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Fugu Ju (Bone-Adhering Carbuncle), commonly known as Tie Gu Yong (Bone-Sticking Abscess), occurs on the bone of the lateral aspect of the thigh. This is a syndrome characterized by Yin-cold. Whenever there is unexplained soreness and pain at the Huantiao (GB30, Acupoint of Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian) that persists for a long time without healing, it is a sign of this condition. This arises because the primordial Qi (Yuan Qi) has been deficient since early life; Wind, Cold, and Dampness pathogens take advantage of this deficiency to enter the interior. The collateral vessels become obstructed and lose harmony, leading to blood stasis and Qi stagnation, which triggers the disease. Initially, there is soreness and pain in the tendons and bones between the buttocks and thighs. In severe cases, flexion and extension are impossible, and turning over is difficult. The area is neither red nor hot, and the skin color remains unchanged. The body experiences alternating chills and fever, yet sweating does not occur. Over days and months, a slight swelling gradually appears. The condition transforms from Yin to Yang, and cold transforms into heat. When heat becomes excessive, flesh is腐rified into pus, indicating that the carbuncle has fully formed. It is called "Fugu" (Bone-Adhering) because its toxic qi is deep-seated and adheres to the bone. The Kidneys govern the bones. If the warm and harmonious Yang Qi of the Kidney meridian is insufficient, Qi cannot circulate freely within the tunnels of the Kidney region and between bone fissures. Consequently, Yin-cold pathogens can deeply invade, lodge, and condense, causing Yin-blood stasis. Internal accumulation of Damp-Heat eventually leads to ulceration and pus formation. Ancient practitioners sometimes used Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) to tonify Kidney Qi, while also promoting the action of other herbs and dispersing Cold pathogens. Generally, the treatment principle for the initial stage of this condition should focus on warming the meridians and unblocking collaterals, disseminating warm and harmonious Yang Qi, draining Dampness, and tonifying deficiency. If the pulse is slippery and rapid, feeling soft and ripe upon palpation, it indicates that pus has formed. One must promptly incise and drain it to prevent prolonged retention and spreading; otherwise, the entire leg may ulcerate. After pus drainage, one must warmly nourish Qi and Blood, support Stomach Qi, and harmonize Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels to achieve a swift recovery. One must absolutely avoid using cold-natured herbs for external application or internal consumption, as this would cause significant harm.

Fugu Tan (Bone-Adhering Phlegm) also occurs on the bone of the lateral aspect of the thigh. It is a syndrome characterized by pure Yin with no Yang. Children aged three to five years old, suffering from congenital insufficiency and depletion of the Three Yin meridians, or due to trauma, may experience impaired ascending of Qi and stagnant circulation of Blood. This stagnation in the collaterals causes deep, penetrating pain, triggering this ulcerative condition. In the early stage, there may be alternating chills and fever every three or five days. The patient's appearance becomes emaciated, and leg and foot movement is difficult. Pain comes and goes intermittently. There is bone soreness and diffuse swelling, which is lighter in the morning and heavier in the evening. As time passes, the area gradually becomes slightly soft, resembling an abscess. Upon puncture, clear and thin pus flows out, sometimes accompanied by curd-like clumps. The swelling does not subside. Primordial Qi declines daily, the body shrinks, and deformities such as pigeon chest and turtle back appear. Lips and tongue become dry and scorched, urine and stool become scanty and constipated, or Spleen failure leads to diarrhea. Food intake decreases, gradually progressing to Tong Lao (Childhood Consumption/Tuberculosis) and death. Adults can also suffer from this. In men, it results from unrestrained sexual activity and excess desire, drying up Kidney Water. In women, it arises from insufficiency of True Yin, leading to amenorrhea and blood closure. Onset presents with lower back pain and weak legs, soreness in the knees and thighs, followed by gradual swelling of the thigh, also known as Guyin Ju (Thigh-Yin Carbuncle). If pus forms after a long duration, and swelling and hardness with pale skin color appear at the Shenshu (BL23, Kidney Shu) acupoint on the waist, it is named Shenshu Xu Tan (Kidney Shu Deficiency Phlegm). Both conditions are difficult to heal and close after ulceration and pus discharge.