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In the treatment of smallpox (Douzhen), observing the initial eruption sites allows one to predict the severity and prognosis. The left cheek corresponds to Liver Wood, the right cheek to Lung Metal, the center of the forehead to Heart Fire, the chin to Kidney Water, and the nose to Spleen Earth. The center of the forehead is the convergence point of the Taiyang (Greater Yang) meridians. The lips and cheeks are traversed by the Yangming (Bright Yang) meridians. The sides behind both ears are passed through by the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) meridians. Smallpox is considered a Yang toxin; thus, it manifests on the face following Yang energy. However, the Stomach and Large Intestine, belonging to the Yangming channel, accumulate old matter and accept decay, possessing abundant Qi and Blood. Therefore, if eruptions appear first, fill with pus first, and scab over first in the areas beside the mouth and nose, above and below the Philtrum (Renzhong), and between the cheeks and the nasal bridge (Nianshou), this is auspicious. Conversely, if this occurs in the Taiyang region (where Water and Fire contend) or the Shaoyang region (the thoroughfare where Water and Fire merge), it is ominous. Furthermore, the head is the gathering place of all Yang meridians; the temporal regions of the cheeks are the reservoirs of the essence of the five Zang organs; the pharynx (Yan) is the pathway for food and drink; the larynx (Hou) is the passage for lung respiration; and the chest and abdomen are the regions where Yang Qi receives its nourishment and where the Heart and Lungs reside. In these locations, sparse eruptions are desirable. Excessive eruptions on the head and forehead are termed "Meng Tou" (Covering Head); excessive eruptions on the neck and nape are termed "Suo Xiang" (Locking Neck); and excessive eruptions on the chest are termed "Man Xiong" (Concealing Chest). Meng Tou leads to loss of vision and hearing, and cessation of Qi transformation. Suo Xiang prevents internal pathogens from exiting and external healthy Qi from entering. Man Xiang results in unclear Yang Qi and loss of Shen (Spirit) retention. Swelling and protrusion of the lips appearing early indicates injury to Spleen Earth. Dense, patchy eruptions on the cheeks and jawlines, resembling applied cinnabar, indicate Liver excess suppressing Spleen function. By the eighth or ninth day, this may lead to slippery diarrhea, passage of green stool, and anorexia, forming a critical condition. Thus, excessive eruptions in these areas are unfavorable. Only the limbs, being of humble status like soldiers, are of lesser importance; therefore, even numerous eruptions there are not harmful. For the aforementioned conditions, detoxification and clearing heat, along with unblocking Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) energies and regulating the interior and exterior, are required. One must ensure free blood circulation and balanced Qi to avoid complications such as drying, scorching, and blackening. Observing the upper body allows inference about the lower body. For instance, the area below Yintang corresponds to the chest and heart; below the nose corresponds to the back; the two foreheads correspond to the two loins; and the two jawlines correspond to the eyes. The density on the forehead can thus reveal the condition below.