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After childbirth, Zhu Danxi advocated greatly tonifying Qi and Blood. Even if there are other symptoms, they should be treated as secondary issues. This theory is excellent. However, this applies only when the lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) has been completely discharged; if stated when lochia remains, it is incorrect.

During the ten months of pregnancy, the fetus is nourished by the mother's meridians. The essence and purity are used for gestation, while the dregs and turbid matter form the lochia. On the day of delivery, if the woman is young and her Qi is vigorous, the lochia flows easily, with a period of six to seven days being common. If complicated by other diseases causing obstruction, or if the lochia remains undischarged for ten to twenty days, this also occurs. In cases of multiple births leading to Qi deficiency, the lochia may stop and start intermittently, dripping on and off for a month. Therefore, complications arising from this include: pain in both hypochondriac regions, fullness and distension in the lower abdomen, formation of hard masses known as "Erzhen" (retained blood clots in the uterus), alternating chills and fever, and even mental confusion, vomiting, and inability to eat, or敗血 (decaying blood) entering the collaterals. The harms vary. Thus, postpartum treatment prioritizes this condition. If the lochia discharges naturally, no further comment is needed. However, if obstruction leads to other diseases, or if other diseases cause stagnation, one must primarily use Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao), and Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha) to remove stasis, assisted by other herbs. Regardless of deficiency or excess, these cannot be omitted. However, Qi-tonifying herbs like Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) must not be administered early, lest they cause the lochia to rush upward and lead to sudden changes. If excessive blood loss has occurred, the lochia is finished, and there is no painful hardness in the abdomen, and after half a month or a month only deficiency signs are seen, then one must greatly tonify Qi and Blood, combined with warming herbs, to restore vital energy. Is there any doubt about this?

In cases where postpartum lochia does not descend, causing lower abdominal pain, use Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao), Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha), Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), and Corydalis Rhizoma (Yanhusuo). Alternatively, add Peach Kernel (Taoren), Safflower Flos (Honghua), Moutan Cortex (Danpi), and Trogopteri Dung (Wulingzhi). For lower back pain, add Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong) and Dipsaci Radix (Xuduan). For external contraction, add Perilla Folium (Zisu). For nausea and vomiting, add Patchouli Herb (Huoxiang), Pinellia Rhizoma (Banxia), Poria (Fuling), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Amomi Fructus (Sharen), and Zingiberis Rhizoma (Shengjiang).

In cases where postpartum lochia flow is scant, use Siwu Decoction (Four Substances Decoction) added with Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha), Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao), Poria (Fuling), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), and Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu).

In cases where postpartum lochia is not yet finished and Spleen Qi is deficient, blood-breaking herbs hinder the Spleen, while Spleen-tonifying herbs hinder blood circulation. Use Erchen Decoction (Two-Cured Decoction) added with Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao), Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), and Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang). Add a small amount of stir-fried Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), or double the dose of Plantaginis Semen (Cheqianzi).

In cases where postpartum lochia has not stopped and there is heat due to Blood deficiency, use Siwu Decoction (Four Substances Decoction) added with Prepared Ginger Root (Paojiang), Cinnamon Twig (Rougui), Poria (Fuling), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangpi), Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong), and Dipsaci Radix (Xuduan).

In cases of postpartum Spleen deficiency, leading to anorexia or edema, use Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhigancao), and Prepared Ginger Root (Paojiang), added with Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao), and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi).

In cases of postpartum mental confusion, use Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi), Poria Cum Radix Xyli (Fushen), Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang), along with Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao), Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao).

In cases of postpartum external contraction with headache and fever, use Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), Perilla Folium (Zisu), Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), and Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha), still including Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) and Poria (Fuling).

In cases of postpartum food stagnation, possibly due to impaired digestion during labor, use Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Houpo), Aurantii Fructus (Zhike), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha), Tangerine Peel (Qingpi), Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), Raphani Semen (Laifuzi), and Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang), adjusting dosages based on severity, while still including Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao), and Safflower Flos (Honghua).

In cases of postpartum malaria, possibly originating from before birth, use Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), Pinellia Rhizoma (Banxia), added with Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao), and Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha).

In cases of postpartum dysentery, possibly originating from before birth, use Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao), Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang), Cinnamon Twig (Rougui), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhigancao), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangchenpi), and Colla Corii Asini (Ejiao).

For various postpartum conditions where lochia is not yet finished, one must follow the above methods to ensure no errors. Cold-natured herbs must absolutely not be used, as they may damage the vital generating energy.

Once postpartum lochia has cleared, for any miscellaneous diseases, treatment should be tailored to the specific condition. For Qi and Blood deficiency, or alternating chills and fever, use Shiquan Dabu Decoction (Ten Ingredients Great Tonifying Decoction) or Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction). For palpitations, fright, spontaneous sweating, and insomnia, use Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction). For Middle Qi deficiency and cold, with anorexia, use Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) added with Prepared Ginger Root (Paojiang) and Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus (Yizhi), or Renshen Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Ginseng, Aconite, and Centra Digestion Decoction). For Blood deficiency causing difficult defecation, use Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) added with Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong) and Dipsaci Radix (Xuduan), or Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) added with Cistanche Caulis (Rongrongs) and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi).

Before birth, a pulse that is surging, large, slippery, and rapid is favorable; one that is minute, small, choppy, and stagnant is unfavorable. After birth, a pulse that is deficient, soft, weak, and delicate is favorable; one that is wiry, large, urgent, and rapid is unfavorable. Therefore, before birth, clearing heat is appropriate, though warming herbs are sometimes used due to pathological variations. After birth, warming and tonifying are appropriate, though cooling and moistening herbs are sometimes used due to pathological variations. The practitioner should adhere to the constant principles while understanding the variations, so that no disease can hide its true nature.

