Library

Dryness (likely referring to body dryness or fluid deficiency), restlessness throughout the body, frequent startles in dreams, physical weakness and lack of strength, and amenorrhea are collectively named "Blood Obstruction" (Xue Bi). Intestinal pain accompanied by a red face makes it difficult to treat. If the condition evolves into "Bone-steaming Fever" (Gu Zheng, a type of tidal fever with a sensation of heat deep within the bones), treatment requires meticulous care. If this pill fails to produce an effect, even Bian Que (Lu Yi, a legendary physician) could not save the patient.

Question 16: Why does a postpartum woman's throat emit a sound like a cicada? Answer: This is caused by "Decayed Blood" (Bai Xue, residual blood stasis after childbirth) rushing upward and obstructing the Heart, then transferring to the Lungs. Qi and Blood combine to form masses that enter the throat, producing a sound resembling a cicada's chirp. People consider this a strange obstetric disorder. For those who contract this disease, fewer than one in ten can be saved.

Question 17: Why does a postpartum woman present with a sallow complexion, dry tongue, epistaxis (nosebleed), and macules/petechiae appearing all over the body? Answer: Postpartum decayed blood fills the Five Zang and Six Fu organs, flows into the skin and muscles, and circulates through the limbs. Heat condenses and flows, blocking transmission, thus causing this illness. It is fearful and demands caution! If a postpartum woman presents with this, none out of ten will survive. However, such cases are rare, occurring only once or twice in a hundred. If treated with this pill, safety can be ensured.

Question 18: Why do eyes feel gritty and the lower back ache as if in opisthotonos (arched back) after childbirth? Answer: The body typically recovers fully after one hundred days postpartum. Currently, the woman is still in the confinement period. Having consumed wheat and palatable foods for seven days has led to restlessness and unrest. Due to negligence in refusing medicinal regulation, combined with excessive sexual activity within the hundred-day period, prolonged illness, or sitting/lying in drafts for momentary pleasure, she ignores the fact that postpartum Qi and Blood are depleted. Violating these taboos inevitably leads to this affliction.

Question 19: Why are urination difficult and painful, and defecation obstructed after childbirth? Answer: Who knows when blood enters the intestines? Urination is dribbling and delayed; defecation is sluggish. Alternating chills and fever occur frequently with profuse sweating; the mind is confused like intoxication or ghost possession. Visual disturbances appear like fragmented brocade; the illness entangles the body, resulting in total deficiency. Only one pill of the "Reviving Medicine" is needed, and the parturient will be freed from danger henceforth.

Supplementary Cases of Postpartum Diseases:

Case 1: A parturient, upon hearing any slight noise, would sweat profusely like water and become faint and confused. All medicines taken orally were vomited immediately. I diagnosed this as Spleen Qi deficiency and collapse. I prepared fine pills from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi). She held three to five pills in her mouth at a time, swallowing them gradually with saliva, and the dosage was slowly increased until reaching approximately five qian (approx. 15-25g cumulative or per course depending on context, here implying a significant dose). Subsequently, she took Shenfu Decoction (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction) and recovered.

Case 2: A postpartum woman suffered from uterine prolapse (intestine descending and not retracting), caused by Qi deficiency and Blood weakness, leading to suspension and descent. Nourishing Qi and Blood allows the organ to retract naturally. I used Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction), removing Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) and Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), and added Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) to lift the Qi. Additionally, she warmed her waist and abdomen with her hands regularly; as warmth generated, the organ retracted.

Case 3: A parturient presented with vaginal prolapse, swelling, and pain. Her pulse was slippery and rapid, indicating impending suppuration (pus formation). I used Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Substance Great Tonifying Decoction) to promote pus formation, followed by several doses to induce rupture and drainage. However, she experienced frequent urination and a heavy, dragging sensation at the lesion site, indicating Yuan Qi (Original Qi) deficiency with sinking. She recovered quickly after taking Buzhong Yiqi Tang.

Case 4: A parturient had a cervix that did not close, accompanied by fever and aversion to cold. I used Shiquan Dabu Tang plus Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus). After several doses, the fever subsided. Then, using Buzhong Yiqi Tang plus Wu Wei Zi for several doses, the cervix closed.

Case 5: A parturient suffered from metrorrhagia due to anger, with blood gushing forth, causing her to collapse. She exhibited trismus (locked jaw), deviated eyes, and convulsions of the hands and feet. This was Liver Channel Blood depletion generating Wind. I prescribed one package of Liuwei Wan (Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia), and all symptoms receded. However, she had poor appetite and afternoon fever. I supplemented with Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), and Mudan Pi (Moutan Cortex), and she recovered.

Case 6: A parturient suffered from diarrhea, edema of the four limbs and face, panting, and aversion to cold. I diagnosed Spleen and Lung Deficiency-Cold and used Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) with Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex). The diarrhea ceased; subsequently, Buzhong Yiqi Tang strengthened the Spleen and Stomach.

Case 7: A parturient had chronic dysentery with abdominal pain, emaciation (body reduced to bones), internal heat, afternoon fever, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, oral and lingual ulceration, and expectoration. Her pulse was flooding but empty upon deep pressure. This indicated Decline of Mingmen Fire (Gate of Life Fire) and Spleen Earth Deficiency-Cold, failing to transform phlegm and return it to its source. I used Bajiao Wan (Eight Flavor Pill, i.e., Jin Gui Shenqi Wan) to tonify Fire to generate Earth; combined with Buzhong Yiqi Tang to tonify Lung Metal, and she recovered.

Case 8: A parturient presented with trismus, abdominal distension, opisthotonos, limb convulsions, and blinking eyes. This was due to excessive blood loss, Yuan Qi depletion, and flourishing Yin Fire. One dose of Shiquan Dabu Tang with Pao Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparatum) revived her consciousness, and several doses brought stability.

Case 9: A parturient suffered from tendon spasms, arm flaccidity, and muscle twitching, all attributable to Qi and Blood deficiency. She recovered after taking Shiquan Dabu Tang. (All the above formulas are found in the Tonifying Section.)