Library

Generally speaking, after childbirth, women are in a state of severe deficiency of Qi and Blood. If they contract the Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Thought, Sorrow, Fear, Fright) and Six Exogenous Pathogens (Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dryness, Dampness, Fire), it causes the Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi to fail to circulate properly, reversing within the muscle tissues, thereby generating carbuncles and swellings. Moreover, since the Yuan (Original) Qi is insufficient, how can the body tolerate harsh and violent medicinal agents? One should only use medicines that greatly tonify Qi and Blood and strongly promote the expulsion of toxins outward. By adding a small amount of warming herbs to Bazhen Tang Wan (Eight Treasures Pill), the Ying and Wei Qi will circulate, and the toxic pathogens will dissipate, leading to recovery without exception. Otherwise, one risks causing deficiency damage, where the sores may deteriorate, ulcerate but fail to heal, often resulting in untreatable conditions.

Infants and young children have Qi and Blood that are not yet fully developed, bones and sinews that are not yet firm, and spleen and stomach that are still fragile. Any carbuncles or ulcers they suffer from are mostly due to fetal toxins, or caused by improper care during pregnancy leading to stagnation of Qi and Blood, resulting in various sores and swellings. Treatment should be limited to gentle formulas such as Neituo Neshu Tang (Internal Support and Dispersal Decoction). Harsh and drastic agents must be avoided to prevent damaging Stomach Qi. Furthermore, conditions like Wugu Gandu (Innocent Phagedenic Toxin, often referring to pediatric cervical lymphadenitis or similar tuberculous conditions) differ significantly from adult treatments; appropriate anti-phagedenic and tonifying agents will bring relief.

Nuns, widows, and unmarried women, although female, are distinct from married women in their lifestyle. Lacking sexual intercourse, they often endure suffering from worry and overthinking. Their desires are suppressed and unfulfilled, and they miss the harmony of yin-yang union. This leads to disharmony of Qi and Blood and deviation of Yin and Yang. Therefore, the treatment for their sores and ulcers differs. Although internal support and middle-tonifying formulas remain similar, herbs for regulating menstruation, relieving depression, and calming the spirit are indispensable. Treating according to specific symptoms yields miraculous results.

As for eunuchs and wealthy individuals, their nature tends toward arrogance and luxury. They consume rich and greasy foods and enjoy different lifestyles, experiencing distinct physical and mental hardships or pleasures. As they age and weaken, excessive alcohol consumption and sexual indulgence often lead to excess Yang and deficient Yin. When carbuncles or ulcers arise, the condition cannot be delayed. Strong doses of internal dispersing and supporting formulas are necessary to address the issue appropriately. However, due to their greed and lack of dietary restraint, they find even slight bitterness or blandness difficult to endure; this is their common trait.

Regarding people of low status and poverty, they suffer from hunger, cold, and labor, exposed to wind, frost, rain, and snow. Their lives involve奔波 (rushing about) in both ambition and residence, causing blockage of Ying and Wei Qi and coagulation of blood vessels, which reverses in the muscle tissues to generate carbuncles and swellings. Is this not the result of poor living conditions and physical hardship? Since their material enjoyment is insufficient, their Qi and Blood are inadequate, and their bodies are emaciated. At the initial stage of a carbuncle or swelling, the priority must be strong tonification and internal support. After ulceration, modifications of Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) should be used to harmonize Qi and Blood, preventing emaciation and collapse. The profound mystery of medical art lies here.