Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Body, Volume 6

As for the condition known as Red Thread original: "Hongsi" (紅絲). This refers to acute lymphangitis, where a red streak extends from an infection site toward the torso., it is caused by surging accumulated toxins from the heart original: "Xinsheng" (心勝). The text uses "勝," but as noted in the metadata, this is likely a variant for "surging" or "meridian." In traditional medicine, the heart governs the blood vessels, so "heart-toxin" implies a serious blood-borne infection. and the stagnation of Qi and Blood. This causes fluids to congeal and pour into the space between the Meridians and Collaterals original: "Jingluo" (經絡). These are the pathways through which vital energy and blood circulate., eventually manifesting upon the skin and flesh.

The "red thread" pierces through the area and may be either painful or itchy. When the Blood Arrow original: "Xuejian" (血箭). A vivid description of a rapidly spreading infection moving along a vessel. travels, if the dizziness and redness original: "Yun" (暈). This refers to the inflamed "halo" or the spreading path of the infection. reach the region of the heart, the person will surely die.

Method of Treatment

To treat this, one must first use a needle to prick the site of the redness and swelling. Additionally, the head of the sore should be slightly pricked until it bleeds.

1. Topical Treatment: Apply Needle-Head Powder original: "Zhentou san" (針頭散). A medicinal powder applied directly to the site of an acupuncture or lancing point. to the punctured area.
2. Internal Medicine: Use Angelica and Forsythia Powder original: "Danggui lianqiao san" (當歸連翹散). A formula used to clear heat and resolve toxins; Angelica (Danggui) nourishes the blood, while Forsythia (Lianqiao) reduces swelling..
3. The Pill: Administer one Detoxification Pill original: "Jiedu wan" (解毒九). The character '九' here is a woodblock variant for '丸' (pill)..

These treatments serve to disperse the Wind-Heat original: "Fengre" (風熱). A pathogenic influence that causes rapid onset of symptoms like fever and inflammation. and harmonize the Nutritive and Defensive Systems original: "Ying Wei" (榮衛). The "Ying" (Nutritive) system circulates inside the vessels, while the "Wei" (Defensive) system protects the body's exterior. Healing requires these two to be in balance..