《录验方》云∶大五补汤治时行后变成疟方∶
枸杞白皮（一斤） 麦门冬（一升，去心） 生姜（一斤） 干地黄（三两） 当归（三
两） 黄 （三两） 人参（三两） 甘草（三两） 茯苓（三两） 生竹叶（五两） 远
志皮（三两） 术（三两） 芎 （二两） 桂心（五两） 大枣（二十枚） 桔梗（二两）
夕药（三两） 半夏（二两，洗）
凡十八物，切，以水一斗五升煮取三升，分四服，一日令尽之。
《刘涓子方》云∶九江黄父问于岐伯曰∶余闻肠胃受谷，上焦出气，以温分肉，而养骨
节，通腠理。中焦出气如露，上注 谷，而渗孙脉。津液和调，变化而赤为血，血和则孙脉
先满，乃注络脉，络脉皆盈，注乃于经脉。阴阳已张，因息乃行，行有经纪，周有道理。与
天协议，不得休止。切而调之，从虚法去实，泻则不足，疾则气留。去虚补实，补则有余，
血气已调，形神乃持。余已知血所之平与不平，未知痈疽之所从生，成败之时，死生之期有
远近。何以度之，可得闻乎？
岐伯曰∶经脉留行不止，与天同度，与地合纪，故天宿失度，日月薄蚀，地经失纪，水
道流溢，草 不成，五谷不植，经络不通，民不往来，巷聚邑居，别离异处，血气犹然，请
言其故。
夫血脉营卫，周流不休，上应星宿，下应经数。寒气客于经络之中，则血涩，血涩则不
通，不通则气归之，不得复返，故痈肿焉。与寒气化为热，热胜则肉腐，肉腐则不脓，脓不
泻则烂筋，筋烂则伤骨，骨伤则髓消，不当骨空，不得泄泻，煎枯空虚，筋骨肌肉不相亲，
经脉败漏，内熏（熟也）于五脏，五脏伤故死矣。
又云∶黄父曰∶夫子言痈疽，何以别之？岐伯答曰∶营卫稽留于脉，久则血涩而不行，
血涩不行则卫气从之，从之不通，壅遏（于葛反，绝也）不得行也。大热不止，热胜则肉腐，
肉腐为脓。犹不能陷肌肤，枯于骨髓，骨髓不为焦枯，五脏不为伤，故为痈。
黄父曰∶何谓疽？岐伯曰∶热气淳盛，当其下筋骨，良肉无余，故命曰疽。疽上皮咬以
坚，状如牛领之皮，痈者，其上皮薄以泽，此其候也。
黄父曰∶乃知所说，未知痈疽姓名、发起处所、色诊形候、治与不治、死活之期，愿事
事闻之。
岐伯曰∶《痈疽图》曰∶赤疽发额，不泻，十余日死，其五日可刺也。其脓赤多血死，
未有脓可治。人年二十五、三十一、六十、九十五，百神皆在额，不可见血，见血者死也。
禽疽发如疹者数十处，其四日肿，合牢核痛，其状若挛，十日可刺。其内发身振寒，齿
如噤欲痉，如是者，十日死也。
杼（除吕反）疽发项，若两耳下，不泻，十六死，其六日可刺。其色黑见脓而腐者死，
不可治。人年十九、二十三、三十、三十五、三十九、五十一、五十五、六十一、八十七、
九十九，神在两耳，不可见血，见血者死。
疔疽发两肩，此起有所逐恶血，结留内外，营卫不通，发为疔疽。三日身肿痛，甚口噤
如状，十一日一日可刺。不治，二十日死。
蜂疽发背，起心俞，若肩隅，二十日不泻死，其八日可刺。其色赤黑，脓见青死，不治。
人年六岁、十八、二十四、四十、五十六、六十七、七十二、九十八，神皆在肩，不可见血，
见血者死。
阴疽发髀（卑履反）腹外，若阴股，始发腰强而不能自止，数饮不能多，五日坚痛，如
此不过三岁死。
刺疽起肺俞，若肝俞，不泻，二十日死，其八日可刺。发而赤，其上肉如椒子者死，不
可治。人年十九、二十五、三十三，三十九、五十七、六十、七十三、八十一、九十七，神
皆在背，不可见血，见血者死。
脉疽发环头（一方作颈），如痛，身随而热，不欲动， 或不能食，此有所大畏恐，
躁而不精（靖），上气咳逆，气绝，其发引耳，不可以动，二十日可刺。不刺，八十日死。
龙疽发背起胃俞（第十二椎下两旁各一寸半），若肾俞（第十四椎下社各一寸半），二十
日不泻死，九日可刺。在刺，其上赤下黑，若青脓黑死，发血脓者不死。
首疽发热，发热八十日，大热汗头引身尽，如癞身热，同同（齐也）如沸者，择皮颇肿
处浅刺之。不刺，入腹中二十日死。
侠（胡颊反）荣疽发胁，若起两肘头，二十五日不泻死，其九日可刺。发赤白间，其脓
多白而无赤可治也。人年一，十六、二十六、三十二、四十八、五十八、六十四、八十、九
十六，神皆在胁，不可见血，见血者死。
行疽发如肿，或复合相往来，可要追其所在，刺之即愈。
勇疽发股起太阴，若伏鼠，二十五日不泻死，其十日可刺。勇疽发脓赤，黑死，白者尚
可治。人年十一、十五、二十、三十一、三十三、四十六、五十九、六十三、七十五、九十
一，神皆在尻尾，不可见血，见血者死。
标叔疽发热同同，耳聋。后六十日肿如裹水状，如此可刺之。但出水后及有血，血出即
除也。人年五十七、六十五、七十三、八十一、九十七，神皆在背，不可见血，见血者死。
KT （□先反）疽发足趺若足下，三十日不泻死，其十二日可刺。KT 疽，发赤白脓
而不反（死），大多其上白痒，赤黑脓死不可治，不黑可治。人年十三、二十九、三十五、
六十一、七十三、九十三，神皆在足，不可见血，见血者死。
冲疽发少腹，痛而振寒热。四日可刺，五日 ，六日变而可刺之，不刺之，五十日死。
敦（熟，殊六反）疽发两手五指头若足五趾头，十八日不泻死，其四日可刺。其发日而黑，
痈不甚，未过节可治也。
疥疽发腋下，若臂、两掌中，振寒热而嗌干者，饮多即呕，烦心 ，或六十日轸（软
欤）及有合者，如此可汗，不汗，入腹内死。
筋疽发背侠脊两边大筋，其色苍，八日可刺也。有痈在肥（胞）肠（腹）中，九十日死。
陈干疽发两臂，三四日痛不可动，五十日身热而赤，六十日可刺之。如刺肺无血，三四
日病已，无脓者死。
蚤疽发手足五指头起，过节其色不变，十日之内可刺也，过时不刺后为蚀（饮）。有痈
