Library

When a woman is pregnant, the Chi pulse (pulse at the wrist position corresponding to the lower jiao/kidneys) beats vigorously and distinctly differs from the Cun pulse (pulse at the wrist position corresponding to the upper jiao/heart-lung). (In pulse diagnosis, the Cun position is considered Yang, and the Chi position is Yin. When the Chi pulse moves forcefully against the fingers and is markedly different from the Cun pulse, this is a sign that pregnancy has been established.) The Shaoyin pulse (the pulse of the Heart meridian) beats independently, indicating that the fetus has formed. (The Shaoyin pulse belongs to the Heart; the Heart governs blood. Now, if the Heart pulse flows smoothly and beats independently, it is a manifestation of abundant blood forming the fetus. Thus, one can know there is pregnancy. It is also said that the "moving" pulse feels as if a bean is pressing against the finger.) A slippery and rapid pulse that does not scatter indicates the fetus is three months old. ("Rapid" refers to the Shu pulse. "Does not scatter" means that upon heavy pressure, the pulse remains forceful and does not dissipate.) If only a rapid pulse without scattering is present, pregnancy can be confirmed at five months. In general, a pulse that is forceful under pressure and does not scatter leads to the diagnosis of pregnancy. However, there are cases where injury syndromes mimic this pulse, so careful differentiation is required. A rapid pulse on the left hand indicates a male fetus, and a rapid pulse on the right hand indicates a female fetus. A female fetus presents with an abdomen shaped like a winnowing basket, while a male fetus presents with an abdomen shaped like a cauldron. It is also said: If the pulses in all three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) are equal in floating and sinking depth, with no other illness but amenorrhea, this indicates pregnancy. If the pulses in all three positions are exactly equal in floating and sinking, this is the pulse of a healthy person without disease; why then is menstruation absent? Since menstruation has ceased, it is evidence of a condition; yet why are there no other symptoms? Therefore, although the pulse may not show obvious abnormalities, conception can be inferred. Furthermore, a deep and solid pulse indicates a male fetus; a deep and solid pulse corresponds to the Kan trigram (full in the middle), representing True Yang. A deficient and floating pulse indicates a female fetus; a deficient and floating pulse corresponds to the Li trigram (empty in the middle), representing True Yin. A deep and solid pulse on the left hand indicates a male fetus, and a deficient and floating pulse on the right hand indicates a female fetus. Deep and solid pulses on both hands indicate twin males; deficient and floating pulses on both hands indicate twin females. One hand showing a deep and solid pulse and the other a deficient and floating pulse, regardless of left or right, indicates one male and one female fetus.

Mylabris (Yuanban), Leech (Shuzhi), and Horsefly (Mengchong); Aconite root lateralis preparata (Wutou), Prepared aconite root (Fuzi), and Aconitum carmichaelii root lateralis preparata (Tianxiong). Wild Ge Gen (Yege), Mercury (Shuiyin), and Croton seed (Badou); Achyranthes bidentata root (Niuxi), Coix seed (Yiyi), and Centipede (Wugong). Curcuma zedoaria rhizome (Sanleng), Curcuma phaeocaulis rhizome (Ezhu), Euphorbia lathyris root (Yuanhua), and Moschus (She); Euphorbia pekinensis root (Daji), Kansui root (Gansui), and Huang Cixiong (likely referring to specific toxic herbs like Rhizoma Smilacis Chinae or similar contextually toxic agents). Ochre (Daizhe), Mirabilite (Mangxiao), Peony root (Mudanpi), and Cinnamon twig (Guizhi); Sophora flower (Huaihua), Pharbitis seed (Qianniu), and Gleditsia sinensis fruit (Zaojiao) together. Pinellia ternata tuber (Banxia), Arisaema erubescens (Nanxing), and Acrossostemma stem (Tongcao); Lythrum fruticosum herb (Qumai), Dried ginger (Ganjiang), and Peach kernel (Taoren) also [implied caution/use]. Amomum fruit (Sharen), Dried lacquer (Ganqi), Crab shell/claw (Xiejiazhao), Mylabris (Dichand), and Natrii Sulfas (Yanxiao) are among the prohibited substances.

If the fetus cries in the womb, decoct Coptis chinensis rhizome (Chuanlian) juice and swallow it, or use Indigo naturalis (Qingdai), which is also effective. If the abdomen makes bell-like sounds or crying noises, take powder made from soil found in rat holes in long-abandoned empty rooms, delivered with yellow wine, or simply hold it in the mouth to stop the sound. For Zang Zao syndrome manifesting as sadness, misery, vomiting, or bleeding, decoct Hordeum vulgare grain (Damai), Licorice root (Gancao), and Jujube (Dazao) for administration. For spontaneous crying or laughing, roast Red Date (Hongzao) until carbonized but retaining its nature, and administer with rice water. If a pregnant woman suffers from smallpox/variolous eruptions, fetal-calming tonics cannot be used; if attacking/purgative medicines are used, it will inevitably cause blood loss and Qi depletion, leading immediately to critical conditions; therefore, no medicine need be taken.