典藏书目

(Referring to measles, sand rash, and macules/papules)

The eruption of measles (measles) must be caused by the contraction of epidemic pathogenic qi during seasonal outbreaks. During the period of contagion, it spreads from door to door, with varying degrees of severity. Initially, the body presents with fever, facial swelling with red cheeks, edematous eyelids, profuse tearing, clear nasal discharge, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea; these constitute the signs of measles. At this stage, it is appropriate to promptly employ methods that release the exterior and disperse pathogens, regulate qi, and resolve toxicity. This must be combined with herbs that drain fire and clear the lungs. Subsequently, stomach fire should be cleared, followed by nourishing yin and tonifying blood. Since measles belongs to yang toxicity, where fire pathogenic factors are vigorous and excessive, they overcome lung metal (Metal element associated with the Lung organ). Therefore, measles cases invariably involve coughing with phlegm, chest fullness, and rapid breathing, which are all manifestations of the Lung system. If dry mouth and thirst are observed, this indicates stomach fire, and formulas such as Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) should be used immediately, with dosages adjusted according to severity. Failure to treat properly leads to excessive fire in the Yangming channel, potentially resulting in subsequent conditions such as gan gangrene (noma/cancrum oris) and foul-smelling, rotting gums, causing significant mortality. "Nourishing yin" refers to the depletion of yin blood due to intense heat from measles toxins causing scorching and consumption. Once the exterior pathogen is released and the rash erupts, the timing follows a specific rhythm: erupting after Zi hour (11 PM–1 AM) and receding after Wu hour (11 AM–1 PM), or vice versa, within a six-hour cycle. This reflects the profound principle of "yang generates yin, yin generates yang." If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, epistaxis (nosebleed), or dysentery occur, medication is not necessary. As the proverb states: "Vomiting does not kill, diarrhea does not kill, hunger does not kill." This saying is indeed true. Vomiting and diarrhea allow toxic fire to be vented; anorexia creates internal emptiness facilitating the eruption of the rash. Epistaxis and dysentery indicate that fire in the Lung and Large Intestine is being unblocked through these pathways; only the method of releasing the exterior is suitable. After the rash has erupted, various symptoms can stabilize, and appetite naturally returns. It is crucial to avoid wind and cold, and to abstain from fishy, alcoholic, strong-flavored foods, salty, sour, raw, cold items, fermented foods, and seafood, while adhering to dietary taboos and taking prescribed medicines. There are six types of "measles closure" (obstruction of eruption): exposure to wind and cold, vigorous and excessive toxic fire, food stagnation blocking the interior, thick and coarse skin preventing eruption, the rash appearing and then disappearing again, and erroneous use of acrid-hot medications. For these conditions, the ancient formula Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Saposhnikovia Unblocking Hero Powder) (see Stroke section for formula details) should be used universally with effective results. The world generally believes that smallpox is severe while measles is mild; however, one fails to realize that life and death hang in the balance like turning a palm. How can this be neglected!