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According to the *Lu Yan Fang* (Verified Records Formulary): To dissipate heat and resolve heat-induced firm swelling, specifically when an abscess is just beginning to form, the "Da Huang Tang" (Rhubarb Decoction) formula is as follows:
Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba/Rubra - text says "Xi Yao", likely a variant/typo for Shaoyao), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) (each 2 liang), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) (3 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (each 1 liang).
These seven herbs are boiled in 8 sheng of water until reduced to 2.5 sheng, divided into three doses. After promoting bowel movement with a laxative effect, the swelling will subside. (The *Duan Ju Fang* (Short Drama Formulary) refers to this as "Shengma Tang".)

The *Qian Jin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) states: Abscesses on the back are all caused by taking Wushi San (Five Minerals Powder), Hanshi San (Cold Food Powder), or Gengsheng San (Rebirth Powder). There are also cases triggered solely by taking Zhongru Shi (Stalactite/Gypsum-related mineral). Furthermore, some individuals who have never taken mineral powders develop them spontaneously; this is because ancestors in ancient times took such substances, leaving a hereditary predisposition, hence these symptoms are more common.
It further states: For those practicing health preservation, if one feels unusual itching at the site of a developing back abscess, one should immediately take clean soil mixed with water to make mud, shape it into cakes 1.5 cun in diameter and 0.2 cun thick. Use coarse mugwort moxa cones. Apply the moxa cone on top of the mud cake to moxibustion. Replace the cake after each cone burns out. If the cake is as small as a millet seed, moxibustion on seven cakes is sufficient; if as large as a elm seed, seven cones suffice for cure. If the swelling is as large as a coin, continuous day and night moxibustion will lead to recovery.
It also states: Frequently splash cold water on the affected area or apply cold stone compresses, continuing day and night without stopping until healed.

The *Pang Shi Lun* (Discussions by Master Pang) states: Anyone taking Caoshi San (Herbal and Mineral Powders) must not undergo moxibustion on other parts of the body, as it may induce inflammatory ulcers. If sores already exist on the body, warm treatments should be avoided. Instead, wet cloths soaked in cold water should be applied. Burn plum pits into a paste and rub it onto the sores; washing methods remain unchanged. Vice Minister Xue stated: If sores and swelling occur, simply administer Wuxiang Liaoqiao Tang (Five-Spice Forsythia Decoction), etc. (Found in the *Duan Ju Fang* under the treatment of E Mai/Malignant Veins.)
It further states: If the swelling has a root, is hard as iron or stone, and has a reddish hue, while taking decoctions, applying one or two small moxa cones directly on the swelling is optimal.

Huangfu Mi stated: Sometimes the entire body swells, making self-rotation impossible. This is due to prolonged sitting and inactivity, combined with abstinence from alcohol, causing the qi of the medicine to sink into the skin, leading to blocked blood vessels. Drinking alcohol, washing with cold water, and engaging in moderate walking will lead to recovery. If unable to walk, let a strong person support and drag them to walk.

The *Qin Cheng Zu Fang* (Formulary of Qin Chengzu) states: After drug toxicity erupts, bodily edema is often caused by exposure to cold. The "Gan Cao Tang" (Licorice Decoction) formula is as follows:
Gancao (Licorice Root) (3 liang, honey-fried), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) (14 fruits).
These two herbs are boiled in 5 sheng of water until reduced to 1.5 sheng, divided into two doses.
It also states: A topical paste for treating diffuse red swelling:
Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) (4 liang), Ji Zi (Chicken Egg) (4 eggs), Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus) (4 liang).
These three ingredients are crushed and coarsely sieved. Mix with 1 sheng of water and egg whites in a vessel, boil, then remove. Soak a cloth in the liquid and apply it to the swollen area. Replace with a warm cloth repeatedly, dozens of times.

The *Qian Jin Fang* states: If swelling spreads from the feet upward into the abdomen, it can be fatal. The formula is:
Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Bean) (1 dou).
Boil in 3 dou of water until soft, remove the beans, and use the bean water to soak the legs below the knees once daily for several days until cured.
It further states: If the swelling has entered the abdomen, soaking and eating the boiled beans is unnecessary. Instead, abstain from all ginger, vegetables, grains, and yeast-based foods, consuming only beans. Drink bean juice when thirsty, and stop when recovered.
It also states: A massage ointment for treating diffuse red swelling:
Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Recens) (5 liang), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) (30 kernels - note: text mentions "Mu Li Xing", likely referring to Apricot Kernel), Sheng Zhang Lu (Phytolaccae Radix) (3 liang).
Cut the four ingredients and soak in vinegar overnight. Add 1 sheng of lard and simmer the Phytolacca root until black. Strain the dregs and massage the ointment onto the affected area, three times daily and once at night.