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In cases where Hongxiangjiao (a disease characterized by swelling and pain in the feet) is severe, external applications can be used to dissipate the swelling, or a sachet containing Zanthoxylum Pericarpium (Huajiao, 花椒) and Artemisia Argyi Folium (Aiye, 艾叶) can be used for warming. Alternatively, decoctions of aromatic dispersing herbs can be prepared for washing. For instance, Baicao Jian (Hundred Herbs Decoction), as well as Saposhnikovia Radix (Fangfeng, 防风), Schizonepeta Spica (Jingjie, 荆芥), Clematis Radix et Rhizoma (Weilingxian, 威灵仙), Artemisia Argyi Folium (Aiye, 艾叶), Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cangzhu, 苍术), Cnidii Fructus (Shechuangzi, 蛇床子), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 当归), and Linderæ Cortex (Wuyao, 乌药), are all suitable. One may also use only Perilla Leaf (Zisu, 紫苏) alone, or decoct Polygoni Multiflori Caulis (Rendongteng, 忍冬藤) for pouring over and washing; both methods are excellent.

According to texts such as *Ren Shu* (*The Book of Living Persons*), it is stated that taking tonifying medicines and using hot water pour-washing for Hongxiangjiao are strictly prohibited by physicians. This is merely a one-sided view. Tonification should be avoided when pathogenic factors are obstructing and Qi is excessive; washing should be avoided when water-dampness vapor needs to be shunned. However, if the lower body is deficient and cold, or if the condition persists after illness or due to excessive purgation, how could tonification still be forbidden? Furthermore, if cold pathogens or damp-heat are congested and not dispersed, causing swelling and pain, it is most appropriate to steam and wash with decoctions of pungent and aromatic dispersing herbs, which removes pathogens rapidly. How can washing be forbidden in this case? Only when damp-heat qi rebels upward to rush into the heart and abdomen should sudden washing be avoided, lest it assist the dampness in rising. In such instances, one must first direct the Qi downward, wait until the toxicity is confined to the feet, and then proceed with fumigation and washing, which will yield no adverse effects. Tonification addresses deficiency, while washing eliminates stagnation. What is there to forbid?

There are prohibitions to observe before an outbreak occurs. As stated in *Waitai Miyao* (*Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies*): The first taboo is anger; anger causes mental restlessness, which triggers Hongxiangjiao. Another taboo is loud talking, which damages Qi; when Qi is damaged, the disease may flare up. One must not expose bare feet to wind or enter water, nor wash feet with cold water; the calves are especially susceptible to cold. Even in summer, silk leg wraps should be worn, and in winter, cotton padding added, keeping the calves and legs warm. Slight sweating is particularly beneficial. Following these regimens allows Hongxiangjiao to subside naturally, preventing lingering pathogens. In summer, when pores are open, one should not seek coolness by facing the wind or sitting/lying in cool places. Joint movement is necessary to ensure smooth Qi flow; this is the method to repel pathogens and a key principle of health preservation. Walking three to five hundred steps after each meal, stopping when tired, helps disperse evil Qi from the feet downwards. Even if edema exists, the Qi will not rebel upward.

Sun Simiao said: In ancient times, few people suffered from this disease. Since the southward migration during the Yongjia era, many scholars and officials have suffered from it. This is caused by dampness stagnating internally. Therefore, throughout the four seasons, one must not sit or stand for long periods on wet and cold ground, nor should one remove clothes, wash feet, or face the wind for coolness after drinking alcohol and sweating, as these practices lead to Hongxiangjiao. Sitting or standing on wet ground for long periods in summer allows damp-heat vapor to invade the meridians. The onset involves fever, soreness and pain in the four limbs, mental restlessness, swelling, chills, and fever. This condition is common among rural farmers due to prolonged exposure to external dampness.