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[Da] What is the cause of generalized body pain after childbirth? The answer is: After childbirth, all joints and bones are relaxed and open, and blood vessels run diffusely. If Qi is deficient, blood tends to stagnate in the meridians and between muscle layers. If this stagnation persists for days without resolving, it leads to impaired joint mobility and tendon/meridian spasms and traction. Consequently, one cannot turn or bend the waist and back, cannot move the hands and feet freely, and experiences feverish sensation, headache, etc. If a physician mistakenly treats this as Taiyang disease (a syndrome caused by pathogenic factors affecting the Taiyang meridian) and uses sweating methods, it will cause sweating followed by twitching of tendons and muscles, and cold extremities, leading to other complications. In such cases, simply administering Chentong San (Urging Pain Powder) will resolve the condition.

[Xue] For the aforementioned symptoms, if pressing with the hand exacerbates the pain, it indicates Blood Stasis (stagnation of blood). Use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Paojiang (Prepared Ginger), Honghua (Safflower), Taoren (Peach Kernel), and Zelan (Prunella Vulgaris Herb) to tonify and dissipate. If pressing causes only slight relief from pain, it indicates Blood Deficiency (deficiency of blood). Use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Paojiang (Prepared Ginger), Renshen (Ginseng Root), and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) to tonify and nourish.

One postpartum woman suffered from abdominal and bodily pain, fever, anorexia, irritability, insomnia, night sweats, and hypochondriac pain. After taking dispersing and blood-removing herbs, she frequently experienced confusion and faintness. Her six pulses were surging yet empty upon deep pressure. She was treated with Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) plus Paojiang (Prepared Ginger) and Banxia (Pinellia Tuber). After one dose, symptoms improved by two or three parts; after another dose, her sleep and appetite returned to normal. However, she still had stiffness and pain in the back. She recovered after being regulated with Bazhen San Dabu Tang (Eight Treasures Great Tonifying Decoction).

Another postpartum woman suffered from generalized pain in the body, head, and neck, aversion to cold, and stiffness. Her pulse was floating and tight, indicating a Wind-Cold syndrome. One dose of Wuji San (Five Accumulations Powder) induced sweating and cured her. Subsequently, she felt fatigued and feverish, which indicated that the pathogenic factor had departed but the True Qi was deficient. She recovered after being regulated and tonified with Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction).

A woman who gave birth in the sixth month sweated excessively. Due to fatigue, she dared not uncover herself, causing sweat to soak into the bedding. The cold moisture penetrated the skin, resulting in Wind-Dampness pain. She was cured after taking several doses of Qianghuo Xuduan Tang (Notopterygium and Dipsacus Decoction).

Chentong San (Urging Pain Powder) [from *Yunqi*]: Treats generalized body pain due to postpartum Qi deficiency and Blood stasis, as well as feverish sensation and headache.
Ingredients: Huainiu (Achyranthes Bidentata Root), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Radix), Guixin (Cinnamon Twig), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Huangqi (Astragalus Membranaceus Root), Duhuo (Angelica Pubescens Radix), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) (each 0.5 liang); Gancao (Licorice Root), Xiebai (Allium Macrostemon Bulb) (each 2.5 qian).
Preparation and Administration: Coarsely crush the herbs. Take 0.5 liang per dose, add one cup of water, decoct until one and a half cups remain, strain, and take before meals.

Chen Wuyue commented: Chentong San not only treats postpartum Qi deficiency and Blood stasis but also treats headache, lower back pain, spontaneous sweating, and fever caused by Wind affecting the Taiyang Meridian. However, if the body pain, fever, and headache are caused by Cold invasion, food retention, or emotional disturbances like worry, fear, shock, or anger, especially when complicated by Chulao (postpartum consumptive disease), Chentong San is ineffective. It is better to use Wuji San (Five Accumulations Powder) decocted with vinegar.

Wuji San (Five Accumulations Powder) decocted with wine treats headache and body pain due to Cold invasion (see Shanghan Section). It may be safer to administer half of this formula together with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction). Adding Taoren (Peach Kernel) treats lower back pain, expels retained blood, and dispels Wind-Dampness.

[Da] Treats generalized cyanotic swelling and pain after childbirth, as well as various diseases.
Ingredients: Huainiu (Achyranthes Bidentata Root), Damai (Hordeum Vulgare Grain) (equal parts).
Preparation and Administration: Grind into fine powder. Layer barley and Achyranthes root alternately in a new clay pot, filling it completely. Seal with salt mud, calcine over fire until red hot, cool down, and grind into powder. For any postpartum disorder, mix 2 qian with warm wine and ingest.

Huoxue Dan (Blood Invigorating Pill), Cangzhu Siwu Gemban Tang (Half Cangzhu Half Siwu Decoction) (both see General Diseases - Body Pain section).
Wujin San (Black Gold Powder): Treats bone and limb pain after childbirth (see later section on Delirium and Confusion).