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Xingren Decoction (Apricot Kernel Decoction): Treats torticollis with protruding chest (Guixiong, a deformity characterized by anterior chest wall protrusion) in children caused by heat pathogen affecting the Lung.
Ingredients: Jin Dahuang (Cortex Rhei Preparata, steamed and sun-dried nine times with high-quality wine), Tiandongmen (Radix Asparagi, heart removed), Zhen Xingren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum, skin and tip removed, pure kernel taken), Hua Mutong (Caulis Akebiae), Sangbaipi (Cortex Mori), Tiantingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae), Shu Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum Preparatum) — each 1 qian 2 fen.
Administration: Decoct in water and take before going to bed. If the dosage is increased, it can be made into honey pills for slow administration, which is more effective.

Songrui Dan (Pine Stamen Pill): Treats gibbus (Guibei, kyphosis/spinal curvature) in children; this formula is retained for reference only.
Ingredients: Huang Songhua (Pine Pollen), Chen Zhike (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae aged), Bei Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Chuan Duohuo (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) — each 1 liang; Jing Mahuang (Herba Ephedrae), Xin Qianhu (Radix Peucedani), Chuan Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), Qing Huagui (Ramulus Cinnamomi) — each 5 qian.
Preparation and Administration: Grind into fine powder, form into pills the size of mung beans using honey. Take 10 pills per dose, washed down with rice drink.

Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill): See Formula in Volume 1, Section on Congenital Diseases.
Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction): See Formula in Volume 3, Section on Malaria.
Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction): See Formula in Volume 2, Section on Convulsions.

Crane’s Knee Wind (Hexi Feng): Caused by congenital Kidney deficiency and insufficient Qi and Blood, leading to emaciated muscles and knees resembling those of a crane. The external color remains unchanged, but there is pain inside the knee and difficulty in flexion and extension. If swelling is red and suppurates, it is due to external causes and is treatable; if swelling is hard, white, and does not suppurate, it is due to constitutional weakness and is difficult to treat. For cases due to external causes, use Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Complete Tonifying Decoction) added with Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Huangbai (Cortex Phellodendri), and Fangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae). For cases due to constitutional weakness, use Liuwei Dihuang Wan added with Lurong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum) to tonify Essence and Blood. It is also necessary to regulate and tonify the Spleen and Stomach to aid the source of transformation and production.

Shiquan Dabu Tang: See Formula in Volume 1, Section on Protecting Childbirth; add Cangzhu, Huangbai, and Fangji.
Liuwei Dihuang Wan: See Formula in Volume 1, Section on Congenital Diseases.

After birth, infants may present with the syndromes of Five Softnesses and Five Stiffnesses. This results from weak fetal origin and insufficiency of congenital Yang Qi, making them unable to withstand cold or heat. A slight invasion by the Six Exogenous Pathogens (Wind, Cold, Summerheat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire) leads to the manifestation of the Five Softnesses.
The Five Softnesses refer to softness of the head and neck, body, mouth, muscles, and hands and feet. Softness of the head and neck is a disorder of the Liver and Kidney; the Liver governs tendons and the Kidneys govern bones. Insufficiency of Liver and Kidney results in weak head and neck control. Softness of hands and feet is a disorder of the Spleen and Stomach; the Spleen governs the four limbs. Insufficiency of Spleen and Stomach results in hands that are reluctant to grasp and feet that are sluggish in walking. Body softness indicates declining Yang Qi and weak marrow, causing general emaciation and inability to stand upright. Mouth softness manifests as a relaxed tongue protruding from the mouth and reluctance to speak. Muscle softness presents as scant flesh and loose skin, indicating vacuity of the muscular system. In summary, these conditions stem from congenital insufficiency and should be treated with Dihuang Wan (Rehmannia Pill) to tonify the Liver and Kidney. However, greater emphasis should be placed on the Stomach, as it is the source of transformation for the five Zang and six Fu organs. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) should be used to raise Spleen Qi. If the Spleen and Stomach become robust, the Qi of the Zang organs will be nourished, and the various softness syndromes will likely resolve.
The Five Stiffnesses refer to stiffness of the hands, feet, waist, muscles, and neck. The infant extends the head to breathe, has difficulty moving, experiences Qi stagnation and pain radiating to the chest and diaphragm, and has cold, stiff palms and soles. This indicates Yang Qi failing to nourish the extremities, representing a state of solitary Yin without Yang, which is difficult to treat. If the abdominal veins are blue and tense, it indicates Liver Wood overacting on Spleen Earth; in such cases, Liujunzi Tang added with Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi), Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), and Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) should be used to tonify the Spleen and soothe the Liver. If the face is cyanotic and the lower abdomen is hard, the condition is incurable.