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All diseases originate from the decline of blood and qi, and the deficiency of the spleen and stomach. How much more so is the deficiency and decline of blood, qi, spleen, and stomach in postpartum women? Therefore, Master Danxi stated in his discussion on postpartum care that "one must prioritize greatly tonifying blood and qi." Even if there are miscellaneous symptoms, they should be treated as secondary matters. These three words summarize the main principle of treating postpartum conditions. If one can expand upon this to formulate prescriptions and select herbs, then treating postpartum diseases will involve no major errors.

Postpartum sorrow, fright, fatigue, and overwork cause a sudden and severe deficiency of blood and qi, allowing various pathologies to easily invade due to this deficiency. If there is qi stagnation, do not exclusively use dispersing agents; if there is food retention, do not exclusively use digestive and guiding agents. For heat patterns, avoid using Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Lianzi (Coptidis Rhizoma); for cold patterns, avoid excessive use of Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata). Cold causes blood stasis and obstruction, while excessive heat causes new blood to flow uncontrollably (metrorrhagia).

Regarding exogenous pathogens invading a deficient body, presenting with many Taiyang (Greater Yang) exterior symptoms, sweating therapy might seem appropriate. However, using Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) in the postpartum state would exhaust yang qi. Presenting with many Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) or Taiyin (Tai Yin) interior symptoms, purgative therapy might seem suitable. However, using Chengqi Tang (Gastrointestinal Releasing Decoction) variants in the postpartum state would severely deplete yin blood.

Deafness and hypochondriac pain indicate kidney deficiency with stagnant lochia; do not use Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix). Delirium and sweating indicate weak yuan qi resembling pathogenic interference; do not treat it as excess heat in the stomach. Jue syndrome (cold extremities/fainting) results from the decline of yin and yang, making it difficult to distinguish between cold and heat patterns; only great tonification can restore yang and revive the weak body. Due to yin blood deficiency, regardless of whether it presents as rigid or flexible spasms, only nourishing the Ying (Nutritive) level can relax the sinews and unblock the collaterals.

Similarly, alternating chills and fever with periodic onset resembles Malaria (Nüe Ji); treating it as malaria leads to prolonged difficulty in cure. Restlessness of the spirit and incoherent speech resemble possession by evil spirits; treating it as such predicts imminent danger and death.

Excessive blood loss leading to dry, constipated stool: adding Rongren (Cistanche Deserticola) to Shenghua Tang (Decoction for Generating Blood) achieves moistening and purging effects that Run Chang (Intestine Moistening) or Chengqi Tang cannot. Excessive sweating leading to scanty, dysuric urine: doubling the dosage of Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) in Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) generates fluids and assists blood to promote urination. Frequent administration of Shenghua Tang with added Renshen saves critical postpartum conditions; Changsheng Huoming San (Longevity and Life-Preserving Powder) frequently revives patients unable to eat.

Tui Shan (retracted testicles) and Tuogang (rectal prolapse) are mostly due to qi deficiency sinking; Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Middle-Boosting Qi-Supplementing Decoction) is an excellent prescription. Koujin (lockjaw) and quanan (clenched fists/spasms) resemble wind syndromes caused by dry yin blood; Shenghua Tang with added Renshen is highly beneficial. Severe pain in the vaginal orifice due to wind invasion requires internal administration of Qianghuo Yangrong Fang (Notopterygium Nourishing Nutritive Decoction); cold injury to the Yu Men (vaginal opening) causing inability to close requires external washing with Chuangshi (Bed Stone), Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), and Liuhuang (Sulfur).

Palpitations and fright are treated with Shenghua Tang combined with Dingzhi Wan (Stabilizing Spirit Pill);恍惚 (trance-like states resembling evil influence) are assisted by Anshen Wan (Calming Spirit Pill) combined with Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction). Chest fullness and empty irritability due to asthma are treated with Shenghua Tang adding Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) as an assistant; belching sourness and aversion to food due to overeating are treated well with Liu Jun Zi Tang adding Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) and Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus).

Sumu (Sappan Wood), Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma), and E'zhu (Curcumae Rhizoma) strongly break blood stasis; Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) and Zhike (Aurantii Fructus) best eliminate distension and bloating. All formulas that consume qi and break blood, as well as therapies involving sweating, vomiting, diffusing, and purging, are only applicable to young and robust individuals; how could they be suitable for pregnancy and childbirth?

Generally, after fresh delivery, first inquire about the status of lochia. If painful masses remain, do not hastily add Renshen and Baizhu. If abdominal pain has ceased, using Buzhong Yiqi Tang is undoubtedly correct. Regarding Wang Taipu's statement: "Treating lower jiao deficiencies requires urgent supplementation; slowness makes the path long and the force weak." If an urgent formula has thin flavor and aroma, its force is equivalent to a slow one. Therefore, treating postpartum conditions should follow Danxi's principle of consolidating the root, and the method of administration should emulate Taipu's advice to administer frequently. Those entrusted with life and death must surely focus on rescuing the critical condition.