Library

Zhongwan Ju (Abscess at Zhongwan) arises from Stomach Fire. The pain is located four cun above the umbilicus, presenting as a dull ache. The swelling is hard and diffuse, with no redness or heat on the skin. The patient suffers from anorexia, vomiting, and hiccups, indicating internal attack by toxic pathogens.

[Note] This condition is also known as Wei Ju (Stomach Abscess). It occurs below the heart and chest, four cun above the umbilicus, at the Zhongwan acupoint of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). After a long period of dull pain, an abscess develops outwardly, characterized by hardness and diffuse swelling without redness or heat. This is caused by excessive consumption of fried and roasted foods, leading to the accumulation of fire-toxin in the Stomach organ. If the Renying pulse is vigorous, it indicates that toxic vapors are attacking the interior; symptoms such as vomiting, inability to eat, coughing with purulent sputum constitute a "Ni" (adverse/rebellious) prognosis. Initially, Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin should be administered. If the lesion is purple and hard, Shan Jia Nei Xiao San is indicated. When pus formation is imminent, both internal and external treatments should follow the protocols for Tumors and Ulcers sections. If pus formation is delayed or the sore is painless, urgent moxibustion using moxa cones placed over slices of single-clove garlic on the affected area should be applied to restore Yang energy.

[Image: Zhongwan Ju]

Shan Jia Nei Xiao San
Chuan Shan Jia (Pangolin Scales, stir-fried, three large pieces) Dang Gui Wei (Tail of Angelica Sinensis) Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) Gan Cao Jie (Licorice Root segments) [each 3 qian] Tu Mu Bie (Earth Spiny Fruit) Hei Qian Niu (Black Morning Glory Seeds) Jiang Can (Silkworm, stir-fried) [each 1 qian]
Decoct with one cup of wine and one cup of water until reduced to 80%. Take on an empty stomach. Decoct the dregs again and take. After three to four bowel movements, resume diet with thin rice porridge and bland flavors.

[Prescription Verse] Shan Jia Nei Xiao dissipates accumulated fire-toxin, treating Zhongwan Ju with purple color, hardness, and pain. It contains Dang Gui Wei, Da Huang, Jiang Can, and Gan Cao Jie, best taken with Mu Bie and Qian Niu decocted in wine and water.
Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (See Tumors Section)

Xia Yong (Fright-Induced Carbuncle) results from Qi stagnation transforming into fire. It appears three cun above the umbilicus, initially resembling a millet seed with slight redness. Swelling is rapid, accompanied by severe pain. It typically ulcerates after fourteen days. If the apex is depressed, black, and ulceration is delayed, the prognosis is ominous.

[Note] This condition is formed by the coagulation of fire due to emotional stagnation. It arises at Jianli acupoint, three cun above the umbilicus, belonging to the Ren Mai. Initially, it resembles a millet grain, with simultaneous itching and pain. Swelling progresses rapidly, accompanied by alternating chills and fever. In severe cases, vomiting and hiccups occur, radiating pain to the umbilicus. Early swelling is slightly red, with a high apex and constricted base, gradually turning crimson. Pain comes and goes. Ulceration with pus discharge after fourteen days is considered "Shun" (favorable). If the apex is depressed, purple-black, the base is diffuse, the face is flushed, there is extreme thirst, and the pulse is floating, rapid, and scattered/large, it is considered "Ni" (adverse). Internal treatment refers to You Yong; external treatment follows the Tumors and Ulcers sections.

[Image: Xia Yong]