Library

For infants and children with unsmooth urination and defecation, the *Neijing* states: this is due to the constraint of the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). "Constraint" implies impaired function. One may use Changliushui (Long-flowing water) to decoct Bazheng San (Eight-Positive Powder), administering it frequently until urination and defecation become smooth, then stopping.

For infants and children with prolonged diarrhea that does not cease, by August or September, it may transform into late-autumn cold dysentery, characterized by clear, white stools, occasional abdominal cramping pain, and undigested milk curds. Yangpi Wan (Spleen-Nourishing Pill) can be used; pills should be sized like millet seeds, with a dosage of 20–30 pills per administration, taken with rice drink, three times daily for recovery. This method is highly effective for commoners; wealthy families should also consider its application.

Generalized edema in infants and children is referred to as Shuiqi Zhong (Water-Qi Edema). If accompanied by difficult urination, promoting urination will lead to recovery. The *Neijing* states: when the Sanjiao is blocked and water pathways fail to circulate, water fills the skin, causing bodily bloating and swelling. This is a syndrome of Wind invading Dampness. One may add Dengxincao (Juncus Effusus Herb) to Changliushui to decoct Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria), administering it frequently. Additionally, frequent bathing in a warm, draft-free place will induce sweating, leading to the reduction of edema and spontaneous recovery, due to combined internal and external treatment.

When infants aged three to five, or children aged seven to ten-plus years old, experience convulsions and tidal spasms, with phlegm sounds resembling sawing, loss of consciousness, staring eyes, rapid breathing, and impending death, the *Neijing* states: these conditions originate from fright and fear qi received in the womb. Such palpitations, alertness, fear, and terror cause mild cases to be termed Jingdiao (Fright-Hanging), while severe cases are termed Xianbing Fengchu (Epilepsy with Wind-Spasm), or indicate Abdominal Accumulated Heat, or Qifeng (Umbilical Wind). For these syndromes, emetic medicines for phlegm can be used. After vomiting, cooling and descending-phlegm medicines such as Zhusha (Cinnabar), Xijiao (Rhinoceros Horn - *Note: Substitute with legal alternatives in modern practice*), Bingpian (Borneol), and Shexiang (Musk) are appropriate. For nursing infants, the mother should also take Anhun Dingpo (Soul-Calming and Spirit-Stabilizing) formulas, such as Dingzhi Wan (Willpower-Stabilizing Pill). Women during pregnancy must strictly avoid fright, worry, sorrow, and weeping; otherwise, even if they give birth, the child will likely suffer from various diseases.

Persistent crying and wailing in infants, lasting one to two days or three to four days, is caused by evil spirit qi gathering in the Heart. There is a method in the *Zangjing*: bind the infant's hands and feet with cotton silk strips, place the infant in a clean donkey trough washed by women of three different surnames, ensure no bystanders know or peek, and after some time, the persistent crying will naturally cease.