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Tongue Abscess (She Shang Yong)

Tongue abscess arises in the center of the tongue, approximately the size of a plum, rendering the patient unable to speak. This condition is caused by heat entering the Pericardium Collateral (Xin Bao Luo). The pulse at the left Cun position should be surging and rapid; it should not be fine and slow. If the physical signs show redness and swelling, it is treatable; if black, it is untreatable. Use Liuwei Decoction (Six-Ingredient Decoction) with additions: Chuanlian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 2 qian), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus, 5 qian), Heche (Placenta Hominis, 5 qian), Sheng Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 4 qian), and Dingdian (Violariae Herba, 3 qian). Apply Jinbuhuan powder via insufflation, and heavily apply Guanxiao (Gypsum and Nitre mixture) as a topical rub. Alternatively, adding Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis, 2-3 fen) yields better results. Treatment continues until recovery.

Sublingual Abscess (She Xia Yong)

This condition results from accumulated heat in the Spleen and Kidney, manifesting as a lesion under the tongue. The Jinjin (Metal Fluid) and Yuye (Jade Fluid) acupoints under the tongue connect to the Kidney Meridian; depletion of Kidney Water often generates pathology at these points. Diagnosis is confirmed by a surging and rapid pulse at the left Chi position. Use Liuwei Decoction (Six-Ingredient Decoction) with additions: Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 2 qian), Heche (Placenta Hominis, 2 qian), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 1 qian), Danpi (Moutan Cortex, 1 qian), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 1 qian), and Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 3 qian). After two doses, conclude treatment with Shibawei Shen Yao (Eighteen-Ingredient Divine Medicine), applying insufflation medicine as before.

Palatal Abscess (Shang Yan Yong)

Palatal abscess presents as a high swelling resembling a plum kernel hanging downwards, preventing eating and drinking. This condition arises from toxic heat generated by excessive consumption of roasted/grilled foods, accumulating over time. Treatment requires detoxifying agents. Caoheche (Sargentodoxae Caulis, 3 qian), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 5 qian), Dingdian (Violariae Herba, 2 qian), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 2 qian), Guiwei (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 1.5 qian), Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 1.5 qian), Shan Jia (Mantis Oviposita, 1.5 qian), Jiaoci (Unguis Cruris Gallus, 1.5 qian), Danpi (Moutan Cortex, 1 qian), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 1 qian), and Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 1 qian). Take four to five or ten doses. Concurrently administer Yushu Dan (Jade Pivot Pill), 0.5 fen daily. Insufflate Zixue San (Purple Snow Powder) and Jinbuhuan powder. This is a serious condition; recovery may take two to three months.

(Description of Figures for Thirteen Conditions)

Wood Tongue (Mu She)

This condition is caused by accumulated heat in the Heart, Spleen, and Liver meridians. The tongue becomes coarse, purple, and swollen; food stagnates in the Middle Jiao (Central Palace), and speech is impaired. It is caused by excessive consumption of roasted/grilled foods. Urgently use Bian stone (Bianshi) to prick and release purple blood, apply Jinbuhuan powder topically, and administer Dachengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) combined with Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Decoction for Detoxification) with additions: Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus, 2 qian), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis, 2 qian), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus, 2 qian), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 2 qian), Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 3 qian), and Caoheche (Sargentodoxae Caulis, 3 qian). If there is no response after two doses, increase the dosage of Sheng Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) to purge heat and toxicity. Subsequently, rinse the mouth with Liuwei Decoction (Six-Ingredient Decoction) (do not swallow). If the Cun and Guan pulses on both left and right sides are surging and large, it indicates an Excess pattern, suitable for the aforementioned medicines. If all six pulses are fine, it indicates a Deficiency pattern, which is difficult to treat. Dachengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) and Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Decoction for Detoxification) can be consulted in Volume II, Selected Applied Formulas.