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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 prenatal 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 latent in the Mingmen (Gate of Life, referring to the vital energy between the kidneys). Upon encountering prolonged fever from epidemic pathogenic factors (Tianxing Shiqi), food stagnation, external contraction of wind-cold, or convulsions with fever, sores and rashes may erupt. It is urgent to use soft cloth wrapped around the finger to remove the blood before the infant cries, and to 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 immediate abdominal distension, vomiting, shortness of breath, and inability to nurse occur after swallowing, treat with Fuling Wan (Poria Pill). However, Huanglian is cold in nature; it is suitable for infants who have inherited maternal accumulation of heat from rich foods, but unsuitable for those with bland diets and weak prenatal Qi. Although Zhusha (Cinnabar) can detoxify, one must fear that mineral substances may suppress and damage the upright Qi; it is better to use a small amount of Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis), mixed with honey for the infant to suck. The world often uses Xijiao Jiedu Wan (Rhinoceros Horn Detoxification Pill), which, for infants with deficient and cold prenatal Qi, instead damages the generating Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, potentially leading to failure to thrive.

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, rapidly place the placenta in fire to smolder, and use large paper twists to cauterize back and forth on the umbilical cord, allowing warm Qi to enter the abdomen. Within moments, the Qi recovers, and the infant revives naturally. Bathing is strictly prohibited, lest the Couli (skin pores and interstices) be loose, causing the Yuan Qi (Original Qi) to dissipate and allowing external pathogens to invade.

When an infant is newly born, quickly wrap a finger in cotton to wipe away the foul blood and impurities on the tongue and in the mouth, known as "Yu Xian" (Jade Holding). If the cry sounds once, the blood enters the abdomen, causing myriad diseases. Also examine under the tongue; if there is a membrane like a pomegranate seed connecting the tongue (Ankyloglossia), preventing crying or voice change, quickly pinch it off with fingernails or cut it with a reed knife. With slight bleeding, the infant survives. If bleeding from under the tongue is excessive, apply ash from burned disordered hair mixed with a little pig fat. (The *Shenghui Fang* states: Examine the gum roots for two yellow veins, cut them with a reed knife, and applying pig milk is excellent. If the infant's mouth is hard to open, first apply pig milk.) There are tendons connecting the upper and lower lips to the gums. If the tendon on the upper lip is tight, "Shang Lian" (Upper Lian) arises; if the tendon on the lower lip is tight, "Xia Lian" (Lower Lian) arises.

Shang Lian manifests as sores all over the head, or lesions resembling tinea on the eyebrows, with incessant itching and flowing yellow exudate, causing sores wherever it spreads. Xia Lian begins on the waist and back, gradually spreading to the four limbs, with symptoms similar to Shang Lian. If the disease is severe and untreated, or if the head and face become connected, persisting for years without improvement, it may lead to premature death or serious illness. This is precisely why wiping the mouth every morning is crucial [for prevention].