Library

Dip a paper wick thoroughly in sesame oil, then dry it with fire. When needed for use, dip it again in the oil, move it back and forth over a lamp flame, slightly roasting it until no bubbles form in the oil, then proceed to illuminate (point-illuminate) the lesions. This prevents hot oil from damaging the skin and flesh. During illumination, all doors and windows must be closed to create darkness. To view the left side, move the light source to the right; to view the right side, move the light source to the left. Apply this method to the upper and lower parts. In this way, the quantity and color of the *Dou* (smallpox/variola) can be anticipated. *Ma Zhen* (measles) floats on the surface of the skin without roots in the flesh, whereas *Dou Chuang* (smallpox lesions) have deep roots within the flesh. Therefore, some palpate them with their hands to verify the presence of root nodules. If observed under sunlight, they would not be visible. Thus, illumination by fire is superior for anticipation. Those who exhibit convulsions and loud crying upon fire illumination are showing signs of *Dou*. This occurs because Heart Fire is excessive and combats with the external fire. Treatment should involve mild purgation to guide Heart Fire downward; otherwise, convulsions will follow continuously.

Children often refuse to take medicine, and even if forced, cannot consume much. However, when the pathogenic trend is rampant, only medicine can expel it. For *Dou* belonging to deficiency-cold patterns, the course may linger for several days; for those belonging to excess-heat patterns, the nature of fire is rapid, so medication cannot be delayed. Therefore, heavy doses of decoction are suitable, using only the first infusion, so that the medicinal efficacy can overcome the disease. The nursing mother should also take large doses of medicine so that her breast milk contains medicinal power. However, detoxifying and cold-natured medicines should not be taken when *Dou* is just beginning and mild. This is because *Dou* toxin originates from the fetal origin, lies dormant in the Kidney, and erupts due to stimulation, making it uncontrollable. It is not like other sores where early eruption can be cured by internal resolution via detoxification. After completion, detoxification can be used to disperse residual toxins. Because visceral toxins belong to Yin and are deepest, they must be transported out to the skin by Qi and Blood, transformed within the pustule sacs, scab over, and restore Yuan Qi before ending. How could there be internal resolution? How could there be no suppuration? Therefore, while various sores can prioritize detoxification, *Dou* must rely on Qi and Blood to transport the toxin. Moreover, detoxifying medicines often damage Stomach Qi and deplete Qi and Blood. Furthermore, there are toxins that need not be resolved and those that cannot be resolved. If one has strong constitution, abundant Qi and Blood, and strong Stomach function capable of eating, one can naturally transform the toxin to success; this is the case where detoxification is unnecessary. If one has weak constitution, depleted Qi and Blood, and weak Stomach with poor appetite, even tonifying Qi and Blood may fail to transport the toxin to success; this is the case where detoxification is impossible. As for detoxifying formulas, if administered when the rash is about to emerge, the cold-natured herbs will suppress and obstruct, causing toxins to stagnate in the middle Jiao, which is not only useless but harmful. Only after scabbing forms, for residual toxins that remain, can medicinal power be borrowed to disperse them, preventing them from causing itching or abscesses.