Library

48. When a disease has just healed, the Zang-Fu organs are all deficient, and the Ying-Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) and the stomach and intestines have not yet regained harmony. Overeating or overexertion may cause recurrent heat; in such cases, Zhishi Zhizi Dahuang Tang (Immature Bitter Orange, Gardenia, and Rhubarb Decoction) should be used to facilitate recovery. If the pulse is floating indicating exterior syndrome, sweating method should be employed to resolve the exterior. If the pulse is sunken indicating interior syndrome, purgative method should be employed to resolve the interior. If there are no obvious exterior or interior signs, Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) should be used for harmonizing treatment. If symptoms include dry mouth, vexation, thirst, and a desire to vomit, Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) is indicated. If labor recurrence is caused by internal injury and Qi deficiency, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) is the primary formula. If Yin deficiency results from sexual indiscretion, Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill with Dry Rehmannia) is indicated; if Qi is also deficient, the dosage of Renshen (Ginseng Root) should be doubled.

[Annotation] After the recent healing of a major illness, the Qi and Blood of the Zang-Fu organs are all insufficient, the Ying-Wei circulation is not unobstructed, and the function of the stomach and intestines is not harmonized. At this time, only plain rice gruel and quiet rest are suitable. If food intake is excessive, the weak spleen and stomach cannot digest it properly, leading to recurrent vexation and heat, which is called "Food Recurrence" (Shi Fu). If overexertion leads to recurrent heat and vexation, it is called "Labor Recurrence" (Lao Fu). For labor recurrence, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang (Immature Bitter Orange, Gardenia, and Fermented Soybean Decoction) should be used to induce sweating. For food recurrence, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang added with Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) should be used to induce purgation. If the pulse is floating with exterior signs, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang should be used to resolve via sweating. If the pulse is sunken with interior signs, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang added with Dahuang should be used to resolve via purgation. If there are no exterior or interior syndromes, Xiaochaihu Tang should be used for harmonization. If there is dry mouth, vexation, thirst, and a preference for vomiting, Zhuye Shigao Tang is indicated. If labor recurrence is due to internal injury and Qi deficiency, Buzhong Yiqi Tang is indicated. If Yin essence is depleted due to sexual activity, Liuwei Shengan Dihuang Tang (Six-Ingredient Raw Rehmannia Decoction) is indicated; if Qi is deficient, the dosage of Renshen should be significantly increased.

49. Labor Recurrence via Sexual Activity (Fang Lao Fu) and Yin-Yang Exchange (Yin Yang Yi) differ in pathology but present with similar symptoms. Recurrence of one's own illness after sexual activity post-recovery is called Fang Lao Fu; transmission of the disease to an unaffected partner is called Yin Yang Yi. Both men and women suffering from these conditions are treated with Shao Kun San (Burnt Undergarment Powder). Symptoms include urgency and pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the genitalia, heaviness of the body, shortness of breath, dizziness and vertigo, spasms and contracture of the limbs, and rising heat rushing to the chest.

[Annotation] When men and women engage in intercourse shortly after recovering from illness, causing the disease to recur, it is called "Fang Lao Fu". When men and women engage in intercourse shortly after recovery, and the sick man transmits the disease to the healthy woman, or the sick woman transmits it to the healthy man, it is called "Yin Yang Yi", meaning exchange. For those afflicted with this condition, the crotch of the female's undergarment is taken for men, and the crotch of the male's undergarment is taken for women; these are burned to ash and administered three times daily with boiling water or wine for cure. Urgency and pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the genitalia, body heaviness, shortness of breath, dizziness and vertigo, limb spasms, and heat rushing to the chest are its clinical manifestations.