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The term "channel-guiding herbs" refers to the essential medicinal ingredients that guide other drugs directly to the affected meridian. "Guiding" implies leading or directing. This is analogous to a general commanding troops: if one does not know the terrain and roads, even with strong soldiers and brave generals, victory cannot be achieved. It is like thieves having no path to enter their lair; no matter how much they knock on chests or baskets, they cannot get in. The principle is the same. Therefore, it is indispensable to understand the use of channel-guiding herbs.

For sores and carbuncles occurring in the Taiyang Channel (Taiyang Meridian), which manifest on the vertex of the head, Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Gaoben (Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix), and Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) must be used; if located in the lower part, Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex) is used. For the Shaoyang Channel (Shaoyang Meridian), when occurring above the ear, Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) and Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) are used; when below, Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) and Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) are used. For the Yangming Channel (Yangming Meridian), when occurring on the upper face, Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) are used; when below, Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix) is used. For the Taiyin Channel (Taiyin Meridian), when occurring at the upper points Zhongfu (LU-1), Yunmen (LU-2), and Chize (LU-5), Tiaohuangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) are used; when below at Jimen (SP-11) and Xuehai (SP-10), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) and Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) are used. For the Shaoyin Channel (Shaoyin Meridian), when occurring at the upper points Shaochong (HT-9) and Shaohai (HT-3), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) is used; when below at Yongquan (KI-1) and Zhaohai (KI-6), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) is used. For the Jueyin Channel (Jueyin Meridian), when occurring at the upper points Zhongchong (PC-9) and Neiguan (PC-6, text says Neize), and below at Taichong (LR-3) and Ququan (LR-8), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) and Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) are used for the upper part, and herbs like Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) for the lower part. Generally, references to the upper part pertain to the Hand Channels, while references to the lower part pertain to the Foot Channels; this distinction must be carefully observed.

The classic states, "Sweating will cure the sore." This means that since the pathogenic factor of the sore enters from the exterior, the pulse will necessarily be floating, rapid, and full. Since the disease is in the exterior, sweating therapy should be employed. As the pathogen exits through sweat, the toxicity naturally dissipates. However, there is also concern about the pathogen entering the interior; in such cases, the principle of "internal support" (Neituo) is applied. If the sore arises from internal factors (such as emotional disturbances), the pulse will necessarily be deep, rapid, and full. One should first regulate the interior to cut off the source, preventing the pathogen from emerging outward. Regarding non-internal and non-external causes, these refer to sores caused by falls, crushing, burns, scalds, etc. It is appropriate to harmonize Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi), regulate diet, and adapt to cold and warmth. These three methods constitute the major principles for treating sores and must be known.

When a sore first begins, it may involve the exterior, the interior, or both simultaneously. One must diagnose the pulse, distinguishing between superficial (floating) and deep (sinking) qualities to differentiate the deficiency and excess of the exterior and interior conditions. There may be more exterior involvement than interior, or more interior than exterior. When using formulas such as Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Saposhnikoviae and Peucedani Powder to Unblock the Intestines) or Qianjin Loulu Tang (Thousand-Gold Cistanche Decoction), one must carefully consider the condition. The dosage and combination of herbs should correspond to the degree of exterior and interior involvement. Proper adjustment constitutes the skill of an excellent physician.

Carbuncles on the back arise because Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) fails to flow smoothly and becomes reversed within the muscle tissues. After formation, swelling and pain are severe. Within five to seven days, either a single head opens and spreads from above, or two heads open wide, spreading continuously up and down. The Yellow Emperor asked, "What qi causes this?" Qibo answered, "It is due to poor self-care, disturbance by the Seven Emotions, changes from sexual exhaustion, collision by foul qi, and assault by malignant qi. All these cause the sore to open and fail to heal." One should administer large tonifying agents for internal support, adding herbs such as Bailian (Belamcandae Rhizoma) and Baiji (Bletillae Rhizoma). Externally, apply astringent herbs as poultices. After washing, the sore will close. Physicians should take this as a warning.