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Any disease arises from the decline of blood and qi, and the deficiency of the spleen and stomach. How much more so is the deficiency of blood, qi, spleen, and stomach in postpartum women. Therefore, when Zhu Danxi discussed postpartum diseases, he insisted that the primary treatment must be to greatly tonify blood and qi; even if there are other symptoms, they should be treated as secondary. These two statements have already summarized the main principles of treating postpartum conditions. If one can expand upon this, then the formulation of prescriptions and methods of medication will not deviate significantly from the correct path.

Various syndromes such as worry, fright, fatigue, and overwork easily invade the body due to its deficiency after childbirth. If there is qi stagnation, do not exclusively use herbs that consume qi; if there is food retention, do not exclusively use herbs that promote digestion. For heat, avoid using Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Lianzi (Coptidis Rhizoma); for cold, avoid using Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) and Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), because cold causes blood stasis to stagnate, while warmth promotes the circulation of new blood. As for exterior contraction with middle jiao deficiency, where there are many taiyang, yangming, and shaoyang exterior syndromes, sweating might seem appropriate; however, using Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) in postpartum women would severely deplete yang qi. Where there are many taiyin, shaoyin, and jueyin interior syndromes, purgation might seem suitable; however, using Chengqi Tang (Gastrointestinal Releasing Decoction) in postpartum women would severely damage yin fluids.

Deafness and hypochondriac pain are caused by kidney deficiency and the stagnation of lochia; do not use Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix). Delirium and sweating are symptoms of yuan qi (original qi) weakness resembling pathogenic invasion; do not treat them as excess heat in the stomach. Due to the decline of yang, although symptoms may present as either cold or heat, without great tonification, yang cannot be restored and weakness cannot be alleviated. Spasms are caused by the exhaustion of yin blood; without nourishing the nutritive level (ying), meridians cannot be relaxed and collaterals activated.

Furthermore, alternating chills and fever occurring at regular intervals resemble malaria; if treated as malaria, recovery will be delayed and difficult. When the spirit does not reside in its house, resulting in incoherent speech, the condition resembles possession by evil spirits; if treated as such, danger and death may ensue.

Constipation due to blood loss: adding Rongren (Cistanche Caulis) to Shenghua Tang (Decoction for Postpartum Transformation) relies not merely on moistening the intestines but on the unblocking power akin to Chengqi Tang. Profuse sweating leading to scanty and dysuric urine: doubling the dosage of Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) in Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) generates fluids and assists yin to promote urination. Frequently administering Shenghua Tang with added Renshen can save critical postpartum cases; repeatedly using Changsheng Huoming Wan (Longevity and Life-Sustaining Pill) can revive patients with anorexia and collapse.

Rectal prolapse and vaginal wall prolapse ("eggplant dragging") are both due to qi deficiency sinking; Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Decoction to Supplement the Middle and Augment the Qi) is an excellent prescription. Trismus and clenched fists resembling wind syndrome are due to dry blood; Shenghua Tang with added Renshen is highly beneficial. Wind entering the vaginal opening should be treated with Yangrong Qiangduo (Nourishing the Nutritive Level with Qianghuo and Duhuo); cold injuring the vulva requires washing with Chuangmian Yuliu (a preparation involving bed stone, rabbit brain, cornus, and sulfur). Palpitations and fright are treated with Shenghua Tang plus Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix); delirious恍惚 resembling evil spirits is assisted by Anshen Wan (Spirit-Calming Pill) combined with Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction). Shortness of breath with chest fullness and empty irritability is treated with Shenghua Tang plus Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) as an assistant; belching, sour regurgitation, and aversion to food due to overeating are treated with Liujunzi Tang plus Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata).

Sumu (Sappanwood), E Zhu (Curcumae Zedoariae Rhizoma), and Peng Ze (Curcumae Phaeocaulis Rhizoma) strongly break blood stasis; Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) and Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) best eliminate distension. All herbs that consume qi and break blood, and all formulas that induce sweating, vomiting, dispersing, or purging, are only applicable to robust individuals, let alone postpartum women.

Generally, after recent delivery, first inquire about the status of lochia and abdominal pain. Do not hastily add Renshen and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma). If abdominal pain ceases, using Buzhong Yiqi Tang is undoubtedly correct. As for yang collapse... [Text ends]