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Conditions such as sores and carbuncles vary greatly in their manifestations. Furthermore, the density and quality of medicinal materials produced by the soil of different regions differ; people vary in age (young or old), constitution (deficient or excess), and physical and emotional states (suffering or joy). Each situation has its own appropriate treatment. How could there be a single method or formula that applies universally? However, if a physician masters medical principles and comprehends the flexibility of weighing and adapting to changes, few would dare to seek cure with a rigid, unchanging formula. Zhu Danxi stated: "Using ancient formulas to treat modern diseases is like demolishing an old house to build a new one; how can the dimensions match perfectly? It requires the hand of a skilled craftsman to ensure a proper fit." Similarly, using ancient formulas to treat modern diseases requires the expertise of a competent physician to achieve appropriateness. Therefore, the sages established various therapeutic methods such as tonification (Bu), purgation (Xie), diaphoresis (Han), catharsis (Xia), acupuncture, moxibustion, washing, topical application, burning, and cautery, all chosen for their suitability to the specific context. One must examine the urgency of the sore, the severity of the condition, the choice between diaphoretic and cathartic treatments, the principle of following or opposing the disease pattern, the root and branch of the symptoms, and the odd-even composition of the formula. All these depend on the physician's adaptive discretion. The addition and subtraction of decoctions with cold, heat, warm, and cool properties rely on the physician's ability to apply timely adaptability when prescribing, thereby achieving high efficacy ("hitting the mark every time").

In cases of sores and carbuncles, the primary distress lies in pain or itching. Diagnosis depends on the patient's deficiency or excess, the floating or sinking pulse, and the exterior or interior nature of the syndrome. If swelling is in the initial stage, internal dispersal (Nei Shu) should be employed. Once suppuration has formed, internal support (Nei Tuo) should be used to relieve pain and drain pus. After ulceration, substantial tonification is required. This constitutes the standard treatment approach. If other concurrent symptoms exist, they should also be addressed through appropriate modifications. Here are a few examples to illustrate the principle of treating according to symptoms, briefly outlining the essentials of flexible therapy: For headache after ulceration, add Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong) and Browneae Semen (Manjingzi) to the supporting formula; for palpitations and fright after ulceration, add Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Poria (Fushen), and Cinnabar (Zhusha); for alternating chills and fever, add Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) and Cortex Lycii Radicis (Digupi); for persistent thirst, add Trichosanthis Radix (Huafen) and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu); for severe constipation, add Rheum Palmatum Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang) and Cannabis Fructus (Mazi), and if severe, add Mirabilite (Mangxiao); for urinary obstruction, add Poria (Fuling), Amber (Hupo), Akebia Caulis (Mutong), and Plantaginis Seed (Cheqian); for heart deficiency with restlessness, add Asparagi Radix (Tianmendong) and Lycii Fructus (Gouqi); for cold limbs, add Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) and Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang); for vomiting, add Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang), Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia), and Agastaches Herba (Huoxiang); for excessive pus, add Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui); for severe pain, add Boswelliae Resina (Ruxiang) and Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao); for lack of tissue regeneration, add Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui); for non-healing wounds, add Ampelopsis Radix (Bailian) and Bletillae Rhizoma (Baiji); for wind-induced itching and pain, add Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng) and Gastrodia Rhizoma (Tianma); for necrotic flesh, add Actaeos Radix (Duhuo) and Cinnamomi Cortex (Guangui); for purple or dark black lesions, add Myrrha (Moyao) and Carthami Flos (Honghua). This list is not exhaustive; please consult widely.