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Commentary states: The ear is the external manifestation of the Kidney (Shen) and a cavity where the Heart (Xin) qi resides. If the meridians are invaded by wind-heat pathogenic factors, these factors ascend along the vessels into the ear. Qi accumulates and fails to disperse, while evil heat attacks and rushes, condensing to form swelling. In severe cases, yellow fluid may discharge, leading to sudden deafness.

For treating swelling in both ears, Mu Xiang San (Costus Powder):
Mu Xiang (Costi Radix), Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), Bai Lian (Ampelopsis Radix), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, chopped and stir-fried), Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, black skin removed), Zi Ge (Broussonetiae Cortex), each 1 liang; Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Bean) 3 fen.
The above ten ingredients are pounded and sifted to make a powder. For each application, fresh Ulmus alba bark white inner layer is pounded to extract juice, mixed with a small amount of the powder, applied onto cloth, and pasted on the swollen area to reduce swelling.

For treating swelling in both ears accompanied by persistent pain, Yan Hua Wan (Salt Flower Pills):
Yan Hua (Halitum), 4 qian; Tian Ting Li (Descurainiae Semen seu Lepidii Semen, washed with river water and lightly stir-fried), 2 liang; Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen, skin and tip removed, double-kernel variety stir-fried), 1 liang; Zhu Zhi (Porcine Adipose Tissue from the twelfth lunar month), 2 qian.
The above four ingredients, excluding the porcine adipose tissue, are each pounded and ground to an extremely fine powder, then mixed uniformly. The porcine adipose tissue is added to form pills the size of a jujube pit. Each time, wrap a pill in cotton wool and insert it into the ear canal, changing once daily. After initial insertion, if sudden ear pain occurs, foul-smelling fluid discharges, or there is discomfort in the limbs, do not doubt this reaction.

For treating hot pain due to ear swelling and sudden onset of swelling, San Wu San (Three-Ingredient Powder):
Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Bean), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), each 0.5 liang; Mu Bie Zi Ren (Strychni Semen), 1 liang.
The above three ingredients are each pounded and ground into powder, then thoroughly mixed together. Apply a small amount mixed with raw sesame oil to the swollen area of the ear.

For treating sudden ear swelling with pus discharge, Fan Shi San (Alum Powder):
Fan Shi (Alumen, roasted until juice dries up), 0.5 liang.
The above single ingredient is ground finely. Use a reed tube to blow a small amount into the ear canal, three to four times daily; alternatively, wrap in cotton wool to the size of a jujube pit and insert into the ear.

For treating sudden ear swelling, Gua Lou Gen Ear Plug:
Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix, washed, quantity as needed).
The above single ingredient is sharpened at one end with a knife to fit into the ear canal. It is boiled in porcine adipose tissue from the twelfth lunar month for three boils. After cooling, insert into the ear to cure.

For treating sudden ear swelling, Lian Shi Ear Plug:
Lian Shi (Meliae Fructus), 5 he.
The above single ingredient is mashed thoroughly. Wrap in cotton wool to the size of a jujube pit and insert into the ear.

For treating ear swelling, Shang Lu Ear Plug:
Shang Lu (Phytolaccae Radix, raw and washed).
The above single ingredient is carved into the shape of a jujube pit and inserted into the ear, changed twice daily.

For treating ear swelling, Xing Ren Gao (Apricot Kernel Ointment):
Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen, skin and tip removed, double-kernel variety).
The above single ingredient is ground into an ointment, shaped into a jujube pit size, wrapped in loose hair, and inserted into the ear, changed twice daily.