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Hougan (Ulcerative Lesions of the Throat) refers to flat, bluish-white or red spots appearing in the throat. Sometimes it is accompanied by soreness and ulceration of the throat. This condition arises from Kidney Yin deficiency with hyperactive fire, where heat flares upward to the head and neck region. Treatment requires the modification of Liuwei Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill). Depending on the specific presentation, herbs such as Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix), Nvzhenzi (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), and Guiban (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) may be selected appropriately. For external application, Wubeizi (Galae Chinensis), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus), Zhenzhu (Margarita), and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) can be added to Bingpeng San (Ice and Borax Powder). Another type arises from the accumulation of heat-toxin in the Lung Meridian. The lesion is located below the pharynx and above the trachea, invisible to the naked eye, inaccessible to powder application, and obstructs swallowing; this is named "Guoqiao Gan" (Over-the-Bridge Ulcer). It presents with ulceration and pain, often becoming chronic. This may be caused by epidemic toxic pathogens or residual toxins from syphilis (Meichuang). In all these cases, Huadu Dan (Toxin-Detoxifying Pill), Yinhua Jiedu Tang (Honeysuckle Decoction for Detoxification), or Liangge San (Cooling the Diaphragm Powder) are suitable. The external powder application is the same as mentioned above.

Houjun (Throat Fungus-like Growth) resembles floating duckweed, slightly elevated and deep purple in color, growing on the sides of the throat. It is caused by emotional depression leading to Qi stagnation and Blood heat, and is more common in women. Mild cases resolve within half a month to twenty days, while severe cases may take over a month. Recovery depends on appropriate treatment and the patient's adherence to dietary restrictions and behavioral taboos. The primary formula is Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder).

Houbi (Sore Throat with Obstruction) refers to swelling and pain in the throat without obvious distinct masses (swelling without a defined shape is Houbi; swelling with a defined shape constitutes Ru'e [Pillars of Fauces] or Yong [Abscess]). It may affect one side or both sides, hindering swallowing and obstructing breathing, hence the name "Bi" (Obstruction). The Classics state: "When one Yin and one Yang knot together, it is called Houbi." One Yin refers to the Shaoyin Ministerial Fire; One Yang refers to the Shaoyang Ministerial Fire. Both meridians connect to the throat. This condition may arise because the individual has chronic Yin deficiency, causing Ministerial Fire to lose control, become hyperactive, and knot in the throat. Alternatively, it may result from external invasion by Wind-Warmth, which aids the pathogenic fire, allowing it to follow the Lung meridians into the throat and knot there. In Wind-Heat Houbi, both internal and external aspects are swollen, with phlegm-fluids obstructing the throat. The treatment method first removes phlegm. For severe swelling, incision with a knife to bleed and drain fire is performed, followed by blowing Bingpeng San (Ice and Borax Powder) into the throat. Internally, Lingyangjiao San (Antelope Horn Powder) or Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Decoction for Detoxification) can be used for cure. For Houbi caused by Deficient Fire attacking upward, formulas such as Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction), Zhibai Bawei Wan (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron and Eight-Ingredient Pill), and Dabu Yin Wan (Great Tonify Yin Pill) are appropriate, focusing on nourishing Yin and strengthening Water. In cases where Kidney Water is exhausted and Dragon Fire (Ministerial Fire) fails to hide, ascending to the throat to cause Houbi, this occurs because the Kidney meridian circulates around the throat, so hyperactive fire can produce this syndrome. Patients typically experience frequent coughing, dry throat and thirst, heat in the palms and soles, and a fine, rapid pulse. If merely tonifying Water is insufficient to subdue the Dragon Fire, the method of guiding fire back to its source must be employed, drawing the fire downward from below to dissipate the latent heat, such as using Gui Fu Bawei Wan (Cinnamon Twig, Aconite Root and Eight-Ingredient Pill). Other herbs like Ejiao (Donkey-Hide Gelatin), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Guiban (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum), Yanwo (Swallow's Nest), Nvzhenzi (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus), Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), and Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), which clear dryness and rescue the Lungs, may also be used酌情ly according to circumstances.

The onset of Houquan (Throat Lichen) initially involves Yin-deficiency cough, followed by itching and pain in the throat. Swallowing saliva feels dry, and relief is only achieved after repeated swallowing. Over time, specific morphological changes occur: some resemble the crackle patterns of Ge ware porcelain, others look like red veins on the underside of autumn leaves, or dense red spots resembling mosquito bites. This is fundamentally due to the depletion of True Yin, with Kidney Fire rushing upward, scorching Lung Metal, and causing the Ying and Wei (Nutrient and Defensive) systems to wither and knot. The treatment principles are roughly similar to those for Houbi. If this condition persists untreated, the throat will eventually lose voice and progress to a consumptive weakness syndrome, becoming incurable. Treatment involves Qingzao Jiufei Tang (Clear Dryness and Rescue the Lungs Decoction), Dabu Yin Wan (Great Tonify Yin Pill), or Zhibai Bawei Wan (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron and Eight-Ingredient Pill).