此证在于老年冲任精血虚损，以致摄纳无权，又以阴阳失调而兼心火微盛．治法首当益奇经之精血，同时助其摄血之力，稍佐清心泄热。盖心为血之主，心经有热，经血易于妄行，其热流入奇经，更难解散。全方药仅五味皆与奇经有关，熟地、杞子益冲任肝肾之精血(熟地一半炒炭乃取“血见黑即止”之义，意在止血也)。枣仁善养血敛阴而固摄奇经，具止汗摄血之良能。且枣仁同杞子有相须之妙，更增益精摄血之力。又本方妙在黄连合白芍，苦寒以坚阴。全方之组合，药简理深，义精力专，故能力挽狂澜，履险如夷也。某厂陈厂长之室徐氏，于四十三岁时来诊。向来家境清寒，粗茶淡饭，红豆碎麦食以为常。浸至营养不良，形赢色萎，兼以壮年生育过多，产后失于调护，积渐成疾，而致脾肾双亏，气血两虚。凡经行必出血如崩，亦必服中药而后血始能止。1970年12月6日急电邀诊，余迅即驰往。
诊知经行五日，其色黯黑，微带腥臭，夹细小紫血块甚多。腹不胀痛，但觉头晕目眩，整日经水淋漓，夜间衣被尽濡。按脉沉细带滑，两尺极微。舌体淡白而瘪，尖多红刺。审证及脉，乃虚中夹实、虚多实少之症。经行出血如崩、头目眩晕，脉象沉细尺微，显属中气不摄，肝肾俱损之候。血出腥臭，色紫块多，舌尖红刺，是血分瘀热之象。治宗魏之琇不补补之之法，益肝肾而固奇经，兼以疏导导气血。方为：
炒白芍15g炒枣仁15g丹皮6g大熟地60g(半炒炭)酒炒黄连1g生炒蒲黄各6g泽兰叶6g制香附4．5g当归9g川楝子4．5g枸杞子15g归脾丸30g(包)
服两帖，崩止经净，以后稍事调理，渐得康复。
本例于“不补补之”方外，加入归脾丸，为两调心脾而使固摄有权，香附、川楝疏肝经之气；蒲黄、泽兰通地道之滞。盖因本例出血日久，不仅病在冲任肝肾诸经，且气血已戕，故见脉细舌淡而眩晕剧作。经中多夹紫块为气血未畅，肝郁而血瘀也。故方中合入归脾、楝附蒲泽诸味，使全方更切病机，而能药到病除。
二、药物性经漏化瘀灵
崩漏一症，为妇科常见疾病，其证治之理法方药，经历代医家之研究发扬，可谓大备。然近时有一崩漏证，常见于育龄妇女，尤以青壮年见之最多，中年以后者所见渐少。其证经行之后淋沥不断，常须至下次经行之前始能血止经净，净未几日，下一周期之经血又行，行后仍复淋漓。甚至有连续数月始终不断者。平时腹有隐痛，或不痛，出血量不多，色或红或紫黑，夹有瘀块。此外，或兼见疲乏，或腰脊酸痛，或头痛，或心烦而情志易于激动等，证随人异。察其脉多细而不畅，舌无特殊病象。业师吴竺天先生，对此症详加分析研究，发现患此证者，常与口服避孕片有关。因脉细体倦、出血腰酸，时师每投益气养血、固经止漏之剂，直如泥牛入海，沓无音讯。吴师据其脉证，断定此证之成因必由经络瘀阻所致，大胆运用活血化瘀之法，多能药到病解。少则三剂，多则七剂，无不血止经净涣然冰释。孟城于临证间，凡遇此证而无明显气血亏损及严重慢性病史者，悉投上法，无不应手取效。吴师治妇科瘀血证有经验方一首，名“加减红桃汤”，治疗瘀血所致各症，每获良效。用于药物性经漏，是最为的对之方。
如1974年复，余曾治一史性店员，年仅三十余岁，产第二胎后不久便见经行，量少小畅，或时多时少，滴沥不净。血色黯黑，常带血块；腹中隐隐作痛而并不剧烈，但腹部时感板窒不适。越二十余日经甫得净，净刚二、三日，经水复行。又一周后，始邀余为之治疗。诊得脉细涩，苔薄净。询知病起于口服避孕药，拟诊瘀血阻滞所致，处以吴竺天老师之经验方“加减桃红汤”加味：
川断12g狗脊12g桃仁12g红花6g玫瑰花lg丹参9g川芎9g木香4．5g制香附6g益母草15g鸡血藤9g当归9g
并嘱：药后如经血反多，不必恐惧，此是离经败血，瘀去则经自净而新血复生矣。服方三帖，果达预期之效，以后经汛按期而至。
本例即于吴师之“加减桃红汤”方中加益母草一味，因益母草不仅善祛瘀滞，且善收摄胞宫，止血生新也。
产后病治法试探
妇人娩出胎儿至产褥期，谓之产后，于此时期发生与分娩有关之疾病为产后病。妇人临产之时气血骤伤，产后百节空虚，若于此时患病，处治之得当与否至关重要，不仅关乎疾病之预后，且对孕妇之体质产生重大影响。
临床所见产后病，大抵为胞衣不下、产后血晕、产后发痉、腹痛、排尿异常、产后大便难、产后发热、恶露不绝或不下，缺乳或乳汁自出、产后盗汗及身痛等症，其治法仍不离于辨证论治之总法则，但产后有气血大伤及瘀血易于留滞之特殊病理，成为治疗产后病必须考虑之重要因素。对此前贤之意见未尽一致，但主要分歧在于温补与逐瘀两法。如《胎产秘书》“产后总论”云：“凡病起于血气之衰，脾胃之虚，况产妇气血脾胃之虚弱，有甚焉者。是以丹溪论产后必当以大补气血为主，虽有他症，以本治之。此二语也，已括尽医产后大旨矣。”作者赞同丹溪之意见，主张产后温补气血。而《女科证治约旨》“产后门”则曰：“昔朱丹溪曰：产后当大补气血为主，虽有他证，以本治之。此言未可偏执也。夫妇人受孕之后，经血停行，其精华随时吸入胞中以养胎，待胎足月而产，于是所有不纯之血，由血海随胎而下，下而未尽，停滞经络，或停留少腹，即所谓恶露瘀血，最是致病之根，故产后惟以逐瘀为第一义。”严氏于此则主瘀血停滞，恶露不尽说，主张逐瘀为先。而《三指禅》却于上述两说兼收并蓄，但于恶露一症不用行瘀之法，而以姜桂温运为治。如《三指禅》曰：“百脉空虚、瘀血留滞两语，足以括尽产后诸病。其用药也，补则足以填虚空，温则足以散瘀滞，温补二字在产后极为稳当。”且进而又强调曰：“余家始传月科一卷，……其于症之虚寒者，固不外肉桂、干姜。即症之大热者，亦不离肉桂、干姜，百试百验。”“传之于余，参究脉理，思欲突过前人，乃凭脉罔效，凭书辄验，而后知产后凭脉，其理犹浅，不凭脉其理方深。”梦觉仙翁此说，已将产后病之治法印定眼目，不容斟酌探讨矣。
上述意见究竟以何者为是?何取何舍?欲加抉择，则先须明了产后病发生之机理。形成产后病之原因约可归纳如下三种：一者因血去过多损伤冲任而致病；二者瘀滞内阻，败血妄行使然；三者因于外感六淫或饮食房室所伤。据此则知妇人于产后有虚实两种病理：虚为气血津液之虚，此为正虚。实为恶露未尽，瘀血阻滞，此为邪实。至于外感及饮食损伤，乃临时见症，非产后固有之本病，再看前论，《胎产秘法》与《女科证治约旨》各执一端，《三指禅》虽调和于两者之间，而专以姜桂温热之药以行瘀血，对此徐灵胎早加针砭，徐氏曰：“世之庸医，误信产后宜温之说，不论病症，皆以辛热之药戕其阴，而益其火，无不立毙。”
胡念庵评《医家心法》“妇人产后”篇曰：“产后固然气血多虚，然禀气大旺者，全然不见虚状，即或身体虚弱，而所犯者确是实证，斯皆不可一例而论也。张景岳全书云：尝读丹溪书，谓产后当大补气血，即有杂证，以本治之。一切病多是血虚，皆不可发表。此其谓血气随胎而去，必属大虚，故无论诸证，皆当以大补为先，其他皆属可缓。余于初年佩服其说，及执而用之，则每为所困，经历数次，始悟其言虽有理，而未免言之过也。盖产后气血俱去，诚为虚证，然有虚者，有不虚者，有全实者，凡此三者，但当随证随人，辨其虚实，以常法治疗，不得执有成心，概行大补，以致助邪。”又口：“学人苟能参观而分别用之，悉因其人其证，而或清或补，各得其宜，庶几可以两全，而无偏失之患哉。”胡氏此论，极为中肯，实为产后证治之要领。然产后必竟以气血虚弱为其根本，故“选方用药，须时时照顾患者之气血，开郁无过耗散，消导必兼扶脾，寒不宜过用温燥，热不宜过用寒凉。应根据辨证，灵活掌握。”(《中医妇科学》)下附临证治验数则。
