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When the infant is in the womb, it inherits the Qi of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), thereby generating the Zang-Fu organs and skeletal structure. It relies on amniotic fluid for nourishment. Once the vital Qi is sufficient, birth occurs naturally. At the time of delivery, the infant holds a blood clot in its mouth; upon crying, it swallows the clot immediately, causing toxins to lodge in the Mingmen (Gate of Life). When encountering epidemic pathogens (Tianxing Shiqi), food stagnation, external contraction of Wind-Cold, or convulsions with fever, sores and rashes may erupt. It is urgent to remove the blood before the infant cries: wrap a finger in soft cloth, scoop out the blood, and resolve the toxicity using Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Zhusha (Cinnabar), and Gancao (Licorice Root). This will result in milder smallpox later. If swallowed, abdominal distension, vomiting, shortness of breath, and refusal to nurse occur immediately; treat with Fuling Wan (Poria Pill). However, Huanglian is cold in nature. It is suitable if the mother has a constitution of rich-food heat accumulation; but if the mother’s diet is bland and the fetal foundation is weak, it should not be used. Although Zhusha can detoxify, one must fear that mineral substances are heavy and sedating. It is better to use a small amount of Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis), mixed with honey, for the infant to suck. For infants in peril due to difficult labor or exposure to Wind-Cold, do not hastily cut the umbilical cord, bake it with fire, or wrap them in cotton and hold them close. Instead, quickly roast the placenta in fire, then use a large paper wick to cauterize back and forth along the umbilical cord, allowing warm Qi to enter the abdomen. Within moments, Qi returns, and the infant revives. Also, warn against bathing, lest the Couli (pores) be loose, causing Yuanqi (Original Qi) to dissipate and external pathogens to invade.

Zhu Mi Fa (Cinnabar-Honey Method): First, wipe the infant’s mouth with decoction of Huanglian to spit out foul fluids. Then, grind 1 fen of Zhusha into fine powder, mix with a little honey, apply to the infant’s mouth for sucking. It calms the Heart, stabilizes the Spirit, settles the Soul, and detoxifies.
Niu Huang Fa (Calculus Bovis Method): Use 2 fen of Niuhuang, 0.5 fen of Zhusha, and 7 leaves of Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf). Decoct and administer as a mixture. It benefits the Liver and Gallbladder, removes irritability and heat, dispels wind-convulsion pathogenic factors, wards off evil Qi, and treats pediatric epilepsy.
Fuling Wan (Poria Pill): Chifuling (Red Poria), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) [replace with Shaoyao (White Peony Root) if fetal coldness exists], Zhike (Aurantium Fruit) [equal parts].
Grind the above into powder, bind with refined honey to make pills the size of tung seeds. Take one pill per dose, dissolved in breast milk.

The newborn’s skin and muscles are not yet solid. Old cotton wool should be used to protect the back, but not too warmly. Frequent exposure to wind and sunlight is beneficial, making the Qi and Blood strong and muscles dense. If kept in heavy curtains and sealed rooms, or dressed too warmly, the bones and tendons become soft and brittle, unable to resist Wind-Cold, leading easily to disease. Clothing should be adjusted according to cold and heat; keeping the back warm is best. Do not let the infant sweat, lest the exterior deficiency allow Wind pathogens to injure easily. Nursing should not be excessive. If there is retained food stagnation, treat with Xiaokong Wan. As Chen stated: “Endure three parts cold, eat seven parts full, frequently rub the belly, bathe less, keep the belly warm and head cool.” These are profound truths. The wet-nurse must strictly avoid emotional disturbances, Six Excesses (Wind, Cold, Summer-Heat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire), and rich, roasted, or fried foods, so that the milk remains clear and tranquil, preventing illness in the infant. The method of protecting the infant involves regulating the wet-nurse when healthy, and treating the infant when sick, but it is best to treat the mother concurrently as well.