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[Prescription Verse] Xiashiju (Lower Hard Scrofula) arises above the knee, hard as stone with tendon-pulling pain, skin color remains normal, difficult to ulcerate and heal. This syndrome is caused by blood stasis and external cold coagulation.
[Note] This condition occurs in the knee area; it can arise at the kneecap itself or on either side. The mass is hard as stone, causing tendon-pulling pain, swelling like a chicken egg, with unchanged skin color, no erythema or heat, difficult to dissipate, difficult to ulcerate, and once ulcerated, difficult to granulate and close. It is most stubborn and persistent. It results from body deficiency and deep invasion of cold pathogens, leading to blood stasis and coagulation forming the swelling and ulceration. Internal and external treatments refer to Zhongshiju (Middle Hard Scrofula). However, since this condition presents as cool during both swelling and ulceration phases, if the coolness transforms into heat and favorable signs appear, it is auspicious; if unfavorable signs persist, recovery is difficult.

[Prescription Verse] Huanju (Slow Abscess) involves blood stasis and external cold coagulation, swelling and hardness like a steamed bun arising above the knee, purple-dark discoloration, delayed ulceration often accompanied by erythema and heat, prolonged swelling gradually leads to rotting flesh and painful skin.
[Note] This condition is caused by deep invasion of external cold, resulting in blood stasis and stagnation. It arises above both knees or on either side, swelling and hardening like a steamed bun, with increasing numbness and pain, purple-dark color, and failure to ulcerate after many days. The clinical presentation is similar to Xiashiju, but distinguished by the presence of erythema and heat; prolonged swelling causes rotting of muscle and skin. Initially, administer Danggui Nian Tong Tang (Angelica Decoction for Relieving Pain) to diffuse and unblock damp-heat. Subsequently, treat according to Zhongshiju methods: internally use warming tonification, externally apply moxibustion. For severe deficiency, combine with Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Substance Great Tonifying Decoction).
Another prescription: Danggui Nian Tong Tang (see section on Leg Roaming Wind in the Thigh); Shiquan Dabu Tang (see section on Ulcers).
Wei Zhong Du (Abscess at Weizhong)

[Prescription Verse] Wei Zhong Du arises at the popliteal crease, stiffness upon flexion and extension with slight swelling and redness, due to Gallbladder heat flowing into the Bladder meridian and being obstructed; promptly employ blood-invigorating therapy and puncture Weizhong.
[Note] This condition arises at the Weizhong acupoint, located in the depression of the central artery at the popliteal crease behind the knee. The crease is also called Xuexi (Blood Pool), belonging to the Bladder Meridian, commonly known as the leg hollow, and referred to as Guzhong (Center of the Popliteal Fossa) in classics. It is formed by accumulated heat in the Gallbladder meridian flowing into the Bladder meridian, causing congestion and obstruction. Symptoms include woody hardness, swelling, pain, slight redness, and difficulty in flexion and extension. Treatment should promptly utilize Huoxue Sanyu Tang (Blood Invigorating and Stasis Dispelling Decoction) to purge inferior evil blood for effect; delay will lead to tendon contraction and disability! All texts state that puncturing Weizhong to bleed will cause spontaneous resolution. However, puncture is only indicated when accompanied by low back pain preventing movement. Even then, bleeding must not be excessive, as too much may cause fainting and pallor. Remaining internal and external treatments follow the protocols for Tumors/Abscesses (Yong Ju) in their early swelling stage (Swelling Ulcer) and late ulceration stage (Ulcer). Cases with intense pain, bright red color, and rapid ulceration are caused by damp-heat coagulation; treatment also follows the Swelling Ulcer and Ulcer sections.
Prescription: Huoxue Sanyu Tang
Composition: Dangguiwei (Caulis Angelicae Sinensis Caudex), Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), Taoren (Semen Persicae, peeled and de-husked), Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, wine-fried, each 2 qian), Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), Sumu (Lignum Sappan, each 1.5 qian), Danpi (Cortex Moutan), Zhike (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, bran-fried), Gualouren (Semen Benincasae, each 1 qian), Binglang (Areca Seed, 0.6 qian).
Decoct in two zhong of water until one-eighth remains; take on an empty stomach; decoct the dregs again and take.
[Prescription Verse] Huoxue Sanyu Tang treats Wei Zhong Du, all due to accumulated heat causing swelling at the site; it contains Dangguiwei, Shaoyao, Mudanpi, Taoren, Zhike, Binglang, Gualou, Dahuang, Chuanxiong, and Sumu.