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Cao Yurong from Yunjian, due to his wife suffering from wind-stroke and being administered medicine, accidentally bit off half a joint of his finger. He experienced pain, aversion to cold, and fever. External application of rhubarb (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and other herbs, along with internal administration of heat-clearing and toxin-resolving medicines, resulted in the affected area neither hurting nor suppurating; the pus was thin, and the aversion to cold and fever worsened. I said: This is caused by cooling medicines obstructing the meridians and collaterals. Therefore, Yulong Ointment (Jade Dragon Ointment) was applied externally to disperse cold qi, and Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) was taken internally to strengthen the spleen and stomach. After several days, the affected area became slightly painful, and the swelling gradually subsided; this indicated that yang qi had reached the affected area. Indeed, thick pus was discharged, and within a few days, half the finger ulcerated and fell off. Subsequently, interior-supporting medicines were taken to promote healing.

Wang Tianjue, a Shangshe (scholar-official), suffered from foot injury and swelling, accompanied by internal heat and thirst. Both internal and external treatments involved cold and cooling toxin-resolving medicines, causing the affected area to swell more without suppurating. He also experienced aversion to cold, poor appetite, and nausea. I said: This is due to deficiency of both qi and blood, compounded by cold medicines congealing the meridians and collaterals, damaging stomach qi, thereby leading to these symptoms. Thus, Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang (Aucklandia and Magnolia Bark Six Gentlemen Decoction) was used, supplemented with Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), and fried ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum). The external symptoms completely receded. Only fatigue and afternoon fever remained, with poor taste in the mouth; Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Decoction for Boosting the Middle and Augmenting Qi) was prescribed with added Osteospermum Root (Digutpi), Schisandra Fruit (Wuweizi), and Ophiopogon Tuber (Maimendong), leading to recovery.

Wang Tingyong, a Prefectural Governor, injured his finger. It was immediately wrapped with cloth, causing blood stasis to rupture internally, with swelling extending to the hand. I advised unbinding the affected area to allow the discharge of blood stasis, followed by administering a formula to eliminate stale matter and generate new tissue. He did not believe me. Instead, cooling medicines were applied. Although the pain ceased temporarily, it returned the next day. After further application, after several days, both the palm and back of the hand ulcerated, discharging turbid pus and bloody fluid. He continued taking toxin-resolving medicines, further depleting qi and blood, resulting in dark complexion, thin pus, and loss of appetite. He requested my treatment again. I administered formulas to strengthen the spleen and stomach and generate qi and blood. Consequently, the pus became thicker, and he recovered.

A man burned his arm with fire in early winter, experiencing pain, wheezing, coughing, and fever. This was a case of fire-toxin injuring lung metal. Ren Shen Ping Fei San (Ginseng Powder for Calming the Lungs) was used, which stopped the wheezing and coughing. Due to overexertion, he subsequently developed aversion to cold and fever, indicating qi and blood deficiency. Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) with added Platycodon Root (Jiegeng) and Angelica Dahurica Root (Baizhi) was administered, resolving the symptoms. An additional three fen of Cinnamomi Cortex (Guizhi) was added to enhance the warming effect of the medicine and warm qi and blood; the necrotic tissue ulcerated and sloughed off, leading to recovery. If redness and pain appeared initially, Shenxiao Danggui Gao (Miraculous Efficacy Angelica Ointment) could be applied; mild cases would heal spontaneously, while severe cases would undergo self-necrosis, promoting miraculous tissue regeneration. Alternatively, powder of Platycladi Cacumen (Cebaiye) mixed with beeswax oil for topical application was also effective. If fever and thirst occurred with reddish urine, and the pulse was surging, rapid, and forceful, Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) combined with Poria Sclerotium (Fuling), Akebia Caulis (Mutong), raw licorice root (Sheng Gancao), and stir-fried Coptis Rhizome (Chuang Huanglian) was used. If the pulse was surging and rapid but deficient, Bazhen Tang was used. If the affected area did not ulcerate and appeared dark, Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) combined with Chuanxiong Rhizome, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and Astragali Radix (Huangqi) was appropriate. If the flesh was dead, ulcerated, but failed to regenerate tissue, Sijunzi Tang combined with Astragali Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and fried ginger was used. If chills persisted after recovery, it indicated incomplete restoration of yang qi; Shiquan Dabu Tang (Complete Great Tonifying Decoction) should be urgently administered. Cold and cooling medicines must strictly be avoided, as they would damage the spleen and stomach.