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The method of soaking (Zi) for treating carbuncles and swellings aims to diffuse the exterior, disperse pathogenic factors, and cause the lesion to resolve internally. This is because hot water possesses the efficacy of cleansing and scouring. Ancient texts state: When a carbuncle or swelling first appears and does not recede after one or two days, it is necessary to use hot water for irrigation or spraying; lesions on the limbs should be soaked, those on the waist, abdomen, and back should be irrigated/sprayed, and those in the lower body or hidden/cramped areas should be bathed/soaked. This is referred to as dredging the *Couli* (pores and interstices), regulating the blood vessels, and ensuring no stagnation occurs. Generally, the ratio is two liang of herbs to two sheng of water; decoct until one and a half sheng remains. Dip clean cloth or new cotton into the herbal liquid, apply warm compresses to the affected area, and gradually proceed with gentle irrigation/washing. Replace immediately when the liquid cools slightly; do not use cold liquids. Qi and Blood become stagnant and sluggish when exposed to cold, but become moist and fluid when exposed to heat. Use five to seven times daily; for severe cases, use continuously day and night, or up to ten-plus times. The resolution of swelling and cessation of pain serve as indicators of efficacy. This is an excellent method for treating carbuncles and swellings.

Diseases such as carbuncles and deep abscesses present various syndromes; the methods of acupuncture and cauterization are indeed significant matters. There are variations in depth and speed, and distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate applications requires careful discernment. For instance, in cases of deep abscesses where the skin is thick, the opening is small, but there is much pus that drains slowly, the needle-cautery method is indicated. If the pus has not yet formed, one should not rely solely on topical applications or soaks expecting spontaneous resolution; if it persists without resolving and internal suppuration occurs, medication should be abandoned in favor of needle-cautery. A fire-needle should be used, sharpened to a round tip resembling a jujube pit. Heat it briefly over a lamp flame, shape it like a torch, coat it with oil, and burn it until red-hot. Apply the cautery near the base of the wound. If penetration is not achieved in one application, repeat until fully penetrated. The goal is to facilitate easy drainage of pus without manual pressure. In modern times, skilled physicians may, in urgent situations, use silver, gold, or iron rods shaped like needles as a general substitute, which effectively helps drain toxicity. Alternatively, heating charcoal until red-hot and using it to cauterize with oil is particularly effective. After cauterization, for patients with robust constitution, the wound can be gently opened by finger manipulation; for those with deficiency, paper wicks can be used. Apply medicated liquid to the wick, then cover with a warm, soft, adhesive plaster spread on cloth. Keep the area moist and prevent drying.

Once a carbuncle or deep abscess has developed, toxic heat gathers and attacks, rotting the fascia and muscles. Without needle-cautery, the toxic pathogens have no outlet to dissipate, and purulent stasis has no route to drain. If cauterization is delayed, the toxin may invade inward. Once the interior is compromised, hoping for survival is impossible. Alas! While needle-cautery is indeed the rational treatment for these diseases, caution must be exercised against both premature and delayed application. I have observed unskilled practitioners who fail to assess the depth of the syndrome and recklessly apply needle-cautery. Some treat deep wounds with shallow needling/cauterization, preventing toxin drainage and causing internal rupture; others treat superficial wounds with deep cauterization, damaging healthy tissue and causing bone and muscle decay. Others press or rub the area, exacerbating pain and distress; improper needling may create new focal points elsewhere, or delay suppuration until long after onset, compounding pain and further injuring the True Qi (*Zhen Qi*). Investigating the causes, this stems from failing to encounter a skilled physician. Therefore, one must carefully select a physician when seeking medical treatment. Even if recovery occurs through routine care, it is merely fortunate.