Puerperal Feveraccording to TCM

What is Puerperal Fever?

Puerperal fever, commonly known as childbed fever or postpartum infection, is a medical condition that occurs in women after childbirth. It's characterized by a high fever, typically occurring within the first ten days post-delivery.

Historically, this condition was a significant cause of mortality among childbearing women. In modern times, with advancements in hygiene and antibiotic therapy, its incidence has drastically reduced. Nonetheless, understanding and addressing puerperal fever remain crucial in postpartum care, ensuring the health and well-being of new mothers.

How does TCM view Puerperal Fever?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives puerperal fever not just as an isolated symptom but as an indication of a deeper imbalance within the body's system. Unlike the Western approach, which predominantly focuses on infection and inflammation, TCM evaluates puerperal fever in the context of the body's energy (Qi) and organ systems.

In TCM, postpartum disorders are often linked to vital energy depletion and disharmony caused by childbirth. Puerperal fever, in this view, is a manifestation of internal imbalances and disruptions in the body's natural energy flow post-delivery.

Causes of Puerperal Fever According to TCM

In TCM, puerperal fever is attributed to specific patterns of disharmony. One such pattern is the agitation of Empty-Wind in the Interior, which refers to a state where deficient energy leads to internal disturbances manifesting as fever.

Additionally, Internal Wind due to Liver Yang Rising can also be a causative factor. This condition signifies an imbalance in the Liver meridian, characterized by rising energy that disrupts the body's equilibrium. These TCM patterns underscore the importance of restoring and maintaining balance in the body's energy systems for effective treatment of puerperal fever.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Puerperal Fever

To address these imbalances, TCM prescribes specific formulas and herbs. For patterns like Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior and Liver Wind due to Liver Yang Rising, Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang is recommended. This formula contains key herbs such as Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi), which are known for their bitter, sour, and neutral properties.

These ingredients work together to pacify Internal Wind and restore harmony to the body's disrupted energy flow. Such TCM treatments focus on the root causes of puerperal fever, aiming to rebalance the body's internal environment and promote holistic healing.

See more details below about Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, a herbal formula used to address puerperal fever.

TCM Herbs for Puerperal Fever

See more details below about Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi), a herb used to address puerperal fever.