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The key to treating surgical sores (Yang Ke) lies in seeking resolution when the lesion has not yet suppurated. Treating it early, even if the symptoms are severe, allows for its dissolution into nothingness; the patient does not perceive this as a merit, and the physician can save much trouble. This is the intention of a good physician and represents the highest level of medical treatment. However, the method of reducing swelling is most meticulous. Each disease has its own origin; the Seven Emotions (Qing Zhi), Six Evils (Liu Yin), and Three Causes (San Yin) vary differently. If one cannot probe the source from the root of the disease to treat it, there is absolutely no hope of resolution. Some merely seek solutions based on the location and appearance, which is neglecting the root for the branch. If the cause is external, the invasion of Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, and Dampness will form sores according to the specific contact. If the cause is internal, the stagnation of Qi, Blood, Phlegm, and Depression will flow into the meridians and collaterals, causing large carbuncles. Therefore, the general principles of reducing swelling and detoxifying, for external conditions, involve dispersing Wind if present, clearing Heat if present, and regulating Dampness or dispelling Cold if present. For internal injuries, regulating Qi stagnation, moving Blood stasis, guiding Phlegm condensation, and washing away Fluid accumulation are employed. By rectifying the root and clearing the source, all these constitute excellent agents for resolution.

Besides, only the Fire of the Five Wills and the Depression of the Seven Emotions arise gradually, knotting into hard swellings. Conditions such as Ru Pi (Breast Lump), Ru Yan (Breast Cancer), Shi Rong (Loss of Glory/Neck Tumor), and Shi Ju (Stone Abscess) have existed for a long time, with deep roots and firm foundations. Although there are good methods to nourish Yin fluids, harmonize Ying (Nutritive) Qi, soften hardness, and promote Qi flow, unless the patient can cast off worldly ties, break through vexations, cultivate their temperament, and nurture Taihe (Great Harmony), stubborn diseases are difficult to cure, and there is no hope. As for other conditions, who could say that guidance and resolution are ineffective? However, differentiation must be precise to ensure accurate understanding, tracing the beginning to the end, probing the root and exhausting the source. This is far beyond what mediocre physicians with vulgar eyes, who "treat the head when the head hurts and the foot when the foot hurts," can aspire to.

The treatment of Zhong Yang (Swollen Ulcer/Pre-ulcerative stage) generally regards resolution as the primary principle. By applying various methods of reducing swelling according to the syndrome, even major conditions can have their momentum attenuated. It is said that the large becomes small, and the small becomes nothing. The patient receives benefits unknowingly, and the physician achieves merit without claiming credit. Is this not the intention of a benevolent person? When resolution is impossible or treatment is delayed, and pus has already formed internally, complete regression is inevitable. At this time, internal decoctions should still focus on resolution; etiology must be distinguished, and medications chosen according to the aforementioned methods of reduction. Since although pus has formed internally, swelling remains around it, reducing swelling is urgent, while the formation of pus is temporarily set aside. Thus, once residual swelling subsides, even if ulceration occurs, it will not be extensive. One must never use penetrating/dispersing drugs too early to hasten pus formation, which would lead to progressively larger openings and prolonged healing times. Shan Jia Pian (Pangolin Scales) and Zao Jiao Zhen (Gleditsia Sinensis Thorn) penetrate rapidly and facilitate pus discharge easily. Using them early before pus formation promotes premature suppuration and prevents full resolution. Only in cases of Yin-Cold syndromes with hard masses and diffuse swelling can their flowing nature help dissipate stagnation. If pus is formed deep within the flesh and cannot penetrate outward, using these herbs plus Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome) can elevate the swelling, bring it to the surface, and lift the deep to the shallow, which is also a valid method. However, for Zhong Yang, unless the patient suffers from a severe deficiency of True Qi, tonification methods must not be used. Administering tonics aids the pathogen. Laypeople, unaware of this, mistakenly follow Zhang Jiegu's statement that Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) is the sacred medicine for sores, indiscriminately prescribing it, turning mild conditions into severe ones in countless instances, causing great harm. Physicians treating sores often ignore these drawbacks, which is truly lamentable.