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Women may present with an abdomen distended as if pregnant, yet failing to deliver for a whole year, or even two or three years; this is termed "Ghost Fetus" (Guǐ Tāi). Such individuals invariably exhibit a sallow and emaciated complexion, with wasting of muscles and flesh, while the abdomen remains enlarged like a bushel. Investigating its origin, it must stem from prior coitus with spirits, or harboring erotic thoughts upon entering temples, or experiencing sympathetic urges while wandering in forests and mountains; all these can attract malevolent entities to form a fetal mass. Fortunately, if the individual is not excessively licentious, and feels alarm upon encountering the entity, along with shame and disgust during the union, the spirit will not linger long, departing after a single encounter. However, the qi of lust and demoniac influence has already condensed in the abdomen, thus forming the Ghost Fetus. Initially unnoticed, later the abdomen gradually enlarges, menstruation ceases, and internal and external conditions mutually endanger each other, resembling pregnancy exactly, with a morphology similar to Blood Distension (Xuè Gǔ), but actually being Ghost Fetus rather than abdominal distension. The treatment method must prioritize expelling filth. However, when a woman carries a fetus for years without delivery, even if not a Ghost Fetus, her Qi and Blood are inevitably deficient. Since this is not a true pregnancy, the pathogenic factor must be vigorous, and the healthy Qi unable to overcome the pathogen, resulting in severe weakness. How could one purely employ rapid and harsh drugs to purge it? One must employ expulsion within the context of tonification, which is the precise approach.

The formula used is Dangui Tang (Ghost-Purging Decoction).
Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (1 liang), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Leiwan (Ovum Ascaris) (3 qian), Chuan Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) (3 qian), Honghua (Carthami Flos) (3 qian), Danpi (Moutan Cortex) (3 qian), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus) (1 qian), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) (1 qian), Xiaotaoren (Persicae Semen) (30 grains).
Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, the abdomen will likely rumble loudly, and half a bucket of foul matter can be evacuated, leading to cure. Do not administer more than three doses. Although this formula combines tonification with purgation, it remains potent; excessive use risks damaging Yuan Qi (Original Qi). This formula uses Leiwan to dispel filth, aided by Dahuang’s sweeping action, and assisted by Houpo, Honghua, Taoren, etc., all substances skilled at moving Qi and attacking pathogens. How could any pathogen remain in the abdomen without being thoroughly expelled? Particularly ingenious is the use of Renshen and Danggui to tonify Qi and Blood, ensuring that as pathogens leave, healthy Qi remains unharmed. If one were to use only Leiwan and Dahuang for rapid evacuation, there would inevitably be the risk of Qi collapse and blood flooding. If it is known to be a Ghost Fetus, particularly in cases such as virgins or widows, where although pathogenic factors are strong, True Qi has not yet been depleted, one may use the newly transmitted Honghua Pili San (Red Flower Thunderbolt Powder) by Master Qi.
Honghua (Carthami Flos) (8 liang), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (5 liang), Leiwan (Ovum Ascaris) (3 liang).
Decoct in water and take orally; it can also induce abortion. However, it is overly rapid and harsh, causing excessive damage to Qi and Blood. It is inferior to Dangui Tang, which benefits without harm. The choice depends on the physician’s judgment and skillful application during clinical practice.
Marginal Note: Scholars of Confucianism do not discuss matters of spirits, yet such symptoms occur frequently in cities and villages. They must not be overlooked, nor should these words be dismissed as absurd.
Verse:
In women, the abdomen swells like pregnancy,
Secretly influenced by spirits’ love, clouds and rain engage.
Lustful demonic qi forms ghostly conception,
Sallow face, thin muscles, Qi and Blood depletion.
Dangui Tang employs Renshen,
Along with Danggui, Niuxi, and small Taoren.
Leiwan, Zhike, Fen Danpi,
Houpo, Honghua, and Chuan Jun join them.
Honghua Pili proves efficacious as a god,
Three liang Leiwan, five liang Jun,
This is truly the wise method of the Master,
Decocted and taken, the ghost fetus leaves instantly.