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Abscess behind the ear arises in the fold of the auricle, caused by wind-toxin of the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) channel and flaming fire of the Gallbladder channel. Redness and swelling with a head is a favorable condition; black depression, cold pain, and difficult late ulceration are unfavorable conditions.

[Note] This condition occurs between the folds of the auricle, regardless of the left or right side. It belongs to wind-toxin of the Sanjiao channel, compounded by flaming anger-fire rising from the Gallbladder channel. Initially, it resembles millet grains, gradually increasing in swelling and pain; small ones are like apricot kernels, large ones like peach kernels. If there is redness, swelling, and a head, with heat facilitating ulceration and thick pus discharge, it is favorable. If there is black depression and hardness, pain radiating to the brain, and even pain in the vertex, cheek, shoulder, and elbow, without heat but with late ulceration and purple blood discharge, it is unfavorable. The initial treatment is the same as for Tianju (Tian Abscess). For post-ulceration internal and external treatments, refer to the Ulcerated Carbuncles and Sores section.

Furthermore, if during the initial stage, the method of supporting the interior was neglected, or cold-cooling substances were mistakenly ingested, the toxin cannot be expelled outward. Instead, it attacks the ear orifice, causing pus to discharge from the ear orifice. This is named "internal ulceration" and belongs to deficiency; one should take Shiquan Dabu Decoction (Ten Substance Great Tonifying Decoction) frequently. Generally speaking, young people contracting this condition heal most slowly; elderly people contracting this condition easily develop fistulas (leaks).

Ear-fa (Hair-like Carbuncle) is formed by wind-heat of the Sanjiao channel. Initially resembling pepper grains, it gradually swells into a honeycomb shape. Occurring behind the helix with redness, swelling, and pain, yellow pus indicates auspiciousness, while purple blood indicates ominousness.

[Note] This condition occurs behind the ear and belongs to the struggle between wind-heat of the Sanjiao channel. Initially like pepper grains, it gradually swells like a honeycomb, and when rotting, often has multiple holes. It presents with redness and pain, with swelling connecting to the ear lobe. "Fa" refers to carbuncles where the toxin is extremely severe. One must not let it ulcerate spontaneously, fearing that delayed ulceration will allow pus to communicate with the ear orifice. After eleven days, the top of the sore should be cut open. Discharge of yellow-white pus indicates auspiciousness and a favorable condition; discharge of fresh purple-red blood indicates ominousness and an unfavorable condition. In the initial stage, Xianfang Huoming Yin (Immortal Life Elixir Decoction) should be taken to dissipate the pathogen, and Erwei Baidu San (Two-Ingredient Antidote Powder) applied externally. For other internal and external treatments, refer to the Ulcerated Carbuncles and Sores section.