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[From "Jing Yao"] Dusheng San (Single Victory Powder) treats carbuncles and sores, which are all caused by blood stasis and qi stagnation.

Xiangfu Zi (Cyperi Rhizoma, remove hairs to make clean, soak in fresh ginger juice for one night, dry by baking, grind into extremely fine powder).

Take the above medicine at any time, mix two qian with warm water and take orally. It is also said: Sores often arise from anger. If one has this disease, there must be frequent anger; just taking Cyperi Rhizoma, eating food, and relaxing the qi will naturally be effective.

[Danxi] Dusheng San treats qi depression and blood stasis. After various sores heal, taking it regularly for half a year is especially wonderful. This applies to people with strong constitutions and qi stagnation. I have seen Brother Wu, who consumed rich foods and had qi stagnation, with a robust physique and steady temperament. Near sixty years old, he suffered from a back sore. Other medicines prescribed by doctors were ineffective, but taking Cyperi Rhizoma powder brought rapid relief. He relied solely on this single herb throughout, and the swelling and ulceration were stabilized by it. However, only those with both a robust constitution and an excess condition can recover; such cases occur once in thousands. I often ponder Cyperi Rhizoma; the classics do not mention its tonifying properties. Only in the formula "Bu Lao Tang" (Elixir of Longevity) is it stated to benefit the elderly. Using Pianzi Jianghuang (Curcumae Radix), Xiangfu Zi (Cyperi Rhizoma), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), yet named "Bu Lao" (Longevity), and citing Mr. Weng and Lord Liu as evidence, there must be a reason. It seems that within the action of moving qi, there lies the principle of tonification. Heaven is heaven because it is vigorous and constant; because it does not cease, life generates endlessly. Just as Chongwei Zi (Leonuri Fructus) invigorates blood and moves qi, possessing the subtle effect of tonifying yin, hence named Yimu Cao (Motherwort Herb); before and after childbirth, reliance is placed on qi and blood. Before childbirth, there is no stagnation; after childbirth, there is no deficiency, because within its dispersing action lies tonification. Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica) treating scrofula follows the same principle.

[From "Bu Yi"] It is said that the treatment methods for carbuncles and sores in women and men are no different, except for three conditions: amenorrhea, blood deficiency, and qi knot. I believe that when a woman's sea is full, menstruation flows; amenorrhea is indeed different. However, women's temperaments are ten times more stubborn than men's. Even if there are deficiency syndromes requiring tonification, one must consider their stubbornness. I once saw a Lady Lou who was widowed early, loved drinking and eating, had a fat and imposing figure, and a deep, venomous temperament. At sixty-six, in July, she developed a back sore near the spine. The doctor cut horizontally and vertically to drain blood, mixed with Wuxiang San (Five Fragrances Powder) and Shixuan San (Ten Acupoints Powder), and administered it with wine. For over a month, no one discussed her widowhood-induced depression, the toxicity of alcohol and meat, the stagnation of stubbornness, or the heat of the season. Ultimately, the sore flattened and sank, lingering for two or three months without rescue.

When the six pulses are discordant, stagnation remains and becomes a carbuncle. (The full text is in the Five Viscera section. This is a carbuncle transformed from rich food.)

All pain, itching, sores, and ulcers belong to the Heart. (The full text is in the Diagnosis section. Hejian said: When people approach fire, slight heat causes itching, intense heat causes pain; proximity causes burning and sores, all due to the use of Heart Fire. Or itching and pain like light needle pricks, similar to flying sparks burning.)

Excess Heart Fire above leads to heat carbuncles; deficient Heart Fire leads to cold carbuncles.

[From "Mai Jing"] Lung metal overcoming Liver wood results in carbuncles. Kidney transferring cold to the Liver results in carbuncles/swelling and shortness of breath. (The full text is in the Disease Transmission section, same below. The Liver stores blood; liver disease causes blood to follow, and Ying Qi rebels in the muscle texture, generating carbuncles/swelling.)

Spleen transferring cold to the Liver results in carbuncles/swelling and tendon spasms.

[From "Ben Cao"] Prescription for Fa Bei (Back Carbuncle). Caojueming (Cassiae Semen) used raw, one sheng, crushed; Sheng Gancao (Raw Licorice Root), one liang, also crushed. Three sheng of water, boil to obtain one sheng, divide into two doses and take warm. Generally, blood stagnation produces sores. The Liver is the organ of blood, and Jieming harmonizes Liver Qi without damaging Yuan Qi. (Ben Cao states: Jieming clears Liver Heat.)

