Library

Bao'an Wanling Dan (See Section on Carbuncles, Sores, and Swellings)
Shiquan Dabu Tang (Decoction for Perfect Tonification; See Section on Ulcers)
Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction; See Section on Scrofula)

Changyong (Intestinal Abscess) is formed by the influx of damp-heat and blood stasis into the small intestine. Its etiology generally falls into three categories: First, in men, sudden and urgent running may impair the transportation and transformation functions of the intestines and stomach, causing turbid qi and failed blood to stagnate and obstruct, leading to the condition. Second, in women after childbirth, physical weakness leads to prolonged lying down without rising or sitting up; alternatively, difficult labor involving excessive exertion, combined with failure to expel failed blood and stasis postpartum, results in the accumulation of failed blood and obstruction of the intestines and stomach. Third, irregular eating habits, overwork, carrying heavy loads, or excessive indulgence in alcohol and full meals, along with excessive sexual activity damaging essence and vitality, or consuming raw and cold foods together, can cause disharmony of qi and blood. This generates internal dampness and phlegm, often resulting in intestinal blockage, impaired transport and transformation, and stagnation of qi and blood. In summary, early external symptoms include fever and aversion to cold, a floating and rapid pulse (Kou Mai), rough and interlaced skin texture, abdominal tightness and gradual swelling, severe pain upon pressure, a sensation of heaviness and bearing down during defecation, and dysuria resembling strangury. In severe cases, umbilical protrusion, abdominal distension, and splashing sounds when turning are observed. The simultaneous presence of these signs indicates that an internal abscess has formed. During the initial stage before suppuration, if there is dull pain in the lower abdomen resembling Ben Tun (Panic Disease characterized by Qi rushing upward from the lower abdomen) and dysuria, Da Huang Tang (Rhubarb Decoction) should be administered to purge; once the blood stasis is completely expelled, the patient will recover. For patients with weak constitutions and fine pulses who cannot tolerate purgation, Huoxue San Yu Tang (Blood-Activating and Stasis-Resolving Decoction) should be used to harmonize and promote circulation. If the abscess has formed, presenting with abdominal pain, distension, anorexia, and painful, dribbling urination, Yiyi Ren Tang (Coix Seed Decoction) is the primary treatment. If the abdomen is soft yet painful, with acute distension in the lower abdomen and intermittent discharge of pus, it indicates that the pathogenic toxin has not yet resolved; Mudan Pi Tang (Moutan Cortex Decoction) should be used. If pus discharges from the umbilicus, abdominal distension persists, food intake decreases, the complexion is pale, and spirit is fatigued, this signifies deficiency of both qi and blood. Bazen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction) supplemented with Mudan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Huangqi (Astragalus Root), and Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit) should be used to astringe and tonify. If the disease lingers for a long time due to neglect or misdiagnosis as simple distension, the toxin may attack the five zang organs and damage the intestines and stomach. Alternatively, it may cause ulceration of the genitalia, with rotting crusts and black spots, loss of luster, absence of pus, and continuous discharge of foul fluid. Accompanied by abdominal pain radiating to the yin region, incessant irritability, fever, dry mouth, and a strong offensive odor in bedding and clothing making the bedroom uninhabitable, such cases are considered incurable. Careful judgment is required.