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Refer to the discussion on carbuncles and sores in the section on toxic carbuncles.

Wang Hongxu stated: In cases of Yin poison, the skin color remains unchanged. However, there are cases with swelling and those without; pain and those without; hardness that is difficult to move, and softness like cotton. These distinctions must not be overlooked. Swelling without hardness, accompanied by unbearable pain, is known as *Liuzhu* (Flowing Pillar, a suppurative disease deep in the muscles); swelling with hardness and slight pain refers to types such as *Tiegujju* (Bone-Adhering Carbuncle), *Hexifen* (Crane's Knee Wind), *Hengxuan* (Groin Buboes), and *Guchao Feng* (Bone Trough Wind); no swelling but with pain, numbness in bone joints, and insensitivity in hands and feet indicates *Fengshi* (Wind-Dampness); hardness like a kernel, with no initial pain, refers to *Luyan* (Breast Rock, breast cancer) and *Luoli* (Scrofula); no pain but hard, shaped like a fist, refers to *Ehe* (Evil Nodule) and *Shirong* (Loss of Glory); no pain, not hard, soft and gradually enlarging, refers to *Yingliu* (Goiter/Tumor); no pain but hard, hard as metal and stone, large as a measuring vessel, refers to *Shiju* (Stone Carbuncle). All these conditions belong to Yin deficiency. Regardless of whether they are flat or large, and regardless of which of the five z-organs the toxin originates from, they are all termed *Yin Ju* (Yin Carbuncle). If painful, it is easier to resolve; if painless upon heavy pressure and hard, the toxin root is deep and solidified, making resolution difficult; thus, treatment must not be delayed.

Wang Hongxu stated: When initially presenting with a wide, flat shape, scattered roots, no swelling or pain, and dull color, this is the most dangerous manifestation of *Yin Ju*. If cold-natured medicines are mistakenly administered, the color will change to that of overnight pork liver, the toxin attacks the internal organs, and death follows immediately with coma. A dull and scattered color indicates deficiency of both Qi and Blood; a painless and flat lesion indicates congealed toxin-phlegm. The method of treatment requires Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) to open the interstices (couli); without Cinnamon Twig (Rougui, 肉桂) and Prepared Ginger Root (Paojiang, 炮姜), the congealment cannot be resolved. Even in intense summer heat, one cannot omit any of these three herbs. Once the interstices are opened and the congealment resolved, Qi and Blood can circulate; once circulating, the congealed toxin dissipates. This is a fixed and unchangeable principle. The formulas listed subsequently—Yanghe Decoction (Yanghe Tang), Yanghe Plaster (Yanghe Gao), Xihuang Pill (Xihuang Wan), and Xiaojin Dan—are essential medicines for treating *Yin Ju*. Following the prescription ensures success without error. Any addition or subtraction will render them ineffective.

He also said: If children suffer from various *Yin Ju* and cannot take oral medicine, administer Xiaojin Dan dissolved orally at the onset, continuing until the swelling subsides. If suppuration has already formed, it must still be taken daily to allow painless rupture. Once the toxin is completely expelled, use Baoyuan Decoction (see Section on Toxic Carbuncles) with 5 fen of Cinnamon Twig, decocted in water, taken daily to complete the cure.

He further stated: For any sores that are white in color and vary in size, Dongtian Plaster is contraindicated. Furthermore, plasters that are boiled too lightly (too tender) will cause cold congealment to become more solid upon application. Plasters containing Crotonis Semen (Badou, 巴豆) or Ricini Semen (Bima, 蓖麻) must never be applied, as their stimulating nature may aggravate the condition; cases of Hengxuan and Luyan becoming fatal due to application, and miscarriages in pregnant women, are common observations. After any *Yin Ju* ulcerates, it is advisable to apply Yanghe Jie Ning Plaster (Yanghe Jie Ning Gao).