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Those whose pustules appear initially in a vigorous and robust manner are incurable. Those whose pustules appear as small as silkworm eggs are incurable.
Those that emerge and then immediately disappear are incurable. Those resembling mosquito bites are incurable.
Those where Qi and Blood have lost their mutual connection are incurable. Those with inverted eruption (Dao Chu) are incurable.
Those who experience rapid breathing when drinking water, as if nasal congestion is obstructing them, are incurable. This is because the Lung Qi cannot disperse and regulate properly.

In mild cases, fever is slight and pustules are sparse. They vary in size and erupt irregularly in sequence. The roots are red and vibrant, and the sores are plump. Diet remains normal, and medication is unnecessary for recovery. In severe cases, fever is moderate to high, and sores erupt densely together. They are crowded like silkworm eggs and red like rouge. The roots are white, while the tops are red or purple-black. If blood circulation is active, they can still be treated.

Bao Yuan Tang (Preserved Origin Decoction)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, rhizome removed, 2 qian)
Nen Huang Qi (Young Astragali Radix, 3 qian)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root, 1 qian)
Crush these ingredients into one dose. Add one slice of fresh ginger, decoct with water, and take warm.

First scenario: When pustules should swell but do not. Use Pang Shan Jia (Pangolin Scales) fried until pearl-like, ground into powder, 2 qian per dose, taken with wine.
Second scenario: Weakness of Blood and Qi prevents swelling, with pale and thin roots. Add Ding Xiang (Clove Bud, 3 grains), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark, 1 qian), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 2 qian), and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome, 1 qian) to Bao Yuan Tang. Decoct with water and take warm.
Third scenario: On the first or second day, pustules emerge with defined circular halos, dry and red but lacking moisture. Although toxins affect the upper body, Qi and Blood have not yet separated. Wait for their intersection. Since the toxin is still shallow, urgently use Bao Yuan Tang with Guan Gui (Cinnamon Twig) as a formula to invigorate blood and harmonize Qi. If the toxin is too strong, add detoxifying herbs. For invigorating blood, add Dang Gui (0.5 qian) and Bai Shao (White Peony Root, 1 qian). For harmonizing Qi, add Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel, 0.5 qian). For detoxification, add Yuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix, 0.7 qian) and Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus, fried, 0.7 qian). Decoct one cup of water to seven-tenths, and take warm.
Fourth scenario: On the second or third day, although the root is round, the top is depressed, making it difficult for blood to gather. This is due to weak Qi failing to lead the blood. Use Bao Yuan Tang with Chuan Xiong and Guan Gui to support Yang and suppress Yin. How could such a case fail to recover?
Fifth scenario: On the fourth or fifth day, the root has risen, but the color lacks luster, though vitality remains. This indicates weak Qi and abundant Blood. Use Bao Yuan Tang with Shao Yao (Peony Root), Guan Gui, and Nuomi (Glutinous Rice) to assist Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) and control Ying Blood (Nutritive Blood). This is the subtle art of regulation.
Sixth scenario: On the fifth or sixth day, Qi is abundant while Blood is weak, resulting in a dull red-purple color. Use Bao Yuan Tang with Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Dang Gui, and Chuan Xiong to help blood return to its proper position under Qi, thereby preserving the Way of Harmony.
Seventh scenario: On the sixth or seventh day, Qi transition is not vigorous. Although blood has returned, it cannot form pus. This is due to deficiency of Qi and Blood, allowing cold to prevail uncontrollably. Urgently take Bao Yuan Tang with Guan Gui and Nuomi to assist in forming pus, achieving great remedial effects. This constitutes proper treatment.
Eighth scenario: On the seventh or eighth day, although toxins have transformed, pus is incomplete due to stagnation of Qi and Blood, preventing vigorous recovery. Use Bao Yuan Tang with Guan Gui and Nuomi to disperse Yang and assist pus formation, thereby preserving life.
Ninth scenario: At this stage, the focus is on pus formation. If pus is full, other symptoms will not cause harm. If there is no pus and the color is gray and dark, death will occur even without other symptoms.
Tenth scenario: By the eighth or ninth day, if a water-drop-like spot appears at the center of the pustule head, indicating leakage, it is incurable and constitutes a fatal syndrome.
Eleventh scenario: On the eighth or ninth day, if pus is not full and the blood attachment line is red, it indicates weak Qi and danger. Use Bao Yuan Tang with Nuomi to assist Qi and manage Blood, so that pus can form.
Twelfth scenario: On the eleventh or twelfth day, Qi and Blood are abundant, blood is exhausted, and pus is sufficient. If moist but not converging, it indicates internal deficiency. Use Bao Yuan Tang; if blood strength is adequate, add Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Fu Ling (Poria), to aid convergence and scabbing.
Thirteenth scenario: On the thirteenth or fourteenth day, although toxins are fully resolved and pus is maturing into scabs, miscellaneous symptoms may persist. Modify Bao Yuan Tang according to symptoms. Do not harshly use extreme cold or hot formulas, lest they cause internal damage.
Fourteenth scenario: On the fifteenth to sixteenth days, after scabs fall off, tidal fever, red lips, thirst, and anorexia may occur. Use Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) with Chen Pi, Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit), and Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma). If thirst is severe, use Shen Ling Bai Zhu San. If fever persists, use Da Lian Qiao Yin (Great Forsythia Decoction) without Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix). After symptoms resolve, internal damage often remains, or residual toxins persist, making treatment particularly difficult.
Fifteenth scenario: Thirst during chickenpox/smallpox eruption is caused by weakness and depletion of body fluids. Bao Yuan Tang with Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber) and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus) will stop it. If it does not stop, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San for one or two doses will suffice.
Sixteenth scenario: For eruptions that fail to rise and produce thick pus, add Chuan Xiong (0.5 qian), Ding Xiang (0.4 qian; 0.2 qian in summer), and 200 glutinous rice grains to Bao Yuan Tang. Decoct well, then mix with half a cup of good wine and half a cup of human milk, and take together.
Seventeenth scenario: If the forehead fails to swell, add Chuan Xiong (0.6 qian) as a guiding herb. If the face fails to swell, add Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 0.4 qian) as a guide. If the chest and diaphragm fail to swell, add Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix, 0.4 qian) as a guide. If both knees fail to swell, add Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 0.4 qian) as a guide. If both hands fail to swell, add Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, 0.2 qian) as a guide.
Eighteenth scenario: Discussion on gastric deficiency leading to loss of appetite, dry mouth, thirst, vomiting, or diarrhea during eruption.

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix)
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, rhizome removed and stir-fried)
Bai Fu Ling (Poria, peeled)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root, honey-fried)
Bai Bian Dou (Dolichoris Semen, stir-fried)
Lian Rou (Lotus Seed, heart removed)
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, stir-fried; each 1.5 qian)
Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix, 0.8 qian)
Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen, 0.8 qian)
Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus Rotundus, 0.7 qian)
Grind all into fine powder. Take 0.5–1 qian per dose, mixed with decoction of red dates or ginger tea.