例一
余内人于1973年产后发热，住某产院治疗一周，热不少退。不得已自为诊治，诊知脉弦细数，舌质绛红，苔薄净。审其脉证，当是临产流血过多，阴血伤而内热炽，乃以养血诸品加青蒿鳖甲投之。不意首次药汁下咽不到十分钟，旋觉浑身发冷，复被犹寒，自觉寒从骨髓中出也。以体温表测之，寒热丝毫未减。再诊之，舌质已由红绛变为淡白，脉象微弱，真寒之象毕露矣。余甚惶恐，立止前方，急投归脾汤少佐炮姜，一服寒冷止，再服热尽退，是以知梦觉仙翁之说，由实践经验而得，并非虚语，乃至言也。然产后虚证虽多，实证亦复不少，还宜临证斟酌，不可固执成见。至于大辛大热之品，气味悍烈非王道之物，有是证方投是药，务须谨慎，不可孟浪施为也。
例二某青年教师之妻，1972年秋分娩后患小便不通，产院已对症处理两日，仍不能恢复排尿，虽非大症，而患者身为年轻女子，初入红门，心中唐突不安，速其夫迓余诊治。余见其面目虚浮，形体倦怠，脉大无力，舌淡苔薄，知为产后气虚津亏，“中州清阳之气下陷，反致膀胱窒塞不通。”即采《沈氏女科辑要》之方：以补气而兼升性之黄芪五钱(15g)为君，清水上源之麦冬一钱五分(4．5g)为臣，下达利尿之通草八分(2．4g)为佐。撮得药后，加水煎服，直如书中所言，一剂而小便如注，其症解矣。
例三郑氏年方三十，产后乳汁不足，不得不加用牛乳喂养其儿，虽尚未满月，急请友人迎余为治。余诊见患者康复较好，恶露已净，除胃纳稍差、自感体倦乏力外，别无他症。脉形虚小，舌淡苔白。郑欲用通草、猪蹄增乳方。余谓产后缺乳而胃纳不开者，首当调理脾胃。盖乳汁由气血化生，气血来自后天脾胃，必得脾胃强健，饮食畅进，气血旺盛，而后始能乳汁充沛，源源不断也。是以为今之计，当健脾开胃，调养气血，不通其乳而乳自增。如若不然，进以猪蹄油腻之物，复碍脾胃运化，欲增其乳而乳益少矣。郑首肯之，余即为书一方。
黄芪30g党参20g炒白术10g茯苓lOg炙草3g当归10g枸杞子30g炒白芍10g桂圆肉10g丝瓜络6g路路通4．5g生姜一片大枣7枚
服三剂，胃纳大开，倦怠消失而乳汁满溢矣。
例四女青年王某，产后恶露不尽，少腹隐隐作痛，属其夫问治于余。余疏益母草膏一瓶，服后恶露即尽，小腹痛消。益母草极治妇人产后瘀血留滞之病，乃专药也。其功用不仅能行瘀血，通经络而逐瘀止痛，且能敛子宫、养新血，使瘀去新生而门户自固，故于产后功有独擅，名曰：“益母”，最为得体。余乡之习俗，妇人产后，家人必采新鲜之益母草(或早为准备晒干备用者)，加赤砂糖煎汤与服，或自熬“益母膏”，原不问产妇恶露之尽与不尽，有与无有。盖乡人误认“益母”之名，为有益于母体者，非气血大虚者，服之亦无大碍。可见益母草乃产妇之功臣，且药性平和，为至善之品。今制就膏剂或冲剂，服用更加方便，而益母草将为产妇之康复更建功勋矣。
按：妇人产后百脉空虚，不仅病邪易侵，且体质亦易虚易实，对此，张山雷笺正《沈氏女科辑要》于产后发热条感慨系之，云：“在脱血之后，变幻最多。固非心粗气浮、率尔操觚者，所能措置裕如矣。”盖产后发热见证多端，临证之时务宜细心体认，方不误事。如张氏对产后发热证之见解，亦与《三指禅》不同：“新产发热，血虚而阳浮于外者居多。亦有头痛，此是虚阳升腾，不可误谓冒寒，妄投发散，以煽其焰。此惟潜阳摄纳则气火平而热自已。”
《三指禅》所说及余内子之证，乃阴血骤伤、气随血脱、真阳受损而虚热外浮者。阳损日久，虚热自然散失而现虚寒之象，当此初病之时，病起较速，在内之真阳已随气血脱失而伤损，但在外之浮阳尚未波及，故可见发热、脉数、舌质红绛等假热之象。脉弦细乃气血两虚之候。此时投以养血滋阴，内在之元气与真阳复伤，而在外之浮阳迅即消散，内外一片虚寒，故即时便见寒颤，舌淡苔白，脉象微弱等真寒之征。复投归脾姜炭，补益气血迅扫阴霾。犹如《易经》震下坤上之卦，一阳来复则生机勃发。投剂既当，效即立见。
皮肤科类
带状疱疹奇效方
带状疱疹俗名“蛇丹”，或称“蛇串疮”。现代医学认为是水痘病毒感染于神经所致，故其体表病灶，与内在之神经走向相一致。其主证则为水泡成串成簇，晶莹饱绽，根脚皮肤潮红，疼痛明显。病甚者，体表病灶痊愈后，后遗之疼痛往往历久始消，常有痛至_一、二年者。其治法，医家之见解不尽相同，或苦寒直折，或透发火郁，或因其是病毒感染而直投清火解毒，或内服，或外敷。虽见仁见智，各有至理，而往往难得理想效果。
此证在于老年女性冲任二脉精血虚损，导致固摄血液的功能丧失，同时因阴阳失调而伴有心火轻微亢盛。治疗原则首先应当补益奇经八脉的精血，同时增强其固摄血液的能力，稍加佐药以清泄心热。因为心是血液的主宰，心经有热，经血容易妄行；若热邪流入奇经，更难解散。全方仅用五味药，均与奇经有关：熟地黄、枸杞子补益冲任及肝肾的精血（其中一半熟地黄炒成炭，是取“血见黑即止”的含义，意在止血）；酸枣仁善于养血敛阴并固摄奇经，具有止汗和摄血的优良功效。且酸枣仁与枸杞子配合，有相互促进的妙处，更能增益精血和摄血的力量。另外，本方的妙处在于黄连与白芍的配合，利用苦寒之性以坚固阴液。全方组合，药物简单而道理深刻，意义明确且力量专注，因此能够力挽狂澜，使险境化为平安。
某厂陈厂长的妻子徐氏，四十三岁时来就诊。向来家境贫寒，饮食粗茶淡饭，常吃红豆碎麦。久而久之导致营养不良，形体消瘦，面色萎黄，加上壮年时生育过多，产后缺乏调护，积渐而成疾病，导致脾肾双亏，气血两虚。每次月经来潮必出血如崩漏状，也必须服用中药后血才能止住。1970年12月6日急电邀请诊治，我随即前往。
诊察得知月经已行五日，血色黯黑，微带腥臭味，夹杂许多细小的紫黑色血块。腹部不胀痛，但感觉头晕目眩，整天经血淋漓不尽，夜间衣被都被浸湿。脉象沉细带滑，两尺脉极微弱。舌体淡白而瘪，舌尖多有红刺。审察证候及脉象，属于虚中夹实、虚多实少的病症。月经来潮出血如崩、头目眩晕、脉象沉细尺部微弱，明显属于中气不能固摄、肝肾俱损的征候。血液流出带有腥臭、颜色紫暗且血块多、舌尖红刺，这是血分有瘀热的表现。治疗遵循魏之琇“不补补之”的方法，补益肝肾并固摄奇经，兼以疏导气血。处方如下：
炒白芍15克，炒枣仁15克，丹皮6克，大熟地60克（半炒炭），酒炒黄连1克，生蒲黄与炒蒲黄各6克，泽兰叶6克，制香附4.5克，当归9克，川楝子4.5克，枸杞子15克，归脾丸30克（包煎）。
服用两帖后，崩漏停止，经血干净，之后稍作调理，逐渐康复。
本例在“不补补之”的方剂之外，加入归脾丸，是为了调和心脾从而使固摄功能正常；香附、川楝子疏理肝经之气；蒲黄、泽兰通利下焦的滞涩。因为本例出血日久，不仅病在冲任肝肾诸经，而且气血已经受损，所以出现脉细舌淡且眩晕剧烈。经血中多夹紫块，说明气血运行不畅，肝气郁结导致血瘀。因此方中加入归脾丸以及香附、川楝子、蒲黄、泽兰等药，使全方更切合病机，从而能药到病除。
二、药物性经漏化瘀灵
