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Painless and easy childbirth in women is due to strong Qi and Blood, which allows the fetus to turn rapidly within the womb. Dystocia (difficult labor) is due to weak Qi and Blood, causing the fetus to turn sluggishly. Rapid turning ensures safety for both the fetus and the mother; sluggish turning endangers both. Therefore, a skilled practitioner must prioritize supporting Yuan Qi (Original Qi), followed by regulating Blood, and using methods to unblock and promote flow as a tertiary measure.

Generally, during the ten months of pregnancy, although the fetus is nourished by the Yin of the Five Zang organs, the Yang of the Six Fu organs, and the twelve meridians, it is essentially supported and held up by Yuan Qi. Furthermore, the uterus is connected to the Kidney, and the Lung acts as the mother of the Kidney (Metal generates Water). When the fetus is deficient, one tonifies its "mother" organ. As Yang grows, Yin follows; when Qi is robust, it can stabilize the fetus before the due date and facilitate delivery after the due date. Thus, one month before term, large doses of Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) should be administered, with particular importance placed on the time of impending labor.

Moreover, the fetus resides in the maternal abdomen, sharing daily life, diet, and respiration with the mother over several months. This is akin to carrying a heavy weight over a long distance; even a brave person would find their strength waning and Qi becoming feeble. Some people, failing to understand this, fear taking Renshen, believing it augments fetal Qi and might cause the fetus to become too large, leading to difficult labor. They do not realize that robust Qi constrains the fetus appropriately, making movement and delivery easier, whereas weak Qi fails to constrain it, making passage difficult. Using only slippery and purgative herbs like Qianziren (Abutilonis Fructus), Huashi (Talcum), and Tuoying (likely referring to specific slippery agents) to seek lubrication may work for those with abundant Qi and Blood, but for those with deficiency, it will merely deplete their Qi further. Therefore, at the time of labor, administering Renshen supplemented with Xiongguo (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex), Fuling (Poria), and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) will likely facilitate easy delivery.

If a pregnant woman experiences only abdominal pain, she has not yet gone into labor. If severe lower back pain accompanies the abdominal pain, labor is imminent. This is because the condition of the Kidney manifests in the lower back, and the uterus is connected to the Kidney.

For dystocia, retained placenta, etc., Wuyou San (Worry-Free Powder) should be taken prophylactically.

For cases where trauma during pregnancy causes fetal death in utero, abnormal lochia discharge, unceasing pain, trismus (lockjaw), and near-fainting, use Xionggui Tang (Ligusticum and Angelica Decoction).

For cases where the pubic symphysis (Jiaogu) fails to open during labor, leading to fetal death if delivery is delayed by five to seven days, Jiawei Xionggui Tang (Modified Ligusticum and Angelica Decoction) is extremely effective. Women who are older at first pregnancy or have a history of difficult labor should take this preparation in advance.

Wuyou San
Ingredients: Danggui (7 fen), Chuanxiong (7 fen), Baishao Yao (White Peony Root, 7 fen), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix, 5 fen), Gancao (Licorice Root, 5 fen), Chao Zhike (Stir-fried Aurantii Fructus, 1 qian), Ruxiang (Olibanum, 1 qian), Xuyu Hui (Ash of Human Hair, 4 fen).
Preparation and Administration: Grind into powder. Divide into two doses. Decoct in water, strain, and drink.

Xionggui Tang
Ingredients: Danggui (1 liang, washed with wine), Chuanxiong (7 qian).
Preparation and Administration: Divide into four doses. Decoct in water. When the liquid is nearly reduced, add half a cup of wine. Boil for five to seven boils, and take warm. If the fetus is dead in utero, it will be expelled immediately. If abdominal pain ceases, both mother and child are safe. It also treats difficult labor, retained placenta, postpartum syncope with loss of consciousness, persistent lochia, fever, headache, and other related conditions.

Jiawei Xionggui Tang
Ingredients: Chuanxiong (1 liang), Danggui (1 liang), Xuyu (Human Hair, one handful, burned to ash retaining its nature), Guiban (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum, one piece, roasted with butter/su).
Preparation and Administration: Grind into powder. For each 1 liang of powder, decoct in water. The fetus will descend within the time it takes a person to walk about five li. This formula is indicated for suspected dystocia or situations where the infant is difficult to deliver even after labor has started. It possesses the power to rescue and preserve life. I have tested it repeatedly with miraculous results. May it be widely disseminated. For women of advanced age giving birth for the first time, or those suffering from chronic dystocia, this brings great fortune to the world.