在腋，三岁死。
叔疽发身肿，牢核而身热，不可以坐，不可以行，不可以屈伸，成脓刺之即已除。
白疽发膊若肘后，痒，目痛，伤精，乃身热、多汗，五六处死。心主疽痈在股胫六日死，
发脓血六十日死。
黑疽发肿，居背大骨上，八日可刺也，过时不刺为骨疽。骨疽脓出不可止，出碎骨，六
十日死。
胁少阳有肿痈，在颈八日死，发血脓十日死。
创疽发，身先痒后痛。此故伤寒寒气入脏，笃发为创疽。九日可刺，不刺九十日死。
尻腰太阳脉有肿，交脉属于阳明。痈在颈十日死，发脓血七十日死。
尻太阳脉有肿痈，在足心阳明、少阳，八日死，发脓血八十日死。
头阳明脉肿痈，在尻六日死，发脓血六十日死。
股太阳脉有肿痈，在足太阳十七日死，发脓血百日死。
肩太阳太阴脉在肿痈，在胫八日死，发脓血四百日死。
足少阳脉有肿痈，在胁八日死，发脓血六百日死。
手阳明脉有肿痈，在腋渊一岁死，发脓血二岁死。
黑疽发腋渊死；黑疽发耳中如米，此大疽死；黑疽发肩不死可治；黑疽缺盆中，名曰伏
痈死，不治；黑疽发胸可治；黑疽发肘上下，不死可治；赤疽发阴股，坚死，濡可治；赤疽
发髀枢（昌朱反），六日可治，不治出岁死；赤疽掌中可治；髀解际，指本黑、头赤死；赤
疽发阴死不治；黑疽发肥肠死；黑疽发膝膑，坚死，濡可治；黑疽发趺上，坚死；足下久痈，
色赤死，不可治。
又云∶夫痈疽者，初发始微，多不为急，此实奇患，惟宜速疗之，疗之不若速，病成难
救，以此致祸，能不痛哉？且述所怀，以悟后贤。谨条黄父痈疽论，论痈所着，缓急之所，
死生之期，期如有别痈之形色、难易之疗如下∶
发皮肉，浅肿高而赤，贴即消，不疗先愈。
发筋肉，深肿下而坚，其色或青、黄、白、黑，或复微热而赤，宜急疗之，成消中半。
发附骨者，或未觉内肉，内肉已殃，已殃者痈疽之甚者也。
发背外，皮薄为痈，皮坚为疽。如此者多现先兆，宜急疗皮坚甚大者，多致祸矣。
《太素经》云∶黄帝曰∶愿尽闻痈疽之形与忌日名。岐伯曰∶痈发于嗌中，名曰猛疽。
猛疽不治，化为脓，脓不泻，塞咽半日死，其化为脓者，泻则已，已则含豕膏，毋冷食，三
日而已。（今按∶《刘涓子方》痈疽极者十八种云则是也。）
发于颈名曰夭疽。其痈大以赤黑，不急治则热气下入渊腋，前伤任脉。内熏（热也）肝
肺，熏肝肺十余日而死矣。
阳气大发，消脑留项，名曰脑铄（书药反）。其色不乐，项痛如刺以针，烦心者死，不
治。
发于肩及 ，名曰疵痈。其状赤黑，急治之。此今人汗出至足，不害五脏。痈发四五，
逆之。（今按∶《刘涓子方》"痈发四五逆 之"此七字无。）
发于腋下赤坚，名曰朱疽。治之用砭石，欲细而长，数砭之，涂以豕膏，六日已，勿裹
之。其痈坚而不溃者，为马刀侠婴，急治之。（今按∶《刘涓子方》作"鼠膏"。）
发于胸，名曰井疽。其状如大豆，三四日起，不早治下入腹，不治，七日死。
发于臆者，名曰甘疽。其状如谷实蒌瓜，常寒热，急治之，去其寒热。不治，十岁死，
死后脓自出。
发于胁，名曰败疵。败疵者，女之病也，久之，其病大痈脓，其中乃有生肉，大如赤小
豆，治之，锉连翘草根各一升，水一斗六升，煮之，竭为三升，即强饮，浓衣坐釜上，令汗
出至足已。
发于股胫，名曰股胫疽。其状不甚变，而痈脓附骨。不急治，四十日死。
发于股 ，名曰脱疽。其状不甚变，而痈脓搏骨，不急治，三十日死矣。
发于尻，名曰兑疽。其状赤坚大，急治之。不治，四十日死矣。
发于股（故户反）阴，名曰赤绝。不急治，六日死。在两股之内，不治，六十日而死。
发于膝，名曰疵疽。其状大痈，色不变，寒热而坚，勿破，破之死。须其柔，乃破之者
生。
诸痈疽之发于节而相应者，不可治也。发于阳（丈夫阴器曰阳，妇人阴器曰阴）者百日
死，发于阴者四十日死。
发于胫，名曰兔齿。其状赤至骨，急治，不治害人也。
发于踝，名曰走缓。其状色不变，数石其输而止其寒，不死。
发于足上下（足跌上下也），名曰四淫。其状大痈，不色变，不治百日死。
发于足旁，名曰厉疽。其状不大，初如小指发，急治之。去其黑者，不消辄益。不治，
百日死。
发于足指，名曰脱疽。其状赤黑死不治，不赤黑不死。治之不衰，急斩去之活，不然则
死矣。
又云∶身有五部∶伏菟一；腓二，腓者， （都馆反）也；背三；五脏之输四；项五。
五部有痈疽者死。
又云∶杨上善曰∶痈生所由，凡有四物也∶喜怒无度，争气聚生痈，一也；饮食不依节
度，纵情不择寒温为痈，二也；脏阴气虚，腑阳气实，阳气实盛生痈也，三也；邪客于血，
聚而不行，生痈，四也。痈疽一也，痈之久者，败骨名疽也。
又云∶夫积石成山，积气成痈，不从天下，不从地出，皆由不去脆（青碎反）微故也。
《病源论》云∶痈者由六腑不和所生也；疽者，五脏不调所生也。
凡肿一寸至二寸，疖也；二寸至五寸，痈也；五寸至一尺，痈疽也。一尺至三尺者，竟
体脓，脓成，九孔皆出。诸气愤郁，不遂志欲者，血气蓄积，多发此疾。
凡发肿高者，疹（耻忍反）源浅。肿下者，疹源深。大热者易治，小热者难治。
凡五月勿食不成核果及桃、枣，发痈疽疖。
凡人汗入诸食中，食之则作疔疮、痈疖。
凡铜器盖食，汗入食，食之令发恶疮内疽。
凡鲫鱼脍合猪肝肺，食发疽。
凡醉，强饱食，不幸发疽。
《医门方》云∶凡痈肿发于背，欲得高，高即肿浮，浅在外，纵结脓者，亦多瘥；肿不
高，沉在肉里者，其肿深，脓溃向内必死。
《范汪方》云∶经言∶五脏不调，致疽；六腑不和，生痈。疽急者，有十∶一曰瘭疽者，
急者二三日杀人，缓者十余日；二曰痈疽，急者十余日杀人，缓者一月；三曰缓疽，急者一
