典藏书目

Translation:

It is discussed that when a fetus is in the womb, if the mother suffers from emotional disharmony, irregular diet (hunger or overeating), or excessive labor, leading to mental fatigue and physical exhaustion, such cases are numerous. Even without physical labor, there may be emotional disturbances such as worry and contemplation acting within. These movements damage the Zhen Qi (True Vital Energy) and attack with deficiency pathogens; they confuse the Shen Po (Spiritual Soul) and flow into the fetal viscera, causing the fetus to receive them. After birth, the infant often appears drowsy and lethargic, with abdominal urgency, coarse breathing, and in severe cases, panting and rapid breathing, unstable sleep, wild crying, and irritability. The muscles lack nourishment, and sores and ulcers may develop. With fever occurring at morning or evening and lacking spiritual vitality, only skilled physicians can peacefully regulate the Zang-Fu organs. Once the Zang-Fu organs are regulated, the heat dissipates and stops.

It is discussed that during pregnancy, if one follows the months but allows the mother to excessively consume raw and cold foods, leading to an excess of coldness, this cold invades the intestines, causing borborygmus and diarrhea, which occur frequently. This is often seen in the descendants of "Jiang Ren" (a term referring to specific groups or lower status individuals). The infant presents with blue veins on the abdomen, abdominal distension, and a hollow, tight sensation upon palpation, indicating deficiency Qi entering the abdomen, accompanied by hiccups day and night without cessation. Although the child grows gradually, ultimately it is due to uneven regulation of Yin and Yang Qi in the Zang-Fu organs. If not treated with warming and balancing methods,痞 (痞块/abdominal masses) and Jie (结/nodules) will form upon growth. Yang Jie (Yang nodules) is easy to treat, while Cold Jie (Cold nodules) is difficult to cure. It is advisable to restrain the mother's medication intake so that the breast milk becomes warm and harmonious for the child, preventing the disease from worsening and causing harm, which is a cause for sighing.

It is discussed that while in the womb, if the mother suffered from malaria, or contracted miasma, drank alcohol without restraint, or was exposed to wind and summer-heat, causing heat to enter the meridians and injure Ying Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi). Although the mother eventually escapes the difficulty, the fetus inherits this pathogenic Qi, resulting in unresolved Yin-Yang imbalance. At birth, the infant is tender and weak, with disordered Blood and Qi, presenting with alternating chills and fever, starting with chills, tight joints, and body tremors. Unskilled doctors, unfamiliar with the principle, immediately apply moxibustion with moxa cones. Since the meridians are not yet fully developed, using moxibustion causes wrongful harm. Physicians should only regulate the Middle Jiao and balance the Yin and Yang Qi. If the abdomen is tight, use whole snake skin powder, stir-fried with vinegar until hot, wrapped in a hot handkerchief, and tied to the umbilicus, which will gradually bring comfort and peace.

I have heard that among the vastness of Heaven and Earth, human nature is most prominent; among the multitude of phenomena, human will is the best mirror. Thus, humans are a unique entity, more spiritual than other things, receiving the One Qi and being more subtle than the primal origin. Only the wise can understand this. However, Heaven and Earth do not fall into the root of creatures, so creatures do not deviate from the numbers of Heaven and Earth. Inanimate beings are born entirely through creation, while animate beings are nurtured through interaction. If one understands the Way of the Former Kings, fulfilling the roles of ruler, minister, father, and son, setting an example for adults, and reaching back to ancient times to align with natural nature and sage intent, then those who are petty do not know why they are foolish, and their emotions are contrary. How can one speak with them? Alas! As a physician, regulating infants is indeed not easy. One must assess the infant's constitution and physique, distinguishing between robust, emaciated, and timid types via pulse comparison; observe the nurturing of temperament, distinguishing between relaxed and irritable types via spirit observation; determine constitution by the lightness/clarity or heaviness/turbidity of Qi; and deduce cold/heat and deficiency/excess via complexion. If the physique is not robust but the Spirit is full, it is not a fault; if the color and pulse are not充盈 (full) but the Qi is solid, illness will not arise. If Qi and Spirit are deficient, rely on pills and powders; if Pulse and Color offer no benefit, medical treatment is appropriate. Robust Qi leads to smooth Pulse; smooth Pulse leads to full Spirit; full Spirit leads to correct Complexion; correct Complexion leads to harmonious Zang-Fu organs and adjusted hundred vessels. If Color and Pulse are incorrect, one must consolidate True Qi. If True Qi is not harmonious, the Spirit is not joyful; if the Spirit is not joyful, how can the physique be at peace? Observing the Pulse reveals the Qi; if Qi is not smooth, the physique becomes withered and emaciated. Observing the Qi reveals the Spirit; if Spirit is unclear, Qi becomes turbid and chaotic. Spirit is the master of the five Zang organs; Qi is the authority of the whole body; Complexion is the manifestation of deficiency and excess; Pulse is the decree of universal change. The flow of Pulse must not be ignored; the changes of Complexion must not be investigated; the dissipation of Spirit must not be neglected; the rise and fall of Qi must not be unmanaged. When the five Zang organs of an infant suffer deficiency, the face is pale, Qi is timid, Spirit is collapsed, Pulse is chaotic, and the body is emaciated. When suffering heat, lips are red, Qi is rapid, Spirit is confused, Pulse is frequent, and the body is withered. When suffering excess, the face is red, Qi is obstructed, Spirit is inferior, Pulse is floating, and the body is restless. When suffering cold, the nose tip is yellow, Qi leaks, Spirit is trapped, Pulse is deep, and the body desires sleep. From this, the transmission of cold, heat, deficiency, and excess, as well as disorders like Jing (Fright), Gan (Malnutrition), Ji (Accumulation), and Li (Dysentery), can be understood by examining the symptoms to know the source. From despair, life can be revived; in critical stages, advanced treatment can be applied. However, some physicians merely follow diagrams, stick rigidly to decoctions, and neglect practical effects. This book is written to describe the origins, not to add redundant details seeking partial truths, but to distinguish thoroughly, investigate exhaustively, supplement deficiencies, and increase surplus. Is this not the method of tuning strings with fixed pegs or climbing a tree to catch fish? By carefully studying these discussions, the profound principles will become clear. I have collected difficult-to-understand meanings and left them for scholars interested in medicine, sufficient to provide models for practice and prepare for broad understanding. If there are hidden aspects for future generations, let them be reviewed by the wise, so that immortality may be manifested.