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Lun Yue (The Treatise states): Humans possess four limbs and five Zang organs, experience alternating states of waking and sleeping, and through respiration and the exhalation/inhalation of Qi, allow Essence and Qi to circulate. This flow manifests as Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), its smoothness reflects in facial complexion, and its emission produces voice. Yang utilizes its form, while Yin utilizes its essence; this is a constant principle shared by all. When imbalance occurs, steaming generates heat, while stagnation generates cold. Condensation leads to tumors or excrescences, sinking leads to carbuncles and sores, coagulation leads to ulcers and tinea, frustration leads to goiter, and anger leads to deep abscesses. Furthermore, disharmony among the five Zang organs results in obstruction of the nine orifices; disharmony among the six Qi (pathogenic factors) leads to flow and condensation causing carbuncles. All these arise from sluggish meridians and collaterals, unsmooth flow of Qi and Blood, and invasion by wind-toxin.

Yu An (Commentary): This treatise can be said to excellently describe the creation of the human body and the conditions of sores and ulcers. Treatment methods should refer to the preceding discussions.

Lun Yue: Regarding symptoms of carbuncles and sores, if they are caused by the deficiency of the Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Pensiveness, Sorrow, Fear, Fright), leading to congestion and knotting of Qi and Blood in the meridians and collaterals, it belongs to Internal Causes. If they are caused by external invasion of the Six Excesses (Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire), injuring Qi and Blood, where cold transforms into carbuncles, it belongs to External Causes. If they are caused by taking cinnabar/stone tonics, rich foods and alcohol, or sexual exhaustion, it belongs to Both Internal and External Causes. It is also stated: When Yin stagnates in Yang, carbuncles erupt; when Yang stagnates in Yin, deep abscesses erupt. A pulse that is Floating, Surging, Slippery, and Rapid indicates Yang; a pulse that is Deep, Moderate, Slow, and Choppy indicates Yin. Yin conditions are treated with Heat methods, Yang conditions with Cold methods. In the initial stage, clearing heat and extracting toxin is appropriate; after ulceration, draining pus and relieving pain is appropriate. Therefore, Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) are used. This is the method of the Three Causes. Treatment should warm cold conditions, clear heat conditions, tonify deficiency, drain excess, guide with needles and stones, cauterize with moxa cones, break toxicity and soften hardness, each following established laws, aiming for balance.

Yu An: In the aforementioned cases, a Deep and Solid pulse with constipation belongs to Internal Causes, suitable for purgation/draining; a Floating and Large pulse with normal bowel movements belongs to External Causes, suitable for supporting the interior (Tuo Li); a pulse neither Floating nor Deep belongs to Neither Internal nor External Causes, suitable for harmonizing Ying and Wei Qi. This is also the method of treating the Three Causes. If there is significant swelling and pain, irritability, fever, desire for cold drinks, constipation, and a Surging, Rapid, and Full pulse, it is a Pure Yang condition, suitable for bitter-cold agents to clear heat and extract toxin. If there is no swelling or pain, diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting, and cold feet, it is a Pure Yin condition, suitable for acrid-hot agents to greatly tonify Yang Qi. Regardless of severe cold or intense summer heat, one should disregard the season and follow the symptoms. If there is slight swelling and pain, appearing ulcerated but not truly so, with occasional discharge of clear pus, it is a Half-Yin Half-Yang condition, suitable for acrid-hot agents to warm and tonify Stomach Qi. This is also the method for treating Yin and Yang conditions. Detailed treatment records are found in the first discussion.