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[Prescription Verse] Foot dorsum abscess belongs to the Gallbladder and Stomach meridians, formed by the downward pouring of seven emotions [internal factors] and six pathogenic influences [external factors]. Carefully distinguish between good and bad signs to classify as favorable or unfavorable courses; meticulously differentiate between carbuncle (ju) and furuncle (yong) to determine life and death prognosis.

[Annotation] This condition is also known as "Foot Dorsum Eruption." Although three Yang meridians traverse the dorsal aspect of the foot, lesions are most commonly located in the areas governed by the Gallbladder and Stomach meridians. The condition arises from internal stagnation of the seven emotions, or combined with external injury by the six pathogenic influences. The Classics state: "Sores should not arise on the three backs [head, back, soles]." Specifically, the foot dorsum has many tendons and bones but little flesh and thin skin, and it is situated at the lowest point of the body (the extreme Yin). When sores or carbuncles erupt here, the ascending and transforming Qi rises slowly, thus it is termed a dangerous condition. One must distinguish between the Five Good Signs and Seven Bad Signs to classify the course as favorable or unfavorable. "Dorsum eruption" is a general term for large sores. It must be carefully differentiated; whether it is a carbuncle or a furuncle, once the favorable or unfavorable nature is determined, the prognosis of life or death is fixed. Initially, Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Immortal Life Elixir) should be taken, and garlic-partitioned moxibustion applied, to cause the sore to suppurate quickly. The remaining treatment follows the principles of the Swelling Ulcer Section and Ulcer Section.

Formula: Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Immortal Life Elixir) (See Swelling Ulcer Section)
Garlic-Partitioned Moxibustion Method (See First Volume, Moxibustion Methods)

[Prescription Verse] Yongquan Carbuncle occurs on the sole of the foot, often belonging to Yin patterns due to Kidney deficiency and dampness stagnation. If it suppurates rapidly with shallow pus, it is a furuncle and can be treated; if black depression occurs, it is a carbuncle and life is difficult to save.

[Annotation] This condition arises at the Yongquan acupoint on the sole of the foot, also known as "Sole Eruption," or "Piercing Cave Heaven" (named after an insect), and colloquially as "Plank-Pierching Disease." It belongs to the Foot Shaoyin [Kidney] meridian, resulting from Kidney meridian deficiency combined with downward pouring of damp-heat. If it suppurates within fourteen days and the pus is shallow, it is a furuncle and can still be managed; initially take Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Immortal Life Elixir) externally apply Shen Deng Zhao Fa (Divine Lamp Illumination Method). If deficiency is severe and pus formation is delayed, take Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Ten Significant Tonifying Decoction); after suppuration, concurrently take Gui Fu Di Huang Wan (Cinnamon and Aconite Rehmannia Pill). Other treatments refer to the Carbuncle/Furuncle Swelling Ulcer Section and Ulcer Section. If there is black depression without pain, and no suppuration occurs within twenty-one days, it is a carbuncle belonging to Yin collapse, a difficult-to-save condition.

Formula: Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Immortal Life Elixir) (See Swelling Ulcer Section)
Shen Deng Zhao Fa (Divine Lamp Illumination Method) (See First Volume)
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Ten Significant Tonifying Decoction) (See Ulcer Section)
Gui Fu Di Huang Wan (Cinnamon and Aconite Rehmannia Pill) (See Facial Sores Section)