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Hair failure to grow is due to insufficient congenital Qi and Blood, which cannot nourish the hair. Ancient methods utilized Congrong Wan (Cistanche Pill) [containing Cistanches Herba (Roucongrou), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang), Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao), and Minium (Hufen), prepared as honey pills], taken with Black Soybean Decoction. Additionally, 20-30 pills dissolved in Alum were applied topically to the scalp.

[Chen Shouzhen’s Note] Hair is considered the surplus of Blood; when Blood is sufficient, hair grows naturally. Infants rely on milk for nourishment; provided there is high-quality breast milk to cultivate the Postnatal Qi (Spleen and Stomach function), topical application of hair-growth oil to aid hair origin is sufficient. Medication is unnecessary.

Teeth failure to erupt is caused by insufficient congenital Qi. Consequently, Marrow fails to fill the bones, resulting in delayed tooth eruption. Ancient methods employed Xionghuang San (Xiong Huang Powder) [containing Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong), Dried Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Dihuang), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao), Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum (Chenxiang), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), ground into powder], taken with warm water. The dry powder was also applied to the gums twice daily, or powdered spine of a male rat was used for topical application on the gums.

[Chen Shouzhen’s Note] Delayed tooth eruption indicates weak Qi and strength in the infant. However, forcing growth (pulling shoots to help them grow) is likely futile and potentially harmful. Only plain-tonifying substances like real Bird's Nest Powder should be used; topical medications should be avoided.

"Wu Ruan" (Five Flaccidities) refers to five conditions: flaccidity of the head and neck, hands, feet, body, and mouth.

Flaccidity of the head and neck refers to the collapse of the Tianzhu Bone (the cervical spine supporting the head). Ancient methods primarily prescribed Jianggu San (Bone-Strengthening Powder) [such as Bombyx Batryticatus (Bai Jiangcan), stir-fried and powdered, 1.5g or 3g per dose, taken with Mint-infused wine]. Externally, Shengjin San (Sinew-Generating Paste) [containing three Strychni Semen (Mubiezi) and thirty Ricini Semen (Bimazi), shells removed, ground uniformly] was applied as a cake after warming the crown of the infant's head by massage.

Flaccidity of the hands refers to weakness preventing movement. Ancient methods primarily prescribed Yiyi Wan (Coix Seed Pill) [containing Coicis Semen (Yiyiren), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (Qinjiao), Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo) in equal parts, made into honey pills], taken with Schizonepeta Decoction.

Flaccidity of the feet refers to delayed walking. Ancient methods primarily prescribed Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), supplemented with Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi), Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum (Lurong), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), and Acanthopanacis Cortex (Wujiapi), effective with long-term use.

Flaccidity of the body refers to scant muscle mass with loose skin, or generalized sinew flaccidity. Ancient methods primarily prescribed Lurong Sijin Wan (Deer Antler Four-Jin Pill) [containing Cistanches Herba (Roucongrou), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), Chaenomelis Fructus (Mugua), Cuscutae Semen (Tusizi), Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shudi), Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum (Lurong), Gastrodiae Rhizoma (Tianma), Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong), and Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi) in equal parts, made into honey pills], taken with warm wine or rice drink.

Flaccidity of the mouth refers to delayed speech. Ancient methods primarily prescribed Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), supplemented with Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum (Lurong) and Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi), effective with long-term use.

[Chen Shouzhen’s Note] Head and neck flaccidity relates to Liver and Kidney disorders. Hand and foot flaccidity relates to Spleen and Stomach disorders. Body flaccidity relates to Yang deficiency and Marrow insufficiency. Mouth flaccidity relates to Deficiency patterns. There are two main causes for Wu Ruan: (A) Insufficient prenatal Qi inherited from conception. "Deficiencies in the Pre-heaven (Congenital) are compensated by tonifying the Post-heaven (Acquired)." While this statement is true, one must not overlook that infants have delicate bodies while medicinal properties can be harsh and potent. Formulas named "Strengthen Bones and Generate Sinews" may fail to strengthen bones or generate sinews, instead disrupting Yin-Yang harmony and Water-Fire balance. If the infant's constitution becomes biased, recovery is unlikely. Natural nurturing, appropriate temperature regulation, and proper diet/breastfeeding will yield spontaneous and significant results. (B) Following severe or chronic illness. If head/neck flaccidity suddenly appears, one must investigate the root cause of the prior disease. Caution is advised even with herbs known to strengthen bones and sinews such as Polygoni Multiflori Preparata (Shouwu), Chaenomelis Fructus (Mugua), Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi), and Acanthopanacis Cortex (Wujiapi). Tonics for Qi and Blood like Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) and Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shudi) should also be used cautiously. This condition emphasizes the Spleen and Kidney, but particularly the Stomach, as the Stomach is the source of transformation for the Five Zang and Six Fu organs. By raising Spleen Qi, the Zang organs receive adequate Qi, and all flaccidity symptoms will resolve.