Secret Purport of the Grotto Heavens

Volume 9: Fish-Navel Sores

Clear the Head Decoction

Internal Treatment for Bald Sores

Ingredient	Dosage	Ingredient	Dosage
Figwort root	3 mace (approx. 11.25g) original: "玄參" (Xuanshen); used to clear heat and cool the blood.	Raw licorice root	1 mace (approx. 3.75g) original: "生甘草" (Sheng Gancao); used to detoxify and harmonize the formula.
Poria cocos	2 mace original: "茯苓" (Fuling); a medicinal fungus used to drain dampness.	Dahurian angelica root	1 mace original: "白芷" (Baizhi); often used for skin conditions on the head and face.
Tonkin sophora root	0.5 mace original: "山豆根" (Shandougen); a very bitter herb used to treat severe heat-toxins in the throat and skin.	Gromwell root	1 mace original: "紫草" (Zicao); known for its ability to clear heat and "vent" rashes.
Phellodendron bark	1 mace original: "黄栢" (Huangbo); clears "damp-heat" from the body.	Vitex fruit	1 mace original: "蔓荊子" (Manjingzi); used to clear heat from the head and eyes.
Tribulus fruit	1 mace original: "白蒺藜" (Baijili); used to dispel "wind" and soothe itching.	Pinellia tuber	0.5 mace original: "半夏" (Banxia); processed to transform phlegm and dampness.

Prepare as a decoction in water. After taking four doses of this internal medicine, apply the previously mentioned external treatment referring to the Snail and Wasp Nest formula from the previous page to ensure the condition does not return. This dosage is calculated for a ten-year-old child; for younger children, reduce the amounts accordingly.

Fish-Navel Sores

Fish-Navel Sores original: "魚臍瘡" (Yuqi chuang); likely referring to a specific type of boil or carbuncle with a central "head" or depression resembling a fish's navel. that emerge on the inner side of the elbow are associated with the Hand Shaoyin Heart Channel. This specific area corresponds to the Shaohai Heart 3 and Lingdao Heart 4 acupuncture points. Those that appear on the calf of the leg are associated with the Foot Taiyang Bladder Channel; this area corresponds to the Cheng山 Bladder 57 and Feiyang Bladder 58 acupuncture points.

Whether these sores appear on the upper or lower body, the pain is extreme. During the first one or two days of their emergence, one must first employ moxibustion original: "灸法" (Jiufa); the practice of burning aged mugwort (Artemisia argyi) near the skin to stimulate healing through heat..