Library

For any method to induce labor, it is imperative to confirm that the woman is in normal labor. If abdominal pain suddenly occurs near the due date, with pain coming and going intermittently for one or two days or three to five days, accompanied by ruptured amniotic fluid and continuous abdominal pain, this is termed "Nong Tai" (Playing Fetus), also known as "Shi Tong" (Trial Pain), which is not true labor. If abdominal pain suddenly occurs a month before the due date, feeling as if delivery is imminent but failing to proceed, this is termed "Shi Yue" (Trial Month), which is also not true labor. Regardless of whether the amniotic fluid has ruptured, these situations are not harmful; one should remain calm and wait for the right time, allowing nature to take its course like a ripe melon falling from the vine. At the moment of impending delivery, abdominal qi pain causes fetal rotation; those with strong qi find it easy to rotate, while those with deficient qi find it difficult. If time passes with unceasing abdominal pain, it is not yet the time for true labor. One must absolutely avoid premature disturbance or indiscriminate administration of labor-inducing medicines. Only when waist and abdominal pain intensifies progressively, becoming unbearable, accompanied by urgency in the anus resembling the urge to defecate, visual phenomena such as seeing golden light, rupture of membranes, and bleeding, can it be confirmed as the signs of true labor. If labor-inducing drugs are mistakenly used before the proper time, causing the fetus to rotate at an inappropriate time, leading to breech presentation or transverse lie, the harm can be significant. There are numerous formulas for inducing labor. The rabbit brain and mouse kidney pills circulated in the world, although considered effective, will naturally work only if taken during true labor. If taken during false labor, it is akin to picking fruit before it ripens, inevitably endangering life and health; they must absolutely not be used. Only the Baosheng Wuyou Fang (Preservation of Life and Peace Formula) (see previous section) should be used; when the time comes for birth, the baby will be born. This medicine is very mild in nature but possesses great efficacy, truly an immortal prescription through the ages. One must not indulge in curiosity or treat it lightly.

Mr. Zhu Danxi stated: Fushou San (Bodhi Hand Powder) (see previous section) is the holy medicine for inducing labor; it is both safe and rapid in effect, with efficacy comparable to Baosheng Wuyou San.

Another formula: Chen Maicao (Old Wheat Grass) (preferably collected from open-air exposure; if unavailable, grass from old straw hats may be used). Use 1 liang per dose, wash away dust and ash, cut into inch-long segments... [Text incomplete in source]

Another formula: Write the four characters "Yu Wang Jing Yi" (Forget Speech, Respect and Leave) on yellow paper using a new cinnabar brush (a new ink brush may be used if no cinnabar brush is available). Paste them on bed posts and doors/windows. Paste one sheet at every door and window. During labor, have the parturient woman silently recite these four characters to facilitate delivery and ward off evil influences.

Another formula: Burn the official seal stamp of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau from the cover of the current year's almanac into ash, and swallow it with plain boiled water. Do not let others know. This has been repeatedly tested and proven effective.

Another formula: Using fresh ink, brush, paper, and a clean inkstone, write the five characters "Ri Yue Ru Jian Ji" (Sun and Moon Are Urgent Like Arrows). Paste them at the entrance of the parturient's room and inside the room. If the baby is still not born, burn these five characters in clean water and administer the liquid orally. The baby will then be delivered. When writing these five characters, avoid hook strokes.

Another formula: Quickly pick a single leaf, or a flower or grass leaf, ensuring it is fresh and green. Stick it to the back of the bed using clean water. Do not let others know.