年杀人，缓者数年；四曰水疽，所发多在手足，数年犹可治。疽者有数十种，要如此。痈之
疾，所发缓地不杀人，所发若在险地，宜令即消，若至小脓，犹可治，至大脓者致祸矣。一
为脑（乃道反）户，在玉枕下一寸；二为舌本；三为悬壅；四为颈节；五为胡脉；六为五脏
俞；七为五系；八为两乳；九为心鸠尾；十为两手鱼际；十一为肠屈之间；十二为小道之后；
十三为九孔；十四为两胁腹；十五为神主之舍。凡四十五处不可伤，而况于疽乎？若痈发此
地，遇良医，能令不及大脓者，可救，至大脓者害及矣。
痈疽脉洪粗难治，脉微涩者易愈。诸浮数之脉，应当发热，而反恶寒，痈也。
痈起于节解过，遇顽医不能即消，令至大脓者，岂膏药可得生复？
《录验方》记载：大五补汤治疗时行病后转变为疟疾的方剂组成如下：
枸杞白皮（一斤） 麦门冬（一升，去除心部） 生姜（一斤） 干地黄（三两） 当归（三两） 黄芩（三两） 人参（三两） 甘草（三两） 茯苓（三两） 生竹叶（五两） 远志皮（三两） 白术（三两） 川芎（二两） 桂心（五两） 大枣（二十枚） 桔梗（二两） 芍药（三两） 半夏（二两，洗净）
以上共十八味药，切碎，用水一斗五升煎煮，取汁三升，分四次服用，一天内服完。
《刘涓子方》记载：九江人黄父向岐伯问道：我听说肠胃受纳水谷，上焦宣发卫气，以温煦肌肉、滋养骨节、疏通腠理。中焦化生的气像露水一样，向上注入脉道，渗入孙络。津液调和，变化而成赤色血液，血液调和则孙络先充盈，进而注入络脉，络脉充盈后，再注入经脉。阴阳之气扩张，随呼吸运行，运行有规律，循环有道理。与天地自然相合，永不停止。切脉调治，应从虚处着手，去除实邪；泻法则不足，急则气机留滞。去除虚损补充实证，补则有余，血气调和，形体与精神才能保持平衡。我已经知道气血平和与不平的情况，但还不知道痈疽产生的原因，以及其成败的时间、死生的期限远近。如何判断这些，可以讲给我听吗？
岐伯回答说：经脉中的气血运行不止，与天体运行的度数相同，与大地运行的纪数相合。所以天体星宿失去常度，日月发生亏蚀；大地经络失去纪纲，水流泛滥，草木不能生长，五谷不能种植，人体经络不通，气血不能正常往来。街巷聚落，人们别离异处，气血运行也是如此，请让我说明其中的缘故。
血脉营卫之气，周流不息，上应星宿，下应地之数。寒气侵入经络之中，则血液涩滞，血液涩滞则不通畅，不通畅则气聚集于此，无法返回，所以形成痈肿。寒气化为热，热盛则肌肉腐烂，肌肉腐烂则不化脓，脓液不排出则烂筋，筋烂则伤骨，骨伤则骨髓枯竭，如果不从骨空泄出，不得排泄，就会煎熬枯空虚，筋骨肌肉不相依附，经脉败坏渗漏，热气内熏于五脏，五脏受伤所以死亡。
又说：黄父问：先生所说的痈和疽，如何区别？岐伯回答：营气卫气稽留在脉中，时间久了则血液涩滞而不行，血液涩滞不行则卫气随之聚集，随之而聚集却不通畅，壅塞阻碍而不能运行。大热不止，热盛则肌肉腐烂，肌肉腐烂化为脓。如果还不能陷及肌肤，枯耗骨髓，骨髓不为焦枯，五脏不为损伤，这就称为痈。
黄父问：什么叫做疽？岐伯说：热气淳厚盛大，当其深陷筋骨，良肉无余，所以命名为疽。疽的皮肤坚硬，形状像牛颈部的皮；痈的皮肤薄而有光泽，这是它们的征候。
黄父说：现在我知道了所说的内容，但还不知道痈疽的名称、发生的部位、面色诊察形态征候、治疗与不治疗、死活期限，希望事事都能听到。
岐伯说：《痈疽图》记载：赤疽发生在额头，如果不排脓，十多天后死亡，第五天可以针刺。如果脓多且带血会死亡，还没有成脓的可以治疗。人在二十五岁、三十一岁、六十岁、九十五岁时，百神都在额头，不可见血，见血者死亡。
禽疽发作如疹状数十处，第四天肿胀，结成牢固的硬块疼痛，形状像拘挛，第十天可以针刺。如果内发身体震颤恶寒，牙齿紧闭像要痉挛，这样的人，十天后死亡。
杼疽发生在颈部，或者两耳下方，不排脓，十六天死亡，第六天可以针刺。如果颜色黑，见脓而腐烂的死亡，不可治疗。人在十九岁、二十三岁、三十岁、三十五岁、三十九岁、五十一岁、五十五岁、六十一岁、八十七岁、九十九岁时，神气在两耳，不可见血，见血者死亡。
疔疽发生在两肩，这是因为追逐恶血，结留内外，营卫不通，发为疔疽。三天身体肿痛，严重时口噤像角弓反张，第十一天可以针刺。不治疗，二十天死亡。
蜂疽发生在背部，起于心俞穴，或者肩隅穴，二十天不排脓死亡，第八天可以针刺。如果颜色赤黑，脓见青色死亡，不可治疗。人在六岁、十八岁、二十四岁、四十岁、五十六岁、六十七岁、七十二岁、九十八岁时，神气都在肩部，不可见血，见血者死亡。
阴疽发生在髀部腹外，或者大腿内侧，刚开始腰部僵硬不能自止，多次饮水但不能多喝，五天坚硬疼痛，像这样不超过三年死亡。
刺疽起于肺俞穴，或者肝俞穴，不排脓，二十天死亡，第八天可以针刺。发作时颜色赤，上面肌肉像椒子一样的死亡，不可治疗。人在十九岁、二十五岁、三十三岁、三十九岁、五十七岁、六十岁、七十三岁、八十一岁、九十七岁时，神气都在背部，不可见血，见血者死亡。
脉疽发生在环绕头部（另一版本作颈部），像疼痛，身体随之发热，不想活动，或者不能进食，这是因为有大惊恐，烦躁而不安静，上气咳嗽逆乱，气绝，发作牵引耳朵，不可以动，二十天可以针刺。不针刺，八十天死亡。
龙疽发生在背部起于胃俞穴（第十二椎下两旁各一寸半），或者肾俞穴（第十四椎下两旁各一寸半），二十天不排脓死亡，第九天可以针刺。在针刺时，上面赤下面黑，或者青脓黑死亡，发出血脓的不死。
首疽发热，发热八十天，大热出汗头部牵引全身尽热，像癞病身热，齐齐像沸腾一样，选择皮肤稍微肿胀的地方浅刺它。不针刺，进入腹中二十天死亡。
