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Pain in the Hypochondrium. (From *Secret Formula*)
Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel Fructus, 1 liang, stir-fried), Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus, 5 qian, stir-fried with bran).
Grind into powder, take 2 qian per dose, mixed with salt water for administration.

For pain in the hypochondrium with redness, extending to half of the body, accompanied by blisters. (From *Yi Zhi Yu Xu*)
Da Gua Lou (Trichosanthis Fructus, one fruit weighing 1-2 liang, crushed with peel), Fen Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle, 2 qian), Hong Hua (Carthami Flos, 5 fen). One dose results in cure; truly a miraculous formula.

Abscess in the Hypochondrium
The *Ling Shu* states: An abscess occurring in the hypochondrium is named "Bai Jie". This is a disease affecting women. It should be treated with moxibustion. The manifestation is a large abscess with pus, containing fleshy growths inside resembling red adzuki beans. The treatment involves chopping 1 sheng each of Qiao Cao Gen (Radix Glehniae) [Note: *Jia Yi Jing* records Qiao Cao and Chi Song Gen]. Boil these in 1 dou 6 sheng of water until reduced to 3 sheng. Have the patient drink this forcefully, cover with thick clothing, and sit over a pot to steam, inducing sweating down to the feet.

Wang Kentang states: Abscesses in the hypochondrium belong to the Heat-Fire-Toxin of the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian and Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, arising from the combination of anger. They require prompt treatment; otherwise, ulceration will fail to heal, often leading to critical danger. (From *Zhun Sheng*)

Chen Shigong states: Carbuncles in the hypochondrium often arise from Liver Fire due to depression and anger. They are common in individuals with deficiency and timidity, but absent in those who are obese and internally robust. In the initial stage, use Zhizi Qing Gan Tang (Gardenia Decoction to Clear the Liver) to resolve depression and purge fire; if suppurating, use Si Miao Tang (Four Marvels Decoction) with added Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome) and Qing Pi (Tangerine Peel); once pus forms, puncture it immediately without damaging the inner membrane; after ulceration, use Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) with added Shan Yu Rou (Corni Fructus), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), and Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) to nourish Kidney Water. If caused by consumptive disease, resulting in foul, thin pus that does not respond to tonification and support, death ensues. (From *Zheng Zong*)

Wang Shengzhi states: Carbuncle piercing the hypochondrium is termed carbuncle on the left and abscess on the right. It results from Wind-Dampness entering between the bones, lingering for a long time without dispersing, gradually causing numbness of the skin and bone pain, appearing in the waist and hypochondrium. In patients with Qi deficiency and weak Stomach, one must strictly avoid excessive Yang-tonifying herbs, as internal heat agents may exacerbate deficient heat, potentially penetrating and damaging the inner membrane; caution is essential. (From *Li Li*)

He also stated: Previously, a man developed a carbuncle under his hypochondrium, which later formed a fistula resembling an ox's eye with continuous discharge of pus and blood. The treatment method was to place a small amount of salt into an ox's ear, then apply the dirt/discharge from the ox's ear onto the fistula several times until healed. Without salt, the ox's ear would not itch, making the discharge difficult to obtain; thus, salt is necessary to extract it.

Hu Gongbi states: The two hypochondria of humans are the pathways for the entry and exit of Qi in the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. Any obstruction prevents smooth flow, leading to stagnation and pain, causing Blood to coagulate accordingly. Therefore, toxic sores developing above or below the hypochondrium all belong to the Liver Meridian. (From *Qing Nang*)

Wang Kentang states: Honeycomb-shaped double-sided abscesses in the hypochondrium may occur on the left side, right side, or both simultaneously. These involve the Qimen (LR14) and Zhangmen (LR13) acupoints of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, which are characterized by abundant Blood and scarce Qi. If extending upwards to Yuan Ye and Zhe Jin acupoints, they belong to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, characterized by abundant Qi and scarce Blood. Caused by Qi deficiency, hot-natured medicines should not be used, lest they damage the periosteum. (From *Zhun Sheng*)

Feng Luzhan states: Carbuncles in the hypondrium relate to the Foot-Jueyin and Foot-Shaoyang meridians, governed by Ministerial Fire. If the Qi of the Liver and Gallbladder is unbalanced, Wind and Fire struggle internally, causing counterflow of Ying Qi, Blood Heat, and stagnation leading to pus formation. (From *Jin Nang*)

The *Xin Fa* states: Abscesses in the hypochondrium arise in the soft ribs. The area with hard bone is called the rib, while the soft flesh below the ribs is called the costal margin (Ji Xie). They are formed by the condensation of Fire Anger from the Liver and Gallbladder. They mostly occur in individuals with weak constitutions, initially resembling plums or dates, gradually enlarging to the size of bowls or basins.