崩漏一症，是妇科常见疾病，其证治的理论、方法、方药，历经代医家的研究发扬，可谓非常完备。然而近来有一种崩漏证，常见于育龄妇女，尤以青壮年最多，中年以后所见渐少。其症状为月经结束后淋漓不断，常须至下次月经来潮前才能血止经净，干净没几天，下一个周期的经血又行，行后仍然淋漓。甚至有连续数月始终不断的。平时腹部有隐痛，或不痛，出血量不多，颜色或红或紫黑，夹有瘀块。此外，或兼见疲乏，或腰脊酸痛，或头痛，或心烦且情志易于激动等，证候因人而异。观察其脉象多细而不畅，舌无特殊病象。我的老师吴竺天先生，对此症详加分析研究，发现患此证者，常与口服避孕药有关。因为脉细体倦、出血腰酸，当时的医生每投益气养血、固经止漏的药剂，直如泥牛入海，杳无音讯。吴师根据脉证，断定此证的成因必定由经络瘀阻所致，大胆运用活血化瘀之法，多能药到病解。少则三剂，多则七剂，无不血止经净，涣然冰释。孟城在临证间，凡遇到此证而无明显气血亏损及严重慢性病史者，全部投以此法，无不应手取效。吴师治疗妇科瘀血证有经验方一首，名为“加减红桃汤”，治疗瘀血所致各症，每每获得良效。用于药物性经漏，是最为对症的方剂。
例如1974年，我曾治疗一位姓史的店员，年仅三十余岁，产第二胎后不久便见月经来潮，量少不畅，有时多有时少，滴沥不净。血色黯黑，常带血块；腹中隐隐作痛但并不剧烈，但腹部时常感到板滞不适。过了二十余日经血才干净，干净刚二、三天，经水又行。又过一周后，才邀请我为其治疗。诊得脉细涩，苔薄净。询问得知病起于口服避孕药，拟诊为瘀血阻滞所致，处以吴竺天老师的经验方“加减桃红汤”加味：
川断12克，狗脊12克，桃仁12克，红花6克，玫瑰花1克，丹参9克，川芎9克，木香4.5克，制香附6克，益母草15克，鸡血藤9克，当归9克。
并嘱咐：服药后经血反而增多，不必恐惧，这是离经之败血排出，瘀血去除则经血自净而新血复生。服用方剂三帖，果然达到预期效果，以后月经按期而至。
本例即在吴师的“加减桃红汤”方中加入益母草一味，因为益母草不仅善于祛除瘀滞，且善于收摄胞宫，止血生新。
产后病治法试探
妇人娩出胎儿至产褥期，称为产后，在此时期发生与分娩有关的疾病称为产后病。妇人临产之时气血骤伤，产后百节空虚，若于此时患病，处理是否得当至关重要，不仅关乎疾病的预后，且对产妇的体质产生重大影响。
临床所见产后病，大致为胞衣不下、产后血晕、产后发痉、腹痛、排尿异常、产后大便难、产后发热、恶露不绝或不下、缺乳或乳汁自出、产后盗汗及身痛等症状，其治法仍不离于辨证论治的总法则，但产后有气血大伤及瘀血易于留滞的特殊病理，成为治疗产后病必须考虑的重要因素。对此前贤的意见未尽一致，但主要分歧在于温补与逐瘀两法。如《胎产秘书》“产后总论”云：“凡是病起于血气之衰，脾胃之虚，何况产妇气血脾胃之虚弱，有更甚于此者。所以丹溪论述产后必当以大补气血为主，虽有他症，以本治之。这两句话，已概括尽治疗产后的大旨了。”作者赞同丹溪的意见，主张产后温补气血。而《女科证治约旨》“产后门”则曰：“昔日朱丹溪说：产后当以大补气血为主，虽有他证，以本治之。这话不可偏执。夫妇人受孕之后，经血停行，其精华随时吸入胞中以养胎，待胎足月而产，于是所有不纯之血，由血海随胎而下，下而未尽，停滞经络，或停留少腹，即所谓恶露瘀血，最是致病之根，故产后惟以逐瘀为第一义。”严氏于此则主瘀血停滞、恶露不尽说，主张逐瘀为先。而《三指禅》却于上述两说兼收并蓄，但对于恶露一症不用行瘀之法，而以姜桂温运为治。如《三指禅》曰：“百脉空虚、瘀血留滞两语，足以概括尽产后诸病。其用药也，补则足以填虚空，温则足以散瘀滞，温补二字在产后极为稳当。”且进而又强调说：“我家始传月科一卷，……其对于症之虚寒者，固不外肉桂、干姜。即使症之大热者，亦不离肉桂、干姜，百试百验。”“传之于余，参究脉理，思欲突过前人，乃凭脉罔效，凭书辄验，而后知产后凭脉，其理犹浅，不凭脉其理方深。”梦觉仙翁此说，已将产后病的治法印定眼目，不容斟酌探讨矣。
上述意见究竟以何者为是？何取何舍？欲加抉择，则先须明了产后病发生的机理。形成产后病的原因约可归纳如下三种：一者因血去过多损伤冲任而致病；二者瘀滞内阻，败血妄行使然；三者因于外感六淫或饮食房室所伤。据此则知妇人在产后有虚实两种病理：虚为气血津液之虚，此为正气虚。实为恶露未尽，瘀血阻滞，此为邪实。至于外感及饮食损伤，乃是临时见症，非产后固有之本病，再看前论，《胎产秘法》与《女科证治约旨》各执一端，《三指禅》虽调和于两者之间，而专以姜桂温热之药以行瘀血，对此徐灵胎早加针砭，徐氏曰：“世之庸医，误信产后宜温之说，不论病症，皆以辛热之药戕其阴，而益其火，无不立毙。”
胡念庵评《医家心法》“妇人产后”篇曰：“产后固然气血多虚，然禀气大旺者，全然不见虚状，即或身体虚弱，而所犯者确是实证，斯皆不可一例而论也。张景岳全书云：尝读丹溪书，谓产后当大补气血，即有杂证，以本治之。一切病多是血虚，皆不可发表。此其谓血气随胎而去，必属大虚，故无论诸证，皆当以大补为先，其他皆属可缓。余于初年佩服其说，及执而用之，则每为所困，经历数次，始悟其言虽有理，而未免言之过也。盖产后气血俱去，诚为虚证，然有虚者，有不虚者，有全实者，凡此三者，但当随证随人，辨其虚实，以常法治疗，不得执有成心，概行大补，以致助邪。”又说：“学人苟能参观而分别用之，悉因其人其证，而或清或补，各得其宜，庶几可以两全，而无偏失之患哉。”胡氏此论，极为中肯，实为产后证治之要领。然产后毕竟以气血虚弱为其根本，故“选方用药，须时时照顾患者之气血，开郁无过耗散，消导必兼扶脾，寒不宜过用温燥，热不宜过用寒凉。应根据辨证，灵活掌握。”（《中医妇科学》）下附临证治验数则。
例一
我的内人于1973年产后发热，住某产院治疗一周，热不少退。不得已自为诊治，诊知脉弦细数，舌质绛红，苔薄净。审其脉证，当是临产流血过多，阴血伤而内热炽，乃以养血诸品加青蒿鳖甲投之。不意首次药汁下咽不到十分钟，旋觉浑身发冷，复被犹寒，自觉寒从骨髓中出也。以体温表测之，寒热丝毫未减。再诊之，舌质已由红绛变为淡白，脉象微弱，真寒之象毕露矣。余甚惶恐，立止前方，急投归脾汤少佐炮姜，一服寒冷止，再服热尽退，是以知梦觉仙翁之说，由实践经验而得，并非虚语，乃至言也。然产后虚证虽多，实证亦复不少，还宜临证斟酌，不可固执成见。至于大辛大热之品，气味悍烈非王道之物，有是证方投是药，务须谨慎，不可孟浪施为也。
例二 某青年教师之妻，1972年秋分娩后患小便不通，产院已对症处理两日，仍不能恢复排尿，虽非大症，而患者身为年轻女子，初入红门，心中唐突不安，速其夫迓余诊治。余见其面目虚浮，形体倦怠，脉大无力，舌淡苔薄，知为产后气虚津亏，“中州清阳之气下陷，反致膀胱窒塞不通。”即采《沈氏女科辑要》之方：以补气而兼升性之黄芪五钱（15g）为君，清水之上源之麦冬一钱五分（4.5g）为臣，下达利尿之通草八分（2.4g）为佐。撮得药后，加水煎服，直如书中所言，一剂而小便如注，其症解矣。
例三 郑氏年方三十，产后乳汁不足，不得不加用牛乳喂养其儿，虽尚未满月，急请友人迎余为治。余诊见患者康复较好，恶露已净，除胃纳稍差、自感体倦乏力外，别无他症。脉形虚小，舌淡苔白。郑欲用通草、猪蹄增乳方。余谓产后缺乳而胃纳不开者，首当调理脾胃。盖乳汁由气血化生，气血来自后天脾胃，必得脾胃强健，饮食畅进，气血旺盛，而后始能乳汁充沛，源源不断也。是以为今之计，当健脾开胃，调养气血，不通其乳而乳自增。如若不然，进以猪蹄油腻之物，复碍脾胃运化，欲增其乳而乳益少矣。郑首肯之，余即为书一方。
黄芪30克，党参20克，炒白术10克，茯苓10克，炙甘草3克，当归10克，枸杞子30克，炒白芍10克，桂圆肉10克，丝瓜络6克，路路通4.5克，生姜一片，大枣7枚。
服三剂，胃纳大开，倦怠消失而乳汁满溢矣。
例四 女青年王某，产后恶露不尽，少腹隐隐作痛，属其夫问治于余。余疏益母草膏一瓶，服后恶露即尽，小腹痛消。益母草极治妇人产后瘀血留滞之病，乃专药也。其功用不仅能行瘀血，通经络而逐瘀止痛，且能敛子宫、养新血，使瘀去新生而门户自固，故于产后功有独擅，名曰：“益母”，最为得体。余乡之习俗，妇人产后，家人必采新鲜之益母草（或早为准备晒干备用者），加赤砂糖煎汤与服，或自熬“益母膏”，原不问产妇恶露之尽与不尽，有与无有。盖乡人误认“益母”之名，为有益于母体者，非气血大虚者，服之亦无大碍。可见益母草乃产妇之功臣，且药性平和，为至善之品。今制就膏剂或冲剂，服用更加方便，而益母草将为产妇之康复更建功勋矣。
按：妇人产后百脉空虚，不仅病邪易侵，且体质亦易虚易实，对此，张山雷笺正《沈氏女科辑要》于产后发热条感慨系之，云：“在脱血之后，变幻最多。固非心粗气浮、率尔操觚者，所能措置裕如矣。”盖产后发热见证多端，临证之时务宜细心体认，方不误事。如张氏对产后发热证之见解，亦与《三指禅》不同：“新产发热，血虚而阳浮于外者居多。亦有头痛，此是虚阳升腾，不可误谓冒寒，妄投发散，以煽其焰。此惟潜阳摄纳则气火平而热自已。”
《三指禅》所说及余内子之证，乃阴血骤伤、气随血脱、真阳受损而虚热外浮者。阳损日久，虚热自然散失而现虚寒之象，当此初病之时，病起较速，在内之真阳已随气血脱失而伤损，但在外之浮阳尚未波及，故可见发热、脉数、舌质红绛等假热之象。脉弦细乃气血两虚之候。此时投以养血滋阴，内在之元气与真阳复伤，而在外之浮阳迅即消散，内外一片虚寒，故即时便见寒颤，舌淡苔白，脉象微弱等真寒之征。复投归脾姜炭，补益气血迅扫阴霾。犹如《易经》震下坤上之卦，一阳来复则生机勃发。投剂既当，效即立见。
皮肤科类
带状疱疹奇效方
带状疱疹俗名“蛇丹”，或称“蛇串疮”。现代医学认为是水痘病毒感染于神经所致，故其体表病灶，与内在之神经走向相一致。其主证则为水泡成串成簇，晶莹饱绽，根脚皮肤潮红，疼痛明显。病甚者，体表病灶痊愈后，后遗之疼痛往往历久始消，常有痛至一、二年者。其治法，医家之见解不尽相同，或苦寒直折，或透发火郁，或因其是病毒感染而直投清火解毒，或内服，或外敷。虽见仁见智，各有至理，而往往难得理想效果。
This syndrome lies in the deficiency and damage of essence and blood in the Chong and Ren meridians in elderly women, leading to a loss of the ability to control blood retention. Simultaneously, due to disharmony between Yin and Yang, there is a slight hyperactivity of Heart Fire. The treatment principle should first focus on tonifying the essence and blood of the Extraordinary Vessels (Extraordinary Meridians), while simultaneously enhancing their ability to retain blood, with a slight adjuvant use of herbs to clear Heat from the Heart and drain Fire. This is because the Heart is the master of Blood; if there is Heat in the Heart Meridian, menstrual blood is prone to reckless flowing. If this Heat flows into the Extraordinary Vessels, it is even more difficult to dissipate. The entire prescription consists of only five flavors of herbs, all related to the Extraordinary Vessels: Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) and Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) tonify the essence and blood of the Chong and Ren meridians as well as the Liver and Kidney (half of the Shu Di Huang is stir-fried to charcoal to take advantage of the meaning "blood stops when it sees black," intending to stop bleeding). Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed) is good at nourishing Blood, astringing Yin, and securing the Extraordinary Vessels, possessing excellent abilities to stop sweating and retain blood. Moreover, Suan Zao Ren combined with Gou Qi Zi has a synergistic effect, further enhancing the power to preserve essence and retain blood. Additionally, the brilliance of this formula lies in the combination of Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) and Bai Shao (White Peony Root); the bitter-cold nature helps to solidify Yin. The combination of the entire formula features simple herbs but profound principles, clear meaning, and focused power, thus enabling it to turn the tide and transform danger into safety.
Ms. Xu, wife of Factory Director Chen, came for consultation at the age of forty-three. Her family had always been poor, subsisting on coarse tea and plain rice, commonly eating red beans and cracked wheat. Over time, this led to malnutrition, emaciation, and sallow complexion. Coupled with excessive childbirth during her prime years and lack of proper postpartum care, illness accumulated gradually, resulting in dual deficiency of the Spleen and Kidney, and deficiency of both Qi and Blood. Every time menstruation occurred, bleeding was profuse like a uterine hemorrhage, and she could only stop the bleeding after taking Chinese herbal medicine. On December 6, 1970, an urgent telegram invited me to consult, and I immediately rushed to visit.
Upon diagnosis, menstruation had lasted for five days. The color was dark black, slightly foul-smelling, mixed with many small purple-black blood clots. There was no abdominal distension or pain, but she felt dizzy and vertiginous. Menstrual flow dripped continuously throughout the day, soaking nightclothes and bedding. The pulse was deep, fine, and slippery, with the two Chi positions extremely faint. The tongue body was pale white and flaccid, with many red prickles on the tip. Examining the syndrome and pulse, it was a condition of deficiency with some excess, predominantly deficiency and minor excess. Menstrual bleeding profuse like a hemorrhage, dizziness and vertigo, and a deep, fine pulse with faint Chi positions clearly indicated failure of Middle Qi to control and damage to both the Liver and Kidney. Foul-smelling blood, dark purple color with many clots, and red prickles on the tongue tip were signs of Blood stasis and Heat in the Blood level. The treatment followed Wei Zhixiu’s method of "tonifying without directly tonifying," benefiting the Liver and Kidney and securing the Extraordinary Vessels, while also dredging and regulating Qi and Blood. The prescription was as follows:
Chao Bai Shao (Stir-fried White Peony Root) 15g, Chao Suan Zao Ren (Stir-fried Ziziphus Seed) 15g, Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 6g, Da Shu Di (Large Prepared Rehmannia Root) 60g (half stir-fried to charcoal), Jiu Chao Huang Lian (Wine-stir-fried Coptis Rhizome) 1g, Sheng Chao Pu Huang (Raw and Stir-fried Typha Pollen) 6g each, Ze Lan Ye (Lycopus Herb) 6g, Zhi Xiang Fu (Processed Cyperus Rhizome) 4.5g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 9g, Chuan Lian Zi (Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit) 4.5g, Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) 15g, Gui Pi Wan (Restore the Spleen Pill) 30g (wrapped for decoction).
