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Tonify the source of Mingmen (Gate of Life) fire to eliminate Yin pathogenic factors. For cases where the True Yang of the Kidney Meridian is insufficient, Fire is weak and fails to warm and transform Spleen Earth, presenting with a pulse that is deficient, large, and powerless, use the following prescription: Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) (eight liang), Shan Yu Rou (Cornus Fruit), Shan Yao (Dioscorea Rhizome) (each four liang), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Fu Ling (Poria), Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) (each three liang), Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root Preparata), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) (each one liang). Process into pills using refined honey. Take four qian per dose, administered with light salt water. Zijin Ding (see Throat Disorders section).

(Dui Kou Ju / Opposite Neck Carbuncle, Pian Dui Kou Ju / Oblique Opposite Neck Carbuncle)
When it arises at the back of the head (occiput), it is called Nao Ju (Brain Carbuncle). When it arises at the posterior midline of the neck, it is called Dui Kou Ju (Opposite Neck Carbuncle). When it arises on the side of the neck, it is called Pian Dui Kou Ju (Oblique Opposite Neck Carbuncle). The central Dui Kou Ju is easier to treat; the Pian Dui Kou Ju is difficult to treat because it occurs in soft tissue near the throat. It is mostly caused by excessive consumption of rich foods and strong wine, leading to obstruction and attack by Wind-Cold pathogens. It is suitable to apply Shen Huo Zhao Fa (Divine Fire Illumination Method, a form of moxibustion), followed by applying Wu Jin Gao (Purple Gold Ointment), and externally pasting Wan Quan Gao (Perfect Safety Plaster) to facilitate ulceration. After the necrotic tissue sloughs off, wash the area with Fang Feng Tang (Saposhnikovia Decoction), sprinkle Hai Fu San (Sea Floating Powder), and continue pasting Wan Quan Gao, changing frequently several times.

(Fa Yi / Parotitis, Shi Du / Seasonal Toxin, Da Tou Tian Xing / Great Head Epidemic)
When it arises around the ears (anterior and posterior), it is called Bin Ju (Temple Carbuncle). When it arises on both sides of the cheeks (mandibular angle area), it is called Fa Yi (Parotitis). In the early stage, Yin Hua Gan Cao Tang (Honeysuckle and Licorice Decoction) is suitable, added with Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta Spike), Bo He (Mentha Haplocalyx), and Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus) to clear heat and disperse pathogens. If the swelling is extremely severe, Bian Fa (Bian Therapy, scarification/bloodletting) must be used. If pus has formed but not yet ulcerated, apply Wu Jin Gao to the head of the sore and paste Wan Quan Gao over it, allowing natural ulceration. After ulceration, use Hai Fu San and paste Wan Quan Gao, which will naturally lead to recovery. Diffuse swelling without a head under the chin is called Shi Du (Seasonal Toxin), commonly known as Xia Ma Wen (Toad Plague). Swelling covering the entire head and face is called Da Tou Tian Xing (Great Head Epidemic), commonly known as Da Tou Wen (Great Head Plague). These are all caused by stagnation and heat of Wind-Fire. In the early stage, Jia Wei Gan Jie Tang (Modified Licorice and Platycodon Decoction) is suitable to dissipate the pathogen. If dissipation fails, use Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Detoxification Decoction) to clear heat and detoxify. If the swelling is extremely vigorous, combine with Bian Fa.

Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root, stir-fried with wine), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome, stir-fried with wine, each one qian), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia Root), Ju Hong (Tangerine Peel), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root, each five fen), Bo He (Mentha Haplocalyx, six fen), Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, one fen), Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit), Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus, stir-fried, each one qian five fen). Decoct in water and take orally. If constipation is severe, add Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, stir-fried with wine) one qian; if the constitution is deficient, add Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) five fen.