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The navel is the area governed by the Kidney Meridian. When damp-heat accumulates and stagnates in the Kidney Meridian, it causes ulceration of the navel. This condition may also be caused by sexual intercourse after excessive alcohol consumption.

Longgu San (Dragon Bone Powder) [from *Jinnang*]
Longgu (Fossilized Bones), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) (each 1 qian), Baifan (Alumen), Qingfen (Calomelas) (each 5 fen).
Grind into powder and apply dry to the navel.
For sores in the navel: Apply soil from the east-facing wall.

Bleeding from the navel indicates that Kidney Fire is escaping outward. It can be cured by drinking a decoction of Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) with one qian of Gusuibu (Drynariae Rhizoma). Liuwei Tang nourishes the Water (Kidney Yin), thereby extinguishing the Fire naturally. Gusuibu has the function of stopping leakage from orifices and replenishing bone marrow, making it suitable for addition to this formula.

Wang Kentang stated: An ju (carbuncle) located about one cun above the navel is named Chong Ju (Chong Carbuncle), also known as Zhongfa Ju (Middle-Erupting Carbuncle) or Yong Shen Ju (Obstructing-Kidney Carbuncle). It is caused by blazing Heart Fire flowing into the Kidney Meridian. If the swelling is high and protruding, with thick pus that is red in color, it is treatable; if the swelling is flat and collapsed, black in color, accompanied by abdominal distension, nausea, thin and watery pus, internal Kidney pain, extreme thirst, uncontrolled diarrhea, delirious speech, and fixed gaze, it is fatal. If the ulcer fails to heal after a long time, it is also fatal. All these critical conditions are due to deficiency; if robust tonification is applied, death can be avoided. (*Zhunsheng*)
*Xinfa* states: Chong Ju arises at two cun above the navel on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) (at the Xiaowan acupoint). It presents with red-yellow swelling. It typically suppurates after twenty-one days. If the pus is thick and the patient can tolerate tonifying herbs, it is a favorable sign (Shun); if the swelling is flat and collapsed, purple-black in color, with thin watery pus, and signs of the Seven Adversities appear, it is an unfavorable sign (Ni).

Wang Kentang stated: Qi Yong (Navel Abscess) occurs at the center of the navel, caused by accumulated heat in the Heart Meridian flowing into the Large Intestine and Small Intestine meridians. The navel is the Shenque acupoint of the Ren Mai, which is contraindicated for acupuncture. Early resolution should be sought to avoid suppuration, which is the superior approach. (*Zhunsheng*)
Dou Hanqing stated: Qi Yong arises in the navel due to the accumulation of cold and greasy foods in the Qihai area, forming a knot that becomes an abscess. If not treated promptly, it will rupture internally, discharging pus from within the navel, with surrounding hardness, or discharging purplish bloody fluid; such cases are difficult to treat. Without these symptoms, the prognosis is good. It is advisable to take La Fan Wan (Waxed Alum Pill) frequently.
Hu Gongbi stated: Qi Yong is a manifestation of the Heart Meridian transmitting pathogenic factors to the Small Intestine Meridian, with toxicity erupting at the navel. In severe cases, feces may even discharge from the navel. (*Qingnang*)
*Xinfa* states: Qi Yong is contraindicated for acupuncture. If the swelling is large like a melon and high-protruding like a bell, without redness or heat, moxibustion with garlic slices is appropriate. Discharge of thick pus after ulceration is auspicious; frequent discharge of foul-smelling turbid water is inauspicious.