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Guofa (Chronic Abscess) is caused by the infection of abnormal atmospheric qi, rather than the internal generation of toxic pathogens. This condition mostly occurs on the palms of the hands and feet or in areas of flexion and extension such as the waist, legs, and buttocks. It presents with diffuse swelling without a distinct head (Manzhong wutou), aversion to cold accompanied by fever (Zenghan refa), heaviness in the four limbs, and severe irritability with thirst. In the initial stage, it is appropriate to administer Wanling Dan (Ten Thousand Spirits Pill) to induce sweating and release the exterior. If the swelling does not subside, indicating that suppuration is inevitable, Tuoli Xiaodu San (Decoction for Supporting the Interior and Dispersing Toxicity) should be taken concurrently with Lafan Wan (Beeswax and Alum Pill). Subsequent treatment methods should follow those outlined in the chapter on Ulcerative Sores and Carbuncles.

Biaoju (Acute Ulcerative Disease), also known as Shezhang (Snake Miasma), is found in regions like Sichuan and Guangdong where miasma is prevalent. Initially, red spots appear, which subsequently turn black, leading to the rotting of muscles and bones. The lesions vary in size from small grains of millet or beans to large plums or peaches, appearing at unpredictable locations. In the early stage, Chansu Bing Gao (Toad Venom Cake Paste) should be applied topically to the affected area. For cases with alternating chills and fever, Shumicun Jin Dan (Millet-Inch Golden Pill) or Feilong Duoming Dan (Flying Dragon Life-Extending Pill) may also be used. If the redness and swelling are migratory and unstable, Zhenjun Miaotie San (Miraculous Paste of the True Lord mixed with Realgar) should be applied externally to naturally arrest the progression. After ulceration, if symptoms of Spleen and Stomach deficiency arise, such as poor appetite and dry retching, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Decoction for Reinforcing the Middle and Augmenting Qi) with added Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber) should be administered. If tonification yields no response, and the swelling is high with severe pain, discharging only clear water and foul fluid, these are considered incurable conditions.

Xiaofuyong (Abscess of the Lower Abdomen) results from the stagnation of fire due to emotional disturbances (Seven Emotions), leading to Spleen deficiency and Qi stagnation. The clinical manifestation involves diffuse swelling and hardness in the lower abdomen with unchanged skin color. Cases presenting with heat sensation and gradual reddening belong to the Yang pattern and are easier to treat; those without heat sensation and non-red belong to the Yin pattern and are difficult to treat. Within the first seven days of onset, moxibustion (Jiu) consisting of seven cone-moxas should be applied to the apex of the swelling, covered with a plaster. Internally, decoctions that strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, nourish Qi and Blood, promote meridian circulation, and support the expulsion of toxins should be administered to ensure a favorable outcome. If harsh purgatives, draining agents, or cooling medicines are mistakenly used, failure syndromes will emerge. In such cases, Shiquan Dabu Tang (Decoction for Complete Great Tonification) with doubled doses of Renshen (Ginseng Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome), and Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Lateral Root) should be used to rescue the patient. For deep-seated internal putrefaction, Yugong Gao (Jade Red Ointment) is used to promote tissue regeneration and contraction. If supportive and tonifying treatments remain ineffective, even if healing eventually occurs, a fistula (Lou) will likely form.