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The principles of the world are such that some do not require differentiation, while others must be differentiated. Differentiating what does not require it obscures the principle; failing to differentiate what requires it also obscures the principle. The Heart and Small Intestine are exteriorly-interiorly related (Biao-Li), the Liver and Gallbladder are exteriorly-interiorly related, the Kidney and Bladder are exteriorly-interiorly related, the Lung and Large Intestine are exteriorly-interiorly related, and the Spleen and Stomach are exteriorly-interiorly related. Since their physical structures are already matched, their Qi and vessels naturally connect. It is acceptable to argue that the Large and Small Intestines, being located inferiorly, cannot be palpated at the superior position (Cunkou pulse site) due to their exterior-interior relationship; however, it is unacceptable to claim they reside in the same superior region. Why is the left side designated as Heart, Danzhong (Pericardium), Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney, and Small Intestine, while the right side is designated as Lung, Xiongzho ng (Chest Center), Spleen, Stomach, Mingmen (Gate of Life), and Large Intestine? One might consider that Qi of similar categories resonate with each other, sometimes without visible beginnings or ends. Amber attracts mustard seeds, lifting them even when suspended in mid-air; lodestone attracts iron, connecting through obstacles secretly. How much more so for the Large and Small Intestines being inferior and the Heart and Lung being superior? Furthermore, between Xiongzho ng and Danzhong, the distance is less than one cun. How can the Small Intestine, belonging to Bing Fire, reside together with Kidney Water? How can the Large Intestine, belonging to Geng Metal, lodge together with the Gate of Life? These are matters that should not be forced into artificial differentiation. However, there are matters that must be differentiated: if the Left Kidney stores Water and the Right Kidney stores Fire, and this has been vigorously refuted as incorrect, then why do both Kidneys store Water, listed on the left and right respectively, yet only the Left Chi (尺) position is used for palpation? Is this logical? In fact, both Kidneys store Water and both store Fire; it is merely that the Left Kidney takes Water as its primary aspect, and the Right Kidney takes Fire as its primary aspect. I hereby correct the nomenclature: On the left are the Heart, Small Intestine, Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney, and Bladder; on the right are the Lung, Large Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, and Mingmen (Gate of Life).

At the beginning of pulse taking, one first observes the Zhi Shu (pulse beats per respiration cycle). To know the Zhi Shu, one must first calm one's own breathing, using one's own breath to determine the patient's breath, which is usually consistent. This is because the Five Viscera (Zang Organs) of a person are invisible, and what is visible is only the pulse. Exhalation originates from the Heart and Lung; with one exhalation, the Heart beats once, and the Lung beats once. Inhalation enters the Liver and Kidney; with one inhalation, the Liver beats once, and the Kidney beats once. During one exhalation and one inhalation, the pulse comes four times, which is named "one Xi" (one respiratory cycle). The Spleen pulse is not separately manifested because Earth Qi prospers during the four seasons. This constitutes the Ping Mai (Normal Pulse). It is only when pathogenic factors disturb the interior that the pulse deviates from its normal state. There are also healthy individuals whose pulse beats five times per cycle without disease.