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Although measles originates from fetal toxin (Tai Du), it is often accompanied by epidemic qi (Shi Xing). Due to irregular climate changes in cold and warmth, regardless of gender, it is contracted through transmission. Its onset resembles that of smallpox, but its pathological changes are more severe than those of smallpox. Ignorant people often regard it as ordinary, attributing life and death to fate. They do not know that the toxin arises from the Stomach, heat flows into the Heart, and throughout the course of the disease, there are no specific signs involving the Kidney. Among the internal organs, the Lung suffers the most damage. Asking for directions with closed doors is inferior to going out to find a path; stirring boiling water to stop boiling is inferior to removing the firewood to extinguish the fire.

In the initial stage, fever occurs. The eyes appear red with continuous tearing, nasal discharge flows without drying, coughing is severe, and restlessness makes it difficult to find peace. Shining a light reveals the rash faintly beneath the skin; touching it shows the papules standing out among the muscles. The shape resembles scabies, and the color resembles cinnabar. They appear and disappear intermittently, suddenly hidden and then visible. If the base is swollen, it indicates measles combined with urticaria (Yin Zhen); if the skin becomes redder, it indicates measles mixed with macules/purpura (Ban). If the rash is bright and lustrous like brocade, nine out of ten cases will be auspicious (favorable prognosis); if the rash is dark and dull like coal, none out of a hundred will recover.

The toxicity of measles is heaviest, and treatment methods differ accordingly. Mild sweating and constant moistening allow the heat pathogen to dissipate without obstruction. Natural regulation of urination and defecation ensures the smooth circulation of toxic vapors without stagnation. If the pores are congested and depressed, dispersing and releasing the exterior is indicated; if the intestines and stomach are constipated, urgent unblocking and dredging are required. Neglecting a pulse changing from large to fine may turn an auspicious sign into an ominous one. Therefore, epistaxis need not be feared, as the evil can be resolved through bleeding; bloody diarrhea need not be stopped forcibly, as the toxin can be loosened through purgation. What is pleasing is the coolness of the body; what is fearful is swelling and pain in the throat. Unremitting thirst and drinking require methods to generate fluids and nourish yin. A decrease in regular meals requires regulation to clear the stomach and harmonize the middle jiao.

Furthermore, if the eruption is too delayed, releasing the exterior is paramount; if the eruption is excessive, detoxification is appropriate. Do not harm the harmony of heaven and earth; always observe the annual qi. If the cold is biting, toxic vapors are depressed and fail to circulate; if the fire is blazing, heat pathogens take advantage to cause havoc. When applying warming and tonifying methods, do not assist the evil; when using cooling and purging methods, do not injure the stomach. Suppressing excess only needs to achieve balance; punishing violence must not damage the upright qi. Avoiding cold or heat depends on the uneven victory of yin and yang; determining excess or deficiency depends on the varying strength of constitutional endowment.

Once measles have erupted, nursing care is particularly difficult. Sitting and lying should keep warm, and diet should be bland. If wind-cold attacks, it causes swelling and heat; if salty and sour foods are intolerable, it causes cough and asthma. Although heterogenous qi arises from external contraction, pathological changes still require investigation of internal origins. Swollen throat and hoarseness indicate deep penetration of toxic pestilence; shortness of breath and nasal flapping indicate wind-cold closing the gates. Frequent pus and blood in stool indicates heat in the granary (intestines/stomach); frequent phlegm and saliva in cough indicates phlegm in the canopy (Lung). Chest fullness and vexation indicate measles not fully erupted; cool body and fresh breath ultimately ensure safety. Without detailed examination during clinical practice, how can one hope for recovery?