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This is Wei syndrome (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome). Ancients treated Wei syndrome by focusing solely on the Yangming channel, because the Spleen governs the four limbs, and interior and exterior correspond. After administering Guizhi Baihu Tang (Cinnamon Twig and White Tiger Decoction), the patient's consciousness cleared instantly, and finger function recovered.

The son of the Pan family had swelling and ulceration under his ribs, with a large opening in the wound emitting sounds like a crying infant. I said: This is named Yuan Ju (Abyssal Carbuncle), and according to standard methods, it is incurable. His mother pleaded: This child lost his father young, married only recently, and he is the sole heir to our lineage. Hearing this, I felt compassion and said: As long as you care for him well and perform charitable deeds within your means, there is a one-in-ten-thousand chance he might survive; relying solely on medicine is insufficient. The mother and son accepted my advice respectfully. I pondered day and night, believing that although this condition belongs to severe deficiency and requires tonification, the sound from the carbuncle indicates the inner membrane has ruptured, and Qi is leaking out. Without protecting the membrane, tonification is futile! Thus, I mixed Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Wu Mei Tan (Charred Mume Fruit), Bai Ji (Bletilla Tuber), Bai La (White Beeswax), Xiang Ya Xie (Ivory Shavings), and Zhu Ji Sui (Pig Spinal Cord) into pills, instructing them to be taken three times daily to consolidate Qi. I also crushed these herbs, added tissue-generating ingredients, formed them into paste-like cakes, stuffed them into the carbuncle opening, wrapped green lead in silk cotton to apply externally, covered with large plasters, bound the body with wide cloth, and changed dressings every three days. Additionally, I decocted Shen Mai Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Pill with Ginseng and Ophiopogon) plus Long Gu (Dragon Bone) and Li Shi (Oyster Shell) for oral administration. After more than twenty days, the sound gradually ceased, and the wound closed after about three months. Initially, I did not expect immediate results.

Scholar Zheng Zhenyang had continuous dripping fluid from below his neck for several years. Physicians diagnosed it as Chuan Lou (Fistula). Upon examination, I found three or four deep ulcers and said: This is what ancients called Yi Lou (Ant Fistula). I applied powdered Chuan Shan Jia (Pangolin Scale) roasted to retain its properties, and he was cured.

A person who consumed Opium developed widespread sores, alternating pain and itching, with skin shedding from scratching, constant drowsiness, and delirious speech. I said: This is the most severe poisoning; ordinary detoxification methods may fail. I used Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) combined with Hu Po (Amber) ground into powder, mixed with Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn) juice, administered with San Dou Tang (Three Bean Decoction). Consciousness cleared instantly, but the body lacked skin, causing unbearable pain. I then ground Shi Chang Pu (Acorus Rhizome) and Lu Dou Fen (Mung Bean Powder) into dust to sprinkle on the mat, allowing him to sleep peacefully. He recovered in half a month.

A woman suffered from San Nue (Tri-periodic Malaria) for over a year when suddenly sores appeared on her back, each the size of a coin. Surgical treatment worsened the condition, leading to anorexia. I said: These are sores caused by latent pathogens venting out; the Three Yin channels are intact. Do not treat them as ordinary sores, but recognize they were injured by cold-natured drugs damaging the Stomach Qi. I prescribed Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) plus Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), and Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica Root). She recovered after a few doses.

