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A woman, after giving birth, had her tongue protruding and unable to retract. People assumed it was due to tongue swelling, but who would know that this was actually caused by fright resulting from difficult labor? The tongue is the sprout of the Heart (Xin, 心). When Heart Qi is tranquil, the tongue is tranquil; when Heart Qi is diseased, the tongue is diseased. During childbirth, with the amniotic sac ruptured and the fetus unable to be delivered, the mother worries about saving the child while fearing for her own life, or wishes to save herself while finding it hard to preserve the child's life. Her heart is filled with fear and panic, which naturally differs from her usual state. Once Heart Qi is agitated, Heart Fire (Xin Huo, 心火) inevitably becomes restless. The ligaments connecting the uterus are originally connected to the Heart. Due to the exertion of labor and the fear in the Heart, once the fetus is delivered, the tongue also protrudes. The inability to retract the protruding tongue is due to excessive rising of Heart Qi. The treatment method must focus primarily on descending Qi. Ancients used fear to counteract fear, but since the tongue protrusion stems from fright, adding more shock would only increase her fear, potentially further damaging Heart Qi. Even if the tongue suddenly retracts, it might protrude again immediately. Therefore, descending Qi must be combined with tonifying the Heart, without increasing fear. Use the formula Zhuqi Zhenxin Dan (Assist Qi and Calm Heart Decoction): Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian), Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood, 2 qian), Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii, 0.5 qian), Zhu Sha (Cinnabar, 1 qian, not processed by fire), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus, 1 qian). Decoct in water, hold in the mouth for rinsing, swallow after some time. One dose results in retraction; two doses lead to full recovery.

This formula uses Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) to calm the Heart, and together with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to generate Qi. When Qi is vigorous, Fire returns to the Heart. Once Fire returns, the flame subsides, and the tongue naturally retracts as the fire subsides. Why is it necessary to increase fear so that Qi descends?

This condition can also be treated with Lianshe Shendan (Retract Tongue Divine Elixir): Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 1 liang), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus, 1 qian), Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, 2 qian), Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, 1 slice), Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii), Liang Jiang (Zingiberis Officinalis Rhizoma, each 0.3 fen). Decoct in water, hold in the mouth for rinsing and swallow. One dose results in retraction.

Another case involves a patient with stiffness and pulling sensation at the root of the tongue, numbness in the thumb and index finger, numbness in both arms, constipation, or red halos on the skin. People assume this is a Wind-Heat disorder, but who would know it is caused by anger and formed through Qi stagnation? The root of the tongue belongs to the Earth element governed by the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. The meridians of the Large Intestine scatter under the tongue. Stiffness at the tongue root indicates pathology in the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. However, this does not occur without cause. It arises because Liver Qi fails to extend smoothly. Wood (Liver) overacts on Earth (Stomach), causing Earth deficiency and inability to transform food. Consequently, the meridians of the arms and fingers lose nourishment, leading to numbness. Since the arm and finger meridians lack nourishment, they cannot moisten the skin externally, which explains the appearance of red halos. When Stomach Earth is overacted upon by Liver Wood, Stomach Qi becomes excessively dry. Without blood to assist the Large Intestine, heat generates wind, leading to intestinal constipation and loss of its conduction function. The treatment must unblock the Large Intestine and strengthen the Stomach, while pacifying the Liver to nourish Blood. Use Bazen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) with modifications: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 5 qian), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 5 qian), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix, 1 qian), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 0.5 qian), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Huai Jiao (Aucubae Fructus, 1 qian), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 1 qian), Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 5 qian), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Tuber, 0.5 qian), Fu Ling (Poria, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Two doses reduce symptoms; four doses reduce them further; ten doses lead to full recovery.

Bazen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) is a formula for tonifying Qi and Blood. Adding Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) soothes the Liver, and adding Huai Jiao (Aucubae Fructus) clears Heat. Once Liver stagnation is resolved, Stomach Qi naturally prospers. When Stomach Qi prospers, transportation and transformation become smooth.

Yiyang Tang (Nourishing Decoction) is also excellent for this condition: Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 1 liang), Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma), Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix, each 3 qian), Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed), Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix or Adenophorae Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, each 2 qian), Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix, 0.5 fen), Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, 5 qian), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Four doses lead to recovery.