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Jú (ulcer) is a deteriorated and severe stage of the condition known as Liuzhu (flowing deposition). If cooling herbs are used, they will internally injure the Spleen and externally freeze the Blood. The Spleen governs the muscles; when Spleen Qi is injured, digestion and transformation are impaired, and muscles fail to grow. Blood flows within the collaterals; once the Blood is frozen by cold, Qi and Blood circulation becomes sluggish and stagnant. It is appropriate to use herbs that regulate the Spleen. When the Spleen is healthy, muscles will naturally regenerate, and Qi and Blood will circulate freely.

It is also said: "Baihu Feishi" (White Tiger Flying Corpse, a severe bi-syndrome characterized by migratory pain) lingers for cycles or may persist for several years. Self-healing occurs only after all necrotic bones caused by cold toxins are expelled. If the bone associated with Fugu Ju (bone-absorbing ulcer) rots, it can be cured; however, if the main weight-bearing bone rots, it results in lifelong disability.

If toxic pathogens cause swelling starting from the hands, feet, head, or face, sometimes accompanied by pain, and the swelling stops at the neck or joints—resembling sores piercing through beads—this is a syndrome of Wind-Dampness flowing with Qi. It should be treated primarily with Jiajian Xiao Ming Tang (Modified Decoction to Rescue Life) or Duhuo Jisheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Taxillus Decoction). If there is swelling and pain in both knees, or pain throughout the bones of the body, this is Wind-Dampness Bi-syndrome, also known as Lijie Feng (Joint Wind). It should be treated with Fuzi Bawu Tang (Aconite Eight-Ingredient Decoction). Additionally, nodules may appear in the neck, axillae, or soft flesh of the groin, named Shi Yong (Stone Abscess), which belongs to cold syndromes. In children, retained phlegm deviating from its pathway may cause nodules in the neck, arms, chest, or back, which also belong to cold syndromes. All such conditions should be treated with hot herbal compresses.

All the aforementioned syndromes originate from the Kidney. The Kidney governs the bones; Kidney deficiency leads to cold bones and pathology. Therefore, all bone abscesses arise from the Kidney because their root lies therein. Thus, Da Fuzi (large Aconite Root) is used to tonify Kidney Qi. When the Kidney is solid, the bones possess vital energy, and the abscess will not adhere to the bone.

If Qi and Blood are abundant and the meridians are unobstructed, disease will certainly not occur. However, if one is constitutionally deficient in Qi and Blood, or injured by the Seven Emotions causing stagnation in the meridians, or if the couli (pores/skin texture) are loose allowing invasion by the Six Evils (external pathogenic factors), leading to blockage of the tunnels, the physician must investigate the etiology and differentiate between deficiency and excess to avoid harming the patient.

For Fabei (back carbuncle), Nao Ju (brain ulcer), and Tuo Ju (gangrenous ulcer), if there is swelling, pain, and redness, this indicates Water deficiency and Fire hyperactivity, which is still treatable. If the color is black or purple, this is an image of extreme Fire resembling Water, indicating that Kidney Water is exhausted and Essence is depleted; this is definitely untreatable.

In cases where swelling is not high, color is not red, there is no pain, the pulse is weak, appetite is absent, swelling does not suppurate, necrotic tissue does not slough, pus is clear, or discharge is excessive without new tissue growth, this belongs to Yuanqi (Primary Qi) deficiency. These are difficult to treat and require vigorous tonification. Alternatively, if after pus and blood have been discharged, swelling and pain worsen, pus is foul-smelling and degenerated, accompanied by irritability, frequent coughing, abdominal pain, severe thirst, uncontrolled diarrhea, and dysuria-like symptoms, these are malignant signs and are untreatable.

Moxibustion should not be applied before suppuration; incision should not be performed when pus is mature; necrotic tissue should not be removed; failure to do so often leads to fatal outcomes.

If swelling appears and causes pain within one to four days before suppuration, moxibustion should be applied until the pain ceases. If there is still no pain or numbness after moxibustion, apply moxa clearly and sufficiently.

If swelling is hard without suppuration, whether painful, painless, or slightly painful, or if the sore head is like a millet seed, moxibustion is particularly effective. In cases where, after several days, the color remains slightly red, swelling is flat, pain is mild, and pus has not formed, extensive moxibustion is especially suitable, without being constrained by specific days. Concurrently, administer Ganwen Tuoli herbs (sweet-warm interior-supporting formulas). Strictly avoid cold-cooling agents.

For瘀肉 (stagnant/necrotic flesh) that does not slough, use Sangchai Huo (mulberry wood fire) for moxibustion.

If the pulse is rapid, accompanied by fever and pain, the disease originates in the Yang aspect and is treatable. If the pulse is not rapid, with no fever or pain, the disease originates in the Yin aspect and is difficult to treat. Painlessness is the most ominous sign and should not be regarded as a common ailment. This condition must present with pain; however, if pain is severe accompanied by vexation and distress, it is untreatable.