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Faji Ju (Hairline Carbuncle)

Wang Kentang stated: Faji Chuang (Hairline Ulcer) initially appears like a millet grain, with a white head and red flesh, causing pain as sharp as a needle prick. It is more common in women than in men. Initially, it is caused by the upward attack of wind-dampness or the upward congestion of wind-heat. If it presents as a diffuse swelling without a distinct head, resembling a water chestnut (Qianshi), accompanied by chills and fever, or pain and itching, it is termed Faji Ju (Hairline Carbuncle). (From *Yixue Zhunsheng Liuyao*)

*Yizong Xinfa* states: This Ju (Carbuncle) arises at the hairline behind the neck. Its shape resembles a millet seed, with pain like a needle prick and itching like a burning fire. The pus and fluid discharged after rupture may sometimes infiltrate into the hair. This condition results from internal stagnation of damp-heat combined with external invasion of wind, leading to an interaction between the two. Cases with high, swollen protrusions are easy to treat; those that are flat, diffusely swollen, with toxins spreading to the shoulders and back, and rotting before suppuration occurs, are difficult to treat. Suppuration on the fourteenth day is auspicious.

The Hair at the Back of the Head: Central and Lateral

Shen Douyuan stated: Yuzhen Ju (Jade Pillow Carbuncle) occurs at the hair on the back of the head. It is governed by the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, along with the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and Yangwei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel). This area has abundant blood but scarce qi, located at the ends of the Yuzhen (GB12) and Fengfu (GV16) acupoints. (From *Waike Xuanyuan*)

Chen Shigong stated: Yuzhen Ju arises at the occipital bone at the back of the head. It is firm in the center and difficult to ulcerate, with pain radiating to the shoulders and neck, nasal congestion, and coarse breathing. This is caused by the stagnation of damp-heat in the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, presenting with varying degrees of pain and itching. (From *Waike Zhengzong*)

Shen Douyuan stated: Fengwo Ju (Honeycomb Carbuncle) is formed by the condensation of heat-toxins. Its shape resembles a honeycomb with many small holes, often occurring at the back of the head. Cases with redness, swelling, and pain are treatable; those with rapid onset are difficult to treat. If the toxin spreads to both shoulders, it is incurable. (From *Waike Xuanyuan*)

Hu Gongbi stated: This condition differs from Fengwo Fabei (Honeycomb Back Carbuncle) and is treated similarly to Duikou Chuang (Opposite Mouth Carbuncle). (From *Qinang Michuan*)

Ruidu (Sharp Toxin)

The one on the left is called Yaoju (Premature Death Carbuncle), and the one on the right is called Ruidu (Sharp Toxin). They arise in the depression 1.3 cun behind the ear. This is a fatal location.

Chen Shigong stated: Yaoju and Ruidu arise at the pathological site 1.3 cun behind the ear. The left side is Yaoju; "Yao" means demon/abnormal, belonging to the Liver Wood system. The right side is Ruidu; "Rui" means sharp, belonging to the Lung Metal system. Both conditions originate from persistent thoughts and indecision in the mind, leading to excessive fire that becomes stagnant, and then becomes excessive again. This is indeed a perilous syndrome. Consequently, the lesion is often hard, with the head hidden or indistinct, turning black before ulceration, and rotting before suppuration. It produces foul odors easily, and the Yuanqi (Original Qi) is prone to failure. Patients with this condition usually cannot expel the toxin outwardly, and it will inevitably attack inwardly, leading to death. Initially arising in obscure and subtle places, it often goes unnoticed. By the time it is perceived, the toxin has already entered the interior. However, if the lesion is red, vibrant, highly swollen, and easily suppurates and rots, there is no cause for concern. (From *Waike Zhengzong*)

Wang Shengzhi stated: Yaoju and Ruidu are also known as Gufa (Stubborn Hair Carbuncle) or Erhou Fa (Post-Auricular Hair Carbuncle). (From *Waike Lili*)

Hu Gongbi stated: Ruidu behind the ear involves toxins affecting the Heart and Kidney meridians. If not treated urgently, the pathogenic heat may congest the Heart, and the toxin may attack the throat and lower regions, inevitably resulting in death. (From *Qinang Michuan*)