After taking two doses, the hemorrhage stopped and menstruation ceased. With slight subsequent regulation, she gradually recovered.
In this case, besides the "tonifying without directly tonifying" formula, Gui Pi Wan was added to harmonize the Heart and Spleen, thereby restoring the power of retention; Xiang Fu and Chuan Lian Zi soothed the Qi of the Liver Meridian; Pu Huang and Ze Lan cleared stagnation in the lower jiao. Because this patient had bled for a long time, the disease involved not only the Chong, Ren, Liver, and Kidney meridians, but Qi and Blood were already damaged, hence the fine pulse, pale tongue, and severe vertigo. The presence of many purple clots in the menstrual blood indicated unsmooth Qi and Blood flow, Liver Qi stagnation, and Blood stasis. Therefore, adding Gui Pi Wan along with Xiang Fu, Chuan Lian Zi, Pu Huang, and Ze Lan made the entire formula more aligned with the pathogenesis, allowing the medicine to cure the disease effectively.
II. Huayu Ling (Blood-Activating Stasis-Resolving Spirit) for Drug-Induced Metrorrhagia and Metrostaxis
Metrorrhagia and metrostaxis are common gynecological diseases. Theories, methods, formulas, and herbs for their treatment have been studied and developed by physicians over generations, becoming quite comprehensive. However, recently there is a type of metrorrhagia and metrostaxis syndrome commonly seen in women of childbearing age, especially prevalent among young adults, and less common after middle age. The symptom is continuous dripping after menstruation ends, often lasting until the next menstrual period begins. After a few days of cleanliness, the next cycle's menstrual blood flows again, followed by continued dripping. In some cases, it continues uninterrupted for several months. Usually, there is dull abdominal pain, or no pain, with small amounts of bleeding that may be red or dark purple/black, mixed with blood clots. Additionally, symptoms may include fatigue, soreness and pain in the waist and spine, headache, irritability, and emotional lability, varying from person to person. The pulse is mostly fine and unsmooth, and the tongue shows no special pathological signs. My teacher, Mr. Wu Zhutian, analyzed and studied this syndrome in detail, discovering that patients with this condition were often associated with oral contraceptive pills. Because the pulse was fine, the body weary, and there was bleeding with backache, contemporary doctors usually prescribed agents to tonify Qi and Blood and secure menstruation to stop leakage, but these were like clay bulls entering the sea, yielding no results. Based on the pulse and syndrome, Master Wu determined that the cause of this syndrome must be obstruction of the meridians by stasis. He boldly applied the method of activating Blood and resolving stasis, achieving cures in most cases. In three to seven doses, bleeding stopped and menstruation normalized completely. In my clinical practice, whenever I encountered this syndrome without obvious Qi and Blood deficiency or serious chronic history, I used this method, and it was always effective. Master Wu had an experienced formula for treating gynecological Blood stasis syndromes, named "Jiajian Hongtao Tang" (Modified Red Peach Decoction), which yielded good results for various symptoms caused by Blood stasis. It is the most appropriate formula for drug-induced metrorrhagia and metrostaxis.
For example, in 1974, I treated a shop assistant surnamed Shi, who was in her thirties. Shortly after delivering her second child, menstruation began. The flow was scanty and unsmooth, varying in amount, dripping continuously. The blood color was dark black, often with clots; there was dull abdominal pain but not severe, yet the abdomen often felt stiff and uncomfortable. More than twenty days passed before the menstruation finally stopped. Just two or three days after stopping, menstruation resumed. A week later, she invited me to treat her. The pulse was fine and choppy, and the coating was thin and clean. Upon inquiry, the illness originated from oral contraceptive use. Diagnosing it as obstruction by Blood stasis, I prescribed Master Wu Zhutian's experienced formula "Jiajian Taohong Tang" (Modified Peach Kernel and Safflower Decoction) with modifications:
Chuan Duan (Dipsacus Root) 12g, Gou Ji (Rhododendron Root Bark) 12g, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 12g, Hong Hua (Carthamus Flower) 6g, Mei Gui Hua (Rose Flower) 1g, Dan Shen (Salvia Root) 9g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) 9g, Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Root) 4.5g, Zhi Xiang Fu (Processed Cyperus Rhizome) 6g, Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort Herb) 15g, Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) 9g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 9g.
I instructed: If menstrual flow increases after taking the medicine, do not fear; this is the discharge of abandoned blood outside the vessels. Once the stasis is removed, menstruation will normalize, and new blood will regenerate. After taking three doses, the expected effect was achieved, and subsequent menstruations arrived on schedule.
In this case, Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort Herb) was added to Master Wu's "Jiajian Taohong Tang." Yi Mu Cao is not only good at removing stasis but also good at contracting the uterus, stopping bleeding, and generating new blood.
Tentative Exploration of Treatment Methods for Postpartum Diseases
The period from the delivery of the fetus to the puerperium is called postpartum. Diseases occurring during this period related to childbirth are called postpartum diseases. At the time of childbirth, Qi and Blood are suddenly injured, and after birth, the hundred joints are empty. If illness occurs at this time, whether the treatment is appropriate is crucial, affecting not only the prognosis of the disease but also having a significant impact on the mother's constitution.