Diseases of the Three Yang channels present with chills and fever; lower body presents with carbuncles/swelling. (Three Yang refers to Small Intestine and Bladder. Lower body carbuncles/swelling specifically refers to Bladder disease. Such as brain sores, back carbuncles, buttock carbuncles, etc.)

There are four types of carbuncles and sores according to Climate Theory:

First, Fire-Heat assisting Heart Fire causing sores. The Classics say: Arrival of Shaoyang manifests as sores/rashes. Also: When Shaoyin governs the sky, Heat descends, Lung Qi ascends accordingly; severely, sores occur. Also: In the administration of Shaoyin governing the sky, during the first climate, Cold begins, Yang Qi is depressed, hot summer heat is about to rise, causing internal and external sores. Also: Arrival of Shaoyang manifests as sores. Also: Administration of Shaoyang governing the sky. Wind and Heat distribute together, Taiyin dampness flows horizontally, Cold arrives on time, people suffer from cold in the middle, externally manifesting sores. First climate, weather is greatly warm, disease is sores in skin and pores. Second climate, Fire reversely depresses, disease is heat depressed above, sores erupt in the middle. Third climate, hot summer arrives, people suffer from pustular sores. Also: Administration of Taiyang governing the sky, first climate, weather is greatly warm, muscle pores have sores. These are all shallow diseases of normal transformation. Also: Shaoyin governing the sky, excessive Heat wins, severely sores occur. Also: Shaoyin governing the sky, guest excess severely causes sores. Also: Revolt of Shaoyin, disease is fei rash sores, carbuncles/sores/acne/hemorrhoids. Also: Excessive Fire is called He Xi, disease is sores and blood flow. Also: Depression of Fire erupts, people suffer from sores and carbuncles/swelling. This is severe disease from evil transformation.

Second, Cold Evil injuring Heart causing sores. The Classics say: Administration of Taiyang governing the sky, third climate, Cold Qi moves, people suffer from cold, reverse heat in the middle, carbuncles/sores and diarrhea. Also: Taiyang governing the sky, excessive Cold wins, blood changes in the middle, erupting as sores, disease root in the Heart. Also: Administration of Yangming governing the sky, fourth climate, cold rain descends, people suffer from carbuncles/swelling and sores.

Third, Dryness Evil injuring Liver causing sores. The Classics say: Wood deficiency is called Wei He, upper Shang is same as Zheng Shang, disease is limb sores/carbuncles/swelling, evil injures the Liver. Also: Yangming governing the sky, excessive Dryness wins, people suffer from ulcers/rashes/acne/carbuncles, disease root in the Liver.

Fourth, Dampness Evil causing sores. The Classics say: Taiyin governing the sky, Dampness transforms things, severely posterior body carbuncles. Also: Victory of Taiyin, Fire Qi internally depressed, sores erupt inside, flowing and scattering outside.

[Danxi] Chapter One of "Jing Yao" states: Whenever this disease occurs, do not hastily distinguish whether it is carbuncle or sore, deficiency or excess, cold or heat. First, take Neituo San (Internal Support Powder) and Wuxiang Liaoqiao Tang (Five Fragments and Forsythia Decoction) to vent toxic vapors. Also: Neituo San, Wuxiang Liaoqiao Tang, Chen She Tang, etc., are neither cold nor hot. Regardless of age or constitution, yin or yang, deficiency or excess, taking them in large amounts is excellent. However, carbuncles, sores, boils, and folliculitis involve viscera and yin/yang with depths, deficiencies, excesses, colds, and heats. Medicines have tonifying, purging, warming, and cooling properties. Old, young, weak, and strong have varying endowments, physical/mental hardships and joys, increasing or decreasing with age. How can one use four or five formulas that are neither cold nor hot to treat all generally, and claim taking more is excellent? This raises doubts. Students should examine meridians, observe pathogenesis, and prescribe treatment. How can they rely on this as a general method?

[Danxi] Brother Li from Dongyang, over thirty years old, thin with delicate skin, suffering continuous worries, plus overwork and excessive sexual activity, suddenly developed a red swelling on the outer side of the left thigh, size like a chestnut. One doctor, hearing his bowels were solid, gave Chengqi Tang (Purgative Decoction) for two doses to purge, but it was ineffective. Another doctor advised using Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Zhusha (Cinnabaris), Sheng Fugcao (Raw Licorice Root), and Qilinjie (Dragon's Blood), taken for another two or three doses. Half a month later, he summoned me to examine. I said: "It is beyond recovery."

