In cases where the membranes rupture before the fetus is in a proper position for delivery, there are two main causes: First, the mother's constitution is weak, and the membranes are not secure; as the fetus moves, it touches and ruptures them. This is due to deficiency of Qi and Blood. Second, the fetus has not yet turned into the correct position, but the mother goes to deliver too early and exerts excessive force, causing the membranes to rupture prematurely. This is an injury caused by improper movement. If the membranes have been ruptured for a long time, leading to dryness of amniotic fluid and blood, and the birth canal becomes rough, the fetus will find it difficult to descend. In such cases, one should urgently administer large doses of Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), or Wuwu Jian (Five-Ingredient Decoction), Huatai Jian (Slippery Fetus Decoction), Wufu Yin (Five Blessings Drink), Danggui Tang (Angelica Sinensis Decoction), etc., to assist Qi and Blood. Additionally, decoct green onion soup at high concentration to fumigate and wash the vulva, so that warmth reaches the area and Qi flows smoothly, allowing the fetus to descend naturally. If the condition persists until strength is exhausted and blood is depleted, the situation becomes critical. One should then use eight zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) ingredients totaling one jin (approx. 500g), along with four liang (approx. 200g) of Motherwort Herb (Yimucao), add several bowls of water, boil until ready, and allow the parturient to drink intermittently. There are cases where this results in survival. Alternatively, use several jin of Astragalus Root (Huangqi), Szechuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuanxiong), and Angelica Sinensis Root (Danggui), decoct in a large cauldron until the medicinal vapor fills the room, ensuring the parturient inhales the vapor through both mouth and nose. This is also an excellent method.

Generally speaking, dystocia often affects those who are prone to depression, live in leisure, or belong to wealthy families. Although treatment principles generally suggest clearing Qi during pregnancy and nourishing Blood after delivery, these rules should not be applied rigidly. If the Spleen and Stomach are not robust and Qi and Blood are insufficient, preventive regulation and tonification must be undertaken beforehand; otherwise, difficulties during labor are inevitable.

For dystocia lasting several days without other critical symptoms, Tuohua Jian (Expel Flower Decoction) should be used to induce labor. It is extremely safe and effective.

A physician staying at an inn treated a shopkeeper's wife who had been in labor for several days without delivering. Her lower body was completely cold, and she had no medicine, leaving her in great distress. The physician instructed someone to gather Sichuan Pepper (Huajiao), Orange Leaf (Chengye), and Chinese Cornelian Cherry Fruit (Zhuyu), decoct them together in a basin of water, and have the parturient sit on a small stool over the basin to fumigate and wash for a long time. Her lower abdomen became warm, Qi temperature rose, and Blood circulation improved, resulting in successful delivery.

Another prescription uses Perilla Leaf (Zisu) decocted in water for fumigation and washing. Generally, during severe cold months, prolonged exposure to cold during labor causes Qi and Blood to coagulate. Therefore, this fumigation and washing method is also a crucial technique. External application of hot water infusion combined with internal consumption of Mutton Soup yields definite efficacy.

Another method involves having the parturient hold the tip of her own hair in her mouth to induce nausea and vomiting, which facilitates delivery. This is also used to treat retained placenta.