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The patient's symptoms have slightly eased, but the toxicity in the lungs is undeniable. After taking ten doses of Xihuang Wan (Calculus Bubali and Musk Pill), a complete recovery was achieved. This is the result of early recognition and preemptive treatment; in such cases, mortality is extremely low. I have observed that in this condition, the expectorated pus is always white, hence it is referred to as Lung Ju (Lung Abscess). Treatment with Xihuang Wan has proven universally effective. Alternatively, one may use aged salted vegetable brine, taken each morning by mixing half a cup with boiling soy milk. After ingestion, the patient feels a blockage in the chest moving up and down, which can only be expelled after several attempts, bringing forth foul-smelling pus. Daily administration continues until cure. Patients suffering from this condition must abstain终生ly from eating duck eggs, dried fish (Bai Xiang), red radishes, soft-shell turtles, and Sciaenidae fish; consumption leads to relapse that is incurable.

Qianjin Fang Weijing Decoction: Reishi Stem (Weijing) 2 jin, Coix Seed (Yiyiren) 0.5 jin, Peach Kernel (Taoren) 50 pieces, Melon Seeds (Gua Ban) 0.5 jin. Use five dou of water, first boil the Reishi Stem until reduced to five sheng, discard the dregs, add the remaining herbs, and boil to obtain two sheng. Take one sheng; upon taking the second dose, pus-like material should be expectorated. Wang Jin San stated: Regarding this formula, inferring the author's intent, the pathology is located above the diaphragm, and the method aims to induce vomiting to expel pathogens. Generally, Lung Fei (Lung Abscess) arises from the mixing of Qi and Blood, where Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) energies are indistinguishable. Two ingredients cool the Qi, while two others promote Blood circulation, clarifying the Ying and Wei energies and facilitating their expulsion through forced upward movement, which is indeed a strategic first move. The "Gua Ban" should preferably be Luffa Fruit (Sigua) seeds. Li Shizhen noted: Luffa vines penetrate meridians, and its chambers are interconnected, enabling it to unblock human meridians and zang-fu organs, reduce swelling, resolve phlegm, treat various blood disorders, and shares a synergistic relationship (Xiang Xu) with Peach Kernels. Coix Seed directs Qi downward, while Reishi Stem directs Qi upward; this ascending-descending dynamic agitates and promotes Qi and Blood flow. Thus, tissue not yet necrotized will not turn into pus, and existing abscesses can be expelled. Currently, tender Reishi Root is often used; its cold nature clears heat. Winter Melon Seeds (Donggua Ban) have an urgent descending nature. Combined with the two kernels, they form a moistening purgative formula, which is quite suitable for treating Lung Fei. Xu Ling Tai stated: This is the primary formula for treating Lung Fei.

Xu Ling Tai stated: Ancient physicians did not strictly distinguish between internal and external medicine, and their learning was profound, so they could identify all diseases. In later generations, since internal and external specialties were separated, obvious internal syndromes were treated by internal medicine specialists, and obvious external syndromes by external medicine specialists. However, for diseases located in the abdomen where the distinction between internal and external is unclear, practitioners would each adhere to their own theories and prescribe different formulas. Trying various medicines yielded no results; mild conditions worsened, and severe ones led to death. Such conditions require knowledge not only by external medicine specialists but also by internal medicine specialists who must accurately differentiate them. If a condition is not within one's responsibility, one should refrain from treatment rather than being helpless at the critical moment and then passing the case to others. There are several types of abdominal abscesses: Lung Fei, Liver Abscess, Epigastric Abscess, Small Intestine Abscess, Large Intestine Abscess, and Bladder Abscess. Only Lung Fei, characterized by coughing up foul-smelling sputum, is relatively easy to identify. Others may be mistaken for Pi Jie (Glomus/Blockage), Yu Xue (Blood Stasis), Han Tan (Cold Phlegm), or Shi Ji (Food Retention). Indiscriminate use of medicines delays treatment until suppuration occurs, making it untreatable, or even causes death before suppuration. Both patients and doctors remain unaware of the cause of death, which is common. Now, let us clarify the manifestations of Pi Jie, Blood Stasis, Cold Phlegm, and Food Retention. Pi Jie and Blood Stasis always have a cause and develop gradually. Cold Phlegm presents with shifting pain locations and distinct phlegm symptoms; Food Retention has a clear onset date and resolves after bowel movements within three to five days. External abscesses, however, have fixed pain sites that worsen over time. The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* states: When pulses are floating and rapid, fever should occur, but if the patient instead experiences chills and aversion to wind, and there is a painful area, an abscess is likely developing. Pressing on the swollen area: heat indicates pus; lack of heat indicates no pus. These sentences reveal the essence of internal abscesses. It also states: For Intestinal Abscess, the body exhibits skin roughness like scales, abdominal skin is tense, palpation feels soft like swelling, there is no abdominal mass, and the body has no fever. If it is a Liver Abscess, there is dull pain in the hypochondrium, eventually leading to expectoration of pus and blood. Small Intestine Abscess resembles Large Intestine Abscess but is located slightly higher. Bladder Abscess presents with pain in the lower abdomen near the pubic region, tenderness upon touch, and difficult, painful urination. Epigastric Abscess has deficiency and excess types; excess types are easier to resolve, but if suppuration occurs, large expectoration of pus and blood leads to recovery. Deficiency types are mostly incurable. Initially, there is epigastric pain and distension; over time, the epigastrium becomes elevated, hard as stone, possibly accompanied by alternating chills and fever, loss of appetite, increased pain on pressure, and emaciation. This is a syndrome of Spleen injury due to excessive thinking, leading to death before abscess formation. Therefore, any fixed abdominal pain accompanied by aversion to cold, lethargy, and inability to eat should be carefully examined to prevent internal abscess formation. Do not delay seeking treatment from incompetent practitioners, which may lead to prolonged suppuration and self-inflicted harm.