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The primordial qi of infants and children is not yet fully developed, and their cou li (the texture of the skin and interstices) is not dense; therefore, they are extremely prone to sweating. Consequently, any diet that is too hot or clothing and bedding that are too warm can induce sweating. Physicians such as Li Dongyuan stated: This is a common occurrence in infants and children and requires no treatment. However, the root of sweat lies in Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi); the opening and closing of sweat are governed by Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). If an infant or child sweats excessively, it is ultimately due to the deficiency of Wei Qi, which fails to consolidate. Excessive sweating inevitably causes further damage to Ying-Wei, blood, and qi, and the gradual decline into emaciation may well stem from this; thus, treatment is indispensable. Generally, the method for treating sweating should prioritize tonifying Qi. By ensuring that Yang Qi consolidates externally, Yin fluids will be stored internally, and sweating will cease naturally.

1. Treatment Methods: For infants and children who suffer from frequent nocturnal sweating (Dao Han) or spontaneous sweating (Zi Han) without apparent cause, Tuanshen San (Round Ginseng Powder) should be used as the primary formula. Alternatively, Shenling San (Ginseng and Poria Powder), Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), Wuyi Yigong San (Five Agents and Efficacy Powder), or Baizhu San (Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder) may be selected according to the situation. In severe cases, Sanyin Jian (Three Yin Decoction), Renshen Yangying Tang (Ginseng Nourishing the Nutritive Decoction), or Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Complete Great Tonifying Decoction) are appropriate. If there is fire in the Heart channel manifesting as irritability and thirst, Shengmai San (Generate Pulse Powder) or Yiyin Jian (One Yin Decoction) should be used. If Liver and Spleen fire are flourishing, with internal heat steaming and blood heat causing sweating, the pulse will likely be surging and slippery, and symptoms will predominantly involve irritability and heat; Danggui Liu Huang Tang (Angelica Sinensis and Six Yellow Roots Decoction) or Jiajian Yiyin Jian (Modified One Yin Decoction) are suitable. In cases of Yangming excess heat with profuse sweating and intense thirst, Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) by Zhang Zhongjing is indicated. Following illness, or after severe vomiting and diarrhea, or due to the mistaken use of purgative/draining medicines leading to Qi deficiency, Qi collapse, and profuse sweating resulting in Yang exhaustion, Shenfu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction), Liuwei Huiyang Yin (Six-Ingredient Return-to-Yang Decoction), or Fuzi Tang (Aconite Decoction) should be administered immediately to potentially reverse the condition. Profuse sweating leading to Yang exhaustion often results in opisthotonos (rigid arching of the back like a bow), neck stiffness, and upward gaze of the eyes. These conditions arise from the depletion of essence and blood in the Taiyang (Greater Yang) and Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) channels, leading to Yin deficiency and dryness of blood. Immediate treatment with Daying Jian (Great Camp Decoction), Renshen Yangying Tang (Ginseng Nourishing the Nutritive Decoction), or Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Complete Great Tonifying Decoction) is necessary for rescue. Treating these as wind disorders would certainly result in death. Detailed discussions and methods regarding sweating syndromes are provided in the preceding section on Sweat Syndromes and should be consulted. Among my own children, those who suffered from excessive nocturnal sweating while in swaddling clothes were treated simply by administering one qian of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) steeped in water; the sweating ceased that very night. If ginseng was withheld for a long time, sweating would recur; resuming administration stopped it again. The efficacy was miraculous. Those raising children may adopt this as a standard practice.