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26. When a pregnant woman is ill, purgative methods should be employed; however, treatment should cease when the pathogenic factor has been reduced by more than half. The *Classic of Internal Medicine* states: "Where there is pathology, there is no miscarriage" (when a disease entity exists, harsh drugs will not harm the fetus). Since the medication matches the disease, what doubt remains?

[Annotation] In cases where a pregnant woman has pre-existing conditions such as mass formations (abdominal masses) or new illnesses requiring purgation, only attack more than half of the pathogenic factor, allowing the remainder to resolve spontaneously; do not exhaustively purge. The *Classic of Internal Medicine* states: "Where there is pathology, there is no miscarriage." This means that although the medicinal properties are potent, if a disease entity exists, the drug acts upon the disease and does not injure the fetus. By attacking more than half of the pathogen, matching the drug's strength to the disease, why doubt the assertion that pregnancy absolutely prohibits purgative therapy?

Bazhen Decoction (Eight Treasure Decoction), Liujunzi Decoction (Six Gentlemen Decoction)

27. Fetal atrophy and failure to grow result from lack of nourishment; for deficiency of both Qi and Blood, Bazhen Decoction is indicated. For Spleen deficiency and Stomach weakness, Liujunzi Decoction is used to transform grain essence into Qi and Blood.

[Annotation] During the fifth and sixth months of pregnancy, fetal atrophy and failure to grow occur due to the mother's congenital weakness. If the condition belongs to deficiency of both Qi and Blood, Bazhen Decoction (Eight Treasure Decoction) is appropriate. If it involves Spleen deficiency and Stomach weakness, Liujunzi Decoction (Six Gentlemen Decoction) is appropriate. As long as dietary intake strengthens the body, allowing the transformation of food and drink into essence, Qi and Blood will be generated daily, and the fetus will naturally grow!

Bazhen Decoction (Eight Treasure Decoction), Liujunzi Decoction (Six Gentlemen Decoction) - Formulas are found in the first volume.

28. Zi Yin (Fetal Aphonia) presents with a thin, hoarse, and faint voice without sound; this does not mean a complete absence of speech. It occurs because the fullness of the fetus in the ninth month obstructs the meridians, but natural patency returns after delivery.

[Annotation] In the ninth month of pregnancy, if a pregnant woman's voice becomes thin, hoarse, and lacks resonance, it is called Zi Yin (Fetal Aphonia). This is not akin to total aphonia where no sound can be produced. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian connects to the base of the tongue. In the ninth month, the Kidney Meridian nourishes the fetus. At this time, the fullness of the fetus obstructs the meridian, preventing it from ascending to the base of the tongue, resulting in a thin, hoarse voice. After delivery, the Kidney Meridian reconnects upward, and the voice naturally recovers.

Huanglian Decoction

29. Bell-like sounds within the abdomen and cries of an infant indicate Zi Ti (Fetal Crying), a syndrome that arises occasionally. Soil from rat holes in empty houses can treat this; Huanglian Decoction (Coptis Decoction) drunk as a soup is also effective.

[Annotation] If a pregnant woman hears bell-like sounds in her abdomen or feels like an infant is crying inside, it is named Zi Ti (Fetal Crying). Although ancient texts record this syndrome, it is rarely seen and may occur occasionally. Ancient prescriptions use soil from rat holes in empty rooms, decocted with Sichuan Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), named Huanglian Decoction (Coptis Decoction); drinking it leads to spontaneous recovery.