Library

Generally speaking, when a sore or carbuncle first appears, it is only as large as a grain of millet, and its condition is extremely slight. Most people do not consider it urgent, but this harbors a major disaster and should be identified quickly; one must not neglect it. If one can prevent it before it takes shape, treat it before it fully develops, or detect it in the morning and treat it by evening, seeking a qualified physician (Liangyi), then there will surely be no danger or distress. However, if one procrastinates, acts negligently, consults mediocre physicians, and allows pus and blood to accumulate, leaving fate to chance and waiting for death with hands tied, how could regret be sufficient? Is this not something to be cautious about! Entrusting one's invaluable body to a mediocre physician, allowing arbitrary handling, leads to immediate peril; whereas using a qualified physician ensures recovery. When selecting a physician, one must not fail to choose carefully; distinguishing them is not difficult. A qualified physician is one who has read extensively through classic texts, is long familiar with clinical manifestations, is proficient in herbal decoctions, thoroughly understands observation of complexion and pulse diagnosis, possesses a benevolent and kind nature, upholds filial piety, righteousness, loyalty, and trustworthiness, remains unconfused in critical situations, and handles treatment with skill. Such a person should be entrusted without doubt.

Subsequently, the key lies in the patient's self-restraint. One must not harbor anger, sorrow, or worry, nor shout or resent. One must not indulge in arrogance or gratify the mouth and belly excessively, nor engage in overwork or labor. One should maintain tranquility and serenity, enduring irritations patiently. Those around the patient should eliminate noise and chaos. One must strictly avoid striking or touching objects, harsh noises, arguments over right and wrong, cursing, fighting, as well as postpartum women, promiscuous men, individuals with unclean bodily odors, those carrying alcohol or strong-smelling foods, people raising chickens or dogs while nursing infants, and breeding livestock. These must all be kept at a distance. If close relatives or friends wish to visit seriously, they should be instructed beforehand to walk slowly, speak softly, attend to the patient attentively, and withdraw respectfully after paying respects. They must not sigh, express surprise, reminisce, or invite the patient to outings, banquets, or entertainment, which might stir emotions and cause sadness. Above all, one must not arbitrarily prescribe medicines or merely discuss deficiency and excess patterns, thereby confusing the patient and causing hesitation, which is inconvenient. Visits should not be prolonged; excessive talking causes fatigue, which is unsuitable for a patient confined to bed. The attendant should be near middle-aged, possessing a calm and steady temperament, diligent, cautious, patient, benevolent, and wise. Care focuses on regulating diet with gruel and medicine, ensuring timely administration. The attendant must not snap fingers, sigh, weep secretly, or speak privately near the patient, as this may emotionally agitate them and is highly disadvantageous.

Regarding diet, taboos are numerous and cannot be omitted. Among domestic animals, do not consume donkeys, horses, camels, mules, pigs, dogs, cattle, or sheep. Also avoid miscellaneous fish, turtles, soft-shelled turtles, shrimp, crabs, pickled items, spoiled old food, naturally dead animals, and those that died from disease. Do not eat these under any circumstances. Among poultry, avoid geese, ducks, swans, hawks, sparrows, cranes, mandarin ducks, egrets, doves, pigeons, crows, chickens, pheasants, and birds capable of mimicking human speech. Among wild beasts, avoid roe deer, sika deer, foxes, rabbits, tigers, leopards, bears, jackals, animals with claws or teeth that harm humans, venomous insects and beasts, and animals corresponding to one's own zodiac sign (Benming). Among vegetables, avoid cucumbers, eggplants, basil, rapeseed, coriander, raw lettuce, smartweed, mustard greens, mushrooms, bottle gourds, garlic, scallions, and shallots. Among fruits, avoid peaches, apricots, dates, chestnuts, plums, apples, pears, plums, soft jujubes, red persimmons, cherries, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, crabapples, and any fruit bitten by insects or unripe.

However, once the abscess has ruptured, pus discharged, swelling subsided, and Qi and Blood are weak, mutton, quail, turnip greens, ginger sauce, shepherd's purse, radishes, yellow and white grains, fine rice, thin gruel, and soft rice may be consumed. When muscle tissue gradually regenerates and cravings for flavorful food arise, white cooked butter cakes, vegetable gruel, soups, and stews that are cooked, soft, warm, and of moderate consistency should be chosen. Preparation must follow proper methods, and one must not overeat. At this stage, steamed buns, steamed cakes, wontons, meat dumplings, pancakes, roasted or fried foods, spicy, sour, greasy, fatty meats, and fish are still taboo. When the skin approaches healing, foul tissue is removed, and the wound closes, one must still avoid standing and walking, greeting guests, drinking or attending banquets, bathing while angry, climbing towers or pavilions, exercising limbs, exposure to extreme cold or heat, and physical exhaustion. Regulation and dietary care are essential until the scar flattens, spirit returns to normal, and strength is fully restored, at which point no further taboos apply. Within one hundred days, strictly avoid violating these precautions.