Scrofula in TCM: Eye Signs & Survival Prognosis Explained
Yellow Emperor inquired: “Recurrent febrile lymphadenopathy manifesting in the cervical and axillary regions—what etiology underlies this condition?”
Qibo responded: “This pertains to scrofula (鼠瘘), arising from the lodgment of pathogenic cold-heat toxins within meridian systems, resisting metabolic clearance.”
Yellow Emperor: “By what means may it be eradicated?”
Qibo elucidated: “Scrofula originates viscerally, though its manifestations surface in neck-armpit lymphatics. When toxins linger superficially in meridians without muscular suppuration, prognosis improves.
Therapeutic principles demand root-cause intervention:
- Neutralize pathogenic factors through meridian-specific acupoint selection.
- Apply needle techniques with measured insertion/withdrawal, utilizing balanced supplementation-drainage methodologies.
- Early-stage management: Lesions resembling wheat grains typically resolve with one acupuncture session; three sessions typically achieve resolution.”
Yellow Emperor pressed: “How to ascertain prognosis?”
Qibo delineated: “Conduct ocular diagnostics: Subconjunctival vessels penetrating the pupil signify critical decline.
- 1 vessel: Terminal within 1 year
- 1.5 vessels: 18-month survival
- 2 vessels: 2-year mortality
- 2.5 vessels: 30-month demise
- 3 vessels: 3-year terminal phase
Non-pupil-penetrating vessels permit therapeutic intervention.”