Mr. Zheng developed Gan Ju (Liver Abscess) in the left hypochondrium, presenting as diffuse swelling that is hard to the touch and painful upon pressure, with the mass being as large as a palm. This condition arises from deficiency of both Qi and Yin, combined with Liver Qi stagnation involving phlegm-dampness condensation, leading to disharmony of Ying (Nutrient) and Wei (Defensive) Qi, showing signs of pus formation. The treatment should employ both resolution (Xiao) and support/expulsion (Tuo) methods simultaneously: resolving toxins that have not yet formed pus, and supporting/expelling pus that has already formed. If the pus drains externally, the prognosis is auspicious; if the abscess membrane ruptures internally, it is critical.

Prescription: Sheng Huangqi (Raw Radix Astragali, 6 qian), Sheng Caojie (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma joint section, 8 fen), Chuan Xiangbei (Fritillariae Bulbus, each 2 qian), Zaojiaozhen (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina, 1 qian), Quan Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, 3 qian), Ku Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, 1 qian), Zhi Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus, 3 qian), Chen Guangpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1 qian), Sheng Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 3 qian), Yinzhou Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix, 1 qian), Zhi Jiapian (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum processed, 1 qian).

External application: Shijiang Dan, Ping'an San, Yanghe Gao.

Second visit: The previous prescription for tonifying Qi and employing Xiao-Tuo methods reduced the swelling, hardness, and pain of the Gan Ju significantly compared to before, suggesting potential for complete resolution. However, the patient suffers from mental fatigue, limb weakness, emaciation, and a soggy-soft pulse, indicating dual deficiency of Qi and Blood, with phlegm-dampness not yet fully resolved. Since efficacy is observed, we adhere to the original principle with modifications.

Prescription: Sheng Huangqi (Raw Radix Astragali, 6 qian), Yun Fuling (Poria, 3 qian), Chuan Xiangbei (Fritillariae Bulbus, each 2 qian), Du Chidou (Vigna umbellata seeds, 1 liang), Quan Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, 3 qian), Sheng Caojie (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma joint section, 6 fen), Zi Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian), Sheng Yiren (Coicis Semen, 4 qian), Sheng Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 3 qian), Chen Guangpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1 qian), Xian Heye (Nelumbinis Folium, 1 jiao).

Mr. Wang presents with Fei Ju (Lung Abscess) which has already formed, manifesting as diffuse swelling like a basin, unceasing pain, chest tightness with qi obstruction, profuse sweating, cold limbs, and a soggy-thin pulse. Initially caused by wind-pathogen, phlegm, and blood stasis accumulating at the Lung Shu point, it subsequently fermented into pus. The lung's dispersing and descending functions are impaired (Fei Yan Ye Ju), preventing the clear and pure descent, raising concern that righteous Qi may fail to sustain itself, leading to collapse! I tentatively prescribe methods to support righteousness and expel toxins, clear the lungs and resolve phlegm, doing my utmost to hope for heavenly favor.

Prescription: Sheng Huangqi (Raw Radix Astragali, 4 qian), Bao Fushen (Poria with hostwood, 3 qian), Jing Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 2 qian), Sigualuo (Luffae Fructus Rete, 2 qian), Sheng Caojie (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma joint section, 8 fen), Zhi Yuanzhi Rou (Polygalae Radix processed flesh, 1 qian), Xiang Beimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, 3 qian), Dongguazi (Benincasae Semen, 2 qian), Ku Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, 1 qian), Quan Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, 2 qian), Zhi Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus, 3 qian), Gualou Pi (Trichosanthis Pericarpium, 2 qian), Shui Zhi Sangpi (Mori Cortex water-processed, 2 qian).