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Postpartum anger causes qi rebellion and stagnation, leading to fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm, and severe pain from blood stasis. It is appropriate to use the original Shenghua Decoction (Bahuang Tang), with three fen of Muxiang powder taken orally by mixing it temporarily; this will soothe the qi, dissipate anger, and allow the blood stasis to resolve spontaneously. If one exclusively uses herbs such as Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma), Sharen (Amomi Fructus Rotundus), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), or Wuyao (Linderae Radix) to move qi and disperse stasis, it will instead deplete the primordial qi and exacerbate the fullness and oppression. If food is consumed immediately after anger, due to weak stomach qi causing food stagnation, one must determine what type of food was ingested: if meat caused the injury, add Sharen and Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus); if rice or grains caused the injury, add Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) and Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus); if cold foods caused pain and cold stagnation in the chest and abdomen, add Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) and Wuyu (Evodiae Fructus) to expel cold and alleviate pain. One must strictly avoid using Binlang Wan (Areca Seed Pill) to move qi and digest food.

Jianpi Huaqi Yin (Spleen-Strengthening and Qi-Transforming Decoction): Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) each 2 qian; Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 1 qian; Jiangtan (Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisatum), Zhi Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle) each 4 fen. Decoct in water and take. If the pain from blood stasis persists, continue to use Shenghua Decoction with 3 fen of Muxiang powder mixed in.

Postpartum physical exhaustion injures the Spleen qi. Therefore, women who have just given birth should not consume rich and greasy foods. Although the Stomach may accept small amounts, the Spleen’s transportation function becomes sluggish, leading to food retention, epigastric fullness, belching with a sour taste, and aversion to food. This is the underlying cause. Treatment should primarily focus on supporting the Yuan qi (Primordial Qi), warming and tonifying qi and blood, strengthening the Spleen and assisting the Stomach, nurturing the righteous qi while simultaneously promoting digestion. Determine the specific food ingested and assist with digestive herbs. In this way, Spleen qi recovers, transportation functions normally, stagnant food moves, and the Stomach begins to desire grain again. Excessive use of digestive herbs will inevitably lead to an inability to eat, making the condition difficult to treat; at this point, Changsheng Huoming Yin (Long-Life Life-Sustaining Decoction) must be used urgently for rescue.

Jiawei Shenghua Tang (Modified Shenghua Decoction): Chuanxiong 1 qian, Danggui 2 qian, Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) 1 qian, Paojiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparatum) and Zhi Gancao each 5 fen. For undigested food in stool, add one roasted Rouguo (Myristicae Semen). For pain from blood stasis, add Taoren (Persicae Semen). Once pain ceases, add Baizhu. For deficiency, add Renshen. The treatment for specific food injuries remains as described above. Cold-natured medicines are contraindicated when there is body heat; qi-depleting medicines are contraindicated when there is epigastric fullness.

Changsheng Huoming Yin (Long-Life Life-Sustaining Decoction): Renshen 2 qian, water 2 zhong, decoct until 8 fen remains, then take with Guojiao (Scorched Rice) powder. If poverty prevents the use of Renshen, use only Guojiao ground into powder and taken with paste. Alternatively, decoct Baizhu in water and take it mixed; this may also help to stimulate appetite.