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After childbirth, the body is fatigued and exhausted, and both the Spleen and Stomach are injured. Therefore, immediately after delivery, one should avoid rich and greasy foods (Gao Liang), stay away from strong-flavored dishes, and regulate diet with porridge, vegetables, and light meals. Furthermore, if the patient has no appetite but is forced to eat, although the Stomach may accept a small amount, the Spleen will struggle to transport and transform it, easily leading to food stagnation and chest/epigastric fullness and obstruction. In severe cases, this can cause fever due to food injury; do not mistakenly diagnose this as Yin Deficiency (Yin Xu). Additionally, abdominal pain caused by food stagnation should not be mistaken for blood coagulation. When treating these conditions, one must accurately recognize the true nature of the illness: if there is fever but normal digestion, blood tonification may be considered; however, if there is aversion to food and sour belching, it is a symptom of food stagnation, and the primary treatment should be to support the Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) by employing methods to tonify Qi, nourish Blood, strengthen the Spleen, and assist the Stomach. One must ascertain what food was ingested and add corresponding herbs accordingly. Through digestive and guiding methods, the Spleen Qi recovers and its transportation function resumes, allowing stagnant food to move and restoring the desire for grain. By combining tonification and elimination in this manner, stability is achieved without complication. Thus, skilled practitioners distinguish between priority and urgency in treatment methods, analyzing symptoms and the presence or absence of mass-related pain. Considering the varying durations since childbirth, one must address the root deficiency of postpartum state while simultaneously eliminating the branch manifestation of food accumulation. If attacking pathogens and tonifying deficiency are performed according to proper principles, recovery is swift. Hence, distinct formulas such as Shenghua Xiaoshi Tang and Jianpi Xiaoshi Tang are used for differentiated treatment.

Shenghua Xiaoshi Tang (Postpartum Invigorating and Digestive Decoction) consists of Shenghua Tang (Invigorating Blood Decoction) plus Qu Shenqu (Fermented Wheat Mass, stir-fried) and Maiya (Sprouted Hordeum Seed, stir-fried), each 6 fen.

Jianpi Xiaoshi Tang (Spleen-Strengthening and Digestive Decoction) treats postpartum mass pain that has been resolved, leaving only food stagnation causing fullness and obstruction.
Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian) Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 3 qian, washed with wine) Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma) Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata, stir-fried, 1 qian each) Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 1.5 qian, soil-stir-fried) Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) Sharen (Amomi Fructus Rotundus, 6 fen each) Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle, 5 fen each).

Following childbirth, anger causes rebellious Qi rising, discomfort in the chest and diaphragm, and even pain. If accompanied by pain from blood masses, Muxiang Shenghua Tang (Costus Postpartum Invigorating Decoction) is appropriate. This naturally facilitates the rapid resolution of blood masses and disperses anger, treating both conditions harmoniously. However, if one neglects postpartum care while focusing on emotional issues, and indiscriminately uses Qi-moving and mass-resolving herbs like Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma), Wuyao (Linderae Radix), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), or Xiangsha (Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum and Amomi Fructus), the Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) may be damaged instead. This leads to increased chest oppression, fullness, and pain, which is not a skillful approach to treating postpartum conditions.

Muxiang Shenghua Tang (Costus Postpartum Invigorating Decoction) is effective for postpartum mass pain that persists despite daily emotional distress.
Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 2 qian) Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 6 qian, washed with wine) Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum, 4 fen, stir-fried until black) Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 3 fen) Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix, 2 fen, ground and taken with decoction).
Decoct in water and take orally. If food injury occurs after anger, treat it similarly to general food injury: ascertain the specific food ingested and use appropriate herbs to digest it.