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Nowadays, people suffering from sores and ulcers (Chuangyang) do not examine the deficiency or excess of Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi) or whether the pathogen is in the exterior or interior. Patients often prefer internal resolution therapies, and physicians immediately prescribe formulas such as Shixuan San (Ten Acupoints Powder), Baidu Yin (Poison-Resolving Decoction), and Liuqi Yin (Qi-Flowing Decoction). Little do they know that although Shixuan San contains Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), and Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) are all capable of depleting Qi. Moreover, how can one indiscriminately apply these without considering the meridians involved, seasonal timing, and the relative abundance or scarcity of Qi and Blood? Baidu San (Poison-Resolving Powder) is a formula for releasing the exterior. Even if there is indeed an exterior syndrome, it should only be taken for one or two doses; taking more will damage Yuan Qi, causing the toxin to become more intense, rendering the presence of Renshen ineffective for tonification. How much worse is it to use it when there is no exterior syndrome? Liuqi Yin is a formula that depletes Blood and Qi. Even if there is truly Qi stagnation with chest fullness, it should only be taken for two or three doses; taking more will further injure Qi and Blood. Qi and Blood stagnation often results from weak Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi failing to circulate properly. How can one use Liuqi Yin to exacerbate this deficiency? Furthermore, since the amount of Qi and Blood varies among different meridians, and Liuqi Yin circulates through all twelve meridians, it will damage all meridians, leading to a deteriorating condition (Bai Zheng). Even with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), reliance on it is difficult. If taken excessively, it leads to Qi deficiency and Blood depletion, making pus formation impossible. If the cause is not investigated and attacking/depleting agents are administered indiscriminately, can one avoid danger? Thus, it is clear that these three formulas should not be used lightly.

Hejian (Liu Wansu) stated: "Whenever a sore involves only one meridian, or two meridians, one should seek the pathology within those specific meridians and not interfere with the others."

In cases of sores and ulcers, one must observe the transmission along meridians, the location of the pathogen (exterior/interior), and the patient's constitution (deficiency/excess) to determine whether to attack or tonify. For example, if there is swelling, pain, heat, thirst, and constipation, the pathogen is in the interior; one should unblock and drain it. If there is swelling, pain, aversion to cold, fever, and headache, the pathogen is in the exterior; one should disperse and release it. If swelling and pain are severe, the pathogen is in the meridians; one should harmonize it. If there is slight swelling and pain without pus formation, it indicates Qi and Blood deficiency; one should tonify and support. If there is diffuse swelling without pain, or failure to form pus, or pus formed but not ulcerated, it indicates severe Qi and Blood deficiency; one should strongly tonify. If the color is dark with slight swelling and pain, or pus formed but not discharged, or necrotic flesh not sloughing off, it indicates Yang Qi deficiency and cold; one should warm and tonify. If one rigidly adheres to the idea that the sore has not yet ulcerated and indiscriminately uses poison-resolving drugs, it will further damage the Spleen and Stomach. Not only will the swollen area fail to form pus, but the ulcerated area will also struggle to heal. The seven adverse syndromes (Qi E) will arise simultaneously, often leading to untreatable conditions. Danxi (Zhu Zhenheng) said: "For a tumor/sore (Zhongyang) where both interior and exterior are obstructed, the primary treatment should be supporting the interior and releasing the exterior. To use Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) would likely be rash. For an ulcer (Kuyang) where both interior and exterior are deficient, the primary treatment should be supporting and connecting the interior. To use aromatic/dispersing herbs would inevitably commit the error of 'making the deficient even more deficient.' Physicians must exercise caution."