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Bianzheng (Variation and Steaming) is a normal physiological phenomenon in infants. "Bian" (Variation) refers to change; after each Bianzheng cycle, the child's temperament differs from before. Why? This signifies the gradual growth of the Zang-Fu organs. "Zheng" (Steaming) refers to a slight fever, similar to how all things sprout in spring and grow in summer, driven by Yang Qi which governs growth, and this applies to humans as well. Thus, only after Bianzheng is complete does one become an adult, with Qi and Blood full and bones and flesh firm. The symptoms of Bianzheng in children are like a silkworm molting, a dragon shedding its bones, or a tiger changing its claws; they are all processes of transformation. Therefore, there is a Bianzheng every 32 days, until 576 days have passed, completing the minor and major cycles. Mild cases present with low-grade fever and slight sweating, resembling Wind-Stirring (Jing Feng); severe cases present with high fever, chaotic and rapid pulse, or sweating/irritability, crying, and thirst. Mild cases resolve in about five days, with signs similar to Shanghan (Cold Damage); however, some may contract Cold Evil during Bianzheng. In Bianzheng, the ears are cold, and bubbles like turbid pearls appear on the upper lip; if Cold Evil invades, it causes abdominal pain due to Cold-Heat conflict, with ceaseless crying day and night. Treatment: mild cases require no medicine; severe cases use Pinghe Yinzi (Harmonizing Decoction) for mild diaphoresis. If heat is severe with constipation, use Zishuang Wan (Purple Frost Pill) for mild purgation. If vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to nurse, and excessive crying occur, use Tiaoqi San (Regulating Qi Powder).

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 5 fen, Bai Fu Ling (Poria) 1 qian (peeled), Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 5 fen, Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) 5 fen (roasted), suitable for those with weak congenital constitution. For robust constitutions, add Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 1 qian; avoid in robust constitutions. Decoct in water and take orally.

Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma), Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) (roasted), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Huo Xiang (Agastaches Herba), Zhi Gan Cao (Prepared Licorice Root). Use Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus) as guides, decoct in water and take orally.

Some use Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) to expel meconium upon birth. If the infant is strong and has sufficient congenital essence, these drugs cause no harm. However, if the infant has a weak congenital constitution, exposure to such cold-cooling agents rarely fails to produce other disorders. If there is interior stagnation and blockage, and one wishes to purge fetal toxins, simply use Dan Dou Chi (Sojae Semen Preparatum) decocted strongly to drink; after 5-7 mouthfuls, the toxin will naturally exit, while also nourishing the Spleen and Stomach. This is truly a miraculous prescription.

When an infant undergoes Bianzheng, if there is no fever or convulsion but other symptoms arise, it is called "An Bian" (Hidden Variation), due to a strong congenital constitution.

Many moxa-burn the Bai Hui acupoint (GV20) upon birth, believing it blocks Wind. However, geography varies (North/South), and individuals vary in courage/timidity. Moxa is suitable for Northerners but harmful and useless for Southerners.

Infants born with body ruptures die; white scrotum dies; non-erect penis dies; absent anus dies; lack of muscle between thighs dies; duck-like cry dies. Within the first year, if the skull fontanelles remain open, teeth do not erupt, limbs are contracted, knees resemble crane joints, and the body is emaciated, unable to walk or stand later in life, these indicate insufficient congenital Qi, leading to early death. If sinews are solid, strength is great; if bones are solid, walking comes early; if blood is full, the form is thin but hair is abundant; if flesh is solid, disease is rare; if Essence is full, the child is clever, talkative, laughs often, and resists cold/heat; if gait is solid, disease is rare and the body is plump. These indicate surplus congenital Qi, leading to longevity.

Xijiang Yue (Poem):
What is pediatric Bianzheng? It follows a 32-day cycle. When spirit changes abnormally, fever steams and sleepiness ensues. If exposed to Wind-Cold externally, or milk/food damages the Spleen internally, lingering suffering must not be neglected; treat with decoctions and pills.

Generally, at 64 days, Kidney and Bladder develop first; then Heart Fire and Small Intestine; Liver and Gallbladder grow third; Lung and Large Intestine fourth; Spleen and Stomach fifth; Sanjiao and Bao Luo (Uterus/Lining) are distinct, having name but no distinct form.

Pediatric Bianzheng generates intelligence, with natural steaming fever, drowsiness without speech, waking intermittently, corresponding to silkworm molting. Physicians need not treat rashly; parents need not panic. After three days, peace returns; fear only other pathological signs.

If Wind-Cold external contraction occurs, Xingxing Sanzi (Awakening Powder) is applicable. Internal injury from milk/food causes unrest; Bahe (Harmonize) and Spleen-nourishing formulas should be advanced. For cough, Can Su Yinzi (Ginseng and Saposhnikovia Decoction); for vomiting/diarrhea, Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) is most effective; for convulsions due to fright, Xie Qing Wan (Drain Green Pill); Dao Chi San (Direct Out Red Powder) is also suitable.