Illustration of Fish-Spine Sores

(The illustration shows a human figure viewed from behind. The figure wears a traditional scholar’s headpiece and a simple cloth wrapped around the waist. Three distinct, circular lesions are positioned vertically along the spinal column: one at the base of the neck, one in the center of the back, and one at the lower back, illustrating the "Fish-Spine" pattern of the infection.)

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Body, Volume 6 original: "Sancai Tuhui" (三才圖會). This was a famous Ming Dynasty encyclopedia that categorized knowledge into the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.

As for the condition known as Red Thread original: "Hongsi" (紅絲). In modern clinical terms, this describes acute lymphangitis, where an infection travels along a lymphatic vessel, creating a visible red line., it is caused by surging accumulated toxins from the heart original: "Xinsheng" (心勝). In traditional Chinese medicine, the Heart is the "monarch" organ that governs the blood and vessels; therefore, toxins "surging" from the heart indicate a systemic or particularly aggressive infection. and the stagnation of Qi and Blood The fundamental vital energy (Qi) and nourishing fluids (Blood) of the body.. This causes fluids to congeal and pour into the space between the Meridians and Collaterals original: "Jingluo" (經絡). These are the network of pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate; the "collaterals" are the finer branches closer to the skin's surface., 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 descriptive term for the rapid, linear spread of an infection, suggesting the speed and lethality of a projectile. 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 specific medicinal formula designed to be applied to the small puncture wounds made by acupuncture needles to draw out toxins.