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[Xue Ji] While in the womb, the infant receives the Qi of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements to generate the Zang-Fu organs and limbs, relying on amniotic fluid for nourishment. When the Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is sufficient, natural birth occurs. At the time of delivery, the infant holds a blood clot in the mouth; upon crying, it is immediately swallowed, causing toxic pathogens to lie dormant in the Mingmen (Gate of Life, located between the two kidneys). If exposed to epidemic febrile diseases (Tianxing Shiqi) causing prolonged fever, or due to food stagnation, external contraction of wind-cold, or convulsive fever, etc., sores and rashes will erupt. Therefore, before the infant cries, one must use soft cloth wrapped around the finger to remove the blood from the mouth, and resolve the toxicity using Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Douchi (Fermented Soybean), Zhumi (Cinnabar Honey), and Gancao (Licorice Root). Even if smallpox later appears, the condition will be mild.

If the swallowed blood causes immediate abdominal distension, vomiting, shortness of breath, and inability to suckle, treat with Fuling Wan (Poria Pill). However, Huanglian is cold in nature; it is suitable for infants who have inherited maternal heat accumulated from rich diet, but not for those with bland dietary habits or weak prenatal Qi. Although Zhusha (Cinnabar) can detoxify, its heavy mineral nature may suppress vital energy; thus, it is better to use only a small amount of Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis), mixed with honey for the infant to suck. The world often uses Xijiao Jiedu Wan (Rhino Horn Detoxification Pill), but for infants with deficient and cold prenatal Qi, this actually damages the generating Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, potentially leading to infertility.

For infants in critical condition due to difficult labor or exposure to wind-cold, do not cut the umbilical cord immediately. Quickly warm cotton wadding, hold the infant close to warm them, and rapidly roast the placenta in fire. Then, use large paper twists to cauterize the umbilical cord repeatedly, allowing warm Qi to enter the abdomen. Within moments, the Qi recovers, and the infant revives naturally. Bathing must be strictly avoided, lest the Couli (pores) remain unconsolidated, causing Yuan Qi to dissipate and allowing external pathogens to invade.

When an infant is newly born, quickly wrap a finger in cotton and wipe the foul blood and impurities from the tongue and mouth, a procedure known as "Yu Xian" (Jade Holding). If the cry sounds once, these impurities enter the abdomen and cause myriad diseases. Examine under the tongue; if the lingual frenulum has a membrane like a pomegranate seed, preventing crying or voice resonance, quickly sever it with fingernails or a reed knife. A slight bleed indicates survival. If bleeding under the tongue is excessive, apply a mixture of ash from burnt disordered hair and a little pig fat. (The *Taiping Shenghui Fang* states: Inspect the gum roots for two yellow tendons, sever them with a reed knife, and apply pig milk; if the infant's mouth is hard to open, apply pig milk first.) There are tendons connecting the upper and lower lips to the gums. If the upper lip tendon is tight, "Shang Lian" (Upper Lian syndrome) arises, characterized by sores covering the head or psoriasis-like lesions between the eyebrows, with incessant itching and yellow discharge, spreading sores. If the lower lip tendon is tight, "Xia Lian" (Lower Lian syndrome) arises, starting from the waist and back and spreading to the limbs, with similar symptoms. If severe and untreated, or if the head and face become connected in pathology, persisting for years without relief, leading to premature death or major illness, this is solely due to the lack of daily morning mouth-wiping prevention.