Library

Feng Luzhan stated: Stone abscess (Shiju) under the ear is characterized by neither suppuration nor pain. Treatment should primarily nourish Liver blood and tonify Kidney water; warming and tonifying methods can resolve the mass. In young patients with a solid pulse, a small amount of Liver-clearing herbs may be added, but qi-moving and blood-breaking drugs must never be used lightly. (From *Jinnang*)

Wang Shengzhi stated: Stone abscesses mostly occur in the neck and auricular regions. (From *Lili*)

Dou Hanqing stated: Stone abscess is identical to stone carbuncle (Shiyong), except that in stone abscess, deep cold pathogens invade the meridians, causing Qi and Blood to coagulate and accumulate without dispersing. It hides within the skin, presenting as hard swelling that feels like stone upon palpation. If this toxicity spreads to connect with the cervical joints, internal rotting occurs first before breaking through the skin surface. If pus discharges from the neck region, death ensues. At the initial stage, moxibustion with thirty to forty moxa cones is appropriate; however, if it occurs on the forehead or face, moxibustion is contraindicated.

He further stated: Crushed Phytolacca acinosa root (Shanglu, *Phytolaccae Radix*) applied externally is most effective for treating stone abscess.

Wang Shengzhi stated: Neck gate carbuncle (Xiangmen Yong) results from disharmony of Yin and Yang, with heat Qi stagnating upward, knotting beside the Fengfu point (GV16), accumulating into toxicity and damaging the back of the head. This is a malignant condition. The treatment follows the same principles as for general carbuncles and sores. (From *Lili*)

*Xinfa* states: Flesh turtle sore (Rougui Chuang) refers to a sore occurring at the hairline behind the neck in obese individuals. Because the flesh behind the neck of obese people is thick and has many folds, hairs may penetrate into the sore. Over time, it fails to heal, and when combined with external invasion of Wind-Cold, it condenses into a shape resembling a lying melon. It becomes ulcerated, weeping fluid, alternating between rupturing and healing. Commonly known as "flesh turtle." Though it persists for years, it causes no serious harm.

For lumps arising behind the neck where the skin color remains unchanged, regardless of size, and have persisted for many years:
Raw Chinese Yam (Shanyao, *Dioscoreae Rhizoma*, one piece, peeled) and Castor Seed (Bima Ren, *Ricini Semen*, ten grains).
Pound into a paste. Spread onto silk cloth and apply topically; it yields miraculous results.

Chen Shigong stated: Loss of luster syndrome (Shirong Zheng) arises from a transition from wealth to poverty, or even among those who remain wealthy, due to unfulfilled desires (Six Desires) damaging the Middle Qi. Stagnant fire coagulates, phlegm loses its proper pathway, and stops to form knots. The lesions mostly appear above the shoulders. Initially, there is slight swelling with normal skin color; over time, it gradually enlarges, becoming hard as stone, immovable upon pushing, and fixed upon pressing. Only after half a year to a year does pain begin. Qi and Blood decline daily, the body becomes emaciated, the skin ulcerates revealing purple spots, oozing bloody fluid, or swelling and spreading like a lotus flower, emitting a foul odor day and night. Existing nodules grow larger and harder with time and ulceration. Cases involving this condition are considered incurable. Treatment should employ He Rong San Jian Wan (Harmonize Nutrient and Disperse Hardness Pill) and Feilong Awei Huajian Gao (Flying Dragon Asafoetida Hardness-Resolving Plaster). Although it cannot cure the disease, it is indeed a golden elixir that prolongs life. The treatment of this syndrome is similar to that of breast cancer (Ruyan). (From *Zhengzong*)