Library

Whenever a sore or ulcer first appears, if the pathogen is moving from the interior to the exterior, moxibustion should be applied immediately. However, there are various methods for treating sores with moxibustion, so they are explained here. If the pathogen is moving from the exterior to the interior (invading inward), moxibustion is not suitable; instead, methods to support the interior and promote pus discharge (Tuo Li) should be used. If the pathogen is moving from the interior to the exterior, moxibustion is suitable. Methods include moxibustion with slices of garlic, slices of Aconite (Fuzi), or cakes made from fermented soybeans (Xiangchi), Cyperus rotundus (Xiangfu), and slices of ginger. These methods allow the toxic factors to disperse and dissipate. The *Neijing* states: "For sinking conditions, use moxibustion." If there is pain, moxa until the pain ceases; if there is no pain, moxa until sensation (pain) returns. For itching or numbness, moxibustion is also applicable. If the sore is large with many heads, crush garlic into a paste to form a cake, place mugwort on it, and apply moxibustion. This is a flexible method with very rapid efficacy; one must not treat this lightly or negligently.

When an abscess or carbuncle has formed pus, it is necessary to urgently drain the pus using a Pi needle (a flat-bladed surgical knife). The blood toxins will thus be discharged and no longer remain. Healthy flesh will not rot, allowing the patient's spirit to recover and Qi and Blood to regenerate, preventing the muscles from degenerating or being damaged. When treating Ding toxicity (hard-rooted suppurative infection), first prick the four sides and the center with a needle to remove the evil, toxic blood, then apply moxibustion for immediate cure. Internally administer herbs that pursue Ding toxicity and support the interior; within a few days, the condition will stabilize.

Bian stones, needles, knives, and sickles are instruments for resolving sore toxins. The principle that sore toxins are suitable for bloodletting implies the urgency of removal; delay is inadvisable as it risks the toxin spreading. The *Neijing* states: "When the disease is in the blood vessels, resolve it with needles and stones." Qibo's *Wu Zhi Lun* states: Bian needles are made of magnetite, with sharp and swift edges, making them convenient for draining toxins. This technique was mastered by people in the East. For sores, boils, Dan tumors, or red swelling, apply raw oil on the affected area and pierce it with a Bian stone to bleed. The subtlety lies in appropriateness; one must not overdo it.

The use of fire needles requires proper technique for sudden and effective results. For deep abscesses or carbuncles, fire needle insertion must not be shallow; for superficial ones, it must not be deep. The key is to hit the middle ground, stopping when the disease is cured. In cases where flesh is thick, swollen, and abundant with deep pus, there is a fear that the small sore opening may close easily, hindering the free flow of pus. Therefore, a large needle is selected. The fire needle resembles a fire rod, with a round and blunt tip, wrapped in paper, and heated red-hot in a lamp. Observe the sore head accurately and insert it. If penetration is not achieved, insert again, ensuring precision, so that pus flows easily and toxins dissipate. This method is not used for superficial and small Yang sores or boils. It is specifically used for Fu Gu Yong Ju (bone-deep abscesses/carbuncles) where the toxin cannot exit outward. Thus, a fire needle is used to open the sore, followed by inserting an oiled paper wick for drainage, and covering with a plaster externally. For such toxins, if the fire needle is avoided due to fear and treatment is delayed, the toxin may attack inward,腐坏 (rotting) bones and muscles. How would the toxin be resolved? How would the pus be drained? The subtlety lies in timing: neither too early nor too late, relying on the physician's divine skill.