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While in the womb, the infant possesses a hot substance in the mouth, which is termed "fetal toxin" (Tai Du). Before the infant's cry is emitted after birth, one should immediately wrap a finger with cotton, remove the fetal toxin from the mouth, and wipe the oral cavity clean with cotton. Speed is crucial; delay may result in the swallowing of the toxin.

The *Chan Jia Yao Jue* states: After the child is born, washing the body before cutting the umbilical cord prevents illness caused by water-dampness. When cutting the cord, all blood must be drained; otherwise, cold-dampness may enter the abdomen, potentially causing "umbilical wind" (Qi Feng, neonatal tetanus). Furthermore, tie the cord tightly four or five cun away from the navel, wrap it with cotton, and bite it off with the teeth. Tying it tightly prevents fetal blood from flowing into the placenta, allowing the placenta to naturally shrink without swelling and facilitating its expulsion. Even if delayed for a few days, there is no major harm. Biting the cord avoids the introduction of cold qi via knives or scissors, thereby preventing abdominal pain. If the weather is cold, delivery is difficult, and the mother and child have depleted their vital energy, tie the cord tightly first, then use an oil-soaked paper twist ignited by fire to burn through the cord, allowing warm qi to enter the infant's abdomen. This is another miraculous method for reviving the dying. Recently, moxibustion on the navel using Qichai Mugwort has been used, which is also effective. The remaining umbilical cord should not be too long; if too long, it will be difficult to dry and prone to damaging the skin, and may attract external wind leading to umbilical wind. It should not be too short either; if too short, it may press inward and damage the zang-organs, potentially causing abdominal pain and night crying. The appropriate length should be measured by the infant's sole, which is a balanced approach. The *Qian Jin Lun* states: the length should reach the dorsum of the infant's foot. The *Zao Dao Ji* states: upon birth, the infant should be washed cleanly so that dried blood does not remain between the severed parts, allowing the skin to become lustrous before cutting the cord. The umbilical cord is the stalk of new life; when cutting, leave one chi two cun, and bind it tightly with thick thread. If cut too short, umbilical wind often arises; if bound too loosely, swelling of the yin region occurs.

The *Qian Jin Lun* states: To wrap the navel, use soft white silk, four cun wide, and new cotton half an cun thick, matching the thickness of the silk. Together, they should fit snugly but not too tight, as excessive tightness may cause the infant to vomit. Do not untie it lightly. When untying, close doors and windows and lower the curtains. In winter, use fire to keep the interior of the curtain warm, and apply warm powder. If the navel does not dry, apply ash made from burning red silk.
Another prescription: Calcined Alum (Ku Fan) 5 qian, Dragon Bone (Long Gu) 1 qian, Lead Oxide (Huang Dan) 1 qian, and a small amount of Moschus (Shexiang), ground together into powder for application.
Alternatively, ash from burnt hair can be applied. Some say applying Powder of Phellodendri Cortex (Huang Bai Mo) is also excellent.