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The examination of the six positions (Liu Bu Mai, pulse positions at the wrist) is conducted at the Cun (Inch), Guan (Bar), and Chi (Cubit) locations, a theory originating from the *Mai Yao Jing Wei Pian* (Chapter on the Essentials of Pulse Diagnosis in the *Huangdi Neijing*). The left Cun position corresponds to the Heart, the left Guan position to the Liver, and the left Chi position to the Kidney; the right Cun position corresponds to the Lung, the right Guan position to the Spleen, and the right Chi position to the Mingmen (Gate of Life, representing the source of Yuan Qi). This clarifies that each of the six positions has its specific organ correspondence. However, in practice, one must understand both differentiation and non-differentiation; grasping the interplay between "dividing" and "not dividing" constitutes the true secret of pulse diagnosis.

The *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) states: "Spring pulses are wiry, summer pulses are surging, autumn pulses resemble down (floating), and winter pulses resemble stone (deep); these distinctions follow the solar terms. Gentle and moderate like spring willows indicates the Spleen Earth flourishing during the last eighteen days of each season." If the spring pulse is wiry, does it imply that only the Liver pulse is wiry while others are not? In reality, all pulses may exhibit wiriness in spring, merely indicating that Liver Qi dominates the season, not that only the left Guan position reflects the Liver. If a floating and surging pulse is detected, it belongs to Heart Fire, without being restricted to the left Cun position; if a short and choppy pulse is found, it belongs to Lung Metal, without being restricted to the right Cun position; if a deep and fine pulse is present, it belongs to Kidney Water, without being restricted to the left Chi position; if a harmonious and moderate pulse is observed, it belongs to Spleen Earth, without being restricted to the right Guan position. The pulse characteristics of the five Zang organs are distinct, yet their positional correspondences are not rigidly isolated.

Therefore, regarding Shaoyin disease (Shanghan), Zhang Zhongjing’s *Shanghan Lun* mentions floating, tight, long, wiry, deep, faint, hidden, and intermittent pulses. He generally categorizes these pulse types without assigning them exclusively to specific meridians. Regarding internal injury diseases, Wang Shuhe’s works indicate: for hemorrhage, a deep and fine pulse is appropriate, whereas a floating and tight pulse is inappropriate; for edema, a floating and large pulse is appropriate, whereas a deep and hidden pulse is inappropriate; for rebellious Qi, a floating and slippery pulse is appropriate, whereas a deep and rapid pulse is inappropriate; for abdominal pain, a deep and hidden pulse is appropriate, whereas a floating and large pulse is inappropriate; for Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst), a rapid and large pulse is appropriate, whereas a deficient and fine pulse is inappropriate; for cough, a floating and moderate pulse is appropriate, whereas a fine and rapid pulse is inappropriate. These guidelines distinguish suitable from unsuitable pulses without necessarily identifying the specific affected Zang organ, which is clearly demonstrable.

One must recognize that the primordial fire of Yang, inherent in congenital constitution, resides within Water, dwelling in the two Chi positions. On the right side, Fire functions under the nourishment of Water. Fire generates Earth, which is Spleen Earth, located at the right Guan position; Earth generates Metal, which is Lung Metal, located at the right Cun position. On the left side, Water functions under the warming influence of Fire. Water generates Wood, which is Liver Wood, located at the left Guan position; Wood generates Fire, which is Heart Fire, located at the left Cun position. From non-being to being, from lower to upper, each has its fixed position and cannot be altered. The *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) states: "By examining the Cun Kou (Radial Artery), one can determine the life, death, auspiciousness, and misfortune of the five Zang and six Fu organs." Cun Kou refers to the pulsating artery of the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. The *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon) states: "If the Heart pulse is full and large, epilepsy with convulsions and tendon spasms occur; if the Liver pulse is small and urgent, epilepsy with convulsions and tendon spasms occur; if the Kidney, Liver, or Heart pulses are small and urgent, and do not beat vigorously against the finger, masses (Jia) will form; if both Kidney and Liver pulses are deep, it indicates Shi Shui (Stone Water); if they are both floating, it indicates Feng Shui (Wind Water)." This represents another level of insight beyond mere positional diagnosis. The principle of "differentiating yet not differentiating, not differentiating yet differentiating," understood spiritually and intelligently, depends entirely on the practitioner.