凡看婴儿,先明四时。既有变蒸之状,还有强弱之推。寒热初来,慎一七而方退;周期未满,当四八以重期。原夫
魂魄将营,筋骨始成,开舒腠理,通彻奇经。运用而阴阳以正;往来气血初平,顿觉精神,喜笑嘤嘤,有异未知变蒸,
仔细一一须明。肝者干也,东方所属为木,象之三数,发形证于两目。浑身壮热,令瞳子以无辉;彻夜惊啼,因神魂而
未足。四数于金,二由在火。咳嗽频频,汗珠颗颗。两日间喷涕仍加,数夜虚惊。又可暗增骨髓,学反复以翻身;渐长
性情,畏傍人而恋母。脾土五呼,肾水一称。谷气暗引,精志时增。乳哺甘甜,尻骨成而独坐戏;经络流利,掌骨具而
匍匐能。次后筋骨之少更;膝踝之渐硬。气血乃荣于四肢;光彩而盎于满面。停停立犹未稳,喽喽语尚声颤。手足受血,
移步行而堪怜;耳目精通,意智生而可羡。斯乃呼息稍匀,肌体乃浓。两气而外阳内阴;一气而入鼻退场门。期来应节,
自然脏腑充盈,将养乖宜,感受寒邪,甚有于是发竖无润,乳哺吐呕,珠起丹唇;冷侵 骨,内肠鸣而微利,或惊啼而
勿喜。经云∶蒸则蒸气血之坚,变则变形容之正矣。
三十二日,一变生癸,肾脏生焉。 属足少阴经。
六十四日,二蒸生壬,膀胱腑气生焉。 属足太阳经。
九十六日,三变生丁,心脏气生焉。 属手少阴经。
一百二十八日,四蒸生丙,小肠腑气生焉。 属手太阳经。
一百六十日,五变生乙,肝脏气生焉。 属足厥阴经。
一百九十二日,六蒸生甲,胆腑气生焉。 属足少阳经。
二百二十四日,七变生辛,肺脏气生焉。 属手太阴经。
二百五十六日,八蒸生庚,大肠腑气生焉。 属手阳明经。
二百八十八日,九变生己,脾脏气生焉。 属足太阴经。
三百二十日,十变五蒸生戊,胃腑气生焉。 属足阳明经。
心胞络脏三焦腑,此脏腑俱无形,故不变亦不蒸焉。
十变五蒸讫后,又三大蒸,计六十日一蒸。
三百八十四日为一大蒸,四百四十八日为二大蒸,五百七十六日为三大蒸。
共五百七十六日,变蒸俱毕,儿乃成人。所谓变者,变生五脏也;蒸者,蒸养六腑也。变蒸全,血脉方荣,骨节方
长,情性方异于前也。凡当变蒸之时,先看儿上唇尖有水泡微肿即斯候也。切不可药攻火炙伤儿。慎之!慎之!
When examining infants, one must first understand the changes of the four seasons. Given the manifestations of Bianzheng (a physiological process of growth and development in infants), it is also necessary to deduce their physical strength or weakness. When symptoms of cold and heat initially appear, caution is required; they typically subside after one cycle of seven days (Yi Qi). If the cycle has not yet expired, one should re-evaluate at the period of four times eight days (San Shi Er Ri).
