典藏书目

When treating diseases in infants, one must first understand the changes of the four seasons. Once the manifestations of Bianzheng (a physiological phenomenon of growth and development in infants) are present, one should deduce and treat them similarly to Wenzhuang (a type of febrile disease). When chills and fever initially appear, one must cautiously wait for a cycle (approximately seven days) for them to subside. If the Bianzheng cycle is not yet complete, it should be considered within a heavier cycle of four sets of eight days (thirty-two days).

Tracing its origin, as the infant's Hun and Po spirits are about to form, and the sinews and bones begin to flourish and expand, the Couli (skin texture and pores) open, and the Qi Jing Ba Mai (Eight Extraordinary Vessels) become clear. Through the operation of Yin and Yang, balance is established; with the flow of Xue Qi (Blood and Qi), peace is initially achieved. Suddenly, the spirit appears vibrant and lovely, entirely different from before. However, the specific processes of Bianzheng must be carefully understood.

The Liver belongs to Wood, located in the East, corresponding to the number three. Pathological manifestations appear in the eyes: general high fever causes the pupils to lose luster; body-wide heaviness occurs because the Shen Hun (Spirit and Soul) are not yet sufficient. The Lung belongs to Metal, corresponding to number four; the Heart belongs to Fire, corresponding to number two. Frequent coughing and bead-like sweat occur; sneezing increases over two or three days, and night terrors may arise after several nights. This secretly strengthens the bone marrow, learning to turn over repeatedly. Character gradually develops, fearing others while clinging to the mother.

The Spleen belongs to Earth, corresponding to number five; the Kidney belongs to Water, corresponding to number one. Gu Qi (Grain Qi) nourishes secretly, and Jing Zhi (Essence and Will) increase frequently. Milk is sweet; bones grow strong enough for independent sitting and play; meridians flow smoothly, palm bones develop enabling crawling. Subsequently, sinews and vessels change slightly, knees and ankles transform gradually. Qi and Blood first nourish the four limbs, and luster subsequently moistens the entire face. Standing remains unsteady, speech is still trembling. Hands and feet receive blood, making movement endearing; ears and eyes connect with Spirit, generating consciousness and wisdom which are admirable. This is determined by respiration, causing the body to become plump. Yang Qi is external, Yin Qi is internal; with each breath, air enters the nose and exits the anus. Cycles arrive according to rhythm, naturally filling the Fu and Zang organs. If care is improper, Wind Evil (Pathogenic Wind) invades easily. Thus, hair stands erect without moisture, milk is vomited, red spots appear on lips, and ears feel cold and damp. There may be borborygmus with mild diarrhea, or crying from fright without joy. The Classics state: "Zheng" refers to steaming flesh and blood to make them solid; "Bian" refers to transforming form and rectifying spirit.

Zi Wan (Purple Pill)
Treats infant body heat, unresolved Bianzheng, as well as Wenzhuang Shanghan (Warm-Thermal Cold Damage), irregular feeding, retained food stagnation and phlegm masses, abdominal fullness and vomiting, and irregular bowel movements. It also treats Shi Xian (Food-induced Epilepsy) characterized by initial chills followed by fever.
Ingredients: Dai Zhe Shi (Hematitum, calcined and quenched in vinegar ten times), Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysitum Rubrum, each 1 liang), Ba Dou (Crotonis Fructus, 30 seeds, peeled, heart removed, oil extracted), Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 50 grains, peeled and tips removed).
Preparation: Grind the first two ingredients into fine powder. Pound the latter two into a paste. Mix and pound together two thousand times until uniform. If too hard, add a little honey and pound into pills. Store in a sealed container.
Administration: For a 30-day-old infant, administer pills the size of hemp seeds, delivered with breast milk. After a short while, give a small amount of milk; do not give too much. By midday, there will be slight loose stools, and the heat will be eliminated. If heat persists, administer another dose the next morning. For a 100-day-old infant, use pills the size of mung beans, adjusting dosage accordingly. In summer, when heat is prevalent and rashes are desired, administering this every 20-30 days is excellent.

Hei San Zi (Black Powder)
Treats infant body heat, unresolved Bianzheng, and concurrent Shi Xing Wen Bing (Epidemic Warm Diseases).
Ingredients: Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba, root and nodes removed, 2 fen), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 1 fen), Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 1 fen peeled, 2 fen with skin).
Preparation: Calcine all ingredients until they retain their properties (charred but active), then grind into fine powder.
Administration: Take 1 zi or half qian per dose, adjusted by age/size. Decoct in half a silver cup of water. Hold the infant in a warm, wind-shielded place. Administer 2-3 doses consecutively to induce slight sweating. After the body cools, apply Fen Xiang San (Powder Fragrant Dusting Powder) externally. Another method involves only stir-frying until black.

Fen Xiang San (Powder Fragrant Dusting Powder)
Ingredients: Bang Fen (Concha Meretricis, quantity unspecified, ground extremely fine and processed by water flotation), She Xiang (Moschus, a small amount, ground).
Preparation: Mix uniformly into powder.
Administration: Wrap in cotton and dust the infant's body. If the fever has subsided but Stomach Qi is disordered and breastfeeding is unsatisfactory, administer Guan Yin San. Formula follows below.

Yun Fa (Moxibustion/Ironing Method)
Treats infant Bianzheng complicated by internal Cold, causing alternating chills and fever, twisting pain in the umbilical and abdominal region, and incessant crying.
Ingredients: Zao Zhong Hui (Ash from the stove), Yan Shi (Sal), mixed in equal proportions.
Preparation: Stir-fry until hot. Wrap in thick cloth. Apply warmth to the infant. Do not make it too hot to avoid scalding or startling the infant.

For infants within the Bianzheng period, if symptoms such as body heat, chaotic pulse, absence of sweat, anorexia, or vomiting after feeding occur, one must carefully examine the days elapsed to determine if it is indeed the Bianzheng time. If so, despite these symptoms, the infant will suffer no harm.

Chen Zhijun stated: For infant Bianzheng, simply administer Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) added with Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood). The formula consists of Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Fu Ling (Poria), and Fu Shen (each 0.5 liang), and Zhi Gan Cao (Prepared Licorice Root, 3 qian). Grind into powder. Take 1 qian mixed with Bo He Tang (Mint Decoction). Strictly avoid other treatments or administering Jing Yao (Anti-palpitation drugs), lest Cold damage the Stomach Qi.