Library

The face is the gathering place of all Yang meridians, and each area corresponds to specific organs. To discern the auspicious or inauspicious nature of eruptive diseases (smallpox/variolous eruptions), one must examine by location, which allows for immediate judgment. For instance: The forehead belongs to the Heart position. From above Yingtang (Yintang) down to the hairline, extending to the two temporal corners (near Riyue), if spots appear first, suppurate first, or scab over first here, these are all ominous prognoses. Since the Heart is the sovereign organ and theoretically does not accept pathogenic factors, early manifestation at this site indicates toxin originating from the Heart, thus it is an inauspicious sign. The left cheek belongs to the Liver, and the right cheek belongs to the Lungs. If red spots appear first on both cheeks, distinct and clearly separated, it is auspicious; if they cluster together into patches with unclear boundaries and the flesh becomes swollen and hard, it is inauspicious. This is because the Liver stores the Hun (Ethereal Soul) and the Lungs store the Po (Corporeal Soul); if fierce toxins invade, the Hun and Po will separate, making it impossible to hope for vitality. The chin belongs to the Kidney position. From Chengjiang (Chengjiang) down to the bilateral mandibular angles, if spots appear first, suppurate first, or scab over first, it is auspicious. Indeed, although this region belongs to the Kidney, the meridians of the Three Yin and Three Yang all converge here; early appearance, suppuration, and scabbing indicate harmonious and smooth flow of Yin and Yang Qi, hence it is treatable. As for the nose, it belongs to the Spleen, located centrally. What is most taboo is eruption or scabbing first at the tip of the nose (Zhuntou). This is because Spleen Earth nourishes the four surrounding organs; if toxin originates from the Spleen, the Spleen is failing. If the Spleen fails, the other four organs will follow suit in failure; even if time drags on, it merely prolongs life temporarily. The ears are the orifices of the Kidneys, and the Shaoyang Ministerial Fire meridian runs along the front and back of the ears. Therefore, if red spots appear first on the earlobes, it indicates blazing fire-toxin that is difficult to extinguish, which is not an auspicious sign. Most gratifying is when eruption, suppuration, and scabbing occur first around the mouth and lips. Because the Yangming meridians flank the mouth and encircle the lips, governed by the Stomach and Large Intestine, this is a region abundant in Qi and Blood where nothing cannot be borne, hence it signifies auspiciousness. These key points regarding organ-face correspondences must be carefully studied during normal times, so as to apply flexible judgment during clinical practice.

When pox covers the crown of the head, it is called "Meng Tou" (Covered Head). Toxin involving the Yang positions is most worrying. If the pustules are slightly pointed and round with soft muscle texture, treat with Songji Tongsheng San (Sore-Relieving Supreme Purity Powder); if red and swollen like a melon, it is an incurable condition, and medication will ultimately be of no avail.
[Note] The head is the meeting point of all Yang meridians. When the body is sparse but the head is dense, it is named "Meng Tou," indicating toxin invading Yang positions. If the pustule shape is slightly pointed and round, it should be treated with Songji Tongsheng San. If the head is red and swollen like a melon, it is an untreatable syndrome; even with herbal administration, there is ultimately no help.

The诀 (Rhyme Formula) for observing pox states: Three or five connected suggests misfortune; four or six aligned implies disaster; one or two arranged up and down are paths of auspiciousness; double or single mixed places need not cause worry.

Songji Tongsheng San (Sore-Relieving Supreme Purity Powder)
Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus, stir-fried and ground), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Zicao (Arnebiae Radix seu Lithospermi Radix), Honghua (Carthami Flos), Qingpi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Pericarpium), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Zihuadiding (Violaris Herba), Fengfang (Vespa Nidus), Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis).
Guiding herbs: Add Luxun (Asparagi Racemiferi Rhizoma) and Yuanxi (Coriandri Fructus), decoct in water and take orally.
[Prescription Verse] Songji Tongsheng medicine is most efficacious, Jingjie, Qianghuo, Niubangzi, and Fangfeng together; Zicao, Honghua, Qingpi, Danggui, and Chishao; Diding, Fengfang, Shanzha, and Mutong.