications should resolve toxicity and clear fire, such as Flos Lonicerae, Fructus Forsythiae (Lianqiao), Cortex Moutan, Fructus Gardeniae (Shanzhi), Rhizoma Coptidis, Cortex Phellodendri, Raw Radix Glycyrrhizae, Bulbus Fritillariae, Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui), and Radix Rehmanniae Preparata (Dihuang). External insufflations for draining pus and resolving toxins include Rhizoma Coptidis, Cortex Phellodendri, Natrii Sulfas (Puxiao), Borax (Pengsha), and Borneolum Syntheticum (Bingpian), with small amounts of Minium (Qingfen) and Calculus Bovis (Niuhuang); this resembles Bingpeng San modified according to symptoms. If ulceration persists without healing, it is called Lanhou'e (Rotting Tonsillitis). There are deficiency and excess patterns. Deficiency presents with white, necrotic tissue and a deficient-rapid pulse; excess presents with purple coloration and a deep-tight pulse. Deficiency is treated with Renshen Yangrong Tang and Shengmai San. Excess is treated with fresh Chrysanthemi Folium (Xian Juye) and Radix et Rhizoma Violae (Zihuadiding). For severe fire-toxicity, Huangqin, Huanglian, and Danpi are used to clear heat; in severe cases, Cornu Rhinocerotis (Xijiao) and Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Dahuang) are added.

Houbi (Pharyngeal Obstruction) arises from the conjunction of Ministerial Fire and Sovereign Fire. It resembles a small chess piece. Initially, there are no exterior symptoms of fever or aversion to cold. Pus forms after more than ten days. The *Neijing* states: "When one Yin and one Yang knot together, it becomes Houbi." One Yin refers to the meridian qi of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart channel (Sovereign Fire). One Yang refers to the meridian qi of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao channel. These two meridians interconnect at the throat. Excessive Qi leads to internal knotting and swelling. Severe swelling causes Qi obstruction ("Bi" means closure). Therefore, treating Houbi focuses primarily on dissipating knots and purging fire. Initially, pricking Shaoshang and other acupoints to bleed is also appropriate. Treatment is largely similar to that of Hou'e but with minor differences. Formulas should include Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng), Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiangcan), and Yushu Dan for dissipating knots. Insufflations include Lv Xue, Pin Xue, and Xi Lei San.

Housheng (Wind-Throat) differs significantly in morphology and treatment. Symptoms begin with diffuse, non-elevated swelling, potentially extending to the neck, accompanied by fever, aversion to cold, and a floating-rapid pulse. Phlegm-saliva obstructs the airway. Initial treatment uses Puji Xiaodu Yin or Zhang's Liuwei Tang, modified per symptoms. Insufflations should disperse wind, transform phlegm, and regulate Qi, using Fructus Gleditsiae Sinensis, Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Bohe), Bombyx Batryticatus, Natrii Uridas Carbonisat (Renzhongbai), Cortex Phellodendri, Rhizoma Coptidis, Borax, and Borneolum Syntheticum. If ulceration is purple, Pearl (Zhenzhu), Indian Calculus Bovis (Xi Niuhuang), and Succinum (Hupo) are added to generate flesh and defeat toxins. If chronic ulceration is due to deficiency, presenting with white color and deficient pulse, warming and tonifying formulas are used. Insufflations should not be overly cold; Huangqin, Huanglian, Xi Niuhuang, and Bingpian are contraindicated. Instead, Hupo, Zhenzhu, Petra Cum Drosta (Dilushi), Renzhongbai, and Cinnabaris (Zhusha) are used to generate flesh and harmonize blood.

Other types include Lengshe Housheng (Tongue-Winding Wind-Throat) and Ya Housheng (Mute Wind-Throat), caused by severe internal toxicity requiring heavy detoxification. Chan Housheng (Coiling Wind-Throat) is caused by ascending wind-toxicity, treated with pungent-cool light dispersants. Suo Housheng (Lock-Throat) in its true form is a terminal, incurable condition characterized by cyanotic face and staring eyes. Mild cases are treated with Guifu Bawei Wan plus one tablet of Yushu Dan ground and mixed with water. This approach opens the upper orifices while warming the lower body.

There are many books on throat diseases, generally covering these points. Deep reflection and analogical reasoning allow for flexible application. Recently, a book on epidemic White Throat (Baihou) claims that throat diseases are primarily related to the Three Foot-Yin meridians. However, throat diseases involve the Hand meridians, not the Foot meridians. Ancient texts are available; how can meridians be reversed? This is ignorant fabrication. Those who understand will know; I shall not debate it further.