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Fire needle (also known as burning needle) is a therapy essential for treating external diseases; it can drain pus and dissipate carbuncles, and resolve yin abscesses. However, for patients with redness, swelling, pain, and vigorous fire-toxin, the mistaken use of fire needles will cause increased swelling and pain, leading to deeper ulceration. The head and face are the convergence point of all Yang meridians; once fire needles are used, they may draw fire and close pathogens, turning mild conditions into critical ones.

When carbuncles or abscesses arise in hidden or curved areas, prolonged discharge of pus can lead to tendon contraction and inability to flex or extend. This is because pus is transformed from blood and muscle tissue. Excessive loss of pus depletes the blood vessels, causing the tendons binding the bones to lose nourishment, resulting in tendon contraction and restricted movement. When the wound is about to heal, apply fresh green onions and new mugwort decocted in water externally: fumigate first, then wash. Internally administer Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Great Tonifying Decoction). This ensures abundant Qi and blood, allowing tendons to relax and moisten. Additionally, frequently massage the affected area with hands, or pull left, pull right, extend forward, or bend backward, regardless of whether it involves limbs or body. By performing this continuously without interruption for approximately one month, joints will become flexible, Qi and blood will circulate freely, and tendons and vessels will relax, naturally restoring the original state. If muscle rot is deep and major tendons are severed, although muscle growth and wound closure occur, there will inevitably be only flexion without extension, or only extension without flexion, ultimately resulting in disability.

When carbuncles or abscesses arise on the legs and feet, excessive discharge of pus deprives tendons of nourishment, making them prone to shortening. While the wound is healing, carry a piece of bamboo two chi long and the thickness of a wine cup nearby. Place it on the ground frequently and step on it with the affected foot, rolling back and forth to mobilize the tendons and vessels. After about one month, flexibility will return to normal.

When carbuncles and abscesses ulcerate and discharge pus for a long time, internal flesh may rot and become hollow, while the outer skin becomes floating and soft. There may be holes above and below discharging pus, with thin skin bridging the middle like a bridge. This traps toxins and prevents medicines from penetrating fully, hindering complete healing. Use scissors to cut open the floating skin, allowing unrestricted application of medicine, which facilitates wound closure.

The dorsum of the hand is the region of the three Yang meridians. Sores here should avoid using Sheng Yao (Ascendant Medicine), as it aids fire and erodes muscle; instead, sprinkle powders of heat-clearing and damp-drying herbs. Sores arising from below the knee to the dorsum of the foot are mostly caused by damp-heat sinking downward. The use of Sheng Yao is especially contraindicated here, as it closes dampness and generates fire; rather, sprinkle powders of diuretic and heat-clearing herbs externally.