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[Da Lun] Postpartum wind-stroke accompanied by spasmodic tightness of the tendons and limbs is caused by deficiency of Qi and Blood, with all Zang-Fu organs being deficient. If one rises early and engages in labor before the completion of the first month postpartum, the Zang-Fu organs are damaged, and the deficiency has not yet recovered; thus, Wind pathogen takes advantage of this weakness. The Wind pathogen combined with Cold initially lodges in the skin and meridians, causing numbness and insensitivity (Wan Bi Bu Ren), emaciation, fatigue, and shortness of breath. When Wind Qi enters the tendons and vessels and is accompanied by Cold, it results in spasmodic tightness.

[Xue Ji's Commentary] The Liver belongs to Wood and governs the tendons. If the aforementioned symptoms are due to Wind-Heat in the Liver channel and dryness of the Blood, Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) should be used. If there is no response, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) should be employed to tonify Kidney Water. The Classic states: "When Wind lodges and disrupts Zheng Qi, Essence is lost, and the Liver is injured by the pathogen." Treatment should still refer to the discussions on various Wind syndromes and Blood formulas in previous miscellaneous disease chapters.

One parturient presented with tendon spasms, flaccidity of the arms, and muscle twitching; this was due to dual deficiency of Qi and Blood generating internal heat, which was resolved using Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Comprehensive Great Tonifying Decoction). Another parturient suffered from hand numbness; after taking Yu Feng Dan (Wind-Dispelling Pill), she experienced numbness throughout her body and mental fatigue. I diagnosed this as Qi and Blood deficiency and prescribed Shi Quan Da Bu Tang with Pao Jiang (Roasted Ginger). After several doses, she gradually improved. After removing the Ginger for a few more doses, she was finally cured with Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder).

Xiong Qiong San (Ligusticum and Chuanxiong Powder): Treats postpartum wind-stroke with spasmodic tightness and pain in the tendons and vessels of the four limbs, and stiffness/tightness of the back and neck.
Ingredients: Xiong Qiong (Chuanxiong Rhizome), Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) [each remove rhizome], Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) [stir-fried], Ling Yang Jiao (Saiga Tataricae Cornu) [each 7.5 qian], Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) [remove rhizome], Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus) [each 1 liang, stir-fried], Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex), Chi Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra) [each 0.5 liang].
Preparation and Administration: Grind the above ingredients into coarse powder. Each dose consists of 8 qian, decocted in 1.5 large cups of water until reduced to 1 large cup. Strain and take warm, at any time.

[Xue Ji's Commentary] If the above formula yields no result, Ba Zhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction) should be used. If that also fails, use Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Comprehensive Great Tonifying Decoction).

Fang Ji Gao (Stephania Plaster): Treats postpartum wind-stroke with spasmodic tightness of the tendons and vessels in the four limbs and bodily numbness; suitable for all such cases.
Ingredients: Han Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) [remove bark, 0.5 jin], Yin Yu (Berberidis Aristatae Rhizoma) [5 liang].
Preparation and Administration: Grind the above ingredients into coarse powder. Soak the herbs in 5 sheng of wine overnight. Take 1 jin of pig lard (Zhu Fang Zhi) and simmer over alternating mild and strong fire, performing three cycles of rising and falling, until it becomes a plaster. Spread onto paper flowers and apply to the affected area. Continuously massage the plaster with warm hands.