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Gu Lou Ju (Bone Ant-Furuncle)

Wang Kentang stated: Gu Lou Ju arises in the region of the Yangming meridian of the arm. Initially resembling Luo Li (scrofula), it starts as small as millet grains, gradually enlarges to the size of a red bean, and is unbearably painful. After ten days, it becomes as large as a walnut, withering to a purple color. If the pathogenic toxin wanders throughout the body, accompanied by limb stiffness and convulsions, vomiting and hiccups with inability to eat, spontaneous cold sweat, diarrheal incontinence, restlessness, and chaotic pulse, death ensues. Violating sexual abstinence or experiencing violent anger also leads to death. This condition is caused by disharmony of the Seven Emotions (joy, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, fright), resulting from accumulated anger, worry, and heat. The True Yuan (original qi) is deficient and failing, unable to overcome the pathogen; the rapid onset and death are due to extreme Yin deficiency with solitary hyperactivity of Fire. Treatment should nourish the source of transformation (Spleen and Stomach); do not err by using methods that merely suppress symptoms without addressing the root (like stirring boiling water to stop it from boiling). (From *Yixue Zhunsheng*)

Xue Lizhai stated: Gu Lou Ju arises behind the large bone on the anterior-lateral aspect of the arm, belonging to the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. It forms due to condensation from depression and violent anger. Initially the size of millet or beans, after ten days it grows as large as plums or peaches, becoming swollen, hard, and painful. If a purple halo expands, with rotting spots connecting through muscles, convulsions, and stiffness, often presenting the "Seven Evils" (seven critical prognostic signs in surgery), it indicates a adverse prognosis (Ni Zheng).

Chui Bi Fa (Drooping Arm Carbuncle)

*Gui Yi Fang* states: Chui Bi Fa occurs below the junction of the hairline at the two sites of the drooping arm, arising above the Binao acupoint, swelling to the size of a chicken or duck egg. This is caused by disharmony of Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi. It tends to occur in solid areas without penetrating inward; it should be urgently resolved or incised early for drainage.

Dou Hanqing stated: When occurring on the Bisong (posterior axillary fold), it is named Yong (Carbuncle). It presents with redness, swelling, and pain; moxibustion is suitable at the initial stage. If it ulcerates, it will inevitably damage life; it must not be neglected.

Chen Shigong stated: Shi Liu Ju (Pomegranate Furuncle) occurs one cun above the tip of the elbow. This results from the combined struggle of Shaoyang Ministerial Fire and Damp-Heat. Initially, there is a single yellow millet-sized blister; the base quickly expands, appearing red and hard, with swelling like an inverted bowl. Upon skin rupture, the tissue everts in layers resembling pomegranate seeds, causing chills, similar to malaria. At the onset, apply nine moxa cones. Internally administer Chansu Wan (Toad Venom Pill) to induce sweating. Apply Chansu Bing (Toad Venom Cake) to the vertex of the head, covered with plaster. Apply Jinhuang San (Golden Yellow Powder) to the swollen area. After nine days, suppuration indicates a favorable outcome; otherwise, it is ominous. Manage according to standard protocols for Yong and Ju. (From *Waike Zhengzong*)

He further stated: This results from the scorching struggle between Shaoyang Ministerial Fire and external Dampness.

Xue Lizhai stated: Shi Liu Ju occurs slightly more than one cun above the tip of the elbow, belonging to Tianjing (TE16) of the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Meridian. Initially, it presents as a yellow millet-sized blister; the base feels expanded, with redness, swelling, hardness, and pain. The swelling resembles an inverted bowl; upon rupture, it everts like a pomegranate. There are alternating chills and fever resembling malaria. It is caused by the interaction of Sanjiao Ministerial Fire and external Dampness. After rupture, wash with decoction of Chrysanthemum stamens. Then, burn Chrysanthemum flowers to ash while preserving their nature, mix with a small amount of Qingfen (Calomel), blend evenly, and apply externally. This yields miraculous effects.