Pinellia & Poria Pregnancy Support Decoction
The herbal formulas come from the famous Chinese medical classic Qian Jin Fang (also known as Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), authored by the renowned Tang dynasty physician Sun Simiao. This ancient text is a comprehensive collection of herbal prescriptions and medical knowledge, emphasizing the use of natural remedies to maintain health and treat various ailments, including those related to pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting (emesis gravidarum).
Discussion:
How can one tell if a woman is pregnant? If the pulse is steady yet weak, this suggests the method of determining pregnancy. The classic text says: “When Yin and Yang pulse separately, it indicates pregnancy.” This implies that the blood and Qi (vital energy) are harmonized, with Yang energy activating and Yin energy transforming. If the Shaoyin pulse on the hand is strong, it indicates pregnancy. The Shaoyin pulse is associated with the heart, and the heart governs blood vessels. The kidneys, called the “gate of the womb” or “child’s door,” are linked with the pulse at the wrist. If the pulse is not interrupted upon palpation, this is a sign of pregnancy. If all three pulses are steady and balanced without any interruption, the woman is pregnant.
In the early stages of pregnancy, the pulse is small, and the breathing rate is five times per breath. By the third month, the pulse at the wrist becomes rapid.
By the fourth month of pregnancy, if one wants to know the baby’s gender, a fast pulse on the left indicates a boy, while a fast pulse on the right indicates a girl. If both sides are fast, it suggests twins. Another method says that a deep, firm pulse on the left hand indicates a boy, while a floating and large pulse on the right hand indicates a girl. If both sides are deep and firm, it suggests two boys, and if both are floating and large, it suggests two girls. A large pulse on the left indicates a boy, and a large pulse on the right indicates a girl. If both sides are large, it suggests twins. Additionally, a floating, large pulse in the left wrist indicates a boy, while a deep, fine pulse in the right wrist indicates a girl. If the pulse is intermittent, it suggests obstructed menstruation. Another method states that floating pulses on both sides suggest two boys, and if not, it suggests a female with masculine features. Deep pulses on both sides suggest two girls, and if not, it suggests a male with feminine features. Another method says the Taiyin pulse indicates a boy, while the Taiyang pulse indicates a girl. The Taiyin pulse is deep, and the Taiyang pulse is floating. Another method suggests sending a pregnant woman walking southward, then calling her name. If she turns her head to the left, it’s a boy; if she turns to the right, it’s a girl. Additionally, if a woman’s husband has a lump on his left breast, it indicates a boy; if on the right breast, it indicates a girl.
To determine when labor is approaching, if a woman’s pulse floats after missing her period, and if she experiences abdominal pain radiating to the back, it indicates that childbirth is imminent. If the pulse separates from the meridian without illness, it also indicates childbirth. Another method says that when labor is near, the pulse separates from the meridian, pain starts at midnight, and the baby is born by noon.
Discussion of Causes:
When women are weak, have insufficient blood and Qi, and weak kidney Qi, or when exposed to cold winds or excessive cold foods, phlegm and fluid may accumulate in the chest, obstructing pregnancy. In such cases, although menstruation continues, the woman’s complexion and skin appear normal, but she feels heavy and experiences dizziness, with no desire to eat. Her pulse remains normal, and this indicates potential pregnancy. After two months, menstruation ceases, indicating conception. In cases of obstruction, the woman may experience chest tightness, heavy head, dizziness, heavy limbs, lethargy, aversion to food smells, and a desire to eat salty or sour foods. These symptoms are most severe during the third and fourth months, often leading to severe vomiting and inability to tolerate it. This happens because menstrual blood stops, water accumulates in the organs, and the organ Qi becomes stagnant, leading to heart discomfort, Qi reversal, and vomiting. The blood vessels become blocked, the meridians become obstructed, leading to heavy limbs and dizziness. When such symptoms occur, the Ban Xia Fu Ling Decoction is recommended. After a few doses, the phlegm and water will dissipate, and the appetite will return. Once the woman regains her strength, her body will become healthy and able to support the fetus. There are over ten formulas used in ancient and modern times to treat pregnancy obstruction, suitable for various conditions regardless of whether the person is weak, strong, cold, hot, or even close to death.
Prescriptions:
Ban Xia Fu Ling Decoction
To treat pregnancy obstruction, symptoms include chest tightness, restlessness, nausea, aversion to food smells, dizziness, body heaviness, joint pain, and lethargy. The woman feels cold, sweats, and is exhausted with a pale-yellow complexion.
- Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) – 30 zhu each
- Gan Di Huang (Dried Rehmannia Root), Fu Ling (Poria) – 18 zhu each
- Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Xuan Fu Hua (Inula Flower), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root) – 12 zhu each
Preparation: Use ten sheng of water to decoct these twelve ingredients until three sheng remain. Divide into three doses. If the obstruction is longstanding, or if hot or cold medications have been improperly administered, leading to complications, modify the formula accordingly. After treating with this decoction, administer Fu Ling Pills to further strengthen the appetite and overall health.
Fu Ling Pills
To treat pregnancy obstruction, with symptoms such as chest tightness, dizziness, body heaviness, aversion to food, nausea, vomiting, weak limbs, and lethargy.
- Fu Ling (Poria), Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome), Gui Xin (Cinnamon Twig) (toasted), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Ren Shen (Ginseng) – 1 liang each
- Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Ge Gen (Kudzu Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Zhi Shi (Unripe Bitter Orange) – 2 liang each
Take after Ban Xia Fu Ling Decoction for enhanced results.
Qing Zhu Ru Decoction
To treat pregnancy obstruction with severe vomiting and inability to eat.
- Qing Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel) – 18 zhu each
- Fu Ling (Poria), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) – 1 liang each
- Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) – 30 zhu
Decoct with six sheng of water until two and a half sheng remain. Divide into three doses. If ineffective, repeat treatment.
Chen Pi Decoction
To treat pregnancy vomiting and inability to eat.
- Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) – 18 zhu each
- Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) – 1 liang
- Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) – 12 zhu
Decoct with seven sheng of water until two and a half sheng remain. Divide into three doses. If ineffective, repeat treatment.