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Pustule

How Chinese medicine differentiates pustules into the three patterns described for them, and the points for each. Distinct from this site's Acne, Boils and Impetigo pages. Acupuncture only — no herbs.

This page is educational, for practitioners and students — it is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a proper in-person assessment. Widespread, rapidly spreading, or feverish pustules need prompt medical assessment for infection.
General Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points traditionally used for pustules — 3 key points, used across the patterns below rather than tied to just one.

PointKey action
L.I.-4Expels exterior Wind and releases the Exterior. Promotes the diffusing of Lung-Qi, regulates the Defensive Qi and sweating. Stops pain.
L.I.-11Clears Heat and cools Blood. Removes obstructions and Heat from the channel. Resolves Dampness.
SP-9Regulates the Spleen. Resolves Dampness. Opens the Water passages.
The Three Patterns

↑ reinforcing   ↓ reducing   ⊥ even method.

1. Summer-Heat with Dampness

Clinical manifestations: Dense clusters of yellow pustules with distinct red halos; thick yellow crusts; body heaviness; chest stuffiness; fever unrelieved by sweating; thirst with little desire to drink.
Tongue: Red, white or yellow greasy coat. Pulse: Soggy and rapid.
Treatment principle: Clears Heat and resolves toxin, dries Dampness and disperses swelling.
L.I.-4 ↓ L.I.-11 ↓ SP-9 ↓ DU-14 ↓
Note: no moxa. This site's decks have no Summer-Heat slide — no pattern link is given here.

2. Toxic-Heat

Clinical manifestations: Bright red, swollen, painful pustules with thick yellow crusts; high fever; intense thirst for cold drinks; a painful, throbbing sensation; constipation with dark scanty urine; restlessness and irritability.
Tongue: Red with prickly thorns, dry yellow coat. Pulse: Rapid and forceful, often full or overflowing.
Treatment principle: Drains Fire and resolves toxin; cools the Blood; reduces inflammation.
DU-14 ↓ L.I.-11 ↓ L.I.-4 ↓
Note: no moxa. This site's decks have no standalone Toxic-Heat slide, confirmed absent many times — no pattern link is given here.

3. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

Clinical manifestations: Sparse, pale pustules with a faint or no red halo; poor appetite; abdominal bloating worse after eating; heaviness in the body and limbs; fatigue, especially after meals; loose or unformed stools.
Tongue: Pale, swollen, tooth-marked, thin white or slightly greasy coat. Pulse: Soggy and slow, soft, lacking force.
Treatment principle: Tonifies Spleen Qi, strengthens digestion and drains Dampness.
ST-36 ↑ SP-9 ↓ SP-6 ↑
Note: Mixed Deficiency/Excess. No deck slide combines Spleen deficiency with Dampness — no pattern link is given here.
Related conditions
Acne Boils (Furunculosis) Impetigo

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Acupuncture-only reference — structure adapted (not text) from how other condition-lookup sites organize this kind of content. Let us know what to add or change.