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Newborns who cannot vocalize upon birth are termed *Meng Sheng* (Dream Birth, referring to a state of stupor and silence due to asphyxia). Under no circumstances should the umbilical cord be severed immediately. Wrap the infant in cotton clothing, ignite a paper wick soaked in heavy oil, and burn it at the umbilical stump. Only after the infant's vital energy returns can the cord be cut. Subsequently, roast the placenta along with the attached cord over fire to allow warmth to enter the infant's abdomen. Take a cat, wrap its head and eyes with blue cloth, and have a dexterous woman hold the cat's head. Bite through the cat's ear near the infant's ear; when the cat cries out loudly, the infant will awaken.

If a newborn does not cry, it is because the anus is blocked by a fatty membrane; use an hairpin to open it.

The *Wai Tai Mi Yao* states: A newborn's failure to cry results from Qi deficiency caused by difficult labor. Grasp the umbilical cord and stroke it towards the body to guide Qi into the abdomen, and blow air towards the infant repeatedly (up to a hundred times); the infant will naturally begin to cry. Alternatively, gently whip the infant with white parts of green onions, which is also effective.

Crush fresh *Changpu Rhizoma* (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) to extract juice and administer it orally to revive the infant.

For infants who fail to cry or whose crying voice does not resonate, if a membrane resembling a pomegranate seed is found under the tongue, or blisters on the upper palate, quickly sever them with fingernails or a reed knife. Slight bleeding indicates revival. If bleeding is excessive, apply a mixture of burnt human hair and pig lard to the wound.

For infants born after difficult labor who do not cry but retain faint breath, perform artificial respiration using the parents' genuine Qi (blowing air into the infant's mouth), which will restore life.

During gestation, heat substances accumulate in the infant's mouth, constituting *Tai Du* (Fetal Toxin). Before the first cry is emitted after birth, urgently wipe the mouth clean with soft cloth or cotton-wrapped fingers. Speed is crucial; delay allows the blood to be swallowed and lodge in the Heart. Upon exposure to epidemic pathogens (*Tian Xing Shi Qi*), prolonged fever may occur, allowing pathogenic factors to invade the Heart. The Heart governs blood vessels; heat causes dispersion, leading to overflow into the Stomach. The Stomach governs muscles, so toxins manifest externally as pustules and rashes. Most children in the world suffer from this; unaware of this etiology, adherence to this method might prevent it.

The *Chan Jia Yao Jue* records: I have seen extracted blood clots cut open revealing five colors, causing great joy that the child would be free from smallpox, yet the child ultimately died of the disease. Moreover, even if oral blood is swallowed, it enters the intestines and stomach; once bowel movements occur, the blood is expelled. How could it directly fall to the lowest part and lodge in the Kidney, remaining dormant for a long time before erupting? Mr. Zhi Gaizhai of the Imperial Hospital analyzed this thoroughly, stating that the primary cause of smallpox belongs to Heart Fire. This argument suffices to dispel ancient doubts. Reflecting on ancient prescriptions using *Huanglian Rhizoma* (Coptidis Rhizoma) and *Gancao Radix et Rhizoma* (Licorice Root and Rhizome) applied to the infant's mouth to resolve fetal toxin, are these not herbs that drain Heart Fire?