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Whenever a sore or carbuncle first appears, except for those on the head and neck, moxibustion with mugwort (Ai Ye) should be applied to all other areas. The number of moxa cones (Ai Zhu) used depends on the size and progression of the lesion. Slice garlic into thin pieces, place one on top of the sore, position the moxa cone on the garlic slice, ignite it, and apply three moxa doses (Zhuang). Replace the garlic slice each time. If pain is felt during the initial application, stop when the sensation changes from pain to a mild itching; if no pain is felt initially, stop when pain and itching are perceived. If there is absolutely no sensation of pain or itching during the initial application, remove the garlic and perform direct moxibustion (Ming Jiu). Furthermore, for yin sores that have persisted for many days, moxa cones alone may be insufficient. In such cases, mash garlic and spread it over the sore, then cover the garlic paste with moxa wool, ignite, and moxibustate until severe pain is felt, which indicates efficacy. This is because the fire energy penetrates deeply; only when deep pain is felt does healthy tissue begin to grow. Moxibustion draws out stagnant toxins, opens the pores of the sore, and provides an exit for internal toxins to discharge outwardly. It is indeed the primary method in surgery. Early application is highly recommended.

However, there are several contraindications for moxibustion that must be carefully considered. The head is the gathering point of all yang meridians, a region of pure yang without yin. Sores and swellings here are caused by extreme hyperactive yang heat. Applying moxibustion here would intensify the toxic qi, leading to increased swelling and potentially stirring up internal phlegm, which can lead to death upon onset. Facial ding sores follow the same principle. Additionally, the Shenshu (BL-23) acupoint, located beside the lumbar spine, is connected to the kidneys and the root of life. Sores arising at this point are often due to sexual exhaustion and chronic deficiency, resulting in the depletion of kidney water. Applying moxibustation here would burn the source with fire, causing internal and external dryness, often leading to black depression (Hei Xian), coma, and death. Patients with constitutionally deficient primordial qi often present with sores that do not swell significantly. Such patients exhibit physical fatigue, mental shortness and lethargy, and a pulse that is floating, scattered, empty, rapid, and non-resilient. This indicates a lack of true qi within to resist the fire energy. Moxibustion on such patients will likely cause coma and death. The saying that "moxibustion does not harm people" is largely erroneous; physicians must examine these conditions carefully.

A sore starting like a millet seed, with an interior capable of holding grain; exterior like hemp seeds, interior like a melon; exterior like a coin, interior capable of holding a fist. A large onset but harmless conclusion; premature whitening of the tip with no pus and soft depression indicates doom. A sore rising from a nodule is permissible only if pus forms; swelling and ulceration with vigorous qi indicate recovery even without treatment. High root and high tip suggest longevity up to eighty years; pain with easy suppuration and rotting allows the sore to remain safe regardless of size. High heat and pain in the sore, though bitter, guarantee survival; soft sore lacking spirit requires tonification to benefit. Swollen flesh but non-swollen sore causes doubt and fear; foul pus, loss of appetite, and diarrhea signal death. Sore color like purple pig liver with no pus guarantees death; diffuse ulceration without rotting fears internal grape-like embedding. Supine position with no pain suggests yin syndrome with difficult survival; complete decay with foul odor and grimacing indicates malignant transformation. Scattered root and flat sore leave even gods helpless; prolonged illness with protruding eyes signals inevitable death. Face suddenly appearing as if coated with powder predicts separation (death) after ten days; red meat within decay offers a path to life even in severe cases. New flesh like wooden plates, refusing food leads to deterioration; withered skin on hands and feet with blood failure makes survival hard. White eyes with no spirit, abdominal distension, and impending diarrhea; inability to smell foul odors suggests vitality even in severe cases. Thick black qi around the eye sockets is feared in carbuncles; fragrant scent in the room indicates a favorable outcome for the disease. Sore body hot but slightly warm, light illness needs no comment; life and death are determined here, decided by a few words.