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Chen Yuangong stated: There are cases where a lump suddenly swells on the leg, with normal color and no pain. People assume it is an abscess or carbuncle (Yongju), but who would know that this is due to Qi deficiency?

Abscesses (Yong) develop from swelling; there is no case of swelling that does not transform into an abscess. I assert that swelling caused by Qi deficiency is not a true abscess, yet few can recognize this. Alas! Qi is what moves Blood. When Qi moves, Blood moves. Even if pathogenic factors are present, it is extremely difficult for them to form swelling. The prevalence of pathogenic factors often arises from the decline of Qi and Blood. When such swelling develops into an abscess, it typically becomes painful, and the color must turn red. Now, if there is no pain and the color does not change, this is merely the name of swelling without its reality. It is entirely due to Qi deficiency causing Blood to fail in nourishing the tissues, rather than pathogenic excess preventing Qi from mobilizing. The treatment method should be to tonify Qi to support the Righteous Qi (Zhengqi), without needing to resolve toxins to expel pathogens. Use Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction): Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 5 qian, Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) 1 liang, Sheng Huangqi (Astragali Radix) 1 liang, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 5 qian, Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) 1 qian, Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) 5 fen, Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 1 qian, Sheng Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 2 qian, Banxia (Pinelliae Tuber) 2 qian, Fuling (Poria) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. After ten doses, the swelling subsides. This formula is a sacred medicine for augmenting Qi, not a detoxifying agent. Why use it to reduce swelling? Generally, when True Qi is depleted, deficiency manifests; when pathogenic Qi is excessive, excess manifests. Since True Qi is already deficient, pathogenic Qi becomes even more vigorous. Without tonifying Qi, how can Qi move, and how can the swelling dissipate? This formula reduces swelling by tonifying Qi. Moreover, since it includes herbs that resolve phlegm and remove dampness, it achieves results more easily. (From *Bingjian*)

Feng Luzhan stated: Leg abscesses occurring on the medial side belong to the Liver and Spleen meridians; those occurring on the lateral side belong to the Gallbladder and Stomach meridians. If the area is flat, depressed, and hard, it indicates Qi deficiency, and Neibu Huangqi Tang (Internal Tonification with Astragalus Decoction) should be used. If the condition is urgent with swelling and pain, Neituo Chaihu Tang (Internal Support with Bupleurum Decoction) should be used, along with external garlic moxibustion. (From *Jinnang*)

Shen Douyuan stated: Yinbao Du (Poison at Yinbao) occurs on the inner thigh and is caused by wind-heat toxin of the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. Huangqi Chaihu Tang (Astragalus and Bupleurum Decoction) is suitable. This decoction has miraculous efficacy in treating abscesses and carbuncles near the thigh on the inner leg. (From *Qixuan*)

Dou Hanqing stated: Zhun Ju (Carbuncle at Zhun) occurs on the medial side of the leg, presenting as high, swollen, and hard. Commonly, it is said that this carbuncle is hard and lacks pus, but little do they know that internal pus has already formed but cannot temporarily penetrate the skin. One must use an internal support formula to induce suppuration. If pus is urgent, needle drainage is required.

Feng Luzhan stated: The anterior margin of the leg belongs to the Yangming meridian, using Baizhu (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) and Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) as guiding herbs; the posterior margin belongs to the Taiyang meridian, using Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) as guiding herbs; the lateral margin belongs to the Shaoyang meridian, using Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) as a guiding herb; the medial margin belongs to the Jueyin meridian, using Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) and Wuyu (Evodiae Fructus) as guiding herbs; the anteromedial margin belongs to the Taiyin meridian, using Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) and Baizhu (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) as guiding herbs. In this way, no therapeutic method is omitted.