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Wang Kentang stated: Huanju (Slow Abscess) arises on the left side of the lower abdomen. After several months, it becomes hard as stone, accompanied by alternating chills and fever, reduced appetite, and gradual emaciation. This belongs to accumulated heat in the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian disease caused by accumulated heat). (From *Yixue Zhunsheng Liuyao*)

*Yizong Xinfa* states: Huanju is formed by Qi stagnation and cold accumulation in the Spleen Meridian. It grows beside the lower abdomen, is tight and hard but not red or hot, with pain radiating to the waist and legs. If it does not ulcerate after several months, and is accompanied by poor appetite and emaciation, it ultimately belongs to a deteriorated syndrome (a critical condition indicating organ failure or severe depletion).

Internal abscesses, internal ulcers, masses (*Jia*), and fixed lumps (*Pi Pi*) of the five Zang and six Fu organs are all compiled in this section for easy reference and treatment consultation.

Generally, there are eleven Mu-Coupling points (Mu points, where Zang-Fu Qi gathers on the chest and abdomen) in the human chest and abdomen. The *Ling Shu* states: In cases of internal abscess or internal ulcer, the flesh over the corresponding Mu point of the affected meridian must be swollen, and there must be occasional dull pain at the Mu point. Swelling indicates an abscess, while dull pain indicates an ulcer. This is the verification method for internal abscesses and internal ulcers. However, internal abscesses have treatment methods, whereas internal ulcers seem to lack specific treatment methods. Why? Because the pathology of internal abscesses and internal ulcers is essentially the same; the difference lies only in whether the root of the disease is shallow or deep. A shallow root constitutes an abscess, while a deep root constitutes an ulcer. If, during clinical practice, the use of drugs for attacking pathogens and tonifying deficiency is appropriate, efficacy will invariably be achieved. As for the eleven Mu points, why are there only nine types of internal abscess syndromes? This is because the Gallbladder resembles a membrane sac, having no entry or exit functions, and its bile is clear and pure, so it does not generate internal abscesses or internal ulcers. Similarly, the Bladder also resembles a membrane sac containing only turbid water; therefore, ancient and modern texts do not discuss internal abscesses or internal ulcers of the Bladder, so I dare not record them in detail. Although Zhongji (CV3, Middle Pole) is the Mu point of the Bladder, patients today who experience swelling or dull pain at the Zhongji point present symptoms similar to those of Small Intestine Abscess. Therefore, the treatment method should follow that of Small Intestine Abscess. Let future scholars pay attention to this.

Method for verifying internal abscess: Whenever a patient presents with suspected internal abscess, give the patient five raw soybeans to chew. If the patient reports no bean-like smell in the mouth, this is a sign of the condition.

Books state: All internal abscesses form within the membranes, without rotting the outer skin.

Qi Shi stated: Internal abscesses and internal ulcers of the Zang-Fu organs and intestines are hidden and deeply concealed. They cannot be seen by eyes nor reached by hands, making diagnosis extremely difficult. Diagnosis can be determined through pulse palpation. If the pulse is surging and rapid, pus has already formed. If the pulse is slow and tight, although pus has not yet formed, blood stasis is already present, requiring urgent treatment. Otherwise, pathogenic factors will attack internally, causing rotting of the intestines and stomach, which would be incurable.