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If postpartum recuperation is conducted according to proper methods, with the four limbs at peace and free from various ailments, one must still first take Heishen San (Black Spirit Powder) for four doses; additionally, one should slightly prepare tonifying pills and powders, but not in excessive amounts. One must also beware of causing illness through medication, a caution that cannot be ignored. (Such as Siwu Tang [Four Substances Decoction], Sishun Lizhong Wan [Four Smooths Regulate Middle Pill], Neibu Danggui Wan [Internal Supplementing Angelica Pill], Danggui Jianzhong Tang [Angelica Building the Middle Decoction].)

If the parturient has abundant blood and qi, and initially feels stifled and uneasy after delivery, she should take Qibao San (Seven Treasures Powder) [referenced in Volume 19, Discourse 2]; if she is calm and settled, no need to take it.

If after three days she feels high fever, headache, and stabbing pain in the chest and abdomen, do not immediately treat it as Taiyang disease (Cold Damage syndrome affecting the Taiyang channel) or wind-cold invasion; this is when the milk vessels are about to flow, and it is appropriate to take Yulu San (Jade Dew Powder) for one or two doses. (If these symptoms are absent, there is no need to take it.)

If due to overly warm bed curtains, or vigorous qi in the parturient, or a predisposition to anger and joy, she feels dizzy and vertiginous as if on a boat or carriage, with spirit depressed and confused, this is Xueyun (Blood Fainting). She must immediately take anti-fainting medicine for one or two doses to stop it (formula found in Discourse 5), and the attending person must also carefully supervise and inquire about her condition.

If she finds porridge unappetizing and feels weak and fatigued, she should take Sishun Lizhong Wan (Four Smooths Regulate Middle Pill) for one or two doses. (If not so, there is no need to take it.) If within two or three days she feels intermittent cramping pain in the abdomen, this is Erzhen Tong (Placental Mass Pain); she must take medicine for treating Erzhen for one or two doses. (Formula found in Volume 20.)

If constipation or dysuria occurs, one must absolutely not administer purgative or diuretic drugs, because body fluids are deficient. If purgatives are administered, it will lead to uncontrollable diarrhea, which becomes incurable; this must be strictly avoided. If constipation is severe and evacuation is necessary, only then can mild and gentle laxatives be taken to facilitate passage. (Formula found in Volume 23, Discourse 2.)

The *Qianjin Fang* states: Generally, marital intercourse should not occur until one hundred days postpartum; otherwise, it leads to lifelong emaciation and weakness, with myriad diseases arising—be cautious. Any woman suffering from Wind Qi disorders and cold deficiency below the umbilicus does so invariably because of early resumption of sexual activity. For seven days postpartum, while lochia remains incomplete, decoctions should not be taken; wait until the mass below the umbilix dissipates before consuming Mutton Soup. This rule does not apply to cases of severe pain. After two or three days of improvement, Zelan Wan (Lycopus Pill) may be taken; by the time the full month is reached, it is best to finish the pill course, otherwise the deficiency cannot be restored. In cases of extreme emaciation that seem incurable, Wushi Zelan Wan (Five Minerals Lycopus Pill) should be taken to tonify. The method of administration requires waiting until after the seventh day; it must not be taken early. Any woman who gives birth during the hot summer months, takes too much coolness, and contracts wind-cold, leading to abdominal accumulations and the onset of myriad diseases culminating in death, where hundreds of treatments fail to cure, should use Tao Ren Jian (Peach Kernel Decoction/Paste) as the primary treatment, taken after confinement ends. Even if women have no illness, they should take one or two doses every autumn and winter, continuing regular intake throughout the year for optimal health.