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The eruption of measles (Measles) does not depart from the Lung and Stomach meridians, which has been discussed in detail in the previous collection. Wheezing and obstruction are manifestations of the Lung meridian; irritability and thirst are manifestations of the Stomach meridian. In winter, for those with wheezing and obstruction who understand treatment, doctors often use Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) and Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xingren, 杏仁) as emergency rescue medicines. The treatment is rapid, and there are cases where the measles erupt, the wheezing subsides, and the disease resolves. In summer, when measles erupt, using Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) is contrary to the season. Quack doctors fail to recognize this; upon seeing wheezing and obstruction, they insist on using it, leading to death shortly after administration. Measles are mostly accompanied by Fire syndromes. When Fire is excessive, it overacts on Metal (Lung). In summer, Lung Qi is already deficient, and both heaven (nature) and humanity are affected; thus, Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) absolutely cannot be tolerated. Winter wheezing and obstruction may present with a cyan face and dark lips, or cold limbs, so Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) can be used. In summer, Lung Qi is already deficient, and the exterior Qi is already open; there is definitely no Cold syndrome. Although there may be cold limbs, this is due to deficient Yang Qi failing to reach the extremities. One should only use light medications such as Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie, 荆芥), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng, 防风), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草), and Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng, 桔梗). If deficiency is severe, add Ginseng Radix (Renshen, 人参). For severe Fire causing wheezing, use Shengma Shigao Tang (Cimicifugae and Gypsum Decoction) for rescue. If the wheezing gradually stabilizes, the patient can be cured.

Stomach Heat causing irritability and thirst must be accompanied by profuse sweating; this is purely Interior Heat. Even Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie, 荆芥), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng, 防风), and Puerariae Radix (Ge Gen, 葛根) should not be lightly administered. Shengma Shigao Tang (Cimicifugae and Gypsum Decoction) is the appropriate formula. Combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草) and Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng, 桔梗), the Heat in both the Lung and Stomach meridians will be resolved.

Wheezing and obstruction symptoms appear on the first or second day; sweating and thirst symptoms appear on the fifth or sixth day. The Lung cannot tolerate pathogenic factors, so its changes are rapid; the Stomach can accommodate them, so its changes are slow.

Measles and Smallpox are congenital diseases. Heat arises from within, inevitably damaging Yin fluids. After the toxin is resolved, if Heat persists for a long time, the primary approach is to nourish Yin. As long as Stomach Qi does not collapse, recovery can be achieved gradually. If the muscles are emaciated and the patient refuses food, it is incurable.

The Lung governs the skin and hair. Although measles emerge from the Six Fu Organs, they must resolve through the skin and hair, hence they are inseparable from the Lung. If resolution is incomplete, chronic cough and tidal fever may result, accumulating into Mei Gan (Measles-related Phthisis/Gan Syndrome). Here, "Gan" does not refer to ordinary Gan accumulation (Phthisis due to malnutrition); rather, the tidal fever and emaciation resemble Gan syndrome. It is suitable to moisten the Lung; acrid-drying herbs must not be used.

The Stomach is the reservoir where toxins accumulate, discharging much heat. The most urgent complication is Ya Gang (Gangrene of the Gums). Ya Gang (Gangrene of the Gums) is a condition resulting from failure to clear Heat. It requires large doses of herbs to clear Interior Heat. If there is constipation, use purgation to allow Heat and toxins to drain internally, treating it similarly to post-smallpox conditions. In my previous collection, I presented Le Ma Yin (Horse-Restraining Drink). For severe cases, add Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang, 大黄). Urgent clearing is required; if delayed, not only will teeth fall out and cheeks perforate, but lips and noses may also erode and rot. Topical applications merely provide auxiliary support.

If the exterior of Measles is fully released, there are no complicated transformations; if not fully released, complications arise. In months of severe cold or intense heat, the condition can shift in just one shichen (two hours). Unreleased Measles must be addressed early to restore proper release.

(Attachment) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian runs along the outside of the nose, enters the teeth, surrounds the mouth and lips, runs along the Jiache point, and ascends to the front of the ear, governing the upper gum roots. The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian ascends the neck, passes through the cheek, enters the lower teeth, crosses the mouth at the Renzhong point, and governs the lower gum roots. Ya Gang (Gangrene of the Gums) is a disease of the Yangming meridians. Decoctions should use channel-guiding herbs as leaders. I formulated Le Ma Yin (Horse-Restraining Drink):
Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Sheng Dihuang, 5 qian), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, 3 qian), Eupatorii Herba (Mian Yinch en, fresh Zhuye, Imperatae Rhizoma - note: text says Mian Yinch en, usually Artemisiae Scopariae Herba or similar, here interpreted as茵陈), Fresh Bambusae Folium (Xian Zhuye), Aurantii Fructus (Jiang Zhiqiao), Hominis Excrementia Depurata (Ren Zhonghuang) (each 6 fen), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Cornu Bubali (Xijiao) (each 5 fen), Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma, 3 fen), Jin Zhi (5 spoons).

This formula heavily uses herbs that clear the Stomach, adding Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma, 3 fen), Bambusae Folium, and Eupatorii Herba to guide the action into the Yangming meridian. Hominis Excrementia Depurata (Ren Zhonghuang, 6 fen) and Jin Zhi powerfully resolve Heat and toxins in the Stomach. If clearing Heat fails to reach the meridians, or fails to resolve toxins, neither is an effective method.

Whenever Ya Gang (Gangrene of the Gums) appears, the gums turn black on the first day, teeth become loose on the second day, and teeth fall out on the third day. Its progression is extremely rapid, hence it is called "Running Horse" Ya Gang.

If Ya Gang (Gangrene of the Gums) occurs in the incisors, the lips swell. If it occurs in the molars (Zuo Ya), the cheeks swell. Wash away foul matter, apply powder topically. If swelling subsides and teeth do not fall out, it is easy to cure. If teeth fall out and swelling persists, it is incurable.

There are also cases caused by mistakenly taking acrid-drying herbs; the treatment method is slightly more lenient. Only administer clearing and resolving formulas, such as Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) added with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草), Sojae Semen Preparatum (Heidou), Gardeniae Fructus (Shanzhi), and Akebiae Caulis (Mutong).

Ya Gang (Gangrene of the Gums) appearing alone without accompanying syndromes can be cured. If the body has high fever and the patient has no appetite, it is incurable.