What are effective methods for driving out cold and removing dampness during confinement?

There is no definitive statement on the most effective method for dispelling cold and dampness during the puerperium. It can be achieved through general treatment, medication, physiotherapy, and other methods. Details are as follows:

1. General Treatment: During the puerperium, the body is relatively weak, so attention should be paid to keeping warm and avoiding cold invasions. Dietarily, avoid consuming raw, cold, frozen, stimulating, and greasy foods. Appropriately consume foods such as coix seed and red bean soup, beef, tremella, Chinese yam, and bitter gourd, and maintain a balanced diet to absorb more nutrients from various foods, which aids in bodily recovery. Drinking moderate amounts of ginger and brown sugar water can also help dispel cold and dampness.

2. Medication: Under the differentiation of symptoms by a physician, traditional Chinese medicines such as Huoluo Qushi Tang (a decoction to invigorate blood circulation and eliminate dampness), Fuzi Lizhong Tang (a decoction to warm the spleen and restore yang), and Jiangzao Quhan Granules can be used to warm and unblock the meridians, as well as dispel cold and dampness.

3. Physiotherapy: Through moxibustion and foot soaking, acupoints such as Uterus (ZI), Eight Confluences (BAT), Yongquan (KI1), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zusanli (ST36) can be selected for moxibustion. Soaking feet in hot water before going to bed every night can dredge the meridians, regulate the body, and help dispel cold and dampness.

The aforementioned medications can only be used under the guidance of a physician and should not be self-administered.