侠荣疽发生在胁部，或者起于两肘头，二十五天不排脓死亡，第九天可以针刺。发作赤白相间，如果脓多白而无赤色的可以治疗。人在一岁、十六岁、二十六岁、三十二岁、四十八岁、五十八岁、六十四岁、八十岁、九十六岁时，神气都在胁部，不可见血，见血者死亡。
行疽发作像肿胀，或者复合相互往来，可以追踪其所在之处，针刺它立即痊愈。
勇疽发生在股部起于太阴经，或者伏鼠穴，二十五天不排脓死亡，第十天可以针刺。勇疽发脓赤色黑色死亡，白色者还可以治疗。人在十一岁、十五岁、二十岁、三十一岁、三十三岁、四十六岁、五十九岁、六十三岁、七十五岁、九十一岁时，神气都在尻尾，不可见血，见血者死亡。
标叔疽发热，耳聋。后来六十天肿胀像裹水状，像这样可以针刺。只是出水后如果有血，血出即除去。人在五十七岁、六十五岁、七十三岁、八十一岁、九十七岁时，神气都在背部，不可见血，见血者死亡。
KT疽发生在足背或者足下，三十天不排脓死亡，第十二天可以针刺。KT疽，发赤白脓而不反（死），大多上面白痒，赤黑脓死亡不可治疗，不黑可以治疗。人在十三岁、二十九岁、三十五岁、六十一岁、七十三岁、九十三岁时，神气都在足部，不可见血，见血者死亡。
冲疽发生在少腹部，疼痛而震颤恶寒发热。第四天可以针刺，第五天...第六天变化后可以针刺，不针刺，五十天死亡。
敦疽发生在两手五指头或者足五趾头，十八天不排脓死亡，第四天可以针刺。如果发作当天变黑，痈不严重，未过关节可以治疗。
疥疽发生在腋下，或者手臂、两手掌中，震颤恶寒而咽喉干燥，饮水多即呕吐，心烦...或者六十天瘙痒及有愈合者，像这样可以发汗，不发汗，进入腹内死亡。
筋疽发生在背部脊柱两边的大筋，颜色苍青，第八天可以针刺。如果在肥肠（腹腔）中有痈，九十天死亡。
陈干疽发生在两臂，三四天疼痛不能动，五十天身体热而赤，六十天可以针刺。如果针刺肺部无血，三四天病愈，没有脓的死亡。
蚤疽发生在手足五指头起，过关节颜色不变，十天之内可以针刺，过时不刺后来变为蚀（饮）。如果在腋下有痈，三年死亡。
叔疽发生在身体肿胀，牢固硬块而身体热，不可以坐，不可以行，不可以屈伸，成脓针刺它立即除去。
白疽发生在膊部或者肘后，痒，眼睛痛，伤精，于是身体热、多汗，五六处死亡。心主疽痈在大腿小腿，六天死亡，发脓血六十天死亡。
黑疽发生肿胀，位于背部大骨上，第八天可以针刺，过时不刺成为骨疽。骨疽脓出不可止，排出碎骨，六十天死亡。
创疽发生，身体先痒后痛。这是因为伤寒寒气入脏，严重发作成为创疽。第九天可以针刺，不针刺九十天死亡。
尻腰太阳脉有肿胀，交脉属于阳明。痈在颈部十天死亡，发脓血七十天死亡。
尻太阳脉有肿胀痈，在足心阳明、少阳，八天死亡，发脓血八十天死亡。
黑疽发腋渊死亡；黑疽发耳中像米粒，这是大疽死亡；黑疽发肩部不死可治；黑疽缺盆中，名叫伏痈死亡，不可治；黑疽发胸部可治；黑疽发肘上下，不死可治；赤疽发大腿内侧，坚硬死亡，濡软可治；赤疽发髀枢，六天可治，不治出一岁死亡；赤疽掌中可治；髀解际，指根黑、指尖赤死亡；赤疽发阴部死亡不治；黑疽发肥肠死亡；黑疽发膝盖髌骨，坚硬死亡，濡软可治；黑疽发足背上，坚硬死亡；足下久痈，颜色赤死亡，不可治。
又说：痈疽初发开始轻微，多不以为急，这其实是奇患，只宜速疗，治疗不如速，病成难救，因此招致祸患，能不痛惜吗？况且陈述所怀，以启发后贤。谨条列黄父痈疽论，论述痈附着、缓急所在、死生期限，期限如有别，痈之形色、难易治疗如下：
发在皮肉，浅肿高而赤，贴敷即消，不疗先愈。
发在筋肉，深肿下而坚，颜色或青、黄、白、黑，或者微热而赤，宜急疗之，成消中半。
发附骨者，或者未觉内部肌肉，内部肌肉已殃，已殃者是痈疽中严重的。
发背外，皮薄为痈，皮坚为疽。像这样多现先兆，宜急疗皮坚甚大者，多致祸矣。
《太素经》记载：黄帝说：愿尽闻痈疽的形状与忌日名称。岐伯说：痈发于咽中，名叫猛疽。猛疽不治疗，化为脓，脓不排出，堵塞咽喉半天死亡，如果已经化为脓，排出即可，然后含服猪膏，不要冷食，三天痊愈。（现在按：《刘涓子方》痈疽极者十八种云即是如此。）
发于颈部名叫夭疽。它的痈大而且赤黑，不紧急治疗则热气下入渊腋，前伤任脉。内熏肝脏肺脏，熏肝肺十多天后死亡。
阳气大发，消脑留项，名叫脑铄。神色不乐，项痛如针刺，心烦者死亡，不治疗。
发于肩部及...，名叫疵痈。形状赤黑，急治之。这是今人出汗至足，不害五脏。痈发四五，逆之。（现在按：《刘涓子方》“痈发四五逆之”这七个字没有。）
发于腋下赤坚，名叫朱疽。治疗用砭石，想要细而长，多次砭刺，涂以猪膏，六天痊愈，不要包裹它。如果痈坚硬而不溃破的，为马刀侠婴，急治之。（现在按：《刘涓子方》作“鼠膏”。）
发于胸，名叫井疽。形状像大豆，三四天起，不早治下入腹，不治疗，七天死亡。
发于臆部，名叫甘疽。形状像谷实蒌瓜，常寒热，急治之，去其寒热。不治疗，十年死亡，死后脓自出。
发于胁，名叫败疵。败疵是女子的病，久了，病大痈脓，其中乃有生肉，大如赤小豆，治疗，锉连翘草根各一升，水一斗六升，煮之，竭为三升，即强饮，穿厚衣坐在釜上，令汗出至足已。
发于大腿小腿，名叫股胫疽。形状不甚变，而痈脓附骨。不紧急治疗，四十天死亡。
发于大腿...，名叫脱疽。形状不甚变，而痈脓搏骨，不紧急治疗，三十天死亡。
发于大腿阴部，名叫赤绝。不紧急治疗，六天死亡。在两股之内，不治疗，六十天而死。
发于膝，名叫疵疽。形状大痈，颜色不变，寒热而坚，勿破，破之死。须其柔，乃破之者生。