Previously in Haimen, a colleague surnamed Fan developed a carbuncle on his shoulder. After taking Jing Fang Bai Du San (Schizonepeta and Saposhnikovia Powder to Overcome Toxins), chills and fever intensified. Subsequent use of Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Immortal Formula to Activate Life and Kill Toxins) and external application of San Huang San (Three Yellow Powder) for four to five days resulted in swelling and pain along the spine, with redness covering the back and a hump like an inverted bowl on the spine. Further treatments included Nei Shu Huang Lian Tang (Internal Draining Coptis Decoction), external Tie Gu San (Iron Hoof Powder), and daily La Fan Wan (Beeswax and Alum Pills). By the tenth day, the sore turned black and sunken, accompanied by hoarseness, nausea, and inability to swallow liquids. On the eleventh day, he fell into coma. Previous physicians declared the toxicity too intense to reverse. A grandson of former Military Commander Yang Chaodong, whose name I forgot, was skilled in treating carbuncles but illiterate and despised. Desperate, Fan invited him. He laughed and said: This is not a Yin pattern but caused by suppression via cold-natured drugs. If my medication raises the lesion, it can still be saved. He applied his medicine, and the next day the lesion rose. Yang returned and said: If you follow my instructions, you will live. First, no internal medicine; second, no dietary restrictions. Since he eats nothing, stop all medicines for three days to let residual drugs clear from the stomach, enabling appetite. Once eating resumes, provide foods he likes; do not restrict diet and cut off Stomach Qi. Recovery would take 120 days. He indeed recovered as predicted. I could never identify the ingredients of his prescription despite speculation. Had this case been treated early with Dian She Dan (Tongue Pointing Pill) to induce sweating, and Chan Su Wan (Toad Venom Pills) or Bai Jiang Dan (White Reduction Pill) on the crown to drain toxicity, such catastrophic rupture would have been avoided. Daily cold-natured drugs closed the stomach; frequent La Fan Wan caused vomiting and hoarseness, creating a critical state. Without Mr. Yang, people would only know he died of disease, unaware he died of medicine. The world’s ignorance is deeply lamentable.

In the Renyin year, in Dongchang Town, Haimen, a man surnamed Xu suffered from a chest carbuncle extending from head to neck and ears. Physicians failed to treat him. Pitying his poverty, I devised a cure without internal medicine, achieving recovery in 140+ days. This was my first case, attracting many patients thereafter. Initially, I did not know diseases could be cured without medicine; witnessing Mr. Yang’s method, I privately adopted his intent and succeeded. I realized many surgeons use alternating cold and hot remedies, deceiving the public and killing countless people invisibly. They label cases as terminal or blame previous doctors to avoid criticism later. How pitiable!

In Haimen, I saw a cook for the Shen family suffer from a lip Ding (Hard Carbuncle). From Chen hour to Wu hour, his mouth could not open. Cong Fan (Scallion and Alum) failed to be swallowed; Huo Ming Yin (Activate Life Decoction) was ineffective. Successive doctors used cold-natured drugs, causing hard swelling up to the neck with white discoloration. The last physician bled the area, releasing a tendon-like blood flow that wouldn't stop. Knowing hunger but unable to eat, he died on the 31st day. Lip Ding is an emergency; white color indicates Yin pattern at the intersection of Hand and Foot Yangming channels. Misuse of cold-draining drugs trapped internal heat. Early puncture of Weizhong (BL60) and Yangming acupoints to release dark blood, followed by Dian She Dan and external Chan Su (Toad Venom) might have worked. Regrettably, physicians ignored this. Otherwise, how could an emergency last over a month? People don’t realize he died from medicine. Alas!

In April of the Guichou year, Mrs. Zhang Dexiang of Tudian Town, Tongxiang, aged 81, suffered from a brain carbuncle. Doctors deemed it fatal. Examination showed severe ulceration, bedridden for 23 days, fasting for 5 days. Previously obese, now emaciated, deaf, with wiry-rapid pulse. Disliking medicine, she took none. Physicians blamed lack of treatment; I argued that since she hadn't taken medicine, recovery was possible if she followed my method for 50-60 days. Deep wounds required drainage. Failure meant spread to the throat, making rescue impossible. Family agreed. I opened a hole, draining a cup of dark blood and equal pus. Next day, heavy head sensation vanished, hearing returned, and she ate porridge. Five days later, half the necrotic tissue detached, new flesh grew. Upper black areas remained alive; I lifted skin, inserted medicine, changing daily until adhesion occurred. Full recovery in 90 days. Her white hair regrew black where lesions healed. She remains healthy today, confirming that longevity often correlates with avoiding pills/powders. I subsequently cured over ten similar cases. There is no fatal outcome for this condition. Formerly, Wang Jiting’s stepson, aged 61, suffered similarly. An acquaintance doctor advised enduring pain for removal. He refused, worsening over ten days. A famous Suzhou doctor was summoned, prescribing Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Lu Rong (Deer Antler). Despite severe condition, the doctor insisted. Chicken soup was used to decoct medicine. One dose caused eye/mouth closure, heavy head, and collapse. Many wealthy families die thus—fearing minor pain, ignoring advice, chasing fame, suffering cruel deaths. Not from disease, but from doctors. May people heed humble words and avoid past mistakes.

