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Avoid Foul Odors: The odor of menstrual blood in women, the fluid from sexual intercourse, the bloody filth after childbirth, the sweat from long-distance travel and fatigue, the fox-like odor from armpits, the fishy smell of pus from sores and toxins, the bad breath from drunkenness, the sour odor from sweaty clothes and pants, the smoke from accidentally burning hair and bones, the smoke from extinguishing lamps and candles, the odor of beef tallow and mutton grease, the dry and pungent odor of Rue (Rutae Fructus), the smoke from fire and mosquitoes, the odor of sulfur and gunpowder oil, the odor of coal and charred baking, the fumes from frying and boiling oils, the pungent smoke from leeks and garlic, the turbid filth from ditches, the dust and ash from new house paint, and the damp moldy vapor from empty rooms.

Observe Taboos: Do not call out loudly while sleeping; prohibit visits from strangers; avoid harsh expressions and shouting; do not comb hair in front of the patient; do not scratch in front of the patient; do not allow nuns, shamans, or those wearing mourning clothes to enter the room; do not sing, cry, curse, drink alcohol, or eat meat in front of the patient; avoid panicked speech; do not turn over beds or sweep floors; do not place chamber pots or toilets near the bed; prohibit noisy gatherings, gongs, drums, fireworks, and the evil sounds of chickens and dogs. Regarding all these taboos, if observed carefully, severe cases can become mild; if not observed carefully, mild cases can become severe, and severe cases can become critical.

Appendix on Measles
Weng Zhongren said: Measles and smallpox are similar at the beginning but different at the end; they share the same origin but have distinct manifestations. Smallpox originates from the Five Zang Organs, while measles emerges from the Six Fu Organs. However, this syndrome of measles first affects the Yang aspect and then returns to the Yin meridians; thus, its manifestation is Yin in nature but its root is Yang. The heat pathogen struggles with Qi and Blood aspects, leading to excessive depletion of Blood. Treatment should first involve dispersing and moving Qi, followed by nourishing Yin and tonifying Blood. Any drugs that move Qi aggressively and are drying/harsh must not be used. (Xu's Note: Therefore, it is essential to nourish Yin.)

At the initial stage of fever, characterized by aversion to cold and high fever, runny clear nasal discharge, body pain, vomiting and diarrhea, cough and rapid breathing, red cheeks and tired eyes, these are mostly signs of impending measles. It is appropriate to administer Shengma Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Pueraria Decoction). If the exterior is released and sweating occurs, the skin becomes smooth, pores open widely, and measles erupt easily. Adding Scallion White (Cong Bai) and Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang) to the dispersing herbs allows for a slight moistening sweat through the orifices, preventing complications such as heat closure and convulsions.

When fever and cough indicate that measles eruption is slow, use Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), Qianghuo Tang (Notopterygium Decoction), Xiaodu Yin (Detoxification Drink), or other agents for dispersing and detoxifying. Externally, apply steamed coriander wine lees, rubbing from head to toe; more eruption on the head and face is preferable.

In examining measles, eruptions usually appear first behind the ears, on the neck, and at the waist. The papules are large at the top but not elongated, small in shape, and uniform/clean. When erupted, if the color is purple-red, dry, dark, and dull, it indicates excessive Fire and intense toxin. Use Liuyi San (Six-One Powder) to resolve it. Modify Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) by replacing Shu Di Huang with Sheng Di Huang, and add Chai Hu, Huang Qin, Ge Gen, Hong Hua, Niu Bang Zi, Lian Qiao, etc., to nourish Yin, cool Blood, and naturally eliminate heat. This embodies the principle of "nourishing Yin to retreat Yang." If measles fade early after exposure to wind and are not clear, use Xiaodu Yin with dispersing herbs; even if they do not re-erupt, recovery will follow soon. If measles remain for three days without fading, it indicates internal excess Heat. Use Siwu Tang with clearing and draining herbs to resolve heat and dissipate measles. Post-measels diarrhea and dysentery result from accumulated Heat shifting to the Large Intestine; use Siling San (Four-Poria Powder) plus Tong Cao, Huang Qin, Huang Lian, Bai Shao, or Xiang Lian Wan.

Persistent phlegm and cough after measles: Combine Siwu Tang with Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Phlegm Decoction), add Gua Lou, Jie Geng, Wu Wei Zi. For thirst, add Mai Dong, Zhi Ke. For wheezing, add Su Zi, Sang Bai Pi. (Note: In cases where Fire overacts on Metal, descending Qi is not necessary.)

Red and swollen gums after measles: Combine Qingwei Tang (Clear Stomach Decoction) with Ganjie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction), add Niu Bang Zi, Jing Jie, Xuan Shen. (For constipation, urgently purge.) Rotting of the stomach lining is an untreatable condition. (De's Note: Qingwei Tang uses Sheng Ma, Dang Gui, Huang Lian, Dan Pi, Sheng Di.)

Pregnant women with measles: Use Siwu Tang plus Bai Zhu, Tiao Qin, Ai Ye, Sha Ren, focusing on calming the fetus and clearing Heat. This prevents fetal disturbance and allows measles to heal spontaneously. (Note: Measles syndromes often involve Heat; Sha Ren and Ai Ye may not be suitable.) During the active eruption of measles, if the patient refuses food, but the rash is pale red and moist, there is no harm. This is due to unresolved Heat-Toxin and internal excess Heat, causing loss of appetite. If loss of appetite persists after measles fade, use Siwu Tang plus Shen Qu and Sha Ren; after one or two doses, appetite will naturally return. (Note: Loss of appetite after measles fade is often due to Heat in the Lung and Stomach; warming and drying agents should not be applied indiscriminately.)

During the eruption of measles, strongly avoid meat, fish, raw, and cold foods. Avoid wind, cold, water, and dampness. Any negligence here leads to deep-seated complications; beware and be cautious.