Clinically observed postpartum diseases include retained placenta, postpartum syncope, postpartum convulsions, abdominal pain, urination abnormalities, postpartum constipation, postpartum fever, lochia continua or absence, insufficient lactation or spontaneous lactation, postpartum night sweats, and body pain. Their treatment still adheres to the general principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment. However, the special pathology of massive Qi and Blood injury and easy retention of Blood stasis in the postpartum period are important factors that must be considered in treating postpartum diseases. Opinions among former experts were not entirely consistent, with the main divergence lying between the methods of warming/tonifying and purging/stasis-resolving. For instance, "General Discussion on Postpartum" in *Taichan Mishu* (Secrets of Fetal Production) states: "All illnesses arise from the decline of Qi and Blood and the deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. How much more so for the weakness of Qi, Blood, Spleen, and Stomach in postpartum women? Therefore, Danxi argued that postpartum treatment must primarily focus on greatly tonifying Qi and Blood. Even if there are other symptoms, treat the root. These two sentences encompass the main gist of postpartum treatment." The author agrees with Danxi's opinion, advocating warming and tonifying Qi and Blood after childbirth. However, "Postpartum Section" in *Nuke Zhengzhi Yuexin* (Brief Principles of Gynecological Syndrome Treatment) says: "Formerly, Zhu Danxi said: Postpartum treatment should primarily focus on greatly tonifying Qi and Blood. Even if there are other syndromes, treat the root. This statement should not be taken rigidly. When a woman conceives, menstruation stops, and its essence is absorbed by the uterus to nourish the fetus. When the fetus is full-term and delivered, all impure blood descends from the Sea of Blood with the fetus. If not fully expelled, it stagnates in the meridians or remains in the lower abdomen, known as lochia and Blood stasis, which is the root cause of illness. Therefore, postpartum treatment prioritizes purging stasis above all else." Yan advocated for purging stasis first, focusing on stagnant lochia. In contrast, *Sanzhi Chan* (Three Finger Pulse) incorporates both views but does not use blood-moving methods for lochia, instead using ginger and cinnamon to warm and move. *Sanzhi Chan* states: "The phrases 'emptiness of hundred vessels' and 'retention of Blood stasis' sufficiently summarize all postpartum diseases. Regarding medication, tonification suffices to fill emptiness, and warmth suffices to dissipate stasis. The words 'warmth and tonification' are extremely appropriate for postpartum conditions." Furthermore, it emphasizes: "My family initially transmitted a volume on gynecology... For deficiency-cold syndromes, it invariably uses Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) and Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger). Even for severe heat syndromes, it does not depart from Rou Gui and Gan Jiang, tested a hundred times with success." "Transmitted to me, I studied the pulse theory, hoping to surpass predecessors, but relying on the pulse yielded no effect, while relying on books proved valid. Thus, I realized that relying on the pulse for postpartum conditions has shallow logic, while not relying on the pulse reveals deeper logic." Mengjue Xianweng's view fixed the treatment approach for postpartum diseases, leaving no room for deliberation.
Which of the above opinions is correct? Which to adopt and which to discard? To make a choice, one must first understand the mechanism of postpartum disease occurrence. Causes of postpartum diseases can be summarized into three types: First, excessive blood loss damages the Chong and Ren meridians, causing disease; Second, internal obstruction by stasis causes abandoned blood to flow recklessly; Third, injury from external Six Evils or diet and sexual activity. From this, we know that postpartum women have two pathological states: deficiency and excess. Deficiency refers to the deficiency of Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids, representing righteous Qi deficiency. Excess refers to incomplete expulsion of lochia and obstruction by Blood stasis, representing pathogenic excess. External infections and dietary injuries are temporary manifestations, not inherent postpartum diseases. Looking at previous discussions, *Taichan Mifa* and *Nuke Zhengzhi Yuexin* each hold one side, while *Sanzhi Chan* mediates between them but specializes in using warm-hot drugs like ginger and cinnamon to move Blood stasis. Xu Lingtai criticized this early on, stating: "Mediocre doctors in the world mistakenly believe that postpartum conditions require warmth. Regardless of the syndrome, they use pungent-hot drugs to damage Yin and increase Fire, leading to immediate death."
Hu Nian'an commented on the "Women's Postpartum" chapter of *Yijia Xinfa* (Heart Method of Physicians): "Although postpartum Qi and Blood are mostly deficient, those with strong congenital Qi show no signs of deficiency. Even if the body is weak, if the contracted disease is indeed excess, they cannot be discussed uniformly. Zhang Jingyue's Complete Works state: Reading Danxi's book, he said postpartum treatment should primarily focus on greatly tonifying Qi and Blood. Even with miscellaneous syndromes, treat the root. All diseases are mostly Blood deficiency and should not be treated with dispersing methods. This is because Qi and Blood leave with the fetus, necessarily resulting in great deficiency. Therefore, regardless of various syndromes, great tonification should come first, others can be delayed. In my early years, I admired this saying. When I practiced it, I was often trapped by it. After several experiences, I realized his words had reason but were somewhat exaggerated. Although postpartum loss of Qi and Blood is truly a deficiency syndrome, there are deficiencies, non-deficiencies, and complete excesses. These three cases should be treated according to syndrome and individual, distinguishing deficiency and excess, using standard methods. One must not stick to preconceived notions and blindly apply great tonification, thereby aiding the pathogen." He also said: "If students can observe and differentiate applications, adapting to the person and syndrome, using either clearing or tonifying as appropriate, they can achieve balance and avoid bias." Hu's argument is very pertinent and represents the key to postpartum syndrome treatment. However, postpartum conditions are fundamentally characterized by Qi and Blood weakness. Therefore, "when selecting formulas and medications, one must constantly consider the patient's Qi and Blood. Opening depression should not excessively scatter, resolving accumulation must support the Spleen, cold treatments should not overuse warm-dry herbs, and heat treatments should not overuse cold-cool herbs. Flexibility should be exercised based on syndrome differentiation." (*TCM Gynecology*). Below are several clinical case records.
Case 1
My wife suffered postpartum fever in 1973 and was treated in a maternity hospital for a week without significant reduction in fever. Forced to self-treat, I diagnosed a string-taut, fine, and rapid pulse, crimson-red tongue body, and thin, clean coating. Analyzing the pulse and syndrome, it seemed that excessive bleeding during labor had injured Yin Blood, leading to intense internal Heat. I prescribed blood-nourishing herbs combined with Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang (Artemisia Annua and Turtle Shell Decoction). Unexpectedly, within ten minutes of swallowing the first dose, she felt whole-body chills, shivering under blankets, feeling cold emanating from the bone marrow. Thermometer readings showed no change in temperature. Re-examining, the tongue body had changed from crimson-red to pale white, and the pulse became weak, revealing true Cold signs. I was terrified, immediately stopped the previous prescription, and urgently administered Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) with a little Pao Jiang (Roasted Ginger). After one dose, the cold sensation stopped; after two doses, the fever completely subsided. Thus, I understood that Mengjue Xianweng's saying was derived from practical experience, not empty talk, but a profound truth. However, although postpartum deficiency syndromes are common, excess syndromes are also numerous. One must deliberate clinically and not adhere rigidly to prejudices. As for highly pungent and hot substances, their aroma and flavor are fierce and not "kingly" (gentle) remedies. They should only be used when the specific syndrome exists, requiring caution and avoiding rash actions.
