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The life of an infant is like dew on a blade of grass or a bubble on water; the use of medicinal substances must be extremely cautious. However, diseases in infants often arise because the Spleen and Stomach are delicate, leading to damage from milk and food causing accumulation, with Phlegm-Fire condensing and obstructing. The symptoms vary; here we discuss only the more severe ones. Damage to the Stomach by milk and food results in vomiting (Ou Tu); damage to the Spleen results in diarrhea (Xie Xie). Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea may develop into Slow Convulsion (Man Jing Feng) or evolve into Liver disease. Accumulation of milk and food generates Damp-Phlegm; Phlegm stagnation generates Fire. When Phlegm and Fire interact, it forms Acute Convulsion (Ji Jing Feng) or becomes Throat Bi (Hou Bi - swelling and obstruction of the throat). Condensation and obstruction by Phlegm-Fire lead to Epileptic Spasm (Xian Diao) or manifest as wheezing and coughing. Fetal Heat or Fetal Cold result from congenital endowment carrying pathogenic factors. Umbilical Wind (Qi Feng) with mouth contraction results from toxicity in the fetal origin. Goose-tongue ulcer (E Kou Chuang) results from Damp-Heat in the Stomach. Double tongue or wooden tongue result from Excess Fire in the Spleen meridian. Fetal惊 (Jing) and night crying result from Evil-Heat invading the Heart. Fever due to transformation and evaporation indicates that fetal toxin is about to dissipate. Erysipelas (Dan Du) indicates Fire moving externally; Retained Heat indicates Fire accumulating internally. Zhong-E (sudden collapse from external evil) occurs when external pathogens take advantage of deficiency. Sleep fright indicates internal Fire stirring. Dysentery results from food accumulation in the abdomen. Zheng accumulation results from Phlegm knotting above the diaphragm. External contraction fever presents with nasal congestion and heavy voice; Internal injury fever presents with bitter taste and dry tongue. Heart pain is caused by biting from parasites. Hernia pain is caused by Qi depression from Cold. Ji (accumulation) has a fixed location and is formed blood; Ju (gathering) has no fixed location and is formless Qi. The Stomach governs reception and ingestion; the Spleen governs transportation and transformation. If Spleen and Stomach functions are strong, the four limbs and body are healthy; if weak, myriad diseases arise. Practitioners of pediatrics cannot but regard regulating the Spleen and Stomach as the most crucial priority!

Umbilical Wind arises after cutting the umbilical cord, where improper washing allows dampness to enter the Pericardium Luo vessels, or exposure to wind during undressing allows Wind Pathogens to invade, causing pathogens to penetrate the Zang organs and damage the intestines, resulting in umbilical protrusion, swelling, and ulceration. The body feels heavy and stiff, limbs are rigid, crying incessantly without nursing, lips turn cyanotic, mouth contracts tightly, and white foam issues forth. It starts with mouth contraction and gradually develops into convulsions. This is named Umbilical Wind. If the area around the umbilicus turns purple-black, and the mouth cannot open, this is internal twitching (Nei Chu), which is difficult to treat. Even worse, incessant crying, umbilicus protruding with cyanotic-black color, chest flipping, neck softness, inability to swallow milk, cold extremities, chills and choking, dry mouth with internal twitching, black fingernails, clenched fists, and locked jaw are all signs of death. Furthermore, heat in the chest causing stretching and gasping can also cause umbilical swelling. If the umbilicus remains wet and constantly discharges yellow-green fluid, it indicates injury to the Six Fu organs at birth; medicated powder should be applied locally. However, at this stage, the umbilicus is fragile like a blood clot; pastes containing Borneol (Bing Pian) and Musk (She Xiang) must not be used, and formulas that are excessively cold or hot are contraindicated, as the muscles are not yet firm and the Zang-Fu are delicate, unable to withstand such potent drugs!

When treating Umbilical Wind and similar conditions, inspect the umbilicus. If white blister-like spots appear, gently puncture them with a silver needle. If blood flows out, recovery is possible. However, for the most critical cases, fewer than one or two in ten survive until one lunar month passes. One must carefully observe complexion and demeanor, acting with caution. For instance, a red forehead indicates Heart Heat; a red nose indicates Lung Heat; cyanosis on the left cheek indicates Liver excess; pallor on the right cheek indicates Spleen deficiency; pale cheeks indicate Kidney deficiency. Regarding umbilical protrusion, fear arises because the mother experienced frequent palpitations or fright during pregnancy, or consumed excessive heat-toxic foods, causing heat in the infant's chest at birth. This leads to frequent stretching and gasping sounds, forcing Qi inward, thus causing umbilical protrusion. Since the umbilicus is the root, protection against Wind-Damp must be strict. Any negligence leads to umbilical swelling and non-healing, eventually triggering convulsions as pathogens enter the meridians, resulting in Opisthotonos (Qi Xiang), mouth contraction, and Umbilical Wind, all of which are ominous signs. Therefore, one should preemptively wrap a finger in soft cotton, frequently wipe the upper gum line where two tendons exist, and gently sever these tendons with a bamboo knife, applying pig milk afterward. Also, inspect above the umbilicus; if red veins extend straight upward, apply three moxa cones at the tip of the red vein. These are excellent preventive methods.

Generally, upon delivery, if the umbilicus is soft, Umbilical Wind will not occur. If the umbilicus is hard and rigid, Umbilical Wind is certain, and preemptive treatment should be initiated immediately.