痘后倦怠者,否极泰来之象,自宜调养气血,以复其真元。然亦有神气本弱,且兼
客热所困,是以精神不能舒畅者,不可专作虚治,宜清热而兼补气为主。如但用保元,则邪得补而愈盛矣。
人之一身,必元气固,则精血为之凝聚,瞻视为之有常。夫目睛露白者,是多发
于痂落之后,元气亏损,荣血耗伤,不能润养其脉,以致督脉挛急,致睛上吊,所以有
是症也,非俗所谓风候耳。若失意志而不省人事者,不治。如只露睛而无他症者,可用
十全大补汤主之。惟七日前睛露者,毒尚未解,真元即离,其难治也,必矣。
一痘疮收后,痂浓落迟,离肉不粘者,吉。一痂落后,瘢色红润而无凹凸,饮食二
便如常者,吉。一凡自食痘痂者,虽有他症不死。
一痘已结痂而不焦落者,是余毒为害,或过食辛热之药,胃热肌表也。或遍身尽
落,惟头面不焦脱者,是毒聚于阳会也。并宜大连翘饮加减服之。一痘痂至二旬,或一
月粘肉不脱,或发痒者,此因表发太过,气虚无力,煦之血虚,无力濡之,治宜参 归
地之类,调养气血,更佐荆芥以达肌表,且散腠理郁伏之火也。一有发痒,以致剥去痂
皮,仍复灌浆如疮疥者,此是血热气虚也,宜用参 补卫,而加丹皮、地骨、地黄、连
翘凉荣之味。一痂不落而反昏迷沉睡,不省人事者,此脾胃虚甚也,宜人参清神汤主
之。一靥后而瘢红紫者,是血热毒盛也,当与凉血解毒为主。一痘痂而唇不盖齿者,急
与败毒凉血,否则,定变走马牙疳而死,或因血气枯槁,不能润养督任二脉喘急者,当
从补养。一痘后而口禁僵直,腹痛达脐,冷汗如雨,其痛定汗止而脉弦紧者,是因瘢受
风寒也,宜散风养血,如秦艽钩藤归防姜桂木香之类。
After the resolution of smallpox, fatigue and lassitude are signs of a transition from adversity to prosperity (from "Pi" to "Tai"). It is appropriate to nourish Qi and Blood to restore the True Yuan (Original Energy). However, some patients have inherently weak Shen (Spirit) and Qi, complicated by confinement from exogenous heat pathogens, resulting in an inability of the spirit to flow freely. This condition should not be treated solely as deficiency; the primary approach should be clearing heat while simultaneously tonifying Qi. If only Baoyuan Tang (Preserve Origin Decoction) is used, the pathogenic factors will be strengthened by the tonification and become more vigorous.
In the human body, when Original Qi is solid, Essence and Blood can coalesce, and vision and movement remain regular. The symptom of white sclera being exposed often occurs after the scabs fall off. This is due to the depletion of Original Qi and consumption of Ying (Nutritive) Blood, which fail to moisten and nourish the meridians, leading to spasms and tension in the Du Meridian (Governing Vessel), causing the eyes to roll upward. Thus, this symptom arises; it is not what the laypeople call "Wind Syndrome" (convulsions or tetany-like symptoms). If there is loss of will, consciousness, and awareness of one's surroundings, it is incurable. If there is only exposed white sclera without other symptoms, Shiquan Dabu Tang (Comprehensive Great Tonifying Decoction) can be used as the principal formula. However, if the eyes expose white sclera within seven days of eruption, the toxin has not yet resolved, and the True Yuan has already dispersed; such cases are undoubtedly difficult to treat.
One type of case: After the smallpox pustules dry up, the scabs are thick and fall off late, separating from the flesh but not adhering; this is auspicious. One type of case: After the scabs fall off, the scars are red and lustrous without depression or elevation, and diet and bowel/bladder functions are normal; this is auspicious. One type of case: Those who voluntarily eat their own smallpox scabs will not die even if they present with other symptoms.
One type of case: Smallpox has formed scabs but has not become necrotic and fallen off; this indicates harm from residual toxins, or excessive consumption of pungent and hot medicines, causing Stomach Heat to affect the muscle surface. Or, if the entire body sheds scabs except for the head and face which do not necrose and fall off; this indicates toxin accumulation at the Yang Hui (Meeting of Yang vessels on the head). Both situations are suitable for treating with modified Dalianqiao Yin (Great Detoxifying Lonicera Decoction). One type of case: Scabs adhere to the flesh and do not detach after twenty days or a month, or cause itching; this is due to excessive sweating/releasing of the exterior, leading to Qi deficiency lacking the power to warm, and Blood deficiency lacking the power to moisten. Treatment should involve herbs like Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) to nourish Qi and Blood, assisted by Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba) to reach the muscle layer and disperse latent fire in the interstices. One type of case: Itching leads to peeling off the scabs, and pus fills again resembling sores or impetigo; this is due to Heat in the Blood and deficiency of Qi. Treatment should use Renshen to tonify Wei (Defensive) Qi, adding Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex), Digupi (Cortici Lycii Radicis), Dihuang, and Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) to cool the Ying level. One type of case: Scabs do not fall off, but instead there is coma, deep sleep, and unconsciousness; this indicates severe deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Ren Shen Qingshen Tang (Ginseng Spirit-Clearing Decoction) should be used as the principal formula. One type of case: After the rash resolves, scars are red and purple; this indicates excess Heat in the Blood and virulent toxins. Treatment should focus primarily on cooling the Blood and resolving toxins. One type of case: After smallpox scabbing, the lips are cracked and cannot cover the teeth; urgent administration of detoxifying and blood-cooling remedies is required, otherwise it will inevitably transform into Zouma Yagan (Running Horse Gum Necrosis) leading to death. Alternatively, if it is due to exhaustion of Qi and Blood failing to nourish the Du and Ren (Conception) meridians, causing panting and urgency, treatment should proceed from tonification and nourishment. One type of case: After smallpox, there is lockjaw and stiffness, abdominal pain extending to the umbilicus, cold sweat pouring like rain. When the pain stops, the sweating also stops, and the pulse is wiry and tight; this is due to Wind-Cold invading the scarred areas. Treatment should scatter Wind and nourish Blood, using herbs such as Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix), Gouteng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis), Danggui, Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), and Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix).