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During childbirth, the bone joints open, blood vessels disperse, and the healthy qi (vital energy) weakens. This causes blood to stagnate in the meridians and muscle layers, leading to joint dysfunction and disharmony of tendons and vessels. Consequently, there is pain with inability to turn or bend the waist and back, and inability to flex or extend the hands and feet. Do not use diaphoretic formulas for wind-cold; instead, it is appropriate to use Chentong San (Urging Pain-Relieving Powder): Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Huangqi (Astragali Membranacei Radix), Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), and Shengjiang (Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma) each 1 qian; Zhi Cao (Prepared Licorice Root) and Xiebai (Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus) each 0.5 qian. Decoct in water and take hot.

Another condition arises from qi deficiency after new childbirth, combined with prolonged sitting, excessive talking, and physical exertion, leading to dizziness of the head and eyes, pain in the four limbs, alternating chills and fever resembling malaria, and spontaneous sweating. This is named Rulao (Postpartum Deficiency Labor). Do not mistake it for Shanghan (Cold Damage) and erroneously administer diaphoretic formulas. Use Bai Fuling San (White Poria Powder): Yunling (Poria), Guishen (Danggui Radix Segment), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, stir-fried with wine), Zhi Huangqi (Prepared Astragali Membranacei Radix), Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix), and Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) each 1 qian; one pig kidney (preferably from a castrated male pig), remove the oily membrane and slice, decoct in one cup of water, remove the kidney slices, add three slices of ginger, and decoct further for administration.

Note: The syndrome of Rulao may result from physiological difficulties during delivery, causing worry, fear, and mental depletion, internally injuring the spirit, and causing physical strain through tossing and turning. External injury to the form leads to both internal and external damage, exhausting both body and spirit. Alternatively, after childbirth, when qi and blood have not yet recovered, diet is insufficient, daily routine is irregular, speech is incessant, care is improper, desires are unrestrained, external wind-cold invades, and internal food damage occurs, gradually leading to emaciation and fatigue, with myriad diseases arising. Unless treated by skilled physicians with excellent prescriptions, it invariably progresses to Laozai (Chronic Consumption Disease) resulting in death. It is essential to consume Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Substance Great Tonifying Decoction) and early on use Dihuang Wan (Rehmannia Pill) added with Guishen (Danggui Radix Segment), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Roushurong (Cistanches Deserti Caulis, stir-fried with wine and dried), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), Baiziren (Biota Orientalis Semen), and Huajiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium).

This condition is caused by excessive consumption of millet porridge. Use Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction) without Dihuang, adding Juluo (orange peel white pith) mixed with Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) and Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) each one zhong, decoct and take ten doses for recovery.

After new childbirth, if lochia (stagnant blood) is not fully expelled, it flows into the meridians due to deficiency, mixes with qi, stagnates, and transforms into fluid through putrefaction, causing edema of the four limbs and alternating chills and fever. Do not treat it as Shuiqi (Water Qi/Edema disease). Use mild diuretic formulas lightly; simply administer Tiaojing Tang (Regulate Menses Decoction) to promote qi and blood circulation, after which the edema will subside naturally. Tiaojing Tang: Guishen (Danggui Radix Segment, washed with wine), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Chiling (Red Poria), Gancao (Licorice Root), and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) each 2 qian; Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) and Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, stir-fried) each 0.5 qian; three slices of ginger. Decoct and take.

In cases of postpartum weakness where the couli (pores/skin texture) are loose, care is improper, and external wind-dampness invades, causing facial puffiness and limb edema, use Jiawei Wupi Tang (Modified Five Peel Decoction): Sangbaipi (Morus Alba Cortex), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Fulingpi (Poria Cum Sylpha), Dafupi (Arecae Causucis Pericarpium), Hanfangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, stir-fried), Zhuling (Polyporus), and Zhi Cao (Prepared Licorice Root) each 1 qian; three slices of ginger. Decoct in water and take.

If limb edema is accompanied by asthma (wheezing/dyspnea), Fuling Wan (Poria Pill) (see Wind-Phlegm Disease Section) is most effective.