诸痈疽之发于节而相应者，不可治也。发于阳（丈夫阴器曰阳，妇人阴器曰阴）者百日死，发于阴者四十日死。
发于足上下（足跌上下也），名叫四淫。形状大痈，不色变，不治疗百日死。
发于足旁，名叫厉疽。形状不大，初如小指发，急治之。去其黑者，不消辄益。不治疗，百日死。
发于足指，名叫脱疽。形状赤黑死不治，不赤黑不死。治疗不衰，急斩去之活，不然则死矣。
又说：身有五部：伏菟一；腓二，腓者，...也；背三；五脏之输四；项五。
又说：杨上善说：痈生所由，凡有四物也：喜怒无度，争气聚生痈，一也；饮食不依节度，纵情不择寒温为痈，二也；脏阴气虚，腑阳气实，阳气实盛生痈也，三也；邪客于血，聚而不行，生痈，四也。痈疽一也，痈之久者，败骨名疽也。
又说：夫积石成山，积气成痈，不从天下，不从地出，皆由不去脆微故也。
凡肿一寸至二寸，疖也；二寸至五寸，痈也；五寸至一尺，痈疽也。一尺至三尺者，竟体脓，脓成，九孔皆出。诸气愤郁，不遂志欲者，血气蓄积，多发此疾。
凡发肿高者，疹源浅。肿下者，疹源深。大热者易治，小热者难治。
凡人汗入诸食中，食之则作疔疮、痈疖。
凡铜器盖食，汗入食，食之令发恶疮内疽。
凡醉，强饱食，不幸发疽。
《医门方》说：凡痈肿发于背，欲得高，高即肿浮，浅在外，纵结脓者，亦多瘥；肿不高，沉在肉里者，其肿深，脓溃向内必死。
《范汪方》说：经言：五脏不调，致疽；六腑不和，生痈。疽急者，有十：一曰瘭疽者，急者二三日杀人，缓者十余日；二曰痈疽，急者十余日杀人，缓者一月；三曰缓疽，急者一年杀人，缓者数年；四曰水疽，所发多在手足，数年犹可治。疽者有数十种，要如此。痈之疾，所发缓地不杀人，所发若在险地，宜令即消，若至小脓，犹可治，至大脓者致祸矣。一为脑户，在玉枕下一寸；二为舌本；三为悬壅；四为颈节；五为胡脉；六为五脏俞；七为五系；八为两乳；九为心鸠尾；十为两手鱼际；十一为肠屈之间；十二为小道之后；十三为九孔；十四为两胁腹；十五为神主之舍。凡四十五处不可伤，而况于疽乎？若痈发此地，遇良医，能令不及大脓者，可救，至大脓者害及矣。
痈疽脉洪粗难治，脉微涩者易愈。诸浮数之脉，应当发热，而反恶寒，痈也。
痈起于节解过，遇顽医不能即消，令至大脓者，岂膏药可得生复？
The *Lu Yan Fang* (Recorded Verified Prescriptions) states: Da Wu Bu Tang (Great Five Tonifying Decoction) treats malaria transforming from epidemic febrile diseases. The prescription is as follows:
Cortex Lycii Chinensis (Radicis Lycii) (one jin), Radix Ophiopogonis (Mendong, 麦门冬) (one sheng, remove the heart), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiang, 生姜) (one jin), Radix Rehmanniae Preparata (Dihuang, 干地黄) (three liang), Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui, 当归) (three liang), Radix Scutellariae (Huangqin, 黄芩) (three liang), Radix Ginseng (Renshen, 人参) (three liang), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gancao, 甘草) (three liang), Poria (Fuling, 茯苓) (three liang), Folium Bambusae (Zhuye, 竹叶) (five liang), Cortex Polygalae (Yuanzhi, 远志) (three liang), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Baizhu, 白术) (three liang), Radix Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong, 川芎) (two liang), Ramulus Cinnamomi (Guixin, 桂心) (five liang), Fructus Jujubae (Dazao, 大枣) (twenty pieces), Radix Platycodi (Jiegeng, 桔梗) (two liang), Radix Paeoniae Alba (Baishao, 芍药) (three liang), Rhizoma Pinelliae (Banxia, 半夏) (two liang, washed).
These eighteen substances are sliced and decocted in fifteen dou of water to obtain three sheng of liquid. Divide into four doses and consume within one day.
