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Postpartum loss of speech

产后不语 〔產後不語〕 chǎn hòu bù yǔ

Loss of speech attributed to a) uneliminated vanquished blood accumulating in the heart, b) damage to heart qì during childbirth preventing heart qì from reaching the tongue, or c) phlegm-heat exploiting the heart causing heart qì block.

Patterns

Vanquished blood (败血 bài xuè, static blood) accumulating in the heart gives rise to postpartum loss of speech with purple-black facial complexion and oppression in the chest.

Medicinal therapy: Quicken the blood, move stasis, and free heart qì. Use formulas such as Chuanxiong and Chinese Angelica Powder (芎归散 xiōng guī sǎn) combined with Seven-Gem Powder (七珍散 qī zhēn sǎn).

Heart qì vacuity (心气虚 xīn qì xū) patterns are characterized by heart palpitation, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating.

Medicinal therapy: Supplement qì and the blood with Eight-Gem Decoction (八珍汤 bā zhēn tāng) with additions.

Phlegm-heat (痰热 tán rè) exploiting the heart is characterized by phlegm rales in the throat, hot face, and raised chest.

Medicinal therapy: Clear phlegm-heat and calm the stomach with formulas such as Two Matured Ingredients Decoction (二陈汤 èr chén tāng) plus bile arisaema (Arisaema cum Bile, 胆星 dǎn xīng) and uncaria (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, 钩藤 gōu téng). Bloodletting can also be performed between the eyebrows.

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