Tracing back to the origin, Hun and Po (spiritual aspects) begin to nourish, sinews and bones start to form, Couli (pores and skin texture) open up, and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels become unobstructed. Yin and Yang are regulated and corrected; as Qi and Blood circulate and initially stabilize, there is a sudden improvement in spirit, with the infant showing joy, laughing and making humming sounds. This differs significantly from the state before Bianzheng, requiring careful and detailed differentiation. The Liver corresponds to Wood in the East, with the number three; pathological signs often manifest in the eyes. Generalized high fever causes the pupils to lose luster; all-night crying due to fright occurs because Hun and Shen are not yet sufficient. The Lungs correspond to Metal, with the number four; the Heart corresponds to Fire, with the number two. Frequent coughing and droplets of sweat appear. Sneezing increases over two days, and false fright occurs over several nights. Subsequently, bone marrow secretly grows, and the infant learns to turn over repeatedly; temperament gradually develops, becoming wary of strangers and clinging to the mother. Spleen corresponds to Earth, with the number five; Kidneys correspond to Water, with the number one. Gu Qi (Grain Qi) secretly guides, and Jing Zhi (Essence and Will) increase from time to time. Sweet breast milk nourishes; the sacrum forms, allowing independent sitting and play; meridians become smooth, and metacarpal bones develop, enabling crawling. Later, sinews and bones undergo slight renewal; knees and ankles gradually harden. Qi and Blood then flourish in the four limbs; radiance fills the face. Standing remains unstable, and speech is still trembling. Hands and feet receive blood nourishment, making movement endearing; ears and eyes become acute, and intelligence emerges, which is admirable. At this stage, breathing becomes slightly regular, and the body becomes plump. Yang Qi is external, Yin Qi is internal; one Qi enters through the nose and exits through the anus. When the appropriate time arrives, Zang-Fu organs naturally fill up. If care is improper and Cold Evil invades, hair may stand erect and dry without moisture, breastfeeding may lead to vomiting, and red blisters may appear on the lips; Cold invading the bones may cause intestinal rumbling and mild diarrhea, or frightful crying without joy. The Classics state: "Zheng" steams and solidifies Qi and Blood; "Bian" transforms and corrects appearance.
At thirty-two days, the first "Bian" generates Gui Water, and Kidney Qi arises. It belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Meridian.
At sixty-four days, the first "Zheng" generates Ren Water, and Bladder Fu Qi arises. It belongs to the Foot Taiyang Meridian.
At ninety-six days, the second "Bian" generates Ding Fire, and Heart Qi arises. It belongs to the Hand Shaoyin Meridian.
At one hundred twenty-eight days, the second "Zheng" generates Bing Fire, and Small Intestine Fu Qi arises. It belongs to the Hand Taiyang Meridian.
At one hundred sixty days, the third "Bian" generates Yi Wood, and Liver Qi arises. It belongs to the Foot Jueyin Meridian.
At one hundred ninety-two days, the third "Zheng" generates Jia Wood, and Gallbladder Fu Qi arises. It belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Meridian.
At two hundred twenty-four days, the fourth "Bian" generates Xin Metal, and Lung Qi arises. It belongs to the Hand Taiyin Meridian.
At two hundred fifty-six days, the fourth "Zheng" generates Geng Metal, and Large Intestine Fu Qi arises. It belongs to the Hand Yangming Meridian.
At two hundred eighty-eight days, the fifth "Bian" generates Ji Earth, and Spleen Qi arises. It belongs to the Foot Taiyin Meridian.
At three hundred twenty days, the sixth "Bian" and fifth "Zheng" simultaneously generate Wu Earth, and Stomach Fu Qi arises. It belongs to the Foot Yangming Meridian.
The Pericardium Zang and Sanjiao Fu have no specific form; therefore, they do not undergo "Bian" nor "Zheng".
After the ten Bians and five Zhengs are completed, there are three major Zhengs, each occurring every sixty days.
Three hundred eighty-four days marks the first Major Zheng.
Four hundred forty-eight days marks the second Major Zheng.
Five hundred seventy-six days marks the third Major Zheng.
In total, five hundred seventy-six days pass until all Bianzheng processes are complete, and the child is considered an adult. What is called "Bian" refers to the transformation and generation of the Five Zang Organs; what is called "Zheng" refers to the steaming and nourishment of the Six Fu Organs. Once Bianzheng is complete, blood vessels become flourishing, joints grow, and temperament differs from before. During any Bianzheng period, first check if there are small blisters or slight swelling at the tip of the infant's upper lip; this is the sign of Bianzheng. One must absolutely avoid using harsh medications or moxibustion that could harm the infant. Be cautious! Be cautious!