After childbirth, women may experience three difficulties: blood deficiency, excessive sweating, and wind invasion, which can lead to spasms, dizziness, and constipation. In the book "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber" chapter 21, it explains the causes and mechanisms of these postpartum difficulties.
Currently, due to prenatal examinations and the promotion of new delivery methods, postpartum spasms are rare in clinical practice. However, postpartum dizziness and constipation are still commonly seen.
Postpartum constipation is caused by the depletion of body fluids, as described by Zhang Zhongjing as "deficiency of body fluids and dryness of the stomach," rather than the invasion of pathogenic heat or spleen deficiency due to anger and sitting for long periods. The treatment should focus on nourishing yin and generating fluids. Medicinal herbs such as Rehmannia, Scrophularia, Ophiopogon, Angelica, Polygonum, Cistanche, Prunus mume, Hemp Seed, and Arborvitae Seed can be used.
Postpartum dizziness, also known as postpartum blood fainting, is characterized by chest stuffiness, fever, profuse sweating, palpitations, closed eyes, and aversion to light. The pulse is weak and thin or floating and large. This is due to deficiency of yin and blood, and excessive yang. The treatment focuses on nourishing blood, nourishing yin, and suppressing yang. Medicinal herbs such as Turtle Shell, Peony, Oyster, Mother of Pearl, Chrysanthemum, Goji Berry, and Polygonum can be used. If stasis is present, it is recommended to use Sheng Hua Tang to promote blood circulation. For those with blood deficiency and weak qi, Danggui Buxue Tang or Duzhong Shengjiang Tang should be prescribed.
Postpartum spasms are a medical emergency. Although rare nowadays, they are still considered dangerous. Patients may experience confusion, limb convulsions, clenched teeth, stiff neck, arching back, rapid breathing, and a rapid and irregular pulse. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this is due to the deprivation of yin and the excessive yang, causing phlegm to rise and disturb the mind. An Gong Niu Huang Wan can be used to awaken the mind. Medicinal herbs such as Turtle Shell, Ophiopogon, Scrophularia, Donkey-hide Gelatin, and Rehmannia can be used to nourish yin and blood. Oyster, Deer Antler, and Uncaria can be used to soothe the liver and extinguish wind. Bile Arisaema, Turmeric, Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii, and Acorus tatarinowii can be used to transform phlegm and awaken the mind. Ginseng can be added to prevent the loss of vital energy. After the condition stabilizes, focus on nourishing the liver, kidneys, and strengthening the spleen and stomach.
It is important to note that all three postpartum difficulties are caused by deficiency of yin and blood and excessive yang. Therefore, it is not appropriate to treat them with the belief that "postpartum should be warm."
