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A patient had stasis blood in the affected area. After removing the stasis, the physician treated him with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), and Honghua (Safflower). The pain ceased immediately, but he developed alternating chills and fever, dry mouth, reduced appetite, and lack of desire for food. He was then prescribed Siwu Tang combined with Baizhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Fuling (Poria), Chaihu, Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), and Huafen (Trichosanthes Root). After four doses, the chills and fever subsided. Next, Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) plus Xiongkuai (Ligusticum Rhizome), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), and Huoxiang (Patchouli) were used, leading to improved appetite. Although the necrotic tissue ulcerated, the pus was clear and thin. Therefore, the previous formula was modified by doubling the dosage of Renshen (Ginseng), Huangqi (Astragalus Root), Danggui, Baizhu, and Fuling. After more than twenty doses, all necrotic tissue ulcerated, and the pus gradually became thick.

The patient mistakenly ingested one cup of a purgative medicine, resulting in four episodes of diarrhea. The affected area turned dark. Fortunately, the pulse was not rapid and surging. Consequently, Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Great Tonifying Decoction) was administered with added Rougui (Cinnamon Bark), Maimen (Ophiopogon Tuber), and Wuwei Zi (Schisandra Berry). After several doses, the flesh color became red and vibrant, and new granulation tissue began to grow. Fortunately, the patient was in his prime, making recovery easier; after another month or so, he healed completely. Otherwise, the condition would have been incurable. For injuries from beating or falls, if there is stasis blood in the affected area, it should only be removed via bian stone (stone lancet) therapy, followed by administration of formulas that strengthen primordial qi. Since qi and blood are already depleted, one must strictly avoid using qi-moving and blood-breaking purgatives, which would further damage the spleen and stomach. This would make it even harder for vital energy to reach the lower extremities/affected area, potentially leading to a critical failure syndrome, often causing premature death in the weak.

Another patient presented with swelling and pain in the affected area. After applying cold-natured topical medicines to resolve the stasis internally, both buttocks and legs became cold, accompanied by stasis blood and chest/abdominal fullness and oppression. Xue Ji urgently removed the applied medicine, washed the affected area with hot child’s urine and wine, and administered Liujun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) with Muxiang (Aucklandia Root) and Danggui (Angelica Sinensis). Topically, Huiyang Gao (Return Yang Ointment) was applied, and the buttocks and legs gradually warmed. Subsequently, the previous formula was modified by removing Muxiang and adding Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome), Huoxiang, and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark). After four doses, the stasis resolved, and puncture was performed to drain it. Further treatment focused on strengthening the spleen and stomach and nourishing qi and blood, leading to recovery. Generally, qi and blood flow when warm but coagulate when cold. Extreme cold generates heat, transforming into pus. If the decay and ulceration are deep and extensive, and qi and blood are ruined, muscle regeneration is impossible, making survival difficult.

Cao Zirong from Yunjiang accidentally bit off half a segment of his finger while administering medication to his wife who suffered from wind-stroke (stroke). He experienced pain, chills, and fever. He applied external Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) and other medicines and took internal heat-clearing and detoxifying remedies. However, the affected area did not hurt, did not suppurate, and the pus was clear, while the chills and fever worsened. Xue Ji stated: "This is due to cooling medicines obstructing the meridians." Thus, Yulong Gao (Jade Dragon Ointment) was applied externally to disperse cold qi; internally, Liujun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) was taken to strengthen the spleen and stomach. After several days, the affected area became slightly painful, and the swelling gradually subsided, indicating the arrival of yang qi to the site. Indeed, thick pus appeared, and within a few days, half the finger ulcerated and fell off. Finally, tonifying interior medicines were taken to promote healing.

Wang Tianjue, a Shangshe (Imperial Student), suffered foot injury and swelling with internal heat and thirst. Both external applications and internal medications were cold-natured detoxifiers. This caused increased swelling without ulceration, along with aversion to cold, poor appetite, and nausea. Xue Ji said: "This is due to deficiency of both qi and blood, compounded by cold medicines congealing the meridians and damaging stomach qi, leading to these symptoms." He prescribed Xiangsha Liujun Zi Tang (Aromatic and Sand Ginger Six Gentlemen Decoction) plus Chuanxiong, Danggui, and Pao Jiang (Prepared Ginger). All external symptoms receded, leaving only fatigue and afternoon tidal fever, with unpalatable food taste. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) plus Digupi (Lycium Bark), Wuwei Zi, and Maimen was administered, leading to recovery.

Wang Tingyong, a Prefectural Governor, injured his finger and immediately wrapped it with cloth, causing internal rupture of stasis blood and swelling extending to the hand. Xue Ji advised unwrapping the area to release the stasis and using formulas to eliminate old and generate new. The patient did not believe this and instead applied cooling medicines. Although pain decreased slightly, it returned the next day. After repeated application, pus mixed with blood and filth erupted from the palm and back of the hand after several days. He continued taking detoxifying medicines, worsening qi and blood deficiency, resulting in dark complexion, clear pus, and poor appetite. He requested my treatment again. I administered formulas to strengthen the spleen and stomach and generate qi and blood. Consequently, the pus gradually thickened, and he recovered.