The *Liu Juanzi Fang* records: Huang Fu from Jiujiang asked Qibo: I have heard that the intestines and stomach receive food and drink, the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner) releases Qi to warm the muscles and flesh, nourish the bone joints, and open the interstices. The Qi produced by the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner) is like dew, flowing upward into the vessels and seeping into the Sun collateral vessels. When fluids and essence are harmonious, they transform into red blood. When blood is harmonious, the Sun collaterals fill first, then flow into the Luo collateral vessels; when the Luo collaterals are full, they flow into the Jing main vessels. Yin and Yang expand, and movement proceeds with respiration. Movement has its order, and circulation has its principles. It aligns with Heaven and Earth and does not cease. Pulse diagnosis regulates it; treating deficiency removes excess. Purging leads to insufficiency, while haste causes Qi stagnation. Removing deficiency and tonifying excess leads to surplus. When Qi and Blood are harmonized, form and spirit are maintained. I know the state of harmony or disharmony of Blood and Qi, but I do not know the origin of carbuncles and sores, the timing of their success or failure, and the proximity of death or life. How can this be measured? May I hear about it?
Qibo replied: The movement of Qi and Blood in the main vessels never stops, corresponding to the degrees of Heaven and the measures of Earth. Thus, if celestial bodies lose their regularity, eclipses occur; if earthly meridians lose their discipline, waters overflow, grass fails to grow, and grains fail to plant. In humans, when meridians are blocked, Qi and Blood cannot circulate freely. People separate and live in different places, yet Qi and Blood behave similarly. Let me explain the reason.
Blood vessels and Ying-Wei (Nutritive and Defensive) Qi flow continuously without rest, corresponding to stars above and earth below. When cold pathogen invades the meridians, Blood becomes stagnant. Stagnant Blood leads to blockage. Blockage causes Qi to gather there and prevents it from returning, resulting in swelling and abscesses. Cold transforms into heat. Excessive heat rots the flesh. Rotten flesh fails to suppurate. If pus is not discharged, tendons rot. Rotting tendons damage bones. Damaged bones cause marrow depletion. If not drained through bone cavities, the body boils dry and empties. Bones, tendons, and muscles lose their connection. Meridians fail and leak. Internal heat steams the Zang organs. Damage to the Zang organs leads to death.
It is also said: Huang Fu asked: You spoke of carbuncles and sores; how to distinguish them? Qibo answered: When Ying and Wei Qi remain stagnant in the vessels for a long time, Blood becomes stagnant and ceases to flow. Stagnant Blood causes Wei Qi to follow. Following Wei Qi encounters blockage and cannot move. High fever persists. Excessive heat rots the flesh, which turns to pus. If it does not penetrate the skin and marrow, and the marrow is not scorched and the Zang organs are not damaged, it is called a carbuncle (Yang sore).
Huang Fu asked: What is a sore (Yin sore)? Qibo said: When hot pathogen is abundant and deep, penetrating tendons and bones, leaving no healthy flesh, it is named a sore. The skin of a sore is hard, resembling the hide of an ox neck. The skin of a carbuncle is thin and glossy. These are their signs.
Huang Fu said: I understand what was said, but I do not know the names, origins, color diagnoses, morphological signs, treatment outcomes, and life-death periods of carbuncles and sores. I wish to hear everything.
Qibo said: The *Yong Ju Tu* (Map of Carbuncles and Sores) states: Red sores appearing on the forehead, if not drained, lead to death in ten-plus days. They can be needled on the fifth day. If pus is red and bloody, death ensues. If no pus has formed, it is treatable. At ages twenty-five, thirty-one, sixty, and ninety-five, the Hundred Spirits reside in the forehead. Do not allow bleeding; bleeding indicates death.
Avian sores appear as dozens of rashes. Swelling occurs on the fourth day, forming hard, painful nodules resembling contracture. Needling is possible on the tenth day. If internal onset causes tremors and aversion to cold, with teeth clenched as if in spasm, death occurs in ten days.
Zhu sores appear on the neck or below both ears. Without drainage, death occurs in sixteen days. Needling is possible on the sixth day. If black and suppurating with rot, death ensues; it is untreatable. At ages nineteen, twenty-three, thirty, thirty-five, thirty-nine, fifty-one, fifty-five, sixty-one, eighty-seven, and ninety-nine, the Spirit resides in the ears. Do not allow bleeding; bleeding indicates death.
Ding sores appear on both shoulders, caused by evil blood chasing and lingering internally and externally, blocking Ying and Wei Qi. Body swelling and pain occur in three days; severe cases present with trismus resembling opisthotonos. Needling is possible on the eleventh day. Untreated, death occurs in twenty days.
Bee sores appear on the back, originating at Xinshu (BL15) or Jianyu (SI15). Without drainage, death occurs in twenty days. Needling is possible on the eighth day. If red-black with green pus, death ensues; it is untreatable. At ages six, eighteen, twenty-four, forty, fifty-six, sixty-seven, seventy-two, and ninety-eight, the Spirit resides in the shoulders. Do not allow bleeding; bleeding indicates death.
Yin sores appear on the outer thigh or inner upper leg. Initially, the waist is stiff and cannot stop moving. Frequent drinking but inability to swallow much. Hardness and pain persist for five days. Such cases die within three years.
Ci sores originate at Feishu (BL13) or Ganshu (BL18). Without drainage, death occurs in twenty days. Needling is possible on the eighth day. If red with flesh resembling peppercorns on top, death ensues; it is untreatable. At ages nineteen, twenty-five, thirty-three, thirty-nine, fifty-seven, sixty, seventy-three, eighty-one, and ninety-seven, the Spirit resides in the back. Do not allow bleeding; bleeding indicates death.
Mai sores appear around the head (or neck), causing pain and body heat. Desire to move is absent; eating may be impossible. This stems from great fear, restlessness, and lack of tranquility. Upper Qi coughs and rebels. Qi cuts off. Onset pulls the ears; movement is restricted. Needling is possible on the twentieth day. Without needling, death occurs in eighty days.
Long sores appear on the back, originating at Weishu (BL21, 1.5 cun lateral to lower border of spinous process of 12th thoracic vertebra) or Shenshu (BL23, 1.5 cun lateral to lower border of spinous process of 2nd lumbar vertebra). Without drainage, death occurs in twenty days. Needling is possible on the ninth day. During needling, if upper is red and lower black, or green-black pus appears, death ensues. Bleeding pus indicates survival.
Shou sores involve fever. After eighty days of fever, high fever causes sweating, pulling heat from the head to the whole body, resembling leprosy-like heat, boiling uniformly. Superficial needling should be performed on slightly swollen skin areas. Without needling, invasion of the abdomen leads to death in twenty days.
