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Guo Jizhong stated: Postpartum sweating leading to spasmodic changes occurs because postpartum blood deficiency and loose cou li (skin pores and subcutaneous tissue) cause excessive sweating. If wind pathogen invades and combats with the body during this time, it leads to spasmodic changes; it is appropriate to administer Xiao Xuming Tang (Minor Continuation of Life Decoction). If the condition slightly relieves, sweat will pour out like rain, too fast for a handkerchief to wipe, which becomes incurable.

Commentary: Since this refers to postpartum, Qi and Blood are originally deficient. Excessive sweating further depletes Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). Even if wind pathogen takes advantage of the deficiency, how can one take Mahuang (Ephedra) and similar diaphoretic herbs found in Xiao Xuming Tang? Moreover, what about cases that present as deficiency but are not true Wind stroke? Although Chen Wuzhai once discussed this error, his use of Dazao ZiTang (Soybean Purple Decoction) and Dasheng San (Great Sage Powder) was not entirely sound.

Respectfully noted: In Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage), Jingzhui disease (Spasm) is caused by Taiyang Wind Strike compounded by Cold-Dampness, specifically targeting external pathogen injury. However, Zhang Zhongjing also warned against damage syndromes (Huai Zheng) resulting from excessive sweating or purging methods, which arise from mismanagement complications. Generally, injuries by external pathogens are treated with dispersing methods. Zhang Zhongjing’s discussions on Gang-Jing (Rigid Spasm) and Rou-Jing (Flaccid Spasm), along with Huorenbian’s theories on Yin-Yang differentiation and meridians, are detailed. Methods for treating damage syndromes, tonifying deficiency, and correcting errors have been lost in other formularies. Additionally, Qianjin Fang states that Warm Disease heat entering the Kidney causes spasm, and pediatric epilepsy with intense heat also causes spasm. Such treatment methods have not been seen. Furthermore, beyond these two categories, there are individuals with original Qi-Blood deficiency, such as those developing spasm due to excessive postpartum sweating, or due to Seven Emotions/Anger, or due to internal excess Heat-Dampness obstructing collaterals with Phlegm-Saliva. Treatments vary greatly. Generally, Shanghan with external pathogens is resolved using Wind herbs to disperse Cold-Wind, which also overcome Dampness. However, Heat entering the Kidney cannot be treated with Wind herbs. Internal spasm without external pathogens should not be treated with Wind herbs by predecessors; instead, one should tonify deficiency, descend Fire, strengthen Earth (Spleen), calm Wood (Liver), clear Phlegm, and remove Dampness according to symptoms. Careful observation is required. This describes the treatment method for Jingzhui disease.

Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet): Gualou Guizhi Tang treats Taiyang disease where the body is stiff and rigid, with a sinking and slow pulse, indicating Jingzhui disease.
Ingredients: Gualou Gen (Trichosanthes Root), Gancao (Licorice Root, honey-fried, 2 liang each); Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Shaoyao (Peony Root), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger, 3 liang each); Dazao (Jujube, 12 pieces).
Preparation: The above six ingredients are boiled in 9 sheng of water to obtain 3 sheng. Divide into three warm doses. Aim for slight sweating; if no sweat, drink hot porridge shortly after administration to induce sweating.

Commentary: This formula belongs to the Taiyang category, utilizing exterior-releasing herbs.

Gegen Tang (Kudzu Decoction): Treats Taiyang disease with no sweating, reduced urination, Qi rushing to the chest, trismus (lockjaw), and inability to speak, indicating impending Gang-Jing (Rigid Spasm).
(See Shanghan section for formula details)

Haizang Shenji Tang (Sea Storehouse Divine Skill Decoction): Treats Gang-Jing.
Add: Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Duhuo (Angelica Pubescens Root), Mahuang (Ephedra Herb).

Baizhu Tang (Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction): Treats Rou-Jing (Flaccid Spasm).
Add: Guixin (Cinnamon Bark), Huangqi (Astragalus Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome).

Huorenbian Juqing Jubai San (Living People's "Lifting Minister" Defeat Decay Powder): Treats postpartum blood deficiency causing spasm, or convulsions following wind strike after sweating. Jingjie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike, amount unspecified) is lightly fried and ground to powder. Dahuangjuan (Fermented Soybean) is cooked, soaked in wine, the beans removed, and the juice used to mix 3-5 qian of the fine powder. Drink with the dregs; efficacy is miraculous. Another method uses good wine alone for mixing.

Commentary: These are herbs for the Taiyang and Jueyin meridians. According to Ben Cao materia medica, Jingjie (Schizonepeta) induces sweating, breaks stagnation, expels stasis, and removes Wind-Damp Bi syndrome; it is an herb for attacking pathogens. It is not suitable for those with genuine Qi-Blood deficiency.