Extremely large back carbuncles, termed Jing Ti Fa (Whole Body Hair/Carbuncle), affected Guo Xiangping of Pinghu. Initial treatment with Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn) and Huang Lian (Coptis) led to black sunken sores. Later, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fu Zi (Aconite) caused dysuria and thirst, anorexia. Medications were stopped intermittently; multiple doctors exhausted their skills. His son, Xiao Ping, requested my help. I asked if he had seen such large cases. Though I hadn't, I reassured him I had seen worse. I removed a bowl of necrotic tissue; the patient felt immense relief. Son requested Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Ten Significant Tonifying Decoction). I explained: Anorexia resulted from premature tonification blocking residual drugs. Severe tonification now would kill vitality. Wait three days for residual drugs to clear and Stomach Qi to recover. This condition stems from damp-heat stagnation; cold drugs suppressed it, warm drugs confined it, allowing progression. Now, use Dao Chi San (Guide Out Red Powder) to drain damp-heat downward until urine clears. Five days later, he rose independently and thanked me. Full recovery in 180+ days. During this period, he had gum disease, resolved with Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction). He lives today. Had we used Shi Quan Da Bu Tang or Ba Wei Wan (Eight Flavor Pill) based on Li Zhai’s theory for thirst/dysuria, survival would be impossible. Chen Liangfu stated: Once ulcerated, absolutely no cold drugs should enter. Can this be rigidly applied?

Mrs. Su from Xieqiao, aged 24, had breast swelling like a hanging gourd, oozing daily for 200+ days with no improvement. Seeking treatment in early winter, her face was pale/thin, slight cough, red lips, clear voice, evening chills/fever, consuming small amounts of food. Previous meds (Yang Shen/American Ginseng, Bie Jia/Turtle Shell, Dan Pi/Moutan Bark) suggested chronic wasting. I knew delay and wrong meds caused this. I inserted medicated paper wicks into the wound, instructing self-replacement. She complained of poor Stomach Qi, asking for a prescription. I said: You’ve been harmed by wrong meds; stop for five days, and Stomach Qi will recover. Asked if it would become wasting disease, I promised a miracle drug in five days. She left happily. Five days later, upon removing the wick, a bowl of clear pus drained, reducing chills/fever. Continued drainage yielded cups of clear pus daily, reducing hardness/swelling. Appetite improved. She begged for a formula. I offered pre-made pills instead of decoctions. Ten days later, she reported better Stomach Qi but persistent pus and amenorrhea, requesting menstruation-inducing herbs. Seeing her rosy cheeks and full muscles, menses were imminent. Giving internal medicine might cause error; I gave the same pills. She fully recovered and conceived. Actually, both prescriptions were merely scorched rice powder with orange peel pills. I successfully treated numerous chronic breast cases using wicks/needles. For this woman, without drainage, how would pus exit, fevers cease, or Stomach Qi return? Without stopping meds, intestinal fluids would be depleted, leading to starvation. Han/Tang alchemists killed with minerals; wise ones stopped them. Yet beliefs in herbal longevity persist, causing many wrongful deaths. I wonder at modern doctors urging medication. Why? Someone asked: How did you save a "terminal" case? I replied: Doctors’ "terminal" diagnoses often contain methods to ensure death. If a patient dies after being labeled terminal, fools praise the diagnosis, and doctors boast accuracy. Sad! How many practitioners understand this?

Zhang Dexiang’s grandson suffered from Cheng Jing Jian (a severe leg swelling disorder). Multiple doctors failed. Swelling extended to calves, gasping, hoarse, fasting nine days, irritable, intolerant of touch. Doctors debated: immediate death vs. disability. Invited me at dusk. Candlelight exacerbated stabbing pain. Father feared surgery, citing other doctors. I said: If you don’t want him to live, I won’t speak. But inviting me implies desire for life. Don’t just agree passively. Modern surgeons are conformists, copying formulas, lacking insight, confusing families like corrupt officials. Heel skin is thick like ox neck; cannot drain downward, must burst upward through foot sole, becoming incurable. Patient admitted bone pain. Wife knelt begging; family resisted. I offered to pay with my life if cutting killed him. Silence ensued. I incised, draining half a cup of pus. Dressing applied. Dinner unfinished, news came: patient slept soundly. I predicted he’d want porridge. Indeed, he ate in three days, recovered in forty. Fear of pain favors quacks. Cases where pus drains upward through ankles, delaying death, are common.

