Chuangyang (sores and ulcers) is the general term for sores. "Chuang" means injury, referring to the rotting of muscles, accompanied by pain or itching, formed due to painful damage and ulceration; hence it is called "Chuang".

The character "Chuang" covers a broad scope. Although it includes classifications such as Yong (carbuncle), Ju (deep abscess), Ding (furuncle/boil), Jie (small boil), Luoli (scrofula), Jie (scabies), Xuan (tinea), Gandu (gan toxicity), Douzhen (smallpox/rash), etc., these names are merely general descriptions. Furthermore, the "Wai" (external) in "Waike" (surgery) implies that although sores manifest on the surface of the skin and flesh, their root cause originates within the Zang-Fu organs (internal organs). The Classic states: "When Ying Qi (nutritive energy) does not flow smoothly and reverses into the muscle tissue, various sores and toxins arise." One must observe which meridian and location the sore appears on to determine which meridian's initial pathology constitutes the Ben (root); subsequently, observing the patient's suffering and any concurrent symptoms of other meridians constitutes the Biao (branch). Once the relationship between Ben and Biao is clarified, treatment follows suit: addressing symptoms directly, with Ne Tuo (internal support to push out toxins) as the root method; secondly, regulating and purging Ying Qi (which is equivalent to Wei Qi/stomach Qi here, though typically Ying Qi refers to nutritive blood/fluid, the text equates it to stomach Qi for this context of regulation), removing concurrent symptoms as the branch method, thereby ensuring the free flow of meridians and preventing stagnation within the Zang-Fu organs. This cannot be eliminated without bitter-cold formulas. This is the divine method for treating the Ben and Biao of sores. Once the medicine is swallowed, pain stops immediately; why is there a need for Ruxiang (Boswellia Resin) and Moyao (Commiphora Resin)? Students of surgery who do not thoroughly study and ponder these discussions will likely find it impossible to have clear understanding when prescribing for clinical cases.

Mai (pulse) means path or channel, serving as the pathway for Qi and Blood. However, diagnosing the pulse requires medical expertise, profound knowledge of the Seven Diagnoses (Seven Pulse Qualities), and mental acuity where wisdom changes in the finest details. The mechanisms of floating/sinking and slow/rapid, and the boundaries of exterior/interior and deficiency/excess, are detailed in pulse rhymes, yet sore symptoms vary slightly. My talent is meager and virtue thin; I appreciate its concise text, where a single phrase can resolve doubts, making it a teacher for millennia. Why? Because famous doctors of ancient and modern times, despite passing down secret arts through generations, often did not write down critical and rapid methods on paper but kept them in their "elbow post" (portable notes or mnemonics). How benevolent this is towards the world! The Classic says: "Those who know the essentials grasp the whole with one word; those who do not know the essentials scatter endlessly."

Generally, pulses such as Fu (floating), Kong (hollow), Hua (slippery), Shi (full), Xian (wiry), Jin (tight), Hong (surging), Da (large), Chang (long), San (scattered), and Shu (rapid) from the "Seven Tables" belong to excess pulses. If these appear before a sore ulcerates, it is auspicious; if they appear after ulceration, it is rarely appropriate. Pulses such as Wei (fine/micro), Chen (deep), Huan (moderate), Se (choppy), Chi (slow), Fu (hidden), Ruan (soft), Ruo (weak), Jie (knotted), and Xi (thready) are all deficiency pulses, indicating insufficiency of Qi and Blood. If deficiency pulses appear before ulceration, it indicates deep penetration of toxic factors; if they appear after ulceration, it is also rarely appropriate. One must further consider the severity of the sore, the Ben-Biao and deficiency-excess patterns, and whether the complexion and pulse correspond accordingly; only then is one considered a superior physician (Shanggong).