Abstract： This paper introduces Professor CAO Yemin's clinical experience in treating diabetic foot with the method of reinforcing healthy qi and clearing pathogens. Professor CAO believes that diabetic foot is caused by deficiency leading to susceptibility to pathogens， and then pathogens cause stasis. Therefore， the treatment should focus on reinforcing healthy qi as the foundation and dispelling pathogens as the priority，with a skilled application of the method of reinforcing healthy qi and clearing pathogens. In clinical practice，he emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment based on stages，accurately grasping the timing of treatment. In the early stage，the main syndromes are dampness obstructing the collaterals and deficiency of liver and kidney，for which Qingmai Jianbu Prescription is used to clear the collaterals and drain dampness，as well as supplement the kidney and strengthen bones. In the acute stage， the damp-heat and pathogens are excessive，and the treatment focuses on clearing and releasing them. Liangxue Heying Prescription is used to clear heat and cool the blood， as well as harmonize the nutrient qi and resolve toxins. He advocates "dispelling pathogens first，performing incision and drainage as early as possible （the sooner，the better）， and establishing protection as soon as possible." In the convalescence stage，when the healthy qi is weak and pathogens linger， the treatment focuses on reinforcing healthy qi， supplemented by clearing pathogens. Fuzheng Qingjie Prescription is used to reinforce yang and consolidate the root， as well as boost qi， and expel toxins. He advocates "promoting granulation tissue growth and bone healing through the application of roasting pus."