Library

Discussion: Throughout history, the topic commonly discussed by people is poverty and wealth. Both male and female offspring are collectively referred to as "children" from infancy to adulthood. However, within the early childhood stage, there are distinct terms such as *yaya* (toothed child), *ying'er* (infant), *haier* (child), *changtiao tong* (long-haired child), *zhao tong* (young child), and *zhi tong* (toddler), though these classifications are not exhaustive. The differences in human sentiment between the rich/noble and the poor/base are often conflated in discussion; however, they must be distinguished because the qi and blood endowment of the fetus differs.

Those who are noble and wealthy share similar family traditions and education, while those who are poor and base share similar social status. Consequently, their etiquette and knowledge differ significantly, leading to disparities in daily life. Although there are minor differences, one must carefully examine their biases and correctness (e.g., children from the maternal side may be favored). One must also assess kinship closeness (e.g., adopted children treated as biological ones are considered equal). In average families where etiquette is maintained and daily needs are met, there are still discussions regarding excess and deficiency.

Human spirit and temperament are governed by the Heart. If the Heart is enslaved by external desires, qi dissipates; if qi dissipates, blood declines; if blood declines, deficiency begins. The Kidney palace becomes cold yet exhausted, and the Heart chamber is insufficient, feeling weak even in the morning. Originally, the essence and yuan (primordial energy) form the embryo, placenta, body, and skeleton. The fetal constitution relies on this to transform into qi, blood, milk, and vessels.

For the noble and wealthy, childbirth is smooth, and nurturing is abundant ("excess"). For the poor and base, care and protection are insufficient ("deficiency"). "Excess" refers to over-indulgence, which causes injury due to lack of restraint. "Deficiency" refers to inadequacy, which leads to illness due to lack of timely recovery. Whether excess or deficiency, failure to maintain moderation results in disease. Cold and heat invade, affecting either the exterior or interior; cold and hot pathogens attack, damaging either the Spleen or Stomach. Physicians must understand these principles of investigation and source analysis.

Children of the wealthy suffer dietary injuries from imprecise food, thermal injuries from excessive warmth, summer-heat injuries from drinking ordinary cool spring water, and gastrointestinal injuries from cold water. Their gastrointestinal qi and blood are soft and not robust, leading to this state. Children of the poor suffer dietary injuries from irregular meals, thermal injuries from freezing and hunger, summer-heat injuries from irritability, and Spleen-Stomach injuries from damp and greasy foods, causing indistinct separation of water and grain. Their gastrointestinal qi and blood are strong but not solid, leading to this state.

Parents themselves may lack nobility and possess deficient/misguided constitutions due to hasty sexual activity before conception. How much more so for their children? Thus, fetal qi is insufficient, and the nourishment of blood vessels is lacking. After birth, although infants require similar care, differences exist in regulating hunger/fullness, cold/heat, and labor/rest. During the period of "bianzheng" (physiological fever in infants), qi and blood may be injured; when learning to walk, bones and sinews may be injured.

Due to improper nurturing, inadequate upbringing, unsuitable management, and incorrect care methods, illness arises easily, leading to deficiency, then deterioration, and finally death. The situation for wealthy/noble children is reversed. They dress before feeling cold, cool down before feeling hot, eat before being hungry (food remains above the diaphragm before mealtime), sleep before being tired, wake up late, overeat, bundle up heavily in cold, and lie on damp surfaces in heat. Thus, they easily fall ill. Forced feeding turns non-deficiency into deficiency; forced medication ruins healthy pulse qi. Lack of study leads to lack of precision; lack of focus in treatment leads to ineffectiveness. Adherence to proper methods is essential; arbitrary action is detrimental. Poor quality pills and powders cause sighs from wise physicians.