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The *Shengji Zonglu* states: The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian descends from the Quepen (ST12) acupoint to the breast. Furthermore, the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels that regulates the Qi and Blood of the Twelve Regular Meridians, originates at the Qichuan area, runs parallel to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, ascends flanking the umbilicus, and disperses upon reaching the chest. In women, the Chong Mai and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel, one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels governing pregnancy and fetus) serve as the root. If proper regulation is neglected, leading to disharmony between the Chong and Ren Mai, or if there is Heat in the Yangming Meridian, or if invaded by Wind Pathogens, Qi stagnation may occur and fail to disperse. This results in accumulation and knotting within the breasts, presenting as hardness or swelling, pain with palpable nodules, skin redness and swelling, and alternating chills and fever. This condition is termed Ru Yong (Acute Mastitis). If Wind predominates, the presentation is hard swelling with a white color; if Heat predominates, it presents as red swelling. If left untreated, Blood circulation becomes obstructed, Qi becomes stagnant, or the body fluids in the breast interact and corrupt into Pus. It is advisable to rapidly promote lactation to guide the resolution of obstruction and dissipate Wind-Heat, whereby the disease can be cured.

Zhang Hezi stated: The pain arising from Ru Yong also originates from the Heart. What is commonly referred to as "Blown Breast" is precisely this condition. "Blowing" refers to Wind. Wind-Heat pathogens condense and thin out between the breasts, causing Blood vessels to coagulate and stagnate. Over time, without dispersing, they ulcerate and corrupt into Pus.

Shen Zhai commented: The above two passages outline that Ru Yong is caused by external Wind-Heat pathogens.

The *Furen Liangfang* states: Medical classics record that the nipples belong to the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, while the breasts belong to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. If the breasts suddenly become obstructed, swollen, painful, with nodules appearing red, and after several days, the pain and swelling ulcerate with thick Pus flowing out, this belongs to Heat-Toxin of the Gallbladder and Stomach, causing Qi and Blood stagnation. Named Ru Yong, this condition is relatively easy to treat.

The *Jiaju Yilu* commented: At the onset of Ru Yong, swelling and pain manifest on the surface of the skin, with reddish muscle tissue, or accompanied by aversion to cold and fever, headache, restlessness, and thirst. Treatment with Renshen Baidu San (Ginseng Decoction for Resolving Toxins), Shenxiao Gualou San (Miraculous Trichosanthes Powder), or Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free Wanderer Powder) will allow the lump to dissipate spontaneously. If Pus forms and ulcerates, with thick Pus flowing out, healing occurs naturally once the Pus is exhausted. However, if Qi and Blood are deficient, or if toxic-resolving drugs are mistakenly used, leading to failure of the wound to heal over a long period, with clear Pus and a large pulse, the condition becomes difficult to treat.

Xue Lizhai further commented: The treatment method for Ru Yong, when initially presenting with chills, fever, and pain, should primarily focus on releasing the exterior to scatter pathogens and soothing the Liver while clearing the Stomach. If the mass does not suppurate, or if Pus forms but does not ulcerate, interior-supporting methods (Tuoli) should be employed. If new flesh fails to grow and the Pus water is clear and thin, the Spleen and Stomach should be tonified. If pain recurs after Pus discharge, accompanied by aversion to cold and fever, Qi and Blood should be tonified. If swelling causes pain with afternoon fever (Buhu), Yin and Blood should be tonified. If food intake decreases and vomiting occurs, Stomach Qi should be tonified. One must absolutely avoid using harsh attacking or draining methods, which would further damage the Spleen and Stomach.