Library

Postpartum coldness and cold extremities (Jue syndrome) arise from deficiency of Yin Qi, which leads to concomitant deficiency of Yang Qi. The classics state: "When Yang Qi is deficient in the lower part, it results in Cold Jue." When Jue Qi ascends, it fills the meridians, causing Shen Qi (Spirit Qi) to float and scatter, detaching from the body and dissipating.

Chuanxiong Rhizome (1 qian), Danggui Radix (3 qian), Renshen Radix (3 qian), Jiangtan Charred Zingiberis Rhizoma (0.5 qian), Zhigancao Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (0.5 qian), Huangqi Astragali Radix (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After administration, if Jue symptoms subside, once blood stasis pain is relieved, continue using a formula with Renshen, adding Taoren Prunus Seed (15 grains), decocted in ginger water. If thirst occurs, add Renshen (1 qian), Maidong Ophiopogonis Radix (1 qian), Wuweizi Schisandrae Fructus (10 grains). If hands and feet are slightly cold, add Shufu Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (0.5 qian). If phlegm is present, add Juhong Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (0.5 qian), Zhuli Bamboo Sap (half cup), Jiangzhi Ginger Juice (2 spoons). If sweating is excessive, add Huangqi (1 qian). If blood stasis pain persists, add Rougu cinnamon Twig (0.5 qian). If deficiency is severe, add Renshen (1-2 qian). If bowel obstruction occurs, add Mahuang Ren Hemp Seed (1.5 qian), and subsequently administer Wuren Wan Five Seeds Pill. Do not use Chengqi Tang (Gastrointestinal Draining Decoction). Regarding Heat Jue, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) must not be used; for Cold Jue, Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) must not be used. This is because postpartum Jue syndrome involves dual deficiency of Qi and Blood, often presenting with pulse depletion. Medication must strongly tonify, with slight additions of Shengjiang Fresh Ginger and Fuzi Prepared Aconite Root to restore Yang. Various postpartum conditions should be treated by modifying Shenghua Tang (Birth Recovery Decoction). As noted in previous sections, accompanying symptoms and their corresponding herbs are listed. For other accompanying symptoms later, one may follow this pattern; details are omitted here.

Postpartum shortness of breath, resembling panting but not true panting, with interrupted breathing. It may be accompanied by heat, or by phlegm, or by both phlegm and heat; all these are critical conditions. Treatment requires strong tonification of Blood and Qi. When accompanied by headache and fever, one must prioritize the postpartum constitution. Physicians specializing in Shanghan (Cold Damage) must strictly avoid dispersing and releasing methods. Danxi stated that postpartum patients must absolutely not be treated with exterior-releasing drugs, which is correct.

Chuanxiong (1 qian), Zaoren Spatholobi Semen (1 qian), Danggui (1.5 qian), Jiangtan (0.4 qian), Zhigancao (0.5 qian), Taoren (15 grains), Renshen (dosage varies). Decoct in jujube soup and take orally. If pulse and form are depleted and life force is nearly extinct, add Renshen (3-4 qian) and administer frequently to rescue. If sweating does not stop, add Renshen and Maidong (each 1 qian). If sweating is profuse and phlegm is severe, add Renshen (3 qian), Zhuli (half cup), Jiangzhi (3 spoons), Xingren Apricot Seed (10 grains). If sweating, panting, coughing, and heavy voice occur, add Jiegeng Platycodon Root and Xingren (each 0.5 qian). If there is no sweat with panting and coughing, add Banxia Pinelliae Tuber (1 qian), Xingren (10 grains), Jiegeng (0.5 qian). If sweating does not cease, after three to four doses, add Huangqi (1 qian). In cases of postpartum sweating and shortness of breath.