Library

Use a fine copper needle to thread the medicinal wire. With the right hand, insert the needle into the fistula (sinus tract). With the left hand, hold a coarse bone needle (which must be blunt and rounded, with a deep, long groove carved on its head to guide the needle). Insert it into the anus, hook out the needle head, tie a slip knot with the medicinal wire, gradually tighten it, secure the end of the medicinal wire with a button, and let it hang for seven days to open the tract. Apply tissue-regenerating medicine for one month until the wound heals. For patients with deficiency, hanging wires should not be used, as it may lead to consumptive disease that is incurable.

Human life relies on grain qi entering the stomach to transform into qi and blood, thereby nourishing spirit. If one does not eat for half a day, qi declines; if one does not eat for a day, qi becomes scarce; if one fasts for seven days, death ensues. Only in cases of epidemic cholera with excess pathogenic factors and interior fullness, where food stagnation exists, should eating be prohibited. In other cases involving deficiency syndromes, grain qi is necessary to assist the efficacy of medicine. How can one fail to distinguish these and universally prohibit food intake, thereby endangering lives? When patients are extremely hungry, they may detest the smell of food and find it difficult to swallow. The key is to consume small amounts of bland food to avoid damaging the stomach through overeating. Therefore, in the initial stages of cold damage, epidemics, food stagnation, or cholera, if food is consumed, pathogenic factors may become internally closed and difficult to expel. Once the illness has truly receded, and there is no fever in the forehead, chest, or abdomen, but the healthy qi is weak and speech is difficult, thin rice water should be administered to support and replenish yuan qi. After one or two days, congee can be introduced. Relying solely on medicinal efficacy is akin to wielding a blade to kill.

There is a type of alveolar osteomyelitis (bone trough wind) where, after suppuration, the jaw remains swollen and closed, or even if not swollen and closed, there is no swelling or ulceration at the tooth roots. The affected opening has healed, leaving only a small hole below the ear. At rest, nothing is visible, but upon speaking or smiling, a small amount of clear fluid flows. When drinking or eating, fatty fluid flows continuously. Treatment is ineffective, making it a lifelong stubborn disease.

The medial and lateral malleoli are originally the source areas of the three yin meridians. If exposed to yin-dampness or immersed in cold water, causing blood vessels to freeze and muscles to become hard, swollen, and painful, recurrently, cauterization with fire needles and internal administration of formulas to warm the meridians and dry dampness can be effective. If neglected for a long time, becoming higher, harder, and spreading diffusely, even famous doctors may find themselves helpless.

The arms belong to the three yang regions. Whenever carbuncles and sores arise, they easily swell and spread throughout one arm. One should not lightly use knives or needles. Instead, apply appropriate medicine first, changing it every three days. Wait until the base contracts and pus forms before allowing it to open.