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Yang Zijian stated: "Cui Sheng" (labor induction) refers to administering medication only when the fetal head has reached the birth canal. If labor is prolonged and the mother is exhausted and unable to deliver, medications should be taken to assist Qi and Blood, enabling the rapid delivery of the infant.

The *Da Quan* (General Principles, referring to *Furen Daquan Liang Fang*) states: The general principle is to use slippery agents to unblock stagnation and friction, bitter agents to expel obstruction, and aromatic agents to open orifices and drive blood circulation. For Qi stagnation, use Qi-moving agents; for premature rupture of membranes with dried-up Blood, use agents to consolidate Blood.

Shen Zhai commented: Regarding the *Da Quan*'s statement on using slippery agents to unblock stagnation, examples include Cheqian Zi (Plantago Seed), Huashi (Talcum), Fengxian Zi (Mandarin Orange Peel/Impatiens Seed), Shuhui Zi (Malva Seed), Sesame Oil, Sesame Oil, White Honey, Cow's Milk, and Pig Lard; these all belong to slippery agents. Regarding the use of bitter agents to expel obstruction, examples include Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Puxiao (Mirabilite), and Dahuang (Rhubarb); these all belong to bitter agents. Regarding the use of aromatic agents to open orifices, examples include Ruxiang (Frankincense), Shexiang (Musk), Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica), and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark); these all belong to aromatic agents. For Qi stagnation, Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus), Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel), Wuyao (Lindera Root), and Qingpi (Green Citrus Peel) are used; these are all agents that regulate Qi smoothly. For dried-up Blood, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong), Yimucao (Motherwort), Honghua (Safflower), and Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza) are used; these are all agents to consolidate and nourish Blood.

*Nuke Zhengzong* (Orthodox Gynecology) states: Labor induction mostly employs slippery and rapidly acting herbs. Ancient formulas include Rabbit Brain, Snake Slough, Brush Tip (metaphor for sharpness/penetration), Crossbow Trigger (metaphor for explosive force), and Jixingzi (Impatiens Seed); these represent clever applications for immediate effect. However, Foshou San (Buddha's Hand Powder) is the most appropriate and unchangeable formula. As for holding Shiyan (Flint) in the hand or applying Biba (Castor Bean) to the soles of the feet, if the vaginal passage is dry and astringent, use Kuizi (Malva Seed), Yubai Pi (Elm Bark), Pig Lard, Scallion Oil, Honey, and Cow's Milk to moisten it. In cold weather causing Qi and Blood stagnation, use Ruxiang (Frankincense) and Shexiang (Musk), as aroma can open orifices and expel turbidity.

Shen Zhai commented: The above three passages outline the general principles of medication for labor induction. There are many ancient formulas for this purpose, some of which are not very safe; they have been omitted.

He Chao (Wang Shuhe) stated: If the Cun Kou (radial pulse at the wrist) is洪疾 (surging and rapid) and irregular after childbirth, death ensues; if it is 沉微 (deep and faint) but continuous upon pressing to the bone, life is preserved. He also stated: A 沉小滑 (deep, small, and slippery) pulse indicates survival; a 实大坚弦急 (full, large, firm, wiry, and rapid) pulse indicates death.

Zhu Danxi stated: During pregnancy, the pulse should be 洪数 (surging and rapid). If the pulse remains surging and rapid after delivery, death ensues. He also stated: If the pulse is fine and small during pregnancy but becomes surging and large after delivery, death is likely.