Library

I am of dull capacity and did not study systematically in my youth. Although I have perused many medical texts, I only grasped their general outlines and did not explore their subtleties. How could I dare to boast of a single insight and use it to guide contemporaries or transmit it to posterity? However, considering that medicine entrusts life and death, its path is indeed difficult; and the field of obstetrics and gynecology concerns lineage continuation and involves two lives, making it the most challenging aspect of medical practice. Therefore, I extensively collected prescriptions from various books, studied daily the famous theories of sages past, and probed into their profound principles through verification and contemplation. After more than thirty years, I seemed to have grasped the essentials and was no longer confused by divergent paths. Thus, I dared to synthesize ancient texts, incorporate my humble opinions, and compile them into a collection divided into three volumes: Upper, Middle, and Lower, titled *Taichan Xinfa* (Essential Methods for Obstetrics). For women at the beginning of conception, there are methods to consolidate the root; at the time of delivery, measures to prevent complications; and after childbirth, means to preserve life. Covering both routine and exceptional circumstances in detail, I dare not keep this knowledge private, so I have it printed and published. I hope that practitioners who obtain this book will integrate and master it, applying it with spiritual flexibility, thereby nurturing the populace. Even if they cannot achieve such mastery, by selecting formulas according to the discussions and modifying them based on symptoms, they can still protect mother and child. May future scholars of obstetrics not regard my words as empty talk. I summarize the main points here at the beginning of the volume as a preface.

Written in the late autumn of the ninth month of the Gengxu year of the Yongzheng reign, by Yan Chunxi (courtesy name Chengzhai), Observer General of Zuojiang, Guangxi, from Shanggu, at his official residence.

The *Neijing* states: "When the hand Shaoyin pulse moves vigorously, pregnancy exists." It also says: "Yin pulsation distinct from Yang is called having a child." Furthermore, it asks: "How do we know that a pregnant woman is about to give birth?" The answer is: "The body has symptoms, but the pulse lacks signs of pathogenic factors." Additionally, "If the pulse at the cun position remains unceasing upon pressure, it indicates pregnancy." Hua Bolin stated: "When the pulses at the three positions (cun, guan, chi) are equal in floating and sinking depth, without other diseases, yet menstruation has ceased, it indicates pregnancy." Note: In cases of leukorrhea (vaginal discharge) in women, the foot Shaoyin pulse often appears slippery and smooth, resembling a pregnancy pulse. However, it must correspond with the vigorous movement of the hand Shaoyin pulse to confirm pregnancy; otherwise, it is merely leukorrhea. Generally, when a woman is pregnant, blood gathers and qi accumulates, making the uterine cavity full; thus, the yin pulse at the chi position must be slippery and rapid, which is an inevitable principle. However, there are women who conceive later in life or those with weak qi and blood, whose pulses appear fine and slow. Yet, within this weakness, there must be a faint sliding sensation, which is what is meant by 'Yin pulsation distinct from Yang,' indicating a pregnancy pulse. While both pregnancy and consumptive disease (lao sun) present with rapid pulses, the pulse of consumption is rapid combined with wiry and choppy qualities, whereas the pulse of pregnancy is rapid combined with harmonious and slippery qualities. This subtle distinction between pathogenic qi and stomach qi can be discerned upon palpation. Further confirmation through symptom assessment makes it clearly evident. Practitioners who do not deeply investigate pulse theory or carefully study the *Neijing* often misdiagnose these conditions as yin deficiency, consumption, or amenorrhea. Unless the husband explicitly informs the physician, few avoid mistreatment leading to miscarriage or prolonged bleeding. Can one not be cautious!