Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Volume 6 of the Body

Regarding back-erupting carbuncles fabeioriginal: "fabei" (發背). These are severe, deep-seated subcutaneous infections or clusters of boils. In the Ming Dynasty, when this text was compiled, they were considered extremely dangerous because of their proximity to the spine and internal organs.: they occur when wind-heatoriginal: "fengre" (風熱). A traditional medical category for pathogens that cause sudden inflammation, fever, and redness. and evil toxins pour into the spaces between the ribs and manifest within the meridians jingluooriginal: "jingluo" (經絡). The network of channels through which vital energy is believed to circulate..

When a person experiences deep sorrow and bitterness, or indulges in excessive pleasures, the nutritive and defensive energies ying-weioriginal: "ying-wei" (營衛). "Ying" refers to the blood-nourishing energy, while "wei" is the body's outermost immune-like defense. both become hollowed and weak. If phlegm is present and the true qi The body's essential life force and constitutional strength. is exhausted and depleted, the toxins will seize the opportunity to attack and erupt.

Method of Treatment

The protocol for healing begins with decocting Angelica and Forsythia Powder original: "Danggui Lianqiao San" (當歸連翹散). A classic formula used to move the blood and clear internal heat. taken together with Detoxification Pills to clear and unblock the internal pathways. Afterward, the patient should take Frankincense and Astragalus Powder Astragalus is used here to "prop up" or support the body's ability to push the infection outward and grow new skin. to support the healing of the back.

On the opening of the sore itself, apply Toad Venom Pills original: "Chansu Wan" (蟾酥丸). Derived from toad secretions, this was a potent, specialized medication used for its intense anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties., adjusting the amount based on the size of the ulcer. On the swollen areas surrounding the four sides of the wound, apply Frankincense Toxin-Extracting Powder.

If the sore has already burst and is discharging:

• Apply Toxin-Chasing Obsidian Powder original: "Wujin San" (烏金散), literally "Black Gold Powder." This likely contained charred ingredients intended to "eat away" dead tissue. to remove the putrid or necrotic flesh.
• Apply Peach Blossom Powder original: "Taohua San" (桃花散). A red-tinted powder used to dry the wound and encourage the skin to close and scar over. to facilitate the final contraction and healing of the skin.