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In the postpartum period, if there is shortness of breath and rapid panting, it is due to excessive blood loss during delivery. The Ying Blood (nutritive blood) suddenly exhausts, causing the Wei Qi (defensive qi) to lose its master and fail to circulate throughout the body. It gathers exclusively in the Lungs, thus causing panting. This condition is named "Lone Yang and Absent Yin" and is difficult to treat; only by administering large doses of Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) can life possibly be saved.

Postpartum panting with rapid breathing is the most critical symptom. If treated as a Phlegm-Fire Excess syndrome, death is inevitable. One should use Ren Shen Sheng Hua Tang (Ginseng and Birth-Expelling Decoction) with modifications. Some doubt that Renshen might aggravate panting and therefore do not use it, leading to many cases of non-rescue. Moreover, the combination of Xiongqiong (Angelica Sinensis Root), Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), and Heijiang (Charred Ginger) carries no risk. One must understand that humans are sustained by Qi; when Qi is strong, the root is solid. The source of storage is consolidated below, and the power of circulation is strengthened in the middle. Why worry about panting or distension? Death occurs only from deficiency, never from strength. Using Renshen combined with Chenpi (Aged Tangerine Peel) for control will steal and dissipate Yuan Qi (Original Qi); this method is only suitable for inclusion in digestion-promoting formulas.

Postpartum edema of the four limbs results from stagnant blood taking advantage of deficiency to accumulate, flowing along the meridians into the limbs. As it remains deep over time, it rots and transforms into water, causing yellowish complexion and edema of the limbs. Physicians who do not recognize this pathology treat it as Water-Qi disease, often using diuretic drugs. Diuretics severely weaken the body. Since the postpartum state is already deficient, using such drugs causes further deficiency, termed "double deficiency," which often leads to premature death. Administering Xiao Tiao Jing San (Minor Regulating Menses Powder) allows blood circulation to resume and swelling to subside, resulting in recovery.

For postpartum edema: if caused by Cold-Water insulting Earth (Kidney Cold invading Spleen), nourishing the Spleen and Lungs is appropriate; if caused by Qi deficiency, tonifying the Spleen and Stomach is appropriate; if caused by Water-Qi, Bu Zhong Tang (Tonify the Middle Decoction) is appropriate; if accompanied by panting, coughing, and a deep, thin, and weak pulse, this indicates Mingmen Fire Decline and Spleen-Earth Deficiency-Cold, primarily treated with Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill). Abdominal fullness here is due to deficient Qi, not blood stasis; one may send Ba Wei Wan with Bu Zhong Tang. One formula raises and tonifies Clear Yang, while the other gathers and accepts turbid Qi. Once ascending and descending functions are restored, distension naturally resolves.

Postpartum body pain is due to Blood deficiency failing to nourish the tissues. Wandering pain in the hands and feet indicates that Qi and Blood fail to nourish the extremities, while turbid Qi flows into the limbs causing swelling, and Yin Fire roaming around causing pain. This stems from a lack of nourishment; treating with Heijiang (Charred Ginger) as the main herb is indicated.