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In cases where the membranes rupture before the fetus is in a proper position for delivery, there are two main causes: First, the mother’s constitution is weak, and the fetal membranes are not secure; due to fetal movement, they rupture upon contact. This is due to deficiency of Qi and Blood (Qi and Blood). Second, the fetus has not yet turned, but because the woman assumed the birthing position too early and exerted excessive force, the membranes rupture prematurely. This is due to injury from improper physical exertion. If the membranes have been ruptured for a long time and the amniotic fluid and blood have dried up, causing the birth canal to become dry and obstructed, the fetus will be difficult to deliver. In such cases, one should immediately administer large doses of Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), or Wuwu Jian (Five-Ingredient Decoction), Tuohua Jian (Decoction for Expelling the Fetus), Shuitai Jian (Decoction for Lubricating the Fetus), Wufu Yin (Five Blessings Drink), Danggui Tang (Angelica Decoction), and similar formulas to tonify Qi and Blood. Additionally, decoct green onion water strongly to fumigate and wash the vulva, so that warmth reaches the area and Qi circulates freely, allowing the fetus to descend naturally. If the condition persists until strength is exhausted and blood is depleted, the situation becomes critical. One should then use one jin (approx. 500g) of Bazhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction) ingredients, along with four liang (approx. 125g) of Yimucao (Leonurus japonicus Herba), decocted in several bowls of water, and drink it intermittently; survival is possible. Alternatively, use several jin of Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), decocted in a large cauldron, so that the medicinal vapor fills the room, allowing the parturient woman to inhale the aroma through her mouth and nose. This is also an excellent method. Generally, dystocia often affects those who are prone to depression, lead sedentary lives, or belong to wealthy families. Although treatment principles generally suggest clearing Qi during pregnancy and tonifying Blood after delivery, these rules should not be applied rigidly. If the Spleen and Stomach are weak and Qi and Blood are insufficient, preventive regulation and tonification are necessary; otherwise, difficulties during labor are inevitable.

First, in cases of dystocia lasting several days without other critical symptoms, Tuohua Jian (Decoction for Expelling the Fetus) is suitable for inducing labor, which is extremely safe and effective.
A physician staying at an inn treated a shopkeeper’s wife who had been in labor for several days without delivering. Her lower body was cold, and she lacked medicine, creating a desperate situation. The physician instructed taking Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium), orange leaves, and Evodia fruit (Evodiae Fructus), decocting them together in a basin of water. The patient sat on a small stool over the basin to fumigate and wash herself. After some time, her lower abdomen became warm, Qi temperature rose, and Blood circulation improved, resulting in delivery.
Another prescription: Use Perilla leaf (Perillae Folium) decoction for fumigation and washing. Generally, during severe cold months, prolonged labor damages the body with cold, causing Qi and Blood to coagulate. Therefore, this fumigation and washing method is also essential. External application of hot water infusion, combined with internal consumption of mutton soup, is certain to be effective.
Another prescription: Have the parturient woman hold the tip of her own hair in her mouth to induce nausea and vomiting, which facilitates delivery. This method also treats retained placenta (retained fetal membranes).