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Wang Kentang stated: "Fa Yi" (Parotid Abscess) occurs below the zygomatic bone, above the cheek and mandible, at a distance of one cun and three fen in front of the ear. Ancient texts considered this condition untreatable, attributing it to heat-toxin from the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian attacking upward. If treated improperly, the condition may spread to the pharynx causing ulceration; if it perforates the mouth preventing eating, death ensues. (From *Yixue Zhunsheng*)

Furthermore, he stated: The *Suwen* (Basic Questions) mentions: "When the Kidney has heat, the area of the Yi turns red first." Thus, Fa Yi is also associated with the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. However, contemporary physicians name the acute toxicity occurring one cun and three fen behind the ear as Fa Yi, which actually falls within the Shaoyang distribution. Yet Xue Ji (Xue Shi) also considers it belonging to the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian and advocates tonifying Kidney Water. Why? Because the Kidney is the residence of Ministerial Fire. If the residence is intact and solid, the fire returns to its origin; therefore, treating the Kidney is precisely how one treats the Shaoyang. This condition is commonly seen in patients with Taiyang Cold Damage who have sweated but not thoroughly. It can also arise from lingering external heat in miscellaneous diseases that fails to dissipate over time. Medication should be used to rapidly dissipate it. If treatment is delayed and pus forms, management becomes difficult. If astringent or purgative drugs are mistakenly taken without nourishing Qi and Blood, it will lead to perforation of the mouth and rupture of the lips, resulting in death.

Shen Douyuan stated: Fa Yi arises because the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian is abundant in Qi but deficient in Blood. It affects the Jiache Acupoint (located in the depression anterior to the angle of the mandible) and the Daying Acupoint (located in the depression of the pulsating artery one cun and three fen anterior to the chin). The presentation is symmetrical above, below, left, and right. Bilateral occurrence is the most severe. If swelling and pain are unbearable, puncture may be performed on the eighth day. If pus drains and the surrounding tissue softens, survival is likely; if it remains hard, the jaw is locked, eating is impossible, and yellow fluid drips like a honeycomb, fewer than one in ten survives. For women suffering from this, death is expected within four to five days. (From *Waike Qixuan*)

Dou Hanqing stated: Fa Yi results from incomplete sweating during the treatment of Taiyang Cold Damage. If located at the head/ear region, heart pit, hypochondrium, or body, it is treatable. If located posteriorly, connecting to the throat, with fear of toxic qi attacking inward, difficulty in taking food or medicine, nasal discharge of clear pus, and bilateral ear blockage, it is fatal and untreatable.

Chen Shigong stated: Fa Yi is also known as "Sweat Toxin." The etiology lies in insufficient release of Wind-Cold via diaphoretic herbs, which transforms into heat over time and stagnates, causing swelling and pain in the neck. Initially presenting with fever and thirst, Chai Ge Tang (Bupleurum and Pueraria Decoction) should be used to clear heat and resolve toxicity. If the affected area presents with redness, swelling, heat, and pain, Ruyi Jinhuang San (Ruyi Golden Yellow Powder) should be applied externally. (From *Waike Zhengzong*)

He further stated: If the body is cool and there is no thirst, Niubang Ganjie Tang (Arctium and Licorice & Platycodon Decoction) is appropriate.

Feng Luzhan stated: Headache with massive swelling resembling a beanbag indicates an epidemic disease known as Da Tou Bing (Big Head Plague). The upper half of the body corresponds to Heavenly Qi; the lower half to Earthly Qi. Pathogenic heat lodges between the Heart and Lungs, while Yangming and Shaoyang fires flare up again. Combined with the influence of seasonal epidemic Qi, heat stagnates in the Upper Jiao, invades the clear orifices, and damp-heat ascends to the vertex causing swelling. Wood (Liver) carrying fire-pathogen causes pain. In severe cases, ulceration and bleeding of pus occur, and it can infect others, hence termed Yi Li (Epidemic Pestilence). Mild cases are called Fa Yi, with swelling around both ears. Some use Chengqi formulas to purge excess heat from the Stomach, which is excessive punishment. Treatment should not rely on harsh or rapid medications; rapid action may exceed the pathology's needs, leading to the scenario where 'upper heat is not cleared, yet middle cold arises,' inevitably harming life. Gentle medications should be used slowly and in small doses. Observe which meridian the swelling follows and treat accordingly. Yangming pathogenic involvement causes initial head swelling; Shaoyang pathogenic involvement manifests around the ears. Generally, Puji Xiaodu Yin (Universal Benefit Detoxification Decoction) is the primary formula.