Library

Gu Lou Ju (Bone Ant Abscess) arises on the lateral aspect of the arm, belonging to the Yangming channel, often entangled by worry and anger. The sore is painful; if the root is constricted, it is generally a favorable prognosis; if purple halos appear, tissue rots and spreads, accompanied by the Seven Evil signs, it is difficult to treat.
[Note] This condition arises on the anterior-lateral aspect of the arm, behind the large bone, belonging to the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine channel. It is formed by the coagulation of Qi due to depression and sudden anger. Initially, it resembles millet or beans; after ten days, it enlarges to the size of peaches or plums, becoming swollen, hard, and painful. If the sore's root is constricted and the Five Favorable signs are mostly present, it is a favorable course; if the purple halo expands, rotting spots appear, spreading through muscles, with convulsions and stiffness, and the Seven Evil signs are mostly present, it is an unfavorable course. Throughout, internal and external treatments follow the protocols for abscess swelling/ulceration and ulceration sections.

Lou Fu Chuan (Mole Cricket Chain) arises in the middle of the inner arm, caused by excessive thinking injuring the Spleen and coagulating the Pericardium. The bones and sinews hurt as if pierced by a stray arrow; upon ulceration, the holes connect like a fistula.
[Note] This condition arises on the medial edge of the inner arm, belonging to the Pericardium channel. It is caused by excessive thinking injuring the Spleen; when the Spleen is injured, its transportation and transformation slow down, producing turbid fluids that flow into the muscles. The Spleen Qi becomes stagnant and depressed, leading to coagulation. Initially, the pain in the bones and sinews increases gradually, resembling a sting from a stray arrow. There is diffuse swelling and hardness, without redness or heat, forming several connected lumps, rendering the arm immobile. After a long time, the lumps gradually ulcerate, each hole draining white serum. Internally, the ulcers connect through all holes; externally, the swelling remains hard and does not subside, with pus dripping like a fistula. Deficiency symptoms fully emerge, such as yellowish complexion, poor appetite, and emaciation. In severe cases, alternating chills and fever occur in the afternoon, resulting in a failure syndrome. At the onset, Xiaoyao San (Free Wanderer Powder) should be taken internally, and Taiyi Zijin Ding (Taiyi Purple Gold Pill) applied externally. Subsequently, Renshen Yangrong Tang (Ginseng Nourishing Nutritive Decoction) should be taken to harmonize Qi and Blood and support the Spleen and Stomach; two or three out of ten cases may be saved. Upon ulceration, treat according to the protocols for abscess/ulceration. If medication is ineffective, it indicates an unfavorable course.