The *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) states: When severing the umbilical cord, one must not cut it with a knife. Instead, it is necessary for someone to bite through it while separated by a single layer of clothing, and simultaneously blow warm breath into the area seven times. Then, the remaining umbilical cord should be wrapped and tied so that its length reaches the infant's dorsum pedis (instep). If it is too short, cold pathogenic factors will invade, causing disharmony in the abdomen and frequent dysentery. If the cord is severed before bathing, water may enter the umbilicus; water entering the umbilicus can induce abdominal pain. After the cord is severed, there are often worms within the connected cord tissue, which should be promptly removed and cleared out; otherwise, they may enter the infant's abdomen and cause disease. The umbilical cord should be left at a length of six cun. If too long, it damages the muscles; if too short, it injures the internal organs. Failure to sever the cord in a timely manner or incomplete drainage of umbilical fluid will cause the body's warm qi to gradually diminish, leading to the generation of cold pathogens and resulting in neonatal tetanus (Umbilical Wind). (*Qianjin Yifang* [Supplement to Essential Prescriptions], *Taiping Shenghui Fang* [Holy Benefit Formulas of the Taiping Era], and ancient texts regarding methods for severing and wrapping the umbilical cord all share similar descriptions.)

The *Yingtong Baojian* (Precious Mirror for Infants and Children) discusses umbilical cord severing in infants: Upon birth, an infant may first be bathed and then have the cord severed, or the cord may be bitten through using clothing as a cushion. Alternatively, scissors may be used. If scissors are employed, they should first be warmed in the bosom before use. Furthermore, the severed cord should not be left too long; its length should correspond roughly to the size of the infant's foot. If too short, cold invades and injures the viscera; if too long, it damages the skin. Severing the cord before washing allows water to enter the umbilicus, causing the child significant suffering, crying, and a cyanotic-black complexion, a condition known as "Water Affliction." If the cord is too short, abdominal disharmony and frequent dysentery occur due to cold invasion. The umbilical region must not be disturbed; disturbance leads to prolonged non-healing. Non-healing exposes the area to external wind pathogens, which can lead to trismus (lockjaw), rendering the infant incurable.

The *Miyao Zhimi* (Secret Essentials Pointing to the Mystery) states: When cutting off the umbilical cord of a newborn, ensure the scissors are warm. Avoid exposure to cold and invasion by external wind pathogens.

Zhuang Family Hereditary Scalding Umbilicus Pill Formula:
Fermented Soybean Paste (Douchi), Yellow Beeswax (Huangla) (each 1 fen), Musk (Shexiang) (a small amount).
Grind these ingredients together until soft and cooked, shape into pills. After severing the umbilical cord, place the pill on the umbilicus and moxibustion is applied for three moxa cones (zhuang), with each cone sized like a wheat grain. If the infant does not cry, apply five to seven cones. After moxibustion, seal the umbilicus with the Umbilicus Sealing Powder (Fengqi San). Keep the area dry to prevent umbilical swelling. (The formula for Umbilicus Sealing Powder is found in the section on Wrapping the Umbilicus.)