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(No. 22)

Infantile constipation is caused by heat in the Lung (Lung organ) accumulating internally and flowing into the Large Intestine (Large Intestine organ), resulting in dryness, accumulation, and inability to pass stool; this is a Excess Heat (Excess pathogenic heat) pattern. One should use Sishun Qingliang Yin (Four-Obedience Cooling Decoction) with added Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), or Shenyong Wan (Shenyong Pill) or Dachaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) to promote bowel movement. Infantile urinary retention is due to disharmony of the Heart Meridian (Heart channel), either from latent heat or arising from fright. The Heart Fire (Pathogenic fire originating from the Heart) flares upward and cannot descend to nourish the Kidney Water (Kidney yin/fluids), while Kidney Water fails to ascend to moisten the Heart, causing the Heart Meridian to become increasingly hot. Since the Small Intestine (Small Intestine organ) is interiorly-exteriorly related to the Heart, urinary retention occurs. Mutong San (Akebia Decoction) is indicated as the primary treatment; for severe cases, Bazheng San (Eight-Orthodoxies Decoction) may be administered. If urinary retention is accompanied by distension and oppression around the umbilicus and abdomen, and mental restlessness with fever, Zhizi San (Gardenia Decoction) is indicated. Furthermore, in cases of Shanghan (Cold Damage disease) with body heat, dizziness and heaviness of the head and eyes, loss of appetite, complicated by fright or food stagnation, alternating chills and fever, complete obstruction of both large and small bowel movements, irritability, thirst, profuse cold sweating, transformation into stagnation and injury, chest fullness and abdominal tightness, cyanotic-yellow complexion, emaciation, persistent high fever day and night, as well as various heat patterns such as Shangfeng (Wind-Cold attack), Shangshu (Summerheat injury), Jingxian (Convulsions), Kewu (Alien influence), and Ganshi (Childhood malnutrition syndrome affecting bones, muscles, and kidneys), all leading to urinary and fecal retention, Tuojia San (Shell-Shedding Decoction), Dalianqiao Yin (Major Forsythia Decoction) with added Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), and Shenyong Wan are all suitable. For infantile convulsions and accumulated heat causing urinary and fecal retention, the Navel-Smearing Method (Navel application therapy) can be used: take green onions with roots intact, unwashed and with soil attached, pieces of fresh ginger, 21 grains of Danchi (Fermented Soybean), and two teaspoons of salt; grind them together into a paste, form into a cake, warm it, and apply it to the umbilicus, securing it firmly with a cotton strip. After a while, qi will flow freely and defecation will occur naturally. If this fails, apply another dose; if still ineffective, administer oral medication.

Mutong Tang (Akebia Decoction): Treats infantile urinary retention.
Ingredients: Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Huashi (Talcum), each 1 liang; Heidou (Sojae Semen Nigrum), stir-fried, 0.5 liang.
Preparation: Coarsely crush the herbs, decoct with Dengxincao (Junci Medulla) and Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus), and administer orally. Adjust dosage according to the child's age and condition.

Zhizi Ren San (Gardenia Kernel Decoction): Treats infantile urinary retention with abdominal distension and mental restlessness.
Ingredients: Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), 5 fruits; Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma), Dongkuizi (Malvae Semen), each 0.5 liang; Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).
Preparation: Coarsely crush the herbs, take 2 qian per dose, decoct and drink at any time.

Navel-Smearing Method
Ingredients: Haishi (Hydrophilus), 49 specimens; Heidou (Sojae Semen Nigrum), 7 grains; Conggen (Allii Fistulosi Radix), 7 roots; Yan (Sal), a small amount.
Preparation: Pound finely into a paste, form into cakes, warm, and apply to the umbilicus.

Bazheng San (Eight-Orthodoxies Decoction) (See formula in Lin Syndrome section.)