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The area below the neck suddenly swells into a lump, gradually extending to the neck. It occasionally ruptures, discharging about one bowl of fluid, and remains ulcerated for a long time without healing. This is caused by accidentally consuming poisonous ants during meals, hence the name. In the early stage, it is easy to treat; if prolonged, it is difficult to cure.

This condition arises from deficiency fire flaming upward, with the Lung affected by dryness-heat, causing pathogenic factors to attack the throat. Red thread-like patterns emerge, resembling the crackle glaze of Ge ware (Ge kiln porcelain), or the veins on the back of a begonia leaf. The throat feels dry, hindering eating; there may be pain or itching. Although not fatal, it does not heal quickly. If medication is delayed and dietary/lifestyle taboos are not observed, severe complications will inevitably arise. Prolonged cases may lead to aphonia (loss of voice) that is incurable; this condition is commonly seen in patients with consumption diseases (Lao Zheng). [E's Note: All patients with throat disorders must observe dietary restrictions and abstain from sexual desire. Previously, while consulting at my master's clinic, I saw a woman surnamed Shi who suffered from sore throat. After being cured by my master, she returned suddenly one day with acute aphonia, swollen tonsils (Di Ding), and a pulse that was large and floating at the Chi position. I deduced this was due to her failure to abstain from sexual activity. I then employed methods to nourish Yin and grasp Qi. This was truly not Throat Tinea (Hou Xuan); such entrenched bad habits are both laughable and lamentable.]

In descriptions of Hou Bi (Sore Throat) involving toxic pathogens, the phlegm and saliva are thick and solid, accompanied by aversion to cold and fever. If the pulse is accessible at the Guan position above, it is treatable; if below, it is difficult to treat. [E's Note: Sai Hou Feng (Throat Blocking Wind) is purely caused by obstruction of Phlegm-Qi. I used my self-made Pi Li Zhen (Thunderbolt Needle) to open the orifices, followed by blowing Zhong Bai Wu Niu San (Middle White Black Ox Powder) and Liu Hua Mi Yao (Liu Hua Secret Medicine) into the lesion. Internal treatment focuses on clearing Phlegm and promoting bowel movements.]

This occurs due to excessive consumption of spicy, roasted, and fried foods, as well as rich flavors and strong alcohol, leading to heat contraction; or it arises from emotional stagnation. All these belong to Lung diseases. [Jinghua's Note: Lin Peiqin stated: The Stomach and Large Intestine meridians pass through the formless areas of the throat, presenting only with redness, swelling, and pain. Severe cases may also involve chills and fever, with headache resolving in four to five days. Those with white star-like spots are called E (Tonsillar Abscess). Those without spots are called Yong (Carbuncle/Abscess).]

Obese individuals who contract heat and have irritable temperaments are prone to this condition. When something resembling a small tongue grows under the tongue, it is called HT She (HT Tongue, referring to uvular edema/swelling). If accompanied by throat swelling and pain, it is called Hou Yong (Throat Carbuncle). This is caused by stagnant fire in the Heart and Spleen meridians attacking upward. Concurrent HT She and Hou Yong represent the most severe condition, but can be cured with prompt treatment. Cases occurring after Shang Han (Cold Damage) are difficult to treat. If Qi blockage occurs with no sound or visible form, it is mostly a critical condition. [E's Note: There is another type of external Hou Yong where the throat is not painful, but swelling occurs below the chin, becoming red, swollen, and ulcerated, healing within one cycle (five days). In autumn of the Jiayin year, I treated a patient surnamed Zhang. Internal accumulation of summer-heat toxin manifested on the skin as summer boils and scrofula. Lymph nodes under the chin were swollen, red, and painful, forming a lower Hou Yong that was resistant to resolution. Treatment should clear the Ying level, resolve toxicity, promote rapid suppuration and healing, and stop spread. Formula: Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae), Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae), Da Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae), Jiang Shan Zhi (Zanthoxylis Pericarpium processed with ginger), Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Chi Ling (Poria Cocos with red color), Yi Mi (Semen Coicis), Xia Ku Cao (Spica Prunellae), Chan Yi (Periostracum Cicadae), Zhu Ye (Folium Bambusae), Xi Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra). After one dose, incision was performed. Post-ulceration, pus discharge was scant, swelling persisted, and the pulse was wiry and forceful. Treatment shifted to supporting Qi to expel toxicity and promote suppuration, aiming to reduce swelling. Formula: Chao Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii processed), Chao Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae processed), Fang Feng, Lian Qiao, Da Bei Mu, Jin Yin Hua, Hei Shan Zhi (Gardeniae Fructus processed with charcoal), Chan Yi, Gou Gou (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis), Bai Ji Li (Semen Tribuli processed with salt water), Sheng Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata), Di Ding Cao (Herba Taraxaci), Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), Zhu Ru (Caulis Bambusae in Taenia), Bo He Ye (Folium Menthae Haplocalycis). Externally applied with self-made Qu Jie Miao Dan. Healed within one cycle. (For internal abscesses, non-ulceration is ideal.)]