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After birth, infants of ordinary robust constitution generally experience a period of physical harmony within the first month, characterized by less crying and more sleeping. Their milk intake will inevitably increase daily, and their duration of deep sleep will also lengthen.

Such infants possess sound bodies, with their Zang-Fu organs (viscera) naturally developing firmness and health; thus, there is no need to discuss their "Zheng-Bian" (natural developmental heat and transformation) in detail. However, this natural "Zheng-Bian" phenomenon does occur in infants. It is not a pathological condition, nor does it require medical intervention; one should simply follow its natural progression. Nevertheless, pediatricians must study the physiology behind "Zheng-Bian" to align with the infant's growth mechanisms. Otherwise, being a pediatrician yet ignorant of the physiological principles of "Zheng-Bian" would be a source of shame. Therefore, my students only need to understand that an infant's "Zheng-Bian" is a physiological variation, not a manifestation of disease, and thus does not require profound research. After an infant reaches one month of age, they may occasionally develop a fever without cause, while showing no accompanying pathological signs on other limbs, head, or face.

This type of fever is what is referred to as "Zheng-Bian." Parents should understand the physiological significance of "Zheng-Bian": it is a natural and inevitable stage of metamorphic growth, and there is no need for anxiety. This fever arises suddenly and subsides just as quickly; it is not harmful to the infant but rather beneficial. One must never panic and seek medical treatment with drugs, lest a healthy infant be harmed by the harsh nature of medications, potentially leading to actual illness. The following briefly outlines the physiological phenomena of "Zheng-Bian": Thirty-two days after birth, an infant will inevitably undergo one cycle of "Zheng" (steaming/fever), followed immediately by one cycle of "Bian" (transformation). "Bian" refers to the strengthening of the five Zang organs, while "Zheng" refers to the nourishment of the six Fu organs. Both processes serve to generate Qi and Blood, produce Spirit, develop the body, and enhance intelligence. Generally, during fetal development, the skeletal system forms first, followed by the generation of Qi and Blood throughout the body. Although the five Zang and six Fu organs form rudimentary structures in utero, they are not yet robust. After "Zheng-Bian," the meridians of the body fully develop, and the neural intelligence of the Zang-Fu organs matures. "Zheng" implies fever, and "Bian" implies transformation. This process moves from the internal Zang-Fu organs outward to the body shell, and from the lower legs and feet upward to the head, representing Yin generating from below and Yang consolidating above. Thus, once the natural steaming heat occurs, the previous state changes. Hence, at thirty-two days, one "Zheng" occurs, followed by one "Bian." After one cycle of "Zheng-Bian," the physique and temperament differ from before. The second cycle of "Zheng-Bian" occurs at sixty-four days. After two cycles, the entire skeleton gradually becomes robust, differing from before, and residual energy from the bones transfers from the cerebrum and cerebellum into the gums, resulting in the eruption of thirty-two deciduous teeth. These teeth sprout following the first "Zheng-Bian"; therefore, thirty-two is considered the complete number of deciduous teeth. However, some infants may have fewer than thirty-two teeth because their "Zheng-Bian" days did not reach the standard count. For instance, if the first "Zheng-Bian" appears at twenty-eight days instead of thirty-two, twenty-eight teeth may emerge correspondingly, which serves as clear evidence of this natural law. Regardless of how robust an infant's constitution, the number of deciduous teeth will not exceed thirty-two. With each weekly cycle of steaming heat, the infant's temperament and spirit undergo corresponding changes, consistent across all cycles. Ten cycles amount to three hundred and twenty days, marking the completion of the "Zheng-Bian" process. At this point, the Qi and Blood within the infant's Zang-Fu organs become increasingly sound, allowing for normal circulation without natural obstruction, leading to robustness until adulthood. Specifically, at thirty-two days, the initial "Zheng" generates Kidney Qi. At sixty-four days, the second "Zheng" generates Bladder Qi. During this steaming phase, coldness appears in the skin of the ear tips, ear lobes, middle back, and sacrum area, which constitutes the "Bian." At ninety-six days, the third "Zheng" generates Heart Qi. The manifestation of this "Bian" includes smiling and laughing. At one hundred and twenty-eight days, the fourth "Zheng" generates Small Intestine Qi. The manifestation involves slight sweating at the epigastrium and occiput, along with occasional slight jerking movements in the hands or feet. At one hundred and sixty days, the fifth "Zheng" generates Liver Qi and suffices the Blood and Qi. The manifestation is excessive crying and tearing without cause. At one hundred and ninety-two days, the sixth "Zheng" generates Gallbladder Qi. During this transformation, the eyes remain slightly open during sleep, and the whites of the eyes show a faint reddish hue. At two hundred and twenty-four days, the seventh "Zheng" suffuses Lung Qi. The manifestation includes a slight hoarse sound in the tracheal branches, and the voice becomes controllable. At two hundred and fifty-six days, the eighth "Zheng" suffuses Large Intestine Qi and Blood. The manifestation includes mild itching of the skin and damp sweat, accompanied by stools that are slightly bright green and foamy. At two hundred and eighty days, the ninth "Zheng" generates Spleen Qi. The manifestation is strengthened digestive power, leading to a sudden increase in milk intake. At three hundred and twenty days, the final "Zheng" suffuses Stomach Qi and Blood. The manifestation includes occasional refusal to suckle, intestinal vibration with mild abdominal pain, frequent belching, vomiting of curdled milk with a slightly sour taste. Only then are the ten cycles of "Zheng-Bian" completed, the fever subsides completely, and normal health returns. At this time, the erupting gums feel itchy and sore; infants often bite the nipple to relieve this gum discomfort, sometimes breaking the mother's nipple. Subsequently, bony deciduous teeth form, and the gum itchiness resolves invisibly. The infant can then utter single words, understand emotions, perceive tastes through the nose, smell grains, and develop an appetite. The Qi and Blood of the Zang-Fu organs achieve full soundness through the action of "Zheng-Bian." The classic states: "Qi enters the four limbs, growing small bones after ten cycles of Zheng-Bian." At sixty-four days, the meridians of the hands and feet grow; the hands receive Blood, enabling flexible movement and grasping; the feet receive Blood, supporting the body for standing and walking. It is also stated: "Zheng and Bian refer to the transformation completing one year." Furthermore: "For fever without sweating, induce sweating; for severe vomiting, stop it mildly. Do not treat differently, recognizing that infants must undergo Zheng-Bian." Losing teeth is like flowers shedding seedlings. Those with fewer than thirty-two teeth do so because their "Zheng-Bian" days were insufficient, and tooth count corresponds to these days. Therefore, teeth lost in middle age cannot regrow, as the natural function of "Zheng-Bian" has passed, and the precious period of deciduous teeth is over, with no hope for future regeneration.