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The *Daquan* records: What is the cause of generalized body pain after childbirth? The answer states: After childbirth, all joints and apertures open up, and blood vessels become disordered. If Qi is weak, blood stagnates in many places between the meridians and muscle layers. If this stagnation persists for days without resolving, joint movement becomes impaired. The sinews and vessels become tense and pull, causing the waist and back to be unable to turn or side-bend, and the hands and feet to be unable to move freely, accompanied by fever, headache, etc. If a physician mistakenly treats this as Taiyang disease (Exterior Syndrome), it will lead to sweating with twitching of the sinews and vessels, coldness of the hands and feet, and the generation of other pathological changes. One should administer Chentong San (Urging Pain-Relieving Powder) to resolve these symptoms. (It is correct that pain due to Qi deficiency and blood stagnation should not be treated as an exterior syndrome; however, why is pain due to Blood deficiency combined with Wind-Cold not mentioned? See the discussion on Wuji San below for clarification.)

Xue stated: Regarding the aforementioned symptoms, if pressing with the hand causes severe pain (this palpation method is excellent), it indicates blood stagnation. Use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) added with Paojiang (Prepared Ginger), Honghua (Safflower), Taoren (Peach Kernel), and Zelan (Prunella Vulgaris Herb) to tonify and dissipate the stagnation. If pressing causes the pain to ease slightly, it indicates Blood deficiency. Use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) added with 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, loss of appetite, restlessness, insomnia, night sweats, and hypochondriac pain. After taking herbs for releasing the exterior and removing blood stasis, she occasionally experienced confusion and fainting. Her six pulses were large and forceful but empty upon deep pressure. She was prescribed Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) added with Paojiang (Prepared Ginger) and Banxia (Pinellia Tuber). After one dose, symptoms subsided abruptly; after two more doses, her sleep and appetite returned to normal. However, she still had a stiff and painful back, which was resolved using Bazhen San (Eight Treasures Powder) and Dabu Tang (Great Tonifying Decoction) for regulation.

Another postpartum woman suffered from generalized pain in the body, head, and neck, aversion to cold, and limb stiffness. Her pulse was floating and tight, indicating a Wind-Cold pattern. She took Wuji San (Five Accumulations Powder) for one dose and recovered after sweating. However, she subsequently felt fatigued and had a low-grade fever, indicating that the pathogenic Wind had departed but True Qi was deficient. She was treated with Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) for tonification and recovery.

A woman gave birth in the sixth lunar month. She sweated excessively and felt weak, so she dared not uncover herself. Consequently, sweat soaked into her bedding, and when cooled, it dampened her skin, leading to pain from Wind-Dampness. She was administered Qianghuo Xuduan Tang (Notopterygium and Dipsacus Decoction) and recovered after several doses.

Chentong San (Urging Pain-Relieving Powder): Treats postpartum Qi deficiency and blood stagnation, characterized by tendon spasms, rigidity of the waist and back, and generalized body pain.
Ingredients: Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Radix), Guangui (Cinnamon Twig), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Huangqi (Astragalus Membranaceus Root), Duhuo (Angelica Pubescens Radix), Niuxi (Achyranthes Bidentata Root), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) (each 5 qian); Gancao (Licorice Root, honey-fried), Jiubai (Leek White) (each 3.5 qian).
Preparation and Administration: Coarsely crush the herbs. Take 5 qian per dose, decoct in water and drink. This formula addresses Qi deficiency, hence the use of Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome); if external contraction is severe, do not use lightly. Adding Sangjisheng (Taxillus Chinensis Caulis, 0.5 liang) is even better.

Wuji San (Five Accumulations Powder): Treats postpartum body pain complicated by Cold invasion and food stagnation.
See the formula under the previous section on Abdominal Pain. Mix equal parts with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) for safe administration.

Jiawei Siwu Tang (Modified Four Substances Decoction): Treats postpartum body pain due to Blood deficiency.
Ingredients: Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Radix), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome), Renshen (Ginseng Root), Shaoyao (Peony Root), Shudi (Rehmannia Glutinosa Root, prepared), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Jiangjiang (Dried Ginger Rhizome, prepared) (each 1 qian).
Preparation and Administration: Coarsely cut into one dose, decoct in water and drink.

Daquan Fang (Formula from Daquan): Treats postpartum generalized cyanotic swelling and pain, as well as various miscellaneous diseases. (This specifically treats blood flow obstructing the meridians, causing cyanosis and pain.)
Ingredients: Niuxi (Achyranthes Bidentata Root), Damai (Hordeum Vulgare Grain) (equal proportions).
Preparation and Administration: Grind into fine powder. Layer Hordeum Vulgare Grain and Achyranthes Bidentata Root alternately in a new clay jar until full. Seal with salt mud, calcine over fire until red-hot, allow to cool, and grind into powder. For any postpartum condition, take 2 qian mixed with warm wine. (These four formulas are collected here with clear methodology, worthy of appreciation.)