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There are two types of needle techniques: inserting the needle vertically into the flesh is called "Ci" (Piercing). Slanting the needle tip into the skin and flicking it upward, then immediately using the hand to pinch out evil blood is called "Tiao" (Lancing). There are four types of scraping methods: some use clam shells, some use porcelain bowls, some use hemp cloth strips (only for scraping arms), and some use copper coins. For all scraping, one may dip in clear water, salt water, or sesame oil. I have seen those treating plague by scraping with small dates dipped in distilled liquor; purple nodules resembling ripe mulberries appear, which are then slantedly lanced with a needle to extract blood, followed by scraping other nodules and lancing them until scraping stops and lancing ceases. The rationale behind using dates dipped in liquor is to employ fire to attack fire (using fire-natured agents against heat pathogens), but this is inferior to using castor oil for dipping and scraping. If unavailable, hemp juice (thick juice extracted from crushed castor beans with a little added water) is even more expedient. I have observed that practitioners of scraping and lancing often wait until the plague pathogen has entered the interior and symptoms such as delirium and mania appear before using these methods. Using these methods at the initial stage of infection would be more effective. As for plague, if there are throat-related symptoms, the Shaoshang point (LU-11) should be needled. (See the section on Toad Plague below for details on needling points.) Or, if symptoms such as cold extremities and faint pulse appear, needle the Shaoshang point (LU-11) and the thin flesh on the ten fingers (about the width of a leek leaf near the nail edge), pricking until blood flows. If blood does not flow, it can be expressed by pinching; all these methods are effective.

Scraping and Needling Points: One strip along the midline of the posterior neck; one strip on each of the large tendons on both sides of the neck; one strip on the soft flesh of both shoulders (near Jianjing GB-21); one strip on the soft flesh below both shoulders on the back; two vertical strips on each side of the spine (from below the neck to the waist); several strips on the soft flesh in the intercostal spaces between the spine and ribs on both sides; one diagonal strip on the soft flesh on both sides of the anterior chest; several strips on the soft flesh in the intercostal spaces of the anterior ribs on both sides. Wherever purple nodules appear after scraping, lance them with a needle and express the blood.

The vomiting method is rarely discussed nowadays, yet it possesses remarkable efficacy. Wu Keyou only stated that this method should be used when the pathogen is in the chest and diaphragm, causing the urge to vomit without success. However, he did not realize that regardless of the number of days since onset in plague, sudden severe vomiting is a very auspicious sign, indicating that resolution through sweating is imminent. Tai Shi Wu Desu suffered from chronic stomach pain, which induced vomiting when severe. He accidentally contracted plague. After more than ten days, while in a critical state, his old ailment recurred. His epigastrium hurt severely, followed by vomiting shortly after, leaving him exhausted and prostrate. Everyone was panicked and helpless, seeking my diagnosis. I said, "No harm, no medicine is needed; there is good news, and he will recover through sweating soon." Only then did everyone calm down based on my words. That night, he indeed sweated profusely and recovered. Vomiting inherently contains the meaning of dispersion. Those who induce vomiting by disturbing deep-seated stagnation can still induce sweat to resolve plague; thus, how can the merit of inducing vomiting be ignored?

Immortal Transmission Vomiting Method: Treats all plagues, Cold Damage (Shanghan), Wind Invasion, alcohol injury, and food stagnation. Drink half a bowl of boiling water, rub the abdomen with hands, drink again and rub again, until the abdomen cannot hold any more, then use a chicken feather to stimulate the throat to induce vomiting. After vomiting, drink scallion decoction, cover with clothes to induce sweating; this is very rapid. It is even more suitable for use at the very beginning of the disease.

Radish Seed Vomiting Method: Whenever excess pathogen is in the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), or symptoms such as phlegm-food stagnation and rebellious Qi obstruction occur, vomiting can be used. It can replace Geng Ti San (Melon Peduncle Powder) or San Sheng San (Three Heroes Powder). Crush radish seeds, mix with warm water, stir, and drink slowly. Vomiting will occur shortly thereafter. If vomiting is incomplete, the pathogen will likely exit via defecation.

Another Method: Take a small amount of salt, fry until red-hot, add to boiling water. It should be slightly dilute rather than too salty. Take half a bowl and gradually increase the dosage while drinking. Vomiting will naturally occur. Use this to expel the pathogen. Treats bloating and oppression due to food injury, chest/diaphragm pain, cold extremities, and absent Chi pulse. Also treats Cold Qi, Ghost Qi, and Gu Poison. Another Method: Mix burnt salt with hot child's urine. Drink three times and vomit three times. Treats Dry Huoluan (Dry Cholera).

Another Method: Treats chest oppression due to food accumulation where sweating and purging are contraindicated. Decoct Dan Chi (Light Fermented Soybeans) and salt in water, drink to induce vomiting.