Danxi said, "Even if there are other symptoms, treat them as secondary," which does not mean ignoring them. If excess syndromes predominate, tonification is included within purgation; if deficiency syndromes predominate, purgation is included within tonification. In this way, healthy Qi will not collapse, and pathogenic Qi will not flourish. This is the balance of medication.

[Yi Mu Cao Tang] Motherwort Decoction: For postpartum lochia not yet finished with abdominal pain.
Ingredients: Motherwort Herba (Yimucao, 1.5 qian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 1 qian), Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong, 1 qian, stir-fried with salt water), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi, 1 qian), Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong, 0.5 qian), Moutan Cortex (Danpi, 1 qian), Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu, 1 qian, stir-fried with vinegar), Poria (Fuling, 1 qian), Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha, 1.5 qian), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangpi, 1 qian).
Preparation: Stir-fried Amomi Fructus powder (Sharen, 1 qian), one slice of Zingiberis Rhizoma (Shengjiang). Decoct in water. For severe cases, add Peach Kernel (Taoren), Corydalis Rhizoma (Yanhu), and Safflower Flos (Honghua).

[Hei Shen San] Black Spirit Powder: For postpartum fever and lochia not descending.
Ingredients: Soybean (Heidou, 3 qian), Black Ginger (Heijiang, 1 qian), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi, 2 qian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 1 qian), Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong, 0.5 qian), Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shudi, 2 qian).
Preparation: Decoct in water.

[Jiawei Liujunzi Tang] Modified Six Gentlemen Decoction: For postpartum severe Middle Qi deficiency and lochia not descending.
Ingredients: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 1 qian), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu, 1 qian, stir-fried with soil), Cinnamon Twig (Rougui, 1 qian), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi, 1.5 qian), Poria (Fuling, 1 qian), Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhigancao, 0.3 qian), Pinellia Rhizoma (Banxia, 1 qian), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangpi, 1 qian), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao, 2 qian).
Preparation: Amomi Fructus powder (Sharen, 0.7 qian), one slice of Zingiberis Rhizoma (Shengjiang). Decoct in water.

[Yuanzhi Tang] Polygala Decoction: For postpartum mental confusion and lochia not yet finished.
Ingredients: Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi Rou, 1 qian), Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren, 1.5 qian), Poria Cum Radix Xyli (Fushen, 1 qian), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen, 1 qian), Pogostemonis Rhizoma (Shichangpu, 0.5 qian), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi, 1.5 qian), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangpi, 1 qian), Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong, 1 qian), Motherwort Herba (Yimucao, 1.5 qian).
Preparation: Five fruits of Dimocarpus Longan Aril (Guiyuanrou), one slice of Zingiberis Rhizoma (Shengjiang). Decoct in water.

[Huangqi Bqi Tang] Astragalus Qi-Tonifying Decoction: For postpartum excessive blood loss, spontaneous sweating, and fatigue.
Ingredients: Astragali Radix (Huangqi, 1.5 qian, honey-fried), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 2 qian), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu, 1.5 qian, stir-fried with soil), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 1 qian), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao, 1 qian), Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhigancao, 0.3 qian), Poria (Fuling, 1 qian), Cinnamon Twig (Rougui, 0.5 qian), Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix (Fuzi, 0.5 qian, processed).
Preparation: Two jujubes, one slice of baked ginger.

[Beimu Tang] Fritillaria Decoction: For postpartum internal heat cough and restless mind.
Ingredients: Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Chuanbeimu, 1.5 qian), Poria (Fuling, 1 qian), Plantaginis Semen (Cheqianzi, 1.5 qian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 1 qian), Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhigancao, 0.3 qian), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangchenpi, 0.7 qian), Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi Rou, 1 qian), Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren, 1 qian), Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis (Goutenggou, 1 qian), Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi, 0.7 qian).
Preparation: Five fruits of Dimocarpus Longan Aril (Guiyuanrou), a handful of Junci Medulla (Dengxin).

[Bazhen Tang] Eight Treasures Decoction: For postpartum dual deficiency of Qi and Blood, weakness of limbs.
Ingredients: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 1 qian), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu, 1 qian, stir-fried with soil), Poria (Fuling, 1 qian), Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhigancao, 0.3 qian), Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong, 0.5 qian), Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shudi, 1 qian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 1 qian), White Peony Root (Baishaoyao, 1 qian, wine-fried), Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong, 1 qian, salt-water fried), Dipsaci Radix (Chuanduan, 1 qian, wine-fried).
Preparation: Two jujubes, one slice of Zingiberis Rhizoma (Shengjiang). Decoct in water.

[Bawei Tang] Eight-Ingredient Decoction: For postpartum Yin deficiency causing asthma and rebellious Qi.
Ingredients: Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shudi, 3 qian), Corni Fructus (Shanzhuyu, 2 qian), Cinnamon Twig (Rougui, 0.5 qian), Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix (Shufuzi, 0.5 qian), Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi, 1 qian), Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao, 2 qian), Achyranthes Bidentatae Radix (Chuanniuxi, 1.5 qian), Poria (Fuling, 1 qian), Alisma Rhizoma (Zexie, 1 qian).
Preparation: Decoct in water. If sweating persists, concurrently administer Shengmai San (Generate the Pulse Powder).