Bi-zhen (Needle-shaped Scalpel), in ancient times, was mostly made of horse bit iron. This material is soft and not sharp enough, making it difficult to penetrate the flesh when used. Today, it is crafted from selected steel by skilled blacksmiths proficient in controlling the fire temperature. It is two cun long and 2.5 fen wide, with a round handle and a flat blade body. The back resembles the ridge of a sword, the tip is sharp, and both edges are keen. When held in the hand, its presence is barely felt, and controlling the depth of penetration into the flesh is naturally easy.

If the abscess is deep and a larger opening is desired, a straight needle can be advanced while a slanted needle is withdrawn, slicing open the external flesh, thereby creating a larger opening. The Hou-zhen (Throat Needle) is six cun long, with a thin handle, flat head, and sharp tip; it is highly effective for puncturing pus and blood in the throat.

Hanban Fang (Formula for Sweat Spots): Miduoseng San (Lead Monoxide Powder)
Liu Huang (Sulfur), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Shechuangzi (Cnidii Fructus) (each 2 qian); Shi Huang (Yellow Arsenic Ore), Miduoseng (Galena/Lead Monoxide) (each 1 qian); Qing Fen (Calomel) (0.5 qian).
Grind into powder, mix with vinegar, and apply topically to the affected area.

Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Fushen (Poria with Hostwood), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Zaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen), Longyanrou (Longan Aril) (each 1 qian); Muxiang ( Aucklandiae Radix), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, prepared with honey) (each 0.5 qian).
Add one slice of Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), decoct in water, and take after meals.