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Xuan Yong (Hanging Abscess) arises in the upper palate, resembling a purple plum, hanging down to touch the tongue. Initially, there are severe chills and high fever. After the abscess forms, the tongue cannot protrude or retract, and the mouth cannot open or close; the patient desires to lie on their back. Red nasal discharge occurs intermittently. This is caused by accumulated heat in the Shaoyin meridians of the hand and foot, as well as the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). Treatment involves lancing to drain green, yellow, and red blood, followed by insufflating Bingqing San (Ice Blue Powder) with added Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome). Internally, administer Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Decoction for Resolving Toxicity) or Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction); recovery can be expected within a few days.

Chong She (Double Tongue) refers to an abscess arising under the root of the tongue, or a small extra tongue growing beneath the tongue, known as Chong She. Another variation involves three small tongues growing under the tongue, shaped like a lotus flower, also called Lianhua She (Lotus Tongue). The tongue is considered the sprout of the Heart, and the Liver and Spleen meridians all connect to the root of the tongue. Etiology may include excessive thinking leading to Heart Fire flaming upward; Heat in the Spleen meridian obstructing Qi and Blood circulation; or depression and worry causing Liver Pathogenic factors to surge upward and knot. Initial symptoms include headache and alternating chills and fever. Use Niubang Jiexu Tang (Burdock Decoction for Relieving Muscular Tension) to induce sweating. If chills and fever persist, immediately use Huanglian Jiedu Tang or Xijiao Dihuang Tang. If pus has formed, lance it and insufflate Bingpeng San (Ice Borax Powder). If no pus has formed, it may resolve after seven days.

Additionally, if external Wind-Heat causes diffuse swelling under the chin, accompanied by Xuan Yong or Chong She, initial symptoms include headache, stiff neck, and alternating chills and fever. Some cases form pus, while others do not. Apply Tiegu San (Iron Hoop Powder) externally to confine the swelling. Treatment focuses on releasing the exterior and dispersing pathogens. If heat is intense, Lingyangjiao (Saiga Antelope Horn) or Chuanlian (Sichuan Coptis) may be used. After five or six days, if the skin becomes red and diffusely swollen, pus has formed, and lancing is appropriate. This condition is similar to Wind-Heat Phlegm-Toxin.

The throat and pharynx are vital hubs of the body, the junctions of the hundred joints, and the portals for respiration. The left side (pharynx/esophagus) belongs to the Stomach, and the right side (larynx/trachea) belongs to the Lung. Both internal and external etiologies can cause numerous surgical lesions here. Let us first discuss Hou'e (Throat Moth) and Hou Yong (Throat Abscess). Wind-Warmth and pathogenic heat first invade the Lung, transform into fire, move upward along the meridians into the collaterals, and knot in the throat. The swelling resembles a silkworm moth, hence the name Hou'e. (Note: The popular folk belief that "e" refers to someone who cannot eat vegetables is incorrect.) It may occur on one side (Dan'e/Single Moth) or both sides (Shuang'e/Double Moth). Initially presenting with chills and fever, the swelling gradually increases. Immediately use formulas to disperse pathogens and relieve exterior constraints, such as Niubang San (Burdock Powder) with added Huanglian, or Jingfang Baidu San (Aucklandia and Saposhnikovia Decoction for Overcoming Toxins). Insufflate Bingpeng San mixed with Bohe (Mint) and Chuanlian powder. By the third or fourth day, if swelling is severe with rattling phlegm and difficulty swallowing liquids, lance the swollen area in the throat. Prepare a powder from Zaojiao (Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit) ash, Danfan (Alum), Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis), Bingpian (Borneol) each at 1 fen, and Muxiang (Moschus) at 3 li. Insufflate this powder; profuse expectoration of phlegm will follow, bringing relief. Subsequently, administer decoctions to clear fire and eliminate heat, such as Huanglian Jiedu Tang, or herbs like Xian Di (Fresh Rehmannia Root), Lingyangjiao, Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Shihu (Dendrobium Stem), Yuanshen (Scrophularia Root), Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex), Lugeng (Reed Rhizome), and Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit). If constipation exists, Liangge San (Cooling the Chest Powder) can be used to unblock the bowels and purge stool. For moths with yellow heads, they must be pricked with a knife; if no yellow head appears, pricking is unnecessary. After seven days, chills and fever naturally subside, and swelling resolves. (Generally, for external sores caused by Wind-Fire, the seven-day period is the standard timeline.) Some cases arise from Deficient Fire flaming upward due to deficiency of Kidney Yin (Water), causing Kidney Yuan Yang (Original Fire) to fail to stay rooted and ascend reversely to knot in the throat. In such cases, the method of guiding fire back to its source is required, using Guifu Bawei Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Eight-Ingredient Pill). To distinguish between Excess and Deficiency: Excess Fire presents with rapid and large pulse, worsening in the morning and improving at night, dry mouth, dry tongue, and cracking. Deficient Fire presents with fine and rapid pulse, improving during the day and worsening at night, little thirst, smooth tongue without cracking. Furthermore, swelling from external contraction is sudden and urgent; swelling from internal causes is slow. Using these criteria ensures accurate diagnosis.

Hou Yong (Throat Abscess) arises in the center of the posterior pharyngeal wall, with round and regular swelling. If caused by Wind-Heat, treat similarly to Hou'e. If caused by Fire of the Heart and Liver scorching Lung Metal, with Heat-Toxin attacking the throat, use Longdan Tang (Gentian Decoction) or Huanglian Xiexin Tang (Coptis Decoction to Drain the Heart).