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Abscess of the Sole of the Foot
*Gui Yi Fang* (The Book of Ghosts' Remnants) states: If an eruption occurs on both soles and penetrates to the bone, it is incurable. However, if only the skin on the sole is slightly broken, without deep involvement, and with little pus, it is treatable.

Wang Kentang stated: Eruptions causing swelling and pain in the sole are also known as Yongquan Ju (Abscess at Yongquan point), commonly called "Bing Chuan Ban" (Disease Penetrating the Board), or "Chuan Ku Tian". These conditions result from deficiency and exhaustion of the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It is appropriate to administer Shiquan Dabu Tang (Decoction for Ten Complete Tonifications) and Bawei Dihuang Tang (Eight-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction) in large doses, day and night. If ulceration, vomiting, retrograde qi, coma, or confusion occurs, accompanied by a faint or intermittent pulse, death ensues. (From *Yixue Zhunsheng*)

Feng Luzhan stated: Eruptions on the sole are treatable if the pathogenic factor is superficial, but incurable if it is deep. (From *Jinnang*)

Shen Douyuan stated: An abscess on the sole is caused by the flow and accumulation of damp-toxin from the Heart and Kidney meridians, manifesting on the sole. (From *Waike Xuanyuan*)

He further stated: A Ding (hard nodule) piercing the heart on the sole, also known as Jingquan Ju, results from external wind-pathogens affecting the Kidney meridian, with damp-toxin flowing to the sole. Over time, this leads to rotting and eventually forms a fistula. (From *Jin Jian*)

*Xin Fa* (Essentials of Medical Methods) states: Yongquan Ju arises from deficiency and exhaustion of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, combined with damp-heat sinking downward. It is named after its location at the Yongquan acupoint on the sole. If it ulcerates within fourteen days and the pus is shallow, it is classified as an abscess (Yong) and remains salvageable; treatment should follow standard protocols for abscesses and carbuncles, with external application of the Shen Deng Zhao method. If deficiency is severe and pus formation is delayed, use Shiquan Dabu Tang; after ulceration, administer Bawei Dihuang Wan (Eight-Ingredient Rehmannia Pills). If the lesion appears black, sunken, and painless, and fails to ulcerate within twenty-one days, it is classified as a carbuncle (Ju), indicating a syndrome of Yin collapse that is difficult to save. (From *Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

*Xin Fa* further states: Tialuo Chuang (Clam-shaped Sores) mostly occur on the sole, rarely on the palm. They arise from damp-heat sinking due to Spleen meridian dysfunction, blocked externally by cold pathogens, or resulting from wading in water while the body is hot, causing damp-cold qi to steam and stagnate. Initially, they resemble bean grains, appearing yellow, feeling stifled and swollen, hard, painful, and making weight-bearing impossible. Multiple lesions may grow together, forming clusters of three to five. The skin is thick and difficult to rupture spontaneously. If dampness causes severe erosion, the dorsum of the foot may also swell, accompanied by alternating chills and fever. Treatment should involve boiling Kushen (Sophora Root), Changpu (Acorus Rhizome), and Ye Ai (Wild Mugwort) for hot washing. Subsequently, puncture the lesion with a thread needle to drain foul fluid, apply Jiawei Taiyi Gao (Modified Taiyi Plaster), trim the necrotic skin, and sprinkle a powder made of equal parts Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Qingfen (Calomel). Cover with plaster again. For cases persisting for years, attributed to damp-cold in the lower part, regular administration of Jinkui Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet) is highly effective. (From *Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

Chen Shigong stated: Tialuo Chuang is caused by wind-dampness attacking and accumulating in the Spleen meridian. It mostly occurs on the hands and feet, suddenly feeling like burning fire. Purple, white, or yellow blisters appear and gradually enlarge, causing distending pain and discomfort. Puncture with a needle to drain toxic fluid and cover with Taiyi Gao. If lesions recur after puncture, one must administer Jiedu XiPi Tang (Detoxifying and Draining Spleen Decoction). (From *Waike Zhengzong*)