Library

If the patient presents with aversion to cold and the ulcer fails to discharge, use Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction). If there is fever and the ulcer fails to discharge, use Bazhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction). If the failure to discharge is due to excessive purgation or harsh treatment, use Liujunzi Tang (Six-Gentleman Decoction) with Danggui added. If the external skin is black, hard, and fails to discharge, this indicates internal fire steaming and scorching; internally administer Bazhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction), and externally apply Danggui Gao (Angelica Sinensis Ointment). Cases where dead flesh cannot discharge or new flesh cannot grow, leading to death, are all due to a failure to preemptively tonify the Spleen and Stomach.

One patient had already cleared the blood stasis but suffered from poor appetite and lack of desire for food, with dead flesh not discharging. After using drugs to support the interior and expel toxins, the pus discharged was thin and clear, indicating deficiency of Blood and Qi, which requires substantial tonification. The patient did not comply, but Xue Ji forcibly administered strong tonifying agents. Subsequently, the patient’s appetite improved, and the dead flesh began to discharge. However, the patient suffered from slight insomnia, so Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) with Zhizi added was prescribed for two doses, after which sleep normalized. Due to mental exertion, irritability and thirst arose, with a floating, forceful, and large pulse; Danggui Buxue Tang (Danggui Tonifies the Blood Decoction) was then administered for two doses, bringing stability.

Another patient suffered severe corporal punishment, resulting in broken external skin and profuse bleeding like a stream. The internal flesh was rotten, dark, and swollen, extending from the chest and back down to the toes. The patient was comatose and unable to eat. Immediately, hot black sheepskin was applied to the affected area, and the patient was given urine from a young boy mixed with wine and thin porridge. This was followed by formulas to clear the Liver, invigorate Blood, regulate Qi, and strengthen the Spleen. Mental clarity slightly returned, and the patient reported generalized stiffness and pain. Large doses of Blood-nourishing and Qi-tonifying medicines were then used, reducing swelling and improving appetite. It was mid-winter, and the blood stasis had coagulated, preventing pus formation. Strong tonifying agents were again used to strengthen Yang Qi, allowing the pus to mature. It was then lanced with a bi stone (stone lancet), exposing the bone. Danggui Gao (Angelica Sinensis Ointment) was applied, and over one hundred doses of the previous medicines were taken, gradually regenerating muscle tissue.

Liu Wuqing, Vice Minister of Rites, sustained an injury on one part of his body, experiencing mild pain and reduced appetite. Liujunzi Tang (Six-Gentleman Decoction) with doubled amounts of Danggui and Huangqi was prescribed, and the pain gradually ceased. Over a month later, the internal blood stasis dried up without discharging, and Mr. Liu believed he had recovered. I stated: "This is extreme deficiency of Yang Qi, requiring regulation and tonification." He did not comply. By the following spring, he experienced dizziness and phlegm-saliva obstruction. After taking Qingqi Huatan Wan (Clear Qi and Resolve Phlegm Pills), the condition worsened. His pulse was forceful and large yet subtly fine. I proposed using Ginseng, Atractylodes, Angelica, and Aconite for tonification, but he refused. By early autumn, anger induced coma and cold extremities.