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The distribution of the six Yang meridians and the six Yin meridians throughout the body varies; some are characterized by abundant Qi and scarce Blood, some by scarce Qi and abundant Blood, and others by abundant Qi and abundant Blood. They cannot be generalized. Although ancient physicians have discussed carbuncles and sores in critical areas or near weak and thin regions, specific discussions on differentiating them by meridian are rare. Why is this? Among all meridians, only the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) and Jueyin (Terminal Yin) meridians require preventive measures when developing carbuncles and sores. This is because these meridians possess abundant Qi but scarce Blood. Since the Blood is inherently insufficient, muscle regeneration is difficult, and if a sore fails to heal for a long time, it inevitably leads to a fatal outcome. If one fails to consider the scarcity of Blood in the affected meridian and hastily employs drugs that purge toxins and promote diuresis, thereby damaging the Blood of the Yin aspect, disaster will follow swiftly! I shall recount a few cases of success and failure to guide future practitioners.

My uncle was prone to excessive worry throughout his life, possessing a weak constitution and suffering from mental fatigue. At nearly fifty years old, a small red swelling appeared suddenly on the upper lateral edge of his left arm, approximately the size of a chestnut. Upon examination, I said, "Do not underestimate this. You must take a large dose of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) decoction, with a total quantity of two to three jin being ideal." People did not believe me and merely administered a few small doses of minor prescriptions. The condition did not resolve, and treatment was stopped. More than ten days later, during a storm strong enough to uproot trees, a red line like a thread appeared above the sore, winding around to the back shoulder blade and extending straight to the right hypochondrium. I stated, "You must use a large dose of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), supplemented with small amounts of tonifying agents such as Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu)." After administering this prescription for two months, he recovered.

Another patient, Brother Li from Dongyang, was over thirty years old, thin in form but with thick skin. He had recently suffered from repeated worries and stress, compounded by overwork and excessive sexual activity. Suddenly, a red swelling the size of a chestnut appeared on the upper lateral edge of his left leg. One physician asked if his bowels were firm and prescribed Chengqi Tang (Gut-Regulating Decoction) for two doses to purge, but it was ineffective. Another physician advised using Rheum Palmatum Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang), Cinnabaris (Zhusha), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Sheng Gancao), and Draconis Sanguis (Qilinjie) for another two or three doses. Half a month later, I was summoned to examine him and said, "The case is hopeless."

Another patient, Brother Li, in his forties, had a slightly pale complexion and severe mental fatigue. Suddenly, a red swelling the size of a peach developed under his hypochondrium. Someone recommended using a miraculous formula, which was laughed at and rejected by the crowd. Consequently, formulas such as Liuxie Yin (Flowing-Qi Drink) and Shixuan San (Ten-Acupoints Powder) were mixed and administered. Ten days later, I was summoned and said, "Not only were no tonifying medicines given, but an excess of purgative and draining agents was used, leading to extreme exhaustion of Qi and Blood." This proved true. Some asked, "Is not the Taiyang (Greater Yang) meridian characterized by abundant Blood and scarce Qi? Why do buttock sores often present with little initial pain, yet occasionally prove untreatable? Can you treat them?" I replied, "The buttocks are located posterior to the lower abdomen and inferior to it, representing 'Yin within Yin.' The pathway is distant and the location secluded. Although it is considered abundant in Blood, Qi circulation does not reach there easily. When Qi is not smooth, Blood rarely arrives. After middle age, one should not develop carbuncles. If a painful swelling occurs, one must consult the pulse and symptoms. If weakness is observed, immediate tonification is required. If Qi and Blood remain un-depleted, ultimate safety can be ensured. However, if common heat-clearing, toxin-purging, and Qi-regulating drugs are used, the disaster of 'depleting the deficient' will be as obvious as objects placed on a palm."