Xia Rong sores appear in the hypochondrium or at the elbows. Without drainage, death occurs in twenty-five days. Needling is possible on the ninth day. If red and white mixed, and pus is mostly white without red, it is treatable. At ages one, sixteen, twenty-six, thirty-two, forty-eight, fifty-eight, sixty-four, eighty, and ninety-six, the Spirit resides in the hypochondrium. Do not allow bleeding; bleeding indicates death.
Xing sores appear as swelling, sometimes merging and moving. Trace the location and needle for immediate cure.
Yong sores appear in the thighs, originating from Taiyin or Fushu. Without drainage, death occurs in twenty-five days. Needling is possible on the tenth day. Yong sores with red-black pus indicate death; white pus is still treatable. At ages eleven, fifteen, twenty, thirty-one, thirty-three, forty-six, fifty-nine, sixty-three, seventy-five, and ninety-one, the Spirit resides in the sacrum/tailbone. Do not allow bleeding; bleeding indicates death.
Biao Shu sores involve fever and deafness. After sixty days, swelling resembles water containment. Needling is appropriate. Drain fluid; if blood appears, remove it. At ages fifty-seven, sixty-five, seventy-three, eighty-one, and ninety-seven, the Spirit resides in the back. Do not allow bleeding; bleeding indicates death.
KT sores appear on the dorsum pedis or sole. Without drainage, death occurs in thirty days. Needling is possible on the twelfth day. KT sores with red-white pus that do not reverse (die) usually have white, itchy tops. Black-red pus indicates death and untreatability; non-black is treatable. At ages thirteen, twenty-nine, thirty-five, sixty-one, seventy-three, and ninety-three, the Spirit resides in the feet. Do not allow bleeding; bleeding indicates death.
Chong sores appear in the lower abdomen, with pain, tremors, aversion to cold, and fever. Needling is possible on the fourth day. Changes occur by the sixth day, allowing needling. Without needling, death occurs in fifty days.
Dun sores appear on the tips of the ten fingers or toes. Without drainage, death occurs in eighteen days. Needling is possible on the fourth day. If black on the day of onset, and the carbuncle is not severe, before crossing joints, it is treatable.
Jie sores appear in the axilla, arms, or palms, with tremors, aversion to cold, fever, and dry throat. Excessive drinking causes vomiting. Heart vexation... or itching after sixty days with healing tendencies allows diaphoresis. Without diaphoresis, abdominal invasion leads to death.
Jin sores appear on the large tendons on both sides of the spine on the back, with cyan color. Needling is possible on the eighth day. If a carbuncle exists in the intestines, death occurs in ninety days.
Chen Gan sores appear on both arms. Pain prevents movement for three to four days. Body heat and redness occur on the fiftieth day. Needling is possible on the sixtieth day. If needling lung yields no blood, disease resolves in three to four days. Absence of pus indicates death.
Zao sores originate on the tips of the ten fingers/toes. If joints are crossed without color change, needling is possible within ten days. Delayed needling leads to erosion. If a carbuncle exists in the axilla, death occurs in three years.
Shu sores involve body swelling, hard nodules, and fever. Sitting, walking, flexion, and extension are impossible. Suppuration allows needling for immediate relief.
Bai sores appear on the upper arm or behind the elbow, with itching, eye pain, Jing injury, body heat, and excessive sweating. Death occurs at five or six sites. Xin Zhu sores in the thighs/shins lead to death in six days; suppuration leads to death in sixty days.
Hei sores involve swelling on the major bones of the back. Needling is possible on the eighth day. Delayed needling becomes Gu Ju (Bone Sore). Pus discharge is uncontrollable; expulsion of bone fragments leads to death in sixty days.
Shaoyang swelling/carbuncle in the hypochondrium/neck leads to death in eight days; blood-pus discharge leads to death in ten days.
Chuang sores begin with itching followed by pain. This is due to Cold Pathogen entering the Zang from Cold Damage, developing severely into Chuang Ju. Needling is possible on the ninth day. Without needling, death occurs in ninety days.
Taiyang swelling in the sacrum/lumbar region connects to Yangming. Carbuncle in the neck leads to death in ten days; blood-pus discharge leads to death in seventy days.
Taiyang swelling/carbuncle at the sole (Yangming/Shaoyang) leads to death in eight days; blood-pus discharge leads to death in eighty days.
Yangming swelling/carbuncle at the head/sacrum leads to death in six days; blood-pus discharge leads to death in sixty days.
Taiyang swelling/carbuncle in the thigh/foot leads to death in seventeen days; blood-pus discharge leads to death in one hundred days.
Taiyang/Taiyin swelling/carbuncle in the shoulder/calf leads to death in eight days; blood-pus discharge leads to death in four hundred days.
Shaoyang swelling/carbuncle in the foot/hypochondrium leads to death in eight days; blood-pus discharge leads to death in six hundred days.
Yangming swelling/carbuncle in the hand/axilla leads to death in one year; blood-pus discharge leads to death in two years.
Hei Ju in the axillary hollow leads to death. Hei Ju in the ear like rice grains is a major Ju leading to death. Hei Ju on the shoulder is not fatal and treatable. Hei Ju in the Clavicular fossa is named Fu Yong (Hidden Carbuncle), leading to death, untreatable. Hei Ju on the chest is treatable. Hei Ju above/below the elbow is not fatal and treatable. Chi Ju on the inner thigh: hard leads to death, soft is treatable. Chi Ju at the hip pivot: treatable within six days; untreated leads to death in one year. Chi Ju in the palm is treatable. Hip joint: black root/red tip leads to death. Chi Ju on the genitals is fatal and untreatable. Hei Ju on the intestines leads to death. Hei Ju on the knee patella: hard leads to death, soft is treatable. Hei Ju on the dorsum pedis: hard leads to death. Chronic sore on the sole with red color leads to death, untreatable.
Furthermore: Carbuncles and sores start subtly and are often not considered urgent, yet they are perilous. Quick treatment is essential. Delay makes rescue difficult, bringing disaster. Is this not painful? I record these thoughts to enlighten future scholars. Summarizing Huang Fu’s discussion on carbuncles and sores, regarding attachment, urgency, life-death periods, shapes, colors, and difficulty of treatment:
Superficial carbuncles in skin/flesh are shallow, high, and red. Application dissipates them; even without treatment, they may heal first.
Deep carbuncles in muscle/tendon are low, hard, and colored green, yellow, white, or black, or slightly red/hot. Urgent treatment is required; they may resolve halfway.
Carbuncles attached to bone may go unnoticed internally until damage occurs. This is severe.
Back carbuncles: thin skin indicates carbuncle; hard skin indicates sore. These show prodromal signs. Urgent treatment of large, hard-skin sores prevents disaster.
