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During the time of fever, if the facial complexion is bright and lustrous, it is auspicious. If the face is red as if painted, the condition is severe; this is due to pathogenic factors stagnating in the Yangming Channel (Yangming Meridian), as the Yangming Channel ascends to the face. It is appropriate to use cooling and detoxifying herbs, with a slight addition of purgatives or diuretics to promote unblocking. If the face is dirty and dull, it is inauspicious. The fire toxin of sores and rashes originates from the Shaoyang Channel (Shaoyang Meridian); a dirty face indicates signs of Shaoyang involvement. Treatment should involve simultaneous release of the exterior and interior of the Shaoyang Channel, focusing on regulating the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner).

Qi and color are the essence of the Zang-Fu organs. When the proper seasonal color appears without being counteracted, it is considered correct. For instance, in spring, if the face shows blue/green, with slightly red cheeks and slightly black outer areas, yet the color is lustrous, this indicates Water generating Wood (Kidney Water nourishing Liver Wood); smallpox/rashes will be mild. If the cheeks are red but pale white, this indicates Metal overcoming Wood (Lung Metal restricting Liver Wood); smallpox/rashes will be severe, potentially leading to death within seven or eight days. In summer, if the face shows the proper color (red), with slightly red cheeks, and yellow mixed with green on the outside, smallpox/rashes will be mild. If black appears on the outside, the eruption will be severe, potentially leading to death within eleven or twelve days. If only blue/green appears, it indicates diarrhea and Spleen failure. In autumn, if the cheekbones and cheeks are slightly red with yellow, accompanied by red lips and red eyes, the smallpox/rash will be fatal. If pure white appears within six or seven days, it indicates Wind in the Lung Channel, leading to wheezing and asthma. In winter, if the cheekbones and cheeks are slightly red with white on the outside, and the eyes show spirit, the smallpox/rash will erupt two to three times, varying in size, and heal spontaneously without medicine. If the cheekbones and cheeks are entirely red, with yellow on the outside and white lips, the rash will resemble silkworm eggs (small and dense), leading to death on the tenth or eleventh day. However, these rules generally do not strictly adhere to the four seasons. Red and yellow appearing on the face are auspicious because red represents the root of the Heart, and yellow represents the root of the Spleen; thus, Qi and Blood will be abundant, and the rash will emerge beautifully. If blue/green is mixed in, and black stagnates without dispersing, it indicates that the Lung, Liver, and Kidney channels are overacting, while the Heart and Spleen have lost their dominance. Combined with deteriorating symptoms, death is inevitable. If the lips and teeth are lustrous, and the eyes do not show blood-redness, it is merely due to insufficient Qi; with substantial tonifying agents and careful nursing, recovery can be achieved.