小儿温壮者,由腑脏不调,内有伏热,或挟宿寒,皆搏于胃气。足阳明为胃之经,主身
之肌肉,其胃不和调,则气行壅涩,故蕴积体热,名为温壮。
候小儿大便,其粪黄而臭,此腹内有伏热,宜将服龙胆汤;若粪白而酢臭,则挟宿寒不
消,当服紫双丸。轻者少服药,令默除之;甚者小增药,令微利。皆当节乳哺数日,令胃气
和调。若不节乳哺,则病易复,复则伤其胃气,令腹满。再、三利尚可,过此则伤小儿矣。
小儿壮热者,是小儿血气盛,五脏生热,熏发于外,故令身体壮热。大体与温壮相似,
而有小异。或挟伏热,或挟宿寒。其挟伏热者,大便黄而臭;挟宿寒者,粪白而有酸气。
此二者,腑脏不调,冷热之气俱乘肠胃。蕴积染渐而发,温温然热不甚盛,是温壮也;
其壮热者,是血气盛,熏发于外,其发无渐,壮热甚,以此为异。若壮热不歇,则变为惊,
极重者,亦变痫也。
小儿惊者,由血气不和,热实在内,心神不定,所以发惊,甚者掣缩变成痫。
又小儿变蒸,亦微惊,所以然者,亦由热气所为。但须微发惊,以长血脉,不欲大
惊。大惊乃灸惊脉,若五六十日灸者,惊复更甚,生百日后灸惊脉,乃善耳。
Pediatric *Wenzhuang* (persistent low-grade fever) arises from the disharmony of the zang-fu organs, with latent heat within, or accompanied by retained cold; all these pathogenic factors contend with the Stomach Qi. The Foot-Yangming Meridian is the meridian of the Stomach and governs the muscles of the body. When the Stomach is not harmonious, Qi circulation becomes stagnant and sluggish, leading to the accumulation of internal heat, a condition termed *Wenzhuang*.
Observe the infant's stool: if the feces are yellow and foul-smelling, this indicates latent heat in the abdomen, and *Longdan Tang* (Gentian Decoction) should be administered. If the feces are white and sour-smelling, it indicates retained cold that has not been digested, and *Zishuang Wan* (Purple Double Pill) should be given. For mild cases, reduce the dosage to allow the body to resolve the condition silently; for severe cases, slightly increase the dosage to induce mild purgation. In all cases, breastfeeding and feeding should be restricted for several days to restore harmony to the Stomach Qi. Failure to restrict diet will cause the disease to recur, damaging the Stomach Qi and leading to abdominal distension. Repeated or multiple purgations may be tolerated, but exceeding this limit will harm the infant.
Pediatric *Zhuangre* (high fever) occurs because the infant's Blood and Qi are vigorous, generating heat within the Five Zang Organs, which steams and radiates outward, causing high body temperature. Generally, it resembles *Wenzhuang* but has slight differences. It may involve latent heat or retained cold. Cases involving latent heat present with yellow, foul-smelling stools; those involving retained cold present with white, sour-smelling stools. Both conditions result from zang-fu disharmony, where both cold and heat pathogens invade the intestines and stomach. When heat accumulates and develops gradually, resulting in a gentle rise in temperature that is not intense, it is called *Wenzhuang*. In contrast, *Zhuangre* results from vigorous Blood and Qi steaming outward; its onset is abrupt without gradual progression, characterized by severe high fever, which distinguishes it. If *Zhuangre* persists without abating, it may transform into *Jingfeng* (convulsions); in extreme cases, it may transform into *Xian* (epilepsy).
Pediatric *Jing* (startle/convulsions) arises from the disharmony of Blood and Qi, with excess heat residing internally, causing instability of the Heart Spirit (*Shen*), thus manifesting as startle or convulsions. Severe cases involve limb twitching and contraction, transforming into epilepsy.
Additionally, during the period of "Bianzheng" (physiological growth and development phases in infants), there may be mild startle. This is due to the influence of heat. Mild startle is permissible as it helps nourish the Blood vessels; however, severe startle should be avoided. If severe startle occurs, moxibustion on the *Jingmai* (Startle Vessel) acupoints should be performed. Moxibustion performed at 50-60 days after birth may exacerbate the startle; moxibustion performed after 100 days of age is beneficial.
Regarding the prodromal signs of epilepsy in infants before an actual seizure occurs: if *Wenzhuang* symptoms persist continuously, or if the infant shakes their head and manipulates their tongue, experiences startle and twitching during sleep, or frequently grinds their teeth, these are indications that an episode is about to occur.