The *Tai Su Jing* states: Huangdi asked: Tell me fully about the forms and taboo days of carbuncles and sores. Qibo answered: Carbuncle in the pharynx is named Meng Ju (Fierce Sore). Untreated, it suppurates. If pus blocks the throat, death occurs in half a day. If suppurated, drain it, then hold pig fat in the mouth. Avoid cold food. Recovery in three days. (Note: Matches *Liu Juanzi Fang*’s eighteen extreme types.)
Neck carbuncle is named Tian Ju. Large, red-black. Untreated, heat enters Yuanye, damaging Ren Mai, steaming Liver/Lungs. Death in ten-plus days.
Excessive Yang Qi dissipating brain/nape is named Nao Shuo. Unhappy expression, neck pain like needle pricking, heart vexation leads to death. Untreated.
Shoulder/arm carbuncle is named Ci Yong. Red-black. Treat urgently. Sweating to feet does not harm Zang organs. Carbuncles appearing four or five times require counter-measures. (Note: *Liu Juanzi Fang* lacks these seven characters.)
Axillary red-hard carbuncle is named Zhu Ju. Treat with Bian stone (fine/long), frequent pricking, apply pig fat. Recovery in six days; do not bandage. Hard/non-suppurating becomes Ma Dao Xia Ying (Horse Knife Axillary Sore); treat urgently. (*Liu Juanzi Fang* uses "Mouse Fat").
Chest carbuncle is named Jing Ju. Like soybean. Appears in 3-4 days. Untreated, descends to abdomen. Death in seven days.
Sternum carbuncle is named Gan Ju. Like gourd fruit. Constant chills/fever. Treat urgently to resolve chills/fever. Untreated, death in ten years; pus discharges post-mortem.
Hypochondrial carbuncle is named Bai Ci. Disease of women. Long-term large abscess with meat like adzuki bean. Treatment: Decoct Forsythia root/bark (1 sheng each) in 1.6 dou water to 3 sheng. Force drink, sit on hot pot in thick clothes to sweat to feet. Recovery.
Thigh/shin carbuncle is named Gu Ting Ju. Little change in shape, but pus attaches to bone. Untreated, death in forty days.
Thigh [specific area] carbuncle is named Tuo Ju. Little shape change, pus grips bone. Untreated, death in thirty days.
Sacral carbuncle is named Dui Ju. Red, hard, large. Treat urgently. Untreated, death in forty days.
Thigh/genital carbuncle is named Chi Jue. Untreated, death in six days. Inside thighs, untreated, death in sixty days.
Knee carbuncle is named Ci Ju. Large, unchanging color, cold/heat, hard. Do not rupture; rupture leads to death. Wait for softness, then rupture for survival.
Joint-associated carbuncles are untreatable. Male genital onset: death in 100 days. Female genital onset: death in 40 days.
Shin carbuncle is named Tu Chi. Red to bone. Treat urgently; untreated harms people.
Ankle carbuncle is named Zou Huan. Color unchanged. Stone therapy on acupoints to stop cold; survival.
Foot upper/lower carbuncle is named Si Yin. Large, unchanging color. Untreated, death in 100 days.
Foot side carbuncle is named Li Ju. Small, starting like finger. Treat urgently. Remove blackness; if not dissipated, it grows. Untreated, death in 100 days.
Toe carbuncle is named Tuo Ju. Red-black is fatal/untreatable; non-red-black survives. If treatment fails, amputation saves life; otherwise death.
Body has five parts: Futu (1), Calf (2), Back (3), Five Zang Shu points (4), Nape (5). Carbuncles/sores in these five parts are fatal.
Yang Shangshan stated: Four causes of carbuncles: 1. Excessive anger/joy, conflict Qi gathering. 2. Irregular diet, ignoring cold/heat. 3. Deficient Yin Qi in Zang, Excess Yang Qi in Fu; excess Yang generates carbuncle. 4. Pathogen in Blood, stagnation generates carbuncle. Long-standing carbuncles destroying bone are named Ju.
Accumulated stones make mountains; accumulated Qi makes carbuncles. Not from heaven or earth, but from neglecting subtle fragility.
*Bing Yuan Lun* states: Carbuncles arise from Six Fu disharmony; Sores arise from Five Zang disharmony.
Swelling 1-2 cun is Boil (Jie); 2-5 cun is Carbuncle (Yong); 5 cun-1 chi is Carbuncle/Sore (Yong Ju). 1-3 chi involves whole-body suppuration, nine orifices draining. Qi/Blood stagnation from frustrated desires causes this.
High swelling indicates shallow origin; low swelling indicates deep origin. High fever easy to treat; low fever hard to treat.
In May, avoid unripe fruits, peaches, dates to prevent carbuncles/boils.
Sweat in food causes Ding sores/carbuncles/boils.
Sweat in food covered by copper vessels causes malignant sores/internal sores.
Raw carp with pork liver/lung causes sores.
Drunk overeating causes sores.
*Yi Men Fang* states: Back carbuncles should be high. High means superficial floating; even if suppurating, many recover. Low/deep swelling implies deep pus invading inward, leading to death.
*Fan Wang Fang* states: Classics say: Zang disharmony causes sores; Fu disharmony causes carbuncles. Urgent sores include: 1. Biao Ju (fatal in 2-3 days acute, 10+ days chronic). 2. Yong Ju (fatal in 10+ days acute, 1 month chronic). 3. Huan Ju (fatal in 1 year acute, years chronic). 4. Shui Ju (hands/feet, treatable for years). Dozens of sores exist. Carbuncles in slow areas don't kill; dangerous areas require immediate resolution. Small pus treatable; large pus disastrous. Dangerous spots: 1. Naohu (below Yuzhen); 2. Tongue base; 3. Uvula; 4. Neck segments; 5. Hu Mai; 6. Five Zang Shu; 7. Five Systems; 8. Breasts; 9. Xinqiuwei; 10. Yuji; 11. Intestinal curves; 12. Posterior small path; 13. Nine orifices; 14. Hypochondrium/abdomen; 15. Spirit residence. Forty-five spots must not be injured, especially sores. If carbuncle hits these, good doctor may save before large pus; large pus brings harm.
Carbuncle pulse:洪粗 (Surging/Rough) hard to treat; 微涩 (Fine/Choppy) easy to heal. Floating-rapid pulse with aversion to cold (instead of fever) indicates carbuncle.
Carbuncle starting at joints, treated by incompetent doctors leading to large pus, cannot be saved by ointments.