Library

[Danxi] Postpartum wind-stroke characterized by spasmodic tightness of the tendons and limbs is caused by deficiency of Qi and Blood, with all Zang-Fu organs being deficient. If one rises early and engages in labor before the completion of the first month postpartum, the Zang-Fu are damaged, and the deficiency has not yet recovered; thus, Wind pathogen takes advantage of this weakness. The Wind pathogen, accompanied by Cold, initially lodges in the skin and meridians, causing numbness and insensitivity (Wanbi Buren), emaciation, fatigue, and shortness of breath. When Wind enters the tendons and vessels and is coupled with Cold, it leads to spasmodic tightness.

[Xueji] The Liver belongs to Wood and governs the tendons. If the aforementioned symptoms are due to Wind-Heat and dry Blood in the Liver channel, Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) should be used. If ineffective, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) should be employed to tonify Kidney Water. The Classic states: "When Wind lodges and causes abnormal Qi flow, Essence is lost, and the pathogen injures the Liver." Treatment should still refer to the discussions on various Wind and Blood formulas for miscellaneous diseases mentioned previously.

A parturient presented with tendon spasms, soft arms, and muscle twitching; this was due to dual deficiency of Qi and Blood with internal heat, which was resolved using Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Comprehensive Great Tonifying Decoction). Another parturient suffered from hand numbness; after taking Yu Feng Dan (Wind-Dispelling Pill), she experienced numbness throughout her body and mental fatigue. I diagnosed this as Qi and Blood deficiency, treated with Shi Quan Da Bu Tang plus Pao Jiang (Prepared Ginger), resulting in gradual improvement over several doses. After removing the ginger and continuing for a few more doses, followed by Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), she fully recovered.

Xiong Qiong San (Ligusticum and Ligusticum Chinense Powder): Treats postpartum wind-stroke with spasmodic tightness, pain of tendons and vessels in the four limbs, and stiffness/tightness of the back and neck.
Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) [each remove rhizome], Sparganii Semen (Suanzaoren) [stir-fried], Cornu Saigae Tataricae (Lingyangjiao) [each 7.5 qian], Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng) [remove rhizome], Arctii Fructus (Niubangzi) [each 1 liang, stir-fried], Cinnamomi Cortex (Guixin), Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Chishao) [each 0.5 liang].
Grind the above into coarse powder. Each dose consists of 8 qian, decocted in 1.5 large cups of water until reduced to 1 large cup. Strain and take warm, at any time.

[Xueji] If the above formula is ineffective, Ba Zhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction) should be used. If still ineffective, use Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Comprehensive Great Tonifying Decoction).

Fang Ji Gao (Stephania Plaster): Treats postpartum wind-stroke with spasmodic tightness of tendons and vessels in the four limbs and body numbness; suitable for all such cases.
Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix (Han Fangji) [remove bark, 0.5 jin], Ilicis Cornei Fructus (Yinyu) [5 liang].
Grind the above into coarse powder. Soak the herbs in 5 sheng of wine overnight. Take 1 jin of Pig Fat (Zhufangzhi) and simmer over alternating mild and strong fire, undergoing three cycles of rising and falling, to form a plaster. Spread onto paper flowers and apply to the affected area. Continuously massage the plaster with warm hands.