Another Brother Li, over forty, slightly pale face, very exhausted spirit, suddenly developed a red swelling like a peach under the ribs. One person advised using tonics, others laughed and opposed it. Thus, Liuqi Yin (Flowing Qi Decoction) and Shixuan San were mixed and taken. Over ten days later, he summoned me. I said: "Not only were tonics not given, but purgatives were excessively used. Qi and Blood are now exhausted." Later, it proved true.

Both these cases died because they did not anticipate the blood-deficient nature of the Shaoyang channel, and rashly used Dahuang to attack the interior.

A man, nearly sixty, usually fat, developed a lump on the outer side of the left arm in early summer, square and round, over two cun, not very painful. Summoned me to treat. Pulse was slow, large, and weak. I said: "This arose from worry and depression. During the time when Qi rises and disperses, urgently administer Ren Shen Gao (Ginseng Paste) five or six jin, then see what response occurs." The family summoned another surgeon, who gave Shixuan San for five or six doses, making the sore worse. I said: "This is severe deficiency, do not look down upon it lightly." The family did not believe him. A surgeon still administered Shixuan San, five or six more doses. The sore flattened and sank, clear water flowed out, and he died. This serves as an example of carbuncles/sores arising from deficiency.

Hu Jingli's daughter, of marriageable age, impatient temperament and robust body, unmarried, accumulated deep toxicity from rich foods. Pain in the femur bone for over a year. Doctors treated with Qi-moving medicines mixed, cured but relapsed. In autumn/winter, sudden severe pain and fever. Doctors realized a Gujisu (Bone-Adhering Sore) had formed above the Bitshu acupoint, in the Shaoyang division on the lateral side. His rich diet and impatience remained unchanged. From start to finish, only Wuxiang Tang and Shixuan San were used. Even after the sore ulcerated, Wuxiang Tang continued for over a month. Suddenly, one day, chills, fever, and chest fullness occurred. The doctor did not realize that ascending and dispersing had been excessive, Yin Blood was exhausted, and solitary Yang wildly surged upward. Still regretting insufficient intake of Wuxiang Yin, causing stagnation in the chest, he massively administered more. One night, he died of panting and sweating.

These two cases died because they did not anticipate the blood-deficient nature of the Shaoyang channel, and rashly used Shixuan and Wuxiang to disperse via the exterior. Can one not beware?

[Lingshu] The Emperor said: When diseases arise, there are unpredictable joy and anger, irregular diet, insufficiency of Yin Qi, excess of Yang Qi, and failure of Ying Qi to circulate, thus developing carbuncles and sores. Yin and Yang do not communicate, two heats clash, thus transforming into pus. Can small needles cure it? Qibo said: Sages cannot make already transformed [pus] resolve; evil cannot remain. Thus, two armies facing each other, flags visible, white blades arrayed in the field, this is not a plan of one day. To make people obey orders and prohibit actions, soldiers avoiding blade dangers, is not one day of teaching, nor obtained in a moment. To cause the body to suffer carbuncles and sores, accumulation of pus and blood, is it not far from the Dao? The birth of carbuncles and sores, formation of pus and blood, does not come from the sky, nor emerge from the earth, but is generated from accumulation of the minute. Thus, sages regulate themselves before form appears; fools encounter it after it forms. The Yellow Emperor said: If it has already formed, I have not encountered it; if pus has formed, I have not seen it, what to do? Qibo said: Once pus has formed, ten die, one lives. Thus, sages prevent it from forming, clearly establish good prescriptions, write them on bamboo and silk, so capable successors transmit them to future generations without end, for the sake of preventing non-encounter. The Yellow Emperor said: If pus and blood have already formed and then encountered, can they not be treated with small needles? Qibo said: Treating large with small yields little merit; treating large with large causes much harm. Thus, for those with formed pus and blood, only bian stones and pi feng (scalpels) can be used. The Yellow Emperor said: If there is much harm, can it not be fully cured? Qibo said: It depends on reversal and smoothness. (Yu Ban Chapter, Reversal and Smoothness method see Ulceration Rash section.)

