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Li stated: When edema occurs after the cessation of menstruation, it is named Blood Division (Xue Fen), which results from stasis transforming into water and obstructing the uterus and water pathways. This type of edema is difficult to treat; however, by regulating the menses, the water will dissipate naturally. One may use Xiao Tiaojing San (Minor Regulation Menstruation Powder), Tingli Wan (Descurainia Seed Pill), added with Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex), Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), and Honghua (Carthamus Flower). If edema appears first, followed by the obstruction of menstruation, it is named Water Division (Shui Fen). This arises because the Spleen fails to control water, causing blood and water to combine, leading to flaccid swelling of the muscles. One may use Hongfan Wan (Red Alum Pill) or Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill), added with Zexie (Alisma Rhizome), Fangji (Stephania Root), Tingli (Descurainia Seed), and Mutong (Akebia Caulis).

Xue Lizhai stated: Women’s Blood Division and Water Division syndromes may result from irregular diet or imbalances in the Six Evils (Wind, Cold, Summerheat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire) and Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Pensiveness, Sadness, Fear, Fright), leading to damage of the Spleen and Stomach, failure of vital qi generation, deviation of qi and blood, insufficiency of form and healthy qi, and obstruction of meridians by pathogenic factors. It is necessary to use Jiaoren Wan (Pepper Kernel Pill) and Tingli Wan to vent and guide out the pathogens, assisted by herbs that tonify primordial qi, so that true qi is not further injured.

Shenzhai commented: The above seven entries describe the Blood Division and Water Division syndromes in women. Women rely on blood for their physiological functions, and menstruation is the most critical indicator. Therefore, it is said that when entering the field of gynecology, one must first inquire about the menstrual cycle. The regularity, volume, scarcity, or amenorrhea of the menses allow one to judge the depth and severity of gynecological diseases. In cases of Blood Division disease, where menstruation ceases first, followed by swelling and fullness of the head, face, and limbs, this indicates that blood circulation is impaired and qi stagnation fails to transform fluids. The treatment method should be to unblock the channels and regulate blood; once blood flows freely, the swelling will subside. However, if limb swelling and fullness appear first, followed by the cessation of menstruation, this is simply an edema disease. Why name it Water Division and list it under the same category as Blood Division? This reflects the confusion often found in ancient physicians' classification and naming of syndromes.

Zhengzhi Yaojue (Essentials of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment) states: There are cases where menstruation is obstructed, blood enters the four limbs, transforms into water, and results in swelling and fullness. This is not limited to the postpartum period and is named Blood Division. Mistaking it for a water-disease and treating it accordingly can cause significant harm; Xiao Tiaojing San (Regulation Menstruation Powder) is appropriate.

Wu Shuqing stated: Qi is the mother of water, and blood is transformed from qi. Without qi, blood cannot be generated; without blood, qi cannot be nourished. If menstruation is obstructed, the blood is diseased, and consequently, the qi is also diseased. How could water obstruction lead to the transformation into blood? When blood is obstructed and transforms into water, it is due to qi stagnation failing to transform blood, resulting in water accumulation. This can be understood by observing the effects of Taoren Wan (Peach Kernel Pill).