妊妇有怀抱忧郁，以致胎动不安，两胁闷而疼痛，如弓上弦，人只知是子悬之病也，谁知是肝气不通乎！夫养
胎半系于肾水，然非肝血相助，则肾水实有独力难支之势。故保胎必滋肾水，而肝血断不可罔顾。使肝气不郁，
则肝之气不闭，而肝之血必旺，自然灌溉胞胎，合肾水而并协养胎之力。今肝气因忧郁而闭塞，则胎无血荫，肾难
独任，而胎安得不上升以觅食，此乃郁气使然也。莫认为子之欲自悬，而妄用泄子之品，则得矣。治法宜开肝气之
郁结，补肝血之燥干，则子悬自定矣。
方用解郁汤。
人参（一钱） 白术（五钱，土炒） 白茯苓（三钱） 当归（一两，酒洗） 白芍（一两，酒炒） 枳壳（五分，
炒） 砂仁（三粒，炒，研） 山栀子（三钱，炒） 薄荷（二钱）
水煎服。一剂而闷痛除，二剂而子悬定，至三剂而全安。去栀子，再多服数剂不复发。此乃平肝解郁之圣药，
郁开则木不克土，肝平则火不妄动。方中又有健脾开胃之品，自然水精四布，而肝与肾有润泽之机，则胞胎自无干
燥之患，又何虑上悬之不愈哉！
眉批∶方加薏仁三、四钱尤妙。
歌括∶妊娠忧郁致伤肝，两胁闷痛胎不安。
肝气不通肝血燥，亦有名之谓子悬。
解郁白芍当归先，白术茯苓山栀研。
薄荷人参砂枳壳，水精四布子不悬。
If a pregnant woman suffers from emotional depression, it may lead to fetal restlessness and distending pain in both hypochondriac regions, feeling as tight as the string of a bow. People generally recognize this as "Zi Xuan" (Fetal Distension), but few realize that the root cause is the obstruction of Liver Qi.
Nourishing the fetus relies half on Kidney Water; however, without the assistance of Liver Blood, Kidney Water alone would struggle to sustain this task. Therefore, preserving the fetus requires nourishing Kidney Water, while one must never neglect Liver Blood. If Liver Qi is not depressed, its flow will not be blocked, and Liver Blood will flourish, naturally irrigating the conception palace and cooperating with Kidney Water to jointly nourish the fetus. Currently, because Liver Qi is obstructed by depression, the fetus lacks the protection of blood nourishment, and the Kidneys cannot bear the burden alone. How can the fetus not rise upward seeking nourishment? This is precisely the result of stagnant Qi. One should not mistakenly believe that the fetus intends to hang itself (referring to rebellious fetal Qi) and recklessly use purgative herbs that harm the fetus; doing so will cure the condition. The treatment method should focus on resolving the stagnation of Liver Qi and replenishing the dryness of Liver Blood, after which the symptoms of Zi Xuan will naturally subside.
The formula used is Jie Yu Tang (Solve Depression Decoction).
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 5 qian, stir-fried with soil), Bai Fu Ling (Poria, 3 qian), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 1 liang, washed with wine), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 liang, stir-fried with wine), Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus, 0.5 fen, stir-fried), Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus Rotundus, 3 grains, stir-fried and crushed), Shan Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus, 3 qian, stir-fried), Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, 2 qian).
Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, the distending pain is relieved; after two doses, Zi Xuan is settled; after three doses, the fetus is completely secure. Remove Shan Zhi Zi and continue taking several more doses to prevent recurrence. This is a miraculous herb for calming the Liver and resolving depression. Once the depression is resolved, Wood no longer overacts on Earth; when the Liver is calm, Fire does not flare up recklessly. The formula also contains herbs that strengthen the Spleen and stimulate appetite, naturally allowing the essence of water to distribute throughout the body, thereby moistening the Liver and Kidneys. Consequently, the conception palace will have no risk of dryness, and there is no need to worry about the failure to cure fetal distension.
Marginal Note: Adding Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen, 3-4 qian) to the formula is particularly excellent.
Verse:
Depression during pregnancy injures the Liver, causing hypochondriac distending pain and fetal restlessness.
Obstructed Liver Qi and dry Liver Blood are also known as Zi Xuan.
Jie Yu Tang begins with Bai Shao and Dang Gui, combined with Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and crushed Shan Zhi Zi.
With Bo He, Ren Shen, Sha Ren, and Zhi Ke, the water essence distributes widely, and the fetus ceases to ascend.