Library

Translation:
It is discussed that observing the form, examining the manifestations, inspecting the complexion, and listening to the voice should involve investigating Yin and Yang. Diseases caused by pathogenic factors or healthy qi all originate from the root of generation by "One Qi" (the primordial vital energy). "One Qi" is the foundation endowed by innate congenital adaptation and creative transformation. Since endowment varies, children with deficient and timid constitutions are prone to illness. If treatment achieves balance between deficiency and excess, and addresses both root and branch, health remains intact; if treatment is excessive or insufficient, one must infer through mental reasoning. Generally, physicians must understand exterior and interior relationships and repeatedly examine盈 (fullness) and 亏 (deficiency). When harmony is disrupted, various diseases will approach; slight compliance in regulation will rectify the four limbs and body. Over eighty families of pediatric pulse books have been passed down, yet the actual symptoms and excellent prescriptions amount to no more than fifty. However, their descriptions of transmission and manifestations of various conditions are numerous, each displaying its strengths, so they cannot but be recorded. Therefore, if a physician understands principles, medication will not be cumbersome, thereby knowing the subtlety of medicine. Extensive writings aim to enable learners to comprehend changes. Broadly speaking, pediatric illnesses stem from fright, accumulation, cold, and heat. Treatment that is not scattered or chaotic belongs to superior practitioners. If symptoms spread and transmit, it indicates inferior practitioners. Specifically, fright transforms into epilepsy, heat transforms into wind, accumulation forms masses and癖 (fixed masses), deficiency leads to 疳 (infantile malnutrition) and dysentery, cold causes vomiting and diarrhea, and rebellion results in belching and hiccups. These symptoms are general; if doctors do not trace their source, the condition deepens like water flowing into rivers and seas, becoming wider and larger. Superior physicians treat before onset (without waiting for transmission), average physicians treat after onset (when other symptoms appear), inferior physicians treat chaotically (with gains and losses), and blind physicians treat irregularly (without standard methods). Medication must follow rules, and medical practice requires specialization. Infants cannot conceal their condition; improper medication leads to regretful counter-effects. Avoid causing sorrow and instead invite auspicious outcomes.

It is discussed that pediatric pulse diagnosis lies in careful examination and detailed deduction to achieve perfection and profound understanding of principles. Do not rely on subjective assumptions, do not hesitate due to doubtful signs, do not act rashly because efficacy is untested, and do not tend towards negligence. Every symptom must be investigated according to ancient wisdom and teacher's teachings; every manifestation must be measured against standards of balance and health. With excellent observations and clear paths for decision-making, there is no room for doubt before administering medicine. This prevents forced or arbitrary actions that could harm severe cases. Harm usually arises from carelessness. For newborns, assess whether fetal qi is stable; for weaned children, investigate if diet has injured the spleen; for children separated from mothers, observe summer-dampness and cold pathogens; for older children, notice running, chasing, and strength contests—fatigue injures qi, excessive movement injures spirit, overwork injures form, and fullness causes stagnation. Physicians should avoid these four injuries and consider treatment secondary. By respecting and following natural processes, what disease would worsen in an infant? First is "Regulation and Protection": adjust warmth and coolness, protect from pathogenic contact. In spring, avoid fear of cold; in autumn, avoid cooling drafts; in summer, know clarity and cold; in winter, feel warmth. Second is "Maintenance": protect delicate emotions and desires, follow natural impulses. Nursing should be timely, food intake moderate, sleep not excessive, play not leading to hunger. Mothers should know sitting, lying, rising, and walking. Third is "Nurturing": accommodate childish innocence when young, change temperament as they grow. Stroke them to preserve spirit, educate them to guide form and harmonize nature. Fourth is "Upbringing": question and instruct growing children, preventing indulgence, sudden violence, rebellion, and stubborn slowness. These four exhaust principles and fulfill nature, embodying the way of a loving mother. After birth, at three days, qi and pulse stabilize, escaping umbilical tetanus difficulties; at seven days, spirit is complete, avoiding locked belly harm; beyond one hundred days, pores hold firm, avoiding cough dangers; beyond one thousand days, stomach qi is normal, avoiding green-black stool issues. There are also four guidelines: First is "Loving Harmony," not indulging oral desires; Second is "Respectful Compliance," not allowing play in harsh heat; Third is "Cautious Instruction," maintaining sincere politeness; Fourth is "Lenient Reproof," using earnest warnings and examples rather than whipping or scolding, which only cause fear. Such harshness is foolish. If father and son respect each other with warmth and courtesy, this is good.