Case 2 The wife of a young teacher suffered urinary retention after delivery in autumn 1972. The hospital provided symptomatic treatment for two days without restoring urination. Although not a major syndrome, the patient was a young woman newly married, feeling anxious and uneasy, and quickly sent her husband to invite me. I saw her face and eyes were puffy, her body weary, the pulse large and forceless, the tongue pale with a thin coating. I knew this was postpartum Qi deficiency and fluid depletion, where "the clear Yang Qi of the Middle Jiao sinks, causing blockage and inability of the Bladder to function." I adopted the formula from *Shen Shi Nuke Jiyao* (Essential Collection of Shen's Gynecology): Using Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) 5 qian (15g), which tonifies Qi and has ascending properties, as the Sovereign herb; Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 1.5 qian (4.5g), which clears the upper source, as the Minister herb; and Tong Cao (Tetrapanax Pith) 0.8 qian (2.4g), which directs downward to promote diuresis, as the Assistant herb. After preparing the herbs, adding water and decocting, just as the book stated, one dose resulted in urine flowing like a stream, and the syndrome resolved.
Case 3 Ms. Zheng, aged thirty, had insufficient lactation after childbirth and had to supplement with cow's milk for her baby. Although not yet a month postpartum, friends urgently invited me to treat her. I examined the patient and found her recovery was good, lochia had cleared. Apart from slightly poor appetite and self-reported fatigue, there were no other symptoms. The pulse was deficient and small, the tongue pale with a white coating. Zheng wanted to use a formula of Tong Cao and pig trotters to increase milk. I stated that for postpartum insufficient lactation with poor appetite, the priority is to regulate the Spleen and Stomach. Milk is generated from Qi and Blood, which come from the acquired foundation of the Spleen and Stomach. Only when the Spleen and Stomach are strong, diet is smooth, and Qi and Blood are abundant, can milk be plentiful and continuous. Therefore, the current plan should be to strengthen the Spleen, open the stomach, and regulate Qi and Blood. Without directly promoting lactation, milk will increase naturally. Otherwise, consuming greasy pig trotters will hinder Spleen and Stomach transformation, and attempting to increase milk will result in even less. Zheng agreed, and I wrote a prescription.
Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) 30g, Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root) 20g, Chao Bai Zhu (Stir-fried Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) 3g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 10g, Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) 30g, Chao Bai Shao (Stir-fried White Peony Root) 10g, Gui Yuan Rou (Longan Aril) 10g, Si Gua Luo (Luffa Fiber) 6g, Lu Lu Tong (Liquidambar Fruit) 4.5g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 1 slice, Da Zao (Jujube) 7 pieces.
After taking three doses, appetite opened widely, fatigue disappeared, and milk overflowed.
Case 4 Young woman Ms. Wang suffered prolonged lochia and dull lower abdominal pain after childbirth, asking her husband to consult me. I prescribed one bottle of Yi Mu Cao Gao (Motherwort Paste). After taking it, lochia cleared completely, and lower abdominal pain subsided. Yi Mu Cao is a specialized herb for treating Blood stasis retention in postpartum women. Its functions not only move Blood stasis, unblock meridians, and resolve stasis to relieve pain, but also contract the uterus, nourish new blood, ensuring that once stasis is removed and new blood generated, the uterine opening secures itself. Thus, it excels in postpartum care, aptly named "Yi Mu" (Benefiting Mother). In my hometown custom, after childbirth, family members must gather fresh Yi Mu Cao (or prepare dried ones in advance), boil it with brown sugar syrup for consumption, or self-boil "Yi Mu Gao." Originally, it did not matter whether lochia was complete or incomplete, present or absent. People mistakenly believed the name "Yi Mu" meant beneficial to the mother's body, and for those not severely deficient in Qi and Blood, taking it caused no major harm. Thus, Yi Mu Cao is a merit-maker for parturient women, with mild properties and being a supreme good product. Now formulated as paste or granules, consumption is more convenient, and Yi Mu Cao will contribute even more to the recovery of mothers.
Note: After childbirth, the hundred vessels are empty. Not only are pathogens easily invaded, but the constitution is also prone to both deficiency and excess. Regarding this, Zhang Shanlei, in his commentary on *Shen Shi Nuke Jiyao*, expressed emotion regarding postpartum fever, stating: "After massive blood loss, transformations are most numerous. Indeed, it is not something a careless and floating-minded person can handle adequately." Since postpartum fever presents in many ways, careful recognition during clinical practice is necessary to avoid mistakes. For example, Zhang's view on postpartum fever differs from *Sanzhi Chan*: "New postpartum fever is mostly due to Blood deficiency with Yang floating outward. There are also headaches, which are due to rising deficient Yang. Do not mistake this for catching cold and recklessly administer dispersing methods to fan the flames. Only by subduing Yang and retaining it will Qi and Fire calm, and heat subside spontaneously."
The situation described in *Sanzhi Chan* and my wife's case involves sudden injury to Yin Blood, Qi following Blood loss, damage to True Yang, and floating deficient Heat outward. Long-term damage to Yang causes deficient Heat to naturally dissipate, revealing deficiency-Cold signs. At the beginning of this illness, the onset was rapid. The internal True Yang was already damaged along with the loss of Qi and Blood, but the external floating Yang had not yet been affected. Thus, false Heat signs such as fever, rapid pulse, and crimson-red tongue body appeared. The string-taut, fine pulse indicated dual deficiency of Qi and Blood. At this time, administering blood-nourishing and Yin-tonifying herbs further injured the internal Original Qi and True Yang, while the external floating Yang rapidly dissipated. The interior and exterior became a patch of deficiency-Cold, hence immediately showing true Cold signs like chills, pale tongue with white coating, and weak pulse. Administering Gui Pi Tang with Jiang Tan (Charred Ginger) replenished Qi and Blood, swiftly sweeping away the gloom. Like the hexagram Zhen below and Kun above in the *I Ching*, the return of one Yang brings vigorous vitality. Once the dosage was appropriate, the effect was immediate.
Dermatology Category
Miraculous Effective Formula for Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster is commonly known as "Snake Dan" or "Snake String Sore." Modern medicine believes it is caused by varicella-zoster virus infection of nerves, so its skin lesions correspond to the course of internal nerves. Its main symptoms are clusters of crystal-clear, tense blisters, with erythematous base skin and obvious pain. In severe cases, even after skin lesions heal, residual pain often persists for a long time, sometimes lasting one or two years. Physicians' views on treatment vary: some use bitter-cold herbs to directly suppress, some use herbs to vent fire stagnation, some directly administer fire-clearing and detoxifying herbs due to viral infection, and methods include internal administration or external application. Although opinions differ, each has its rationale, yet ideal effects are often hard to achieve.