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Bu Ru (Failure to Suckle) refers to the condition where a newborn fails to suckle breast milk immediately after birth. There are two causes: (A) Due to the retention of meconium, it can cause abdominal distension, shortness of breath, vomiting, and inability to suckle in the infant. The ancient method employs Yinianjin (One-Grain Gold Decoction), composed of Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Heiqiu (Strychni Semen), Baiqiu (Strychni Semen), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), and Binglang (Arecae Semen) in equal parts, ground into fine powder and taken with a small amount of honey water. (B) Due to the mother consuming excessive cold and cooling foods, the fetus is affected by this qi, causing the infant to suffer from abdominal pain, frequent crying, and a bluish-white complexion. The ancient method employs Yunqi San (Uniform Qi Powder), composed of Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Paojiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparatum), Sharen (Amomi Fructus), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), and Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum), ground into powder. Each dose is five fen, taken with decoction of red dates. If there is Jue Ni (Reversal Cold/Extremity Cold), the ancient method employs Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction), composed of Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Tu Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), and Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum), with Hongzaorou (Date Flesh) as an adjuvant, treating according to specific symptoms.

[Chen Shouzhen's Note] For syndrome (A), using Yinianjin is too potent; it is advisable to use only Yigancao (Licorice Root) powder, one fen, and a small amount of Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) powder, decocted and taken to expel meconium. For syndrome (B), using Yunqi San disperses qi and damages yuan qi (primordial qi). Even if accompanied by Jue Ni, it is advisable to use Dan Jiangyan Cao (Light Ginger and Licorice) decoction, administered slowly to restore yang without damaging primordial qi. Another method involves taking three segments of green onion tubes, each one cun long, mixed with one cup of colostrum from a woman about to give birth. Boil them together in a spoon, let it cool slightly, and administer for drinking, which will enable the infant to suckle.

Xiao Bian Niao (Oliguria/Anuria) is caused by fetal heat flowing downward. The ancient method employs Daochi San (Guide Out Red Powder), composed of Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), and Sheng Gancao (Raw Licorice Root), with Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf) and Dengxin (Typhae Stamen) as adjuvants. In cases of excess heat, the ancient method employs Bazheng San (Eight Righteousnesses Powder), composed of Pian Xu (Parsley Herb), Qumai (Diantherae Herba), Huashi (Talcum), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Chiling (Poria with Hostwood), Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen), Sheng Dahuang (Raw Rhubarb), and Sheng Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), with Dengxin (Typhae Stamen) as an adjuvant. Externally, apply Dou Chi Gao (Fermented Soybean Paste) on the umbilicus, composed of Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean), Tianluo (Apple Snail), and Congbai (Scallion White), mashed together and applied to the umbilicus with Banana Juice.

[Chen Shouzhen's Note] Although newborns often present with excess heat, it is inappropriate to use large doses of Bazheng San, as it may damage the zang-fu organs. It is also unnecessary to use external Dou Chi Gao, as it may induce Qi Feng (Umbilical Wind/Newborn Tetanus). Even in the original Daochi San formula, the "Mutong" mentioned in ancient texts refers to Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla) in modern times; their properties differ significantly and must be distinguished. One need only use Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla), Sheng Gancao (Raw Licorice Root), and Dengxin (Typhae Stamen); this will naturally promote urination.