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Generally, when a carbuncle or ulcer first appears, it is often only the size of a millet seed or grain of sorghum. The condition is extremely subtle, and most people do not consider it urgent. However, this harbors a major disaster and should be identified quickly without neglect. If one can prevent it before it takes shape, treat it before it fully develops, or seek treatment from a qualified physician as soon as symptoms are perceived in the morning and by evening, then there will certainly be no life-threatening danger. But if one procrastinates, acts negligently, consults mediocre physicians, leading to the accumulation of pus and blood, resigning oneself to fate, waiting for death with hands tied, how far is this from death? It may result in the destruction of muscles and bones leaving disabilities, perforation of internal organs, with eight or nine out of ten dying. Can one not be cautious?

Those suffering from carbuncles and ulcers who entrust their lives to mediocre physicians and allow arbitrary management face imminent danger; however, if treated by a qualified physician, recovery can be ensured. When selecting a physician, one must not fail to choose carefully. Is it difficult to discern? A qualified physician is one who has read medical classics extensively, is well-versed in various syndromes, is proficient in decoctions, thoroughly understands observation of complexion and pulse diagnosis, possesses a benevolent and kind nature, upholds filial piety, righteousness, loyalty, and trustworthiness, remains unconfused during clinical practice, and makes decisive treatments. Such a person should be entrusted without doubt.

Subsequently, the key lies in the patient's self-discipline. One must not harbor anger, sorrow, or grief; shouting or harboring resentment; acting arrogantly or indulging desires; nor overwork oneself through labor. Instead, one should maintain tranquility, serenity, and patience. Around the patient, all trivial matters should cease. One must strictly avoid striking or touching objects, unpleasant noises, arguments over right and wrong, cursing, fighting, as well as postpartum women, promiscuous men, those with unclean body odors, those smelling of alcohol or fishy/muttony odors, nursing mothers with infants, dogs, chickens, and breeding livestock. These must be kept at a distance. If close relatives or friends wish to visit seriously, they should be instructed beforehand to walk slowly and speak softly, attend to the patient tactfully, bow respectfully upon departure, and avoid sighing, expressing surprise, reminiscing about past banquets, or discussing distant relatives that might stir emotions and cause the patient distress. Especially, do not arbitrarily prescribe medications or merely discuss deficiency and excess patterns, confusing the patient and causing hesitation. Brief inquiries are sufficient; do not sit for long periods or talk excessively, as this tires the patient and is highly detrimental.

The caregiver should ideally be near middle age, with a calm and profound temperament, diligent, cautious, patient, benevolent, and wise. Care primarily involves regulating diet with gruel and medicinal foods, ensuring timely administration. Caregivers must not snap fingers, sigh, cover tears, or whisper secretly near the patient, as this agitates them and is very unfavorable. Dietary taboos are numerous and must be recorded!

Among domestic animals, avoid donkeys, horses, camels, mules, pigs, dogs, cattle, and sheep, as well as miscellaneous fish, turtles, soft-shelled turtles, shrimp, crabs, pickled or rotten stale foods, and animals that died naturally or from disease. Do not taste these. Among birds, avoid geese, ducks, wild geese, eagles, sparrows, cranes, mandarin ducks, egrets, doves, pigeons, crows, pheasants, and any birds capable of mimicking human speech. Do not eat these. Among wild beasts, avoid roe deer, foxes, rabbits, tigers, leopards, bears, jackals, and any animals with claws/teeth that harm humans, poisonous insects/beasts, and animals corresponding to one's own zodiac sign (Ben Ming). Do not taste these.

Among vegetables, avoid cucumbers, eggplants, basil (Lanxiang), rapeseed greens, coriander (Husui), raw lettuce, smartweed, mustard greens, mushrooms, bottle gourds, garlic chives, garlic, scallions, and Welsh onions. Do not eat these. Among fruits, avoid peaches, apricots, jujubes, chestnuts, plums, nectarines/apples (Nai), pears, plums (Mei), soft dates, persimmons, cherries, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, crabapples (Huahong), and any fruits infested by insects or unripe. Do not eat these.

When the carbuncle or ulcer has ruptured, pus has drained, swelling has subsided, and Qi and Blood are weak, mutton, quail, turnips (Wujing), ginger, pickled melon, shepherd's purse, radishes, yellow/white grains, fine rice, thin porridge, and soft cooked rice may be consumed. Once muscle tissue has fully regenerated and cravings for rich flavors arise, white baked酥饼 (crisp cakes), thick porridge soups, and stews that are thoroughly cooked, soft, warm, and of moderate consistency, prepared according to proper methods, are suitable. Avoid overeating. At this stage, specifically avoid steamed buns, wontons, meat dumplings, pancakes, roasted/fried/grilled foods, salty/sour items, and greasy/fatty meats and fish.

When the skin approaches normalcy, foul tissue is completely removed, and the wound begins to contract, one must still avoid standing/walking excessively, greeting guests with bows, sexual activity, drinking/banquets, anger, bathing, climbing towers/pavilions, physical exercise, exposure to cold/heat, and fatigue. Proper regulation of diet and preservation of health are essential until the scar flattens, spirit returns to normal, and strength is fully restored, at which point there are absolutely no restrictions. However, these taboos must strictly not be violated within 100 days.