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1. In the initial stage of smallpox eruption, it is essential to avoid wind and cold, stay away from people, regulate diet, and observe taboos. When reaching the stage of pustule formation (yangjiang), extra caution is required: if the weather is extremely hot, reduce clothing and bedding to maintain coolness, but be careful with doors, windows, and curtains to prevent pathogenic factors from entering; if the weather is cold, add thick coverings for warmth, and do not extinguish lamps in the room. If itching occurs, gentle massage should be provided to prevent scratching and breaking the skin, which could hinder pus filling; this requires utmost prudence.

2. In the smallpox ward, all foul, fishy, or strong fragrant odors, as well as monks, Taoist priests, shamans, or witches, must be avoided. Behaviors such as cursing, shouting, startling, singing, dancing, sweeping, scratching oneself in front of the patient, or combing hair in front of the patient are all things that must be avoided.

3. To dispel foul odors in the room, burning Bixie Dan (Evil-Avoiding Pill), red dried dates, or Huangshuxiang (Yellow Mature Incense) are excellent choices. The aroma of Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cangzhu) is too harsh.

4. Diet should be harmonized, neither excessive nor insufficient. If the patient desires specific foods, even those slightly unsuitable, give only small amounts to comply with their wishes. Strict prohibition may cause anger, which might aggravate Fire-Pathogen, but one should not indulge either. Foods that generate Fire and Wind, or leek, garlic, and scallion which dissipate Qi, should be used with caution.

5. Before and after smallpox, pork, fish, and alcohol are strictly contraindicated, as they may induce lifelong phlegm-cough.

6. After smallpox has subsided, chicken and duck eggs should not be consumed, as they damage Shen (Spirit).

7. After the rash recedes, one must avoid wind and cold, and refrain from exposure to dampness. Violating these precautions leads to lifelong cough and chronic sores without respite.

Li Dongyuan stated: Smallpox patients should avoid all foul odors and strangers entering the room. This includes sweat from long travel, axillary bromhidrosis (fox odor), sexual fluids, musk and mutton odors, menstrual blood odors from women, sulfur mosquito coil smoke, toilet waste odors, smoke from accidentally burned hair, air from blown-out lamps/candles, chicken feathers and fish bones, and aromas from scallions, garlic, chives, and Allium tuberosum. None of these should be encountered. It is necessary to frequently burn Frankincense (Ruxiang) and other sweet-smelling incenses so the patient gradually inhales them, thereby promoting smooth Ying (Nutrient) and Wei (Defensive) Qi circulation, preventing complications such as inverted pustules or sunken lesions.

Chen stated: In cases of smallpox with heat and thirst, cold substances like melons, persimmons, and honey water, as well as cooling medicines like Liangqing Yin (Cooling Drink) and Xiaodu San (Detoxifying Powder), must absolutely be avoided. Doing so may damage the Spleen and Stomach, leading to abdominal distension, wheezing, stifling sensation, chills, and teeth grinding, which are difficult to treat. Mild cases becoming severe result from engaging in sexual intercourse, failing to observe dietary restrictions, prior diarrhea, drinking cold water, and taking cooling medicines. Severe cases becoming mild result from avoiding wind and cold, maintaining warmth, and having regular bowel movements.

Xue stated: If the aforementioned symptoms are accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, and cold fingers and toes, it indicates Internal Deficiency-Cold with External False-Heat, making cold-natured medicines strictly contraindicated. However, if there is constipation and intense thirst desiring water, honey water should be administered. One must merely examine whether the Heat is Excess or Deficiency. In Northern China, where smallpox occurs, many use water [therapy/environment], and all recover, likely because people there often sleep on heated kang beds.