Library

Wu Jin Chuang (Five Prohibited Sores) is the most malignant condition. Once this type of pox appears, other pox cannot be properly excreted and transform into pus. It is categorized into five prohibitions: one is Wei Jin (Stomach Prohibition), two is Huo Jin (Fire Prohibition), three is Shui Jin (Water Prohibition), four is Feng Jin (Wind Prohibition), and five is Han Jin (Cold Prohibition).

Wei Jin (Stomach Prohibition) occurs when toxic fire is scorching hot, preventing the eruption of pox on the exterior, thereby causing ulceration of the Pi Wei (Spleen and Stomach). The manifestation involves a few connected pox erupting outward from between the lips and mouth. While other pox have not yet formed pus, these specific pox have already turned yellow and matured. This indicates that heat-toxin has attacked internally, causing rotting of the Wei Qi (Stomach Qi)/Pi Wei, preventing other pox from forming pus. Therefore, whenever such pox appear around the lips and mouth, accompanied by symptoms such as irritability, redness of the face, coarse breathing, high fever, and abnormal foul breath, it signifies this syndrome. This condition is incurable.

Huo Jin (Fire Prohibition) occurs during the initial eruption phase when the body exhibits chills and fever. Excessive warming near a fire source causes the skin to become dry. Additionally, due to Qi deficiency, the body lacks the strength to expel pathogens, causing toxins to stagnate within the skin without being excreted. Careful observation reveals red spots in the skin with no head or foot, appearing only as one or two spots on the limbs or broad areas of the head and face. Consequently, all other pox will suffer complications arising from these spots; the pox that remain faint, fail to rise, and do not erupt smoothly are indicative of this condition. Treatment should involve external bathing with a decoction of Yang Zhi (Poplar Twig) and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), and internal administration of Sheng Ma He Jie San (Cimicifuga Harmonizing Powder) as the primary formula, allowing other pox to naturally rise and erupt.

Shui Jin (Water Prohibition) occurs when, at the onset of initial heat, the toxic qi is vigorous, but cold and raw foods are mistakenly consumed. This causes toxins to lie latent between the skin layers. Faint red spots may be seen, or blisters may erupt in broad areas such as the lateral hypochondrium, hands, feet, and head/face. Due to cold qi accumulating internally, there must be abdominal pain and distension internally, and fever with aversion to wind externally. Treatment should utilize drugs such as Ding Xiang (Clove), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Fu Ling (Poria), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), and Da Fu Pi (Areca Peel) to expel the pathogenic factors.

Feng Jin (Wind Prohibition) occurs when, at the beginning of fever, exposure to wind is neglected. This causes the muscle layer and interstices (Li Ji) to become tight and closed, preventing pox eruption. The skin becomes numb, lacking sensation of pain or itchiness, or the hair and skin become dry with an urge to scratch. In severe cases, mania, delirium, restlessness, and incoherent speech occur. This results from the struggle between Wind and Fire. Treatment should employ drugs such as Gan Ge Gen (Kudzu Root), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), and Chan Tui (Cicada Slough) to expel Wind.

Han Jin (Cold Prohibition) occurs when, at the beginning of fever, cold water bathing is mistakenly used, or sleeping occurs in places associated with iron/lacquer (cold/damp environments), or clothing and bedding are too thin, leading to contraction of Cold qi. This causes Cold to coagulate in the muscle layer, preventing the dissemination and eruption of Pox Toxin. Symptoms include numbness of hands and feet, lack of pain/itch sensation, or cold pain in the limbs making movement difficult. Furthermore, pox may fail to erupt specifically in the areas affected by cold-induced numbness and pain, while appearing like hidden rashes in sheltered, wind-avoiding areas or along the hairline of the head. Internal treatment should use Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), and Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens) to expel Cold. External treatment should involve heavy clothing and thick blankets to warm the body.