[Wu] Treatment for initial carbuncles and back carbuncles, miraculous moxibustion method, tested repeatedly with success. Jiangling Prefecture Zijiguan, while digging, found a stone tablet recording this. When anyone initially feels back carbuncle, wanting to form but not yet formed, red, hot, swollen, and painful, first cover with wet paper, immediately watch and wait. The place where the paper dries first is the head of the carbuncle. Take garlic, slice it, thickness equivalent to three qian, place on the head, use large moxa cone to moxa. Three zhuang, then replace one garlic slice. If painful, moxa until pain stops; if not painful, moxa until pain starts. Most important is early detection and early moxa as best. (If there is a head like hemp seed size, no need for wet paper covering method, just moxa the head.) If ten or more heads grow together, crush garlic into paste, make thin cake, spread on head, gather moxa on cake and burn. (One or two days, ten moxa ten live; three or four days, six or seven live; five or six days, three or four live.)

[Hai Zang] Moxa until not painful, stop moxa after pain. Moxa not painful: first reaches ulceration, so not painful; then reaches healthy flesh, so painful. Moxa painful, stop moxa after not painful: Moxa painful: first reaches un-ulcerated, so painful; then reaches about-to-ulcerate, so not painful.

[Jing Yao] Itchy moxa until not itchy, painful moxa until not painful, generally based on one hundred zhuang. Also said: Like thieves entering the master's house, must open door to drive them out. If door does not open, nowhere to exit, must harm master after.

[Ben Cao] Wang Qu's Preface for Back Carbuncle Prescription says: In the third year of Yuan dynasty, fourth month of summer, serving in the capital, sore erupted on back. Summoned Imperial Doctor to treat. Over a month, condition worsened. Obtained Zhang Sheng from Xiao County, Xuzhou. Added moxa fire to sore, from morning to evening, total one hundred fifty zhuang, stopped when pain was felt. Next day, removed black scab with tweezers, pus completely drained, muscle texture all red, no longer painful. Then separately applied plaster, changed daily, cutting off black rot when changing. About one month, sore flattened. That autumn and summer, seven officials in the capital suffered from sores, I alone survived. Although fate is natural, there is inherent management. Not knowing the method led to misfortune. Discussing by human intent, one can sigh. Thus, compiled previous and subsequent prescriptions, printed and distributed, hoping to match the ancients' intention to save the multitude. (This is the Garlic-Separate Head Moxibustion method, just without garlic.)

[Jing Yao] Shi Yuan's mother, between back and thigh, slight itch. Viewed, had half-cun red area, with white grains like millet. Urgently applied moxa. Redness disappeared. Stopped at fourteen zhuang. Two nights later, felt slight pain. Viewed, redness flowed down two cun long, width like leek leaf. Whole family regretted previous moxa. Someone said: Nun Zhiquan from Dengci Temple, previously had very large sore, cured by moxa. Ran to ask. Zhiquan said: During severe stage, unconscious. Only junior monks said Fan Bayi Fengyi persisted in moxing over eight hundred zhuang before waking, approximately one sieve of moxa. Hasted home to report. Saw starting with moxa cone like ginkgo nut, moxa top ten or so, totally not feeling pain. Then cut surrounding redness, reducing cone by three-quarters, all felt pain. After seven zhuang, felt itch. Each zhuang burnt out, redness shrunk inward. Moxa to twenty-plus zhuang, red halo receded. Patient not afraid, made moxa ball large, moxa top, gradually added to chicken yolk size, about forty balls, only then felt pain. Viewed fire scorched area already over one cun. Probably moxa late, initial eruption flesh already bad. Bad flesh formed barrier, until good flesh then painful. Surroundings felt pain, flesh not bad. Patient slept six nights without sleep. Until then ate porridge, slept peacefully. Evening view, sore like inverted pot, protruding three or four cun high, with hundreds of small holes, color truly black. Protruding suddenly, toxic vapor gathering outward. Hundreds of small holes, toxin not gathered, floating attacking skin. Color truly black, skin and flesh both bad. If not moxa fire expelling toxin from inside bad flesh, then five viscera would be forced.

Jun Sang punctured carbuncle head to drain Qi, avoiding sinews and bones.

[Yuan] Dampness of earth enters from outside, sores/ulcers. Should first take medicine, then use needle. During needling, first cover with warm clothes, not allowing coagulation and stagnation, making blood vessels get warmth and move slightly, then blood comes out and stops immediately. If not so, blood vessels stagnant then needle, evil toxin not discharged,反而 harming healthy flesh, increasing sore condition. Infant sores are the same.

