Library

Observe, inquire, and examine the infant's illness; the origins of various symptoms should be carefully evaluated. First, observe the face to deduce the Five Colors (Green, Red, Yellow, White, Black); different colors manifest in distinct forms corresponding to specific Zang organs. The Heart manifests as Red, the Liver as Green, the Lung governs White, the Spleen as Yellow, and the Kidney as Black, each clearly distinguished. Integrate the annual Qi with the four seasons, and adjust medicines according to Cold, Heat, Warmth, and Coolness. Next, observe the color manifestation at the Tiger's Mouth (the radial side of the index finger): Red indicates a mild condition, Green indicates a severe one, and Black indicates a serious condition. If the vein pattern appears only at the Wind Gate (the first segment near the nail), it is easy to treat; if visible at the Qi Gate (the second segment), the disease is worsening; if it reaches the Life Gate (the third segment), it is a critical and ominous sign, potentially penetrating through to the Huangzhong acupoint where remedies become ineffective. Red eyes and photophobia indicate Heat in the Liver family; convulsions, crying, and calling belong to the Heart Meridian; vomiting, diarrhea, and dysentery represent distress in the Earth of the Spleen; edema, distension, and accumulation also belong to the Spleen Meridian. A blueish complexion with furrowed brows indicates Heart and abdominal pain; spots and tinea on the face resemble the texture of a turtle shell. Accumulations lasting long periods lead to Yu Ming (Night Blindness); bad breath and bleeding gums are steamed by Stomach Fire. Wind-cold coughing indicates the disease is in the Lung; phlegm-wheezing and rapid breathing indicate Cold stagnation in the Lung. Tortoise back results from Cold invading the back; tortoise chest corresponds to Lung Heat. Hernia and scrotal swelling indicate Cold in the Kidney; Zhu Ma Ya Gang (a severe form of gingivitis/stomatitis) also belongs to the Kidney Meridian. Gan syndrome is divided into five types corresponding to the five Zang organs; the eight signs of Jing Feng (Convulsive Disease) arise from Heat and Phlegm. Whole-body sores, boils, and mastitis are caused by the accumulation of Heat toxins; phlegm nodules on the neck are formed by Fire condensation. Difficult urination indicates Heat in the Bladder; heat accumulation in the Large Intestine leads to constipation. May I ask, where do Jing Xian (Epilepsy) originate? Wind, Phlegm, Fire, and Heat rise together. Slowly progressing slow Jing Feng is due to extreme Spleen exhaustion; some cases transform from Wind-Cold into this form. For opisthotonos, closed eyes, and limb twitching, moxibustion at Guan Yuan (CV4) can still save life. This is the introductory mantra for pediatrics; please keep it firmly in mind.

How to distinguish the forms of fatal diseases in young children? There are twenty-five types, very clearly defined. The body feels cold when held (Blood Exhaustion); limbs are heavy, and the cry sounds like a crow (Bone Exhaustion); nose is dry, black, and rough, with eyes staring straight ahead (Spleen Exhaustion); crying without tears and passing green saliva (Liver Exhaustion); eyebrows fall out, eyes roll up, and nails turn black (Liver Exhaustion); the forehead swells or sinks into a pit (Kidney Exhaustion); biting people, urgency in the fish-mouth area (thenar eminence), straight legs, large belly with exposed green veins (Qi Exhaustion); looking upward as if gazing at high objects (Gallbladder Exhaustion); long sighs with black breath invading the lips (Lung Exhaustion); refusing milk, tongue retracting to the throat (Stomach Exhaustion); lips cannot cover teeth, eye sockets are blue (Spleen Exhaustion); diarrhea and dysentery turning into dark black blood (Heart Exhaustion); unilateral convulsions, laughing spontaneously, lacking mood (Heart Exhaustion). Regardless of nobility or commonality, male or female, among ten treated, none survive.