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For mild cases of carbuncle and ulcer (general term for all superficial purulent infections in TCM surgery) at the initial stage, within seven days before or after onset, the Shen Deng Zhao Fa (Divine Lamp Illumination Method) is most appropriate. It can cause those not yet suppurated to resolve and those already suppurated to ulcerate, with remarkable efficacy. The method involves using a small amount of Xionghuang (Realgar). Moisten a herbal roll thoroughly with pure Sesame Oil (Semen Sesami), ignite it, and illuminate the lesion from a distance of approximately half an inch. Start illuminating slowly around the outer circumference of the erythema, gradually moving inward toward the center of the wound, which is referred to as "from outside to inside." Simultaneously, vigorously lift the roll outward to draw out toxic vapors, allowing the medicinal qi to disperse from the flame head. If the medicinal qi penetrates inward into the wound, the toxin will dissipate with the qi and naturally avoid invading the Zang-Fu organs (internal organs). Initially use three rolls, gradually increasing to five or seven. As the heat in the lesion subsides, gradually reduce the number of rolls. After illumination, apply the following topical medicine immediately. If abundant pus has been discharged, no topical medicine is needed; simply apply a plaster.

Topical Medicine Formula: Use equal parts of Cheqiancao (Plantain Herb), Bai Lian Cao (Ampelopsis Rhizome), Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle Flower), and Wuzhao Long Cao (Paederia Scandens Herb). Mash fresh herbs and add approximately one tael of aged rice flour and two to three fen of Feiyan (Refined Salt). Mix well together. If Wuzhao Long Cao is difficult to obtain at the time, using only the other four ingredients is also effective; there is no need to be rigidly attached to this specific formula.

The operational principle of Qi Zhu Ma Jiu Fa (Riding Bamboo Horse Moxibustion) is as follows: Have the patient sit with elbows supported on a table, selecting the left side for males and the right side for females, keeping the arm upright and straight. Cut a strip of bamboo from the transverse crease at the middle of the wrist. Then, have two people lift a bamboo pole so that the patient's feet do not touch the ground, while ensuring someone supports the body to prevent stooping. Place the previously measured bamboo strip against the spine, starting from the coccyx area where one sits, extending straight up along the back to the end of the strip, and mark the spot. This marks the midpoint, which is not the direct moxibustion point. Next, measure the length of the two transverse creases of the middle finger of the left hand for males and the right hand for females using a thin bamboo strip, cutting it off to serve as the standard for "Same-Body Cun" (a proportional measurement unit based on the patient's own body dimensions). Place this cun-measured strip at the marked midpoint on the spine. The points located one cun away to both sides from this center mark are the moxibustion points. Apply five to seven moxa cones (Zhuang) to each point. If the carbuncle/ulcer appears on the left, moxa the right side; if on the right, moxa the left side. If severe on both sides, moxa both left and right. This point lies along the pathway of the Heart Meridian (Xin Mai). All carbuncles and ulcers are caused by stagnation of Heart Fire. Moxibustion at this point promotes the flow of the Heart Meridian, causing the toxin to dissipate naturally, possessing the power to revive the dying. It has proven effective repeatedly.