[Jing Yao] Riding Bamboo Horse Moxibustion Method. First let patient lean elbow on table, raise arm wrist straight. Use one bamboo strip, from crease at bend of arm wrist, male left female right, measure against skin, until tip of middle finger end, cut off as standard, do not measure nail. Then use one bamboo pole, let patient undress and ride firmly, keep body upright, two people lift front and back, feet not touching ground, two people support, prevent falling. Take previously measured arm wrist bamboo strip, from sitting place on bamboo pole, end of tailbone, straight up along spine to end of strip as standard, mark with ink. This only takes center, not moxa point. Then use thin bamboo as ruler, measure patient's middle finger joint, distance between two transverse creases as standard, male left female right, cut as one ruler. On both sides of previously marked spot, measure one ruler each, ends are moxa points. Both points moxa five zhuang, or seven zhuang stop, cannot moxa too much. Regardless of where carbuncle/sores appear, use this method, none not cured. Because these two points are where Heart pulse connects. Carbuncles/sores all arise from Heart Fire stagnation. Moxa makes Heart Fire circulate, immediately sees peace and cure. Can revive dead and save critical, has extraordinary effect, tested repeatedly.

Detailed: Crease at bend of arm wrist is crease between Quze (PC3) acupoint, not transverse crease behind palm.

[Danxi] All carbuncles/sores eruptions, either due to internal accumulated heat, or external cold depressing internal heat. If at generation stage, moxa to disperse toxin, treat early, can move deep to shallow, change heavy to light. All moxa methods are good, but Riding Bamboo Horse Moxibustion is especially crucial. This is strategy to eliminate disaster before form.

[Bao Ming Ji] All sores suitable for moxa/needle, must distinguish meridian location, blood amount, acupoint distance. If emerging from back, should choose from Five Taiyang points, select according to syndrome, needle or moxa, discharge evil qi.

Taiyang channel: Much Blood, Little Qi: Zhiyin (BL67), Tonggu (BL65), Shugu (BL64), Kunlun (BL60), Weizhong (BL40).

Emerging from temples, mostly choose from Five Shaoyang points. Shaoyang channel: Little Blood, Much Qi: Qiaoyin (GB44), Xiaxi (GB43), Linqi (GB41), Yangfu (GB38), Yanglingquan (GB34).

Emerging from whiskers, mostly choose from Five Yangming points. Yangming channel: Much Blood, Little Qi: Lidui (ST45), Neiting (ST44), Xangu (ST43), Chongyang (ST42), Jiexi (ST41).

Emerging from head, initially feel unbearable head pain, wanting to generate sore. Head is sea of marrow, should moxa/needle Juegu (GB39) to discharge evil qi. Marrow is residence. Thus, floating pulse choose from Taiyang channel as before; long pulse choose from Yangming channel as before; string pulse choose from Shaoyang channel as before. Discourse says: Each meridian has Jing-River-Shu-Jing-He points. Jing governs fullness below heart and green sore color; River governs body heat and red sore color; Shu governs heavy body/joint pain and yellow sore color; Jing governs cough/chills-fever and white sore color; He governs rebellious Qi/diarrhea and black sore color. Each follow meridian disease seeing these symptoms, some suitable for moxa, some for needle, to discharge evil qi. Classics say: Evil Qi internal contraction causes obstructed heat, suitable for biance (bleeding).

Above "Bao Ming Ji" meridian-based moxa/needle is the main outline. Now further take "Lingshu" Meridian Chapter and "Tongren" etc. books, analyze minutely, output each meridian's territory, list in Needle Gate Twelve Meridians section as chart, name it Meridian Territory Chart, making people viewing it, mind and eye bright, seeing no whole ox.

When carbuncles/sores initially erupt, must first moxa head to open door, then see which meridian territory eruption belongs to. Meridian fixed, internally use belonging meridian medicine to guide meridian and release exterior, externally use belonging meridian Shu acupoints needle/moxa to discharge evil. Internal and external combined treatment, evil has no place. Those needle/moxa carbuncles/sores, seek in Needle Gate Twelve Meridian Territory Chart.

[Jia Yi Jing] Carbuncles/sores, Qiaoyin (GB44) governs. Head/neck carbuncles/swelling unable to speak, Tianchuang (SI16) governs.

[Yuan] Evil Qi does not injure stomach/intestines, stool normal, carefully do not purge, strictly forbid.

[Danxi] "Jing Yao" says: Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) is key medicine for carbuncles/sores, because it vents heat and draws out toxin. Also says: When sore first acts, all must use Dahuang etc. decoctions, extreme