Wang from Tudian Town first had Ding poison, then back carbuncle, high swelling without redness. Medicine and magic failed; family ruined, illness worsened. I examined: muscle loss, pallor, threadlike pulse, soft/swollen non-red wound, 76 days duration. Tears flowing, voice like a bee, pitiful. Family wept, begged for help. Prescriptions showed Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn), Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis), then Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Bai Zhu, claiming blood stasis preventing suppuration. I pondered: 70-day stasis neither suppurates nor dissipates; Spleen/Stomach damaged, Qi weak, unable to erupt, internal rotting, thick skin preventing penetration. Critical state. Incision necessary or death; risk of instant death if done poorly. I told father: Internal rot, thick skin, no pus outlet, heavy back, wasting muscles, increasing pus. Must drain completely. I devised a life-from-death plan. Guided me to re-examine. Pressed skin thoroughly, finding no thin spot. Pressed long to confuse judgment, then stabbed suddenly. Four bowls of large pus drained; survived. Fed with porridge. Five days later, sat up. These cases illustrate "nurturing carbuncles." Ancients warned against light use of knives/needles for unskilled hands, mild cases, or unsuppurated stages. Incision is difficult; diagnosing pus is hard. Pulse texts say surging/slippery indicates pus, yet this case had threadlike pulse despite four bowls of pus. Could pulse be relied upon? Within 30 days, pulse might have been surging/slippery. Doctors mistakenly believe tonification induces spontaneous rupture, not knowing it converts muscle to pus, depleting Qi/Blood, making surging pulse impossible. Fools call knife/needle methods barbaric. Alas! This is like discussing life/death while disarming defense, fleeing invaders. Un-drained pus leads to burial with the body. Countless such deaths inspire my indignation. Is it love for surgery? More common are leg osteomyelitis cases where delayed tonification causes pus to retreat with healing skin.

A woman with Yuan Ju had retained pus, extending to waist/chest, emaciated, bee-like voice, dizziness, fever, anorexia. Six months passed before seeking me. I hesitated, ashamed. Both cases erred in seeking spontaneous rupture via tonification. If Yuan Qi intact, incision saves; if depleted, pus follows death.

A bladder abscess caused painful urgency, pus exiting via urine. Cured with Ba Zheng San (Seven Herb Powder for Urinary Obstruction) plus Hu Po (Amber), Ru Xiang (Frankincense), She Xiang (Musk).

A man’s lower leg necrosed in days, unbearable pain. Cured with Zhu Huang Shi Bao (Pearl-Yellow Ten Treasures).

A man’s arm swelled like a leg, numb/hard, resisting dispersal meds. Two doses of Tong Wan (Village Pill) plus external dispersal paste at joints caused suppuration around four sides. Also arm osteomyelitis. Improper treatment fails.

A man’s lip Ding: one拔 (extracted), seven regenerated. Chan Su Wan reduced facial swelling; Xi Di Jia Niu Huang (Rhino-Earth Plus Calves Bovis) cured.

Summer of Renzi year, my second son had Gan Huo Luan (Dry Cholera): fever, no thirst, dry tongue/no coating, hidden pulses, epigastric/chest pain, violent onset. Gave Earth Slurry (Di Jiang); symptoms stabilized then returned. Administered Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction). Pain moved to umbilicus, then to right lower quadrant, tender only on pressure. After one week, urgent hunger. Fed mung bean porridge. Post-meal normalcy except lingering tender mass in right lower quadrant. Used heavy Dang Gui (Angelica), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry), Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed), Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Hong Hua (Safflower),少量 Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root). After one hour, bowel sounds, passage of 5-inch purple-black blood clot, pain vanished. Treatment was intuitive but successful. Recorded for Qianzhai’s critique. Cholera from summer-heat easily enters Ying (Nutritive) level. Ancients pricked for blood, drank Chong Wei Tang, lotus root juice, child’s urine to clear Ying pathogens. My son’s dry tongue/no thirst, rib pain suggested prior collateral injury allowing pathogen entry. Mang Xiao (Mirabilite) and Da Huang (Rhubarb) in Cheng Qi Tang act on Blood. Qi movement reduces stasis, easing pain. When mass persists but hunger returns, Qi-level pathogen cleared, Blood-level pathogen remains. Direct attack unnecessary; gentle guidance preferred. Skillful manipulation deserves praise.