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The classic texts state: When both the cun (inch) and chi (foot) pulses are floating, it indicates disease in the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel. Symptoms typically manifest within one to two days of onset. Since this channel connects upward to the Fengfu point (GV16), it causes headache, stiffness of the neck, and rigidity of the lower back. In cases of Cold Damage (Shanghan), there is fever and aversion to cold; in cases of Wind Injury (Shangfeng), there is nasal congestion and aversion to wind. However, Wind Injury presents with sweating, whereas Cold Damage presents without sweating.

When both the cun and chi pulses are long, it indicates disease in the Yangming (Yang Brightness) channel. Symptoms typically manifest within two to three days. Since this channel runs alongside the nose and connects to the eyes, it causes body heat, eye pain, dryness of the nose, and inability to lie down comfortably. It is also stated that thirst without aversion to cold indicates the pathogen is in the channel. If there is no aversion to cold but rather aversion to heat, spontaneous sweating, and difficulty with defecation, these are also characteristic.

When both the cun and chi pulses are wiry (xian), it indicates disease in the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) channel. Symptoms typically manifest within three to four days. Since this channel follows the hypochondrium and connects to the ears, it causes pain in the chest and hypochondrium, deafness, bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, dizziness, alternating chills and fever, and vomiting. For diseases in these three channels, if the pathogen has not yet entered the fu organs, it can be resolved by inducing sweating.

When both the cun and chi pulses are deep and fine, it indicates disease in the Taiyin (Greater Yin) channel. Symptoms typically manifest within four to five days. Since this channel spreads through the stomach and connects to the throat, it causes abdominal fullness and dry throat, or abdominal pain with warm hands and feet, spontaneous diarrhea without thirst.

When both the cun and chi pulses are deep, it indicates disease in the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) channel. Symptoms typically manifest within five to six days. Since this channel penetrates the kidney, connects to the lung, and ties to the root of the tongue, it causes dry mouth, dry tongue with thirst, aversion to cold, a normal sensation in the mouth (neither bitter nor dry), a desire to remain silent and sleep, frequent abdominal pain, and sore throat. These constitute the three syndromes of this channel.

When both the cun and chi pulses are slightly slow and moderate, it indicates disease in the Jueyin (Terminal Yin) channel. Symptoms typically manifest within six to seven days. Since this channel follows the genitalia and connects to the liver, it causes irritability and fullness, retraction of the testicles, bluish lips, curled tongue, tendon tension, thirst, anorexia, and even vomiting of roundworms. When these three yin channels are diseased, if the pathogen has entered the fu organs, it can be resolved by purging. These conditions usually transmit from the yang channels, so purgative methods are appropriate to eliminate them. This differs from cold directly attacking the yin channels, which constitutes true yin syndromes requiring warming with formulas such as Sini Tang (Four Reversal Decoction).

For Taiyang Wind Injury with spontaneous sweating and aversion to wind, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is indicated. For Cold Damage with no sweating and aversion to cold, Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) is indicated.

For Yangming disease with no aversion to cold but aversion to heat, spontaneous sweating, and difficulty with defecation, Dachaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) or Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction) are indicated. If sweating persists excessively, leading to dryness of stomach fluids, urgent purging is required using Dachengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction). For no sweating and aversion to cold, Shengma Gegen Tang (Cimicifugae and Puerariae Decoction) is indicated. For sweating, slow pulse, and mild aversion to cold, indicating unresolved exterior syndrome, Guizhi Tang is indicated. For no sweating, floating pulse, and wheezing, Mahuang Tang is indicated.

Shaoyang syndromes fall under the indication for Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction).

Taiyin spontaneous diarrhea without thirst indicates interior cold of the zang organs; Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) or Sini Tang are indicated. For chest fullness, Zhishi Lizhong Wan (Aurantii Fructus Regulating the Middle Pill) is indicated. For fullness with a floating pulse, Guizhi Tang is indicated. For fullness with intermittent pain, Guizhi Ji Shaoyao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Augmented with Peony) is indicated; for severe pain, Guizhi Da Huang Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Augmented with Rhubarb) is indicated.

For Shaoyin disease with a deep pulse, non-dry mouth, non-dry tongue, aversion to cold on the back, and clear urine, Sini Tang is indicated. At the initial stage, if the pulse is deep but accompanied by fever, Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction) is indicated. For dry mouth, dry throat, and thirst, urgent purging with Dachengqi Tang is required. Among the six channels, this one is the most difficult to treat. The general principle is to identify heat by dry mouth and thirst, and distinguish cold by a deep and slow pulse.

For Jueyin disease, a slightly floating pulse indicates impending recovery; if not floating, it indicates non-recovery, treated with Xiaojianzhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction). A floating and moderate pulse resembling malaria is treated with Guizhi Mahuang Ge Ban Tang (Half Cinnamon Twig Half Ephedra Decoction). A short and deep pulse indicates retraction of the testicles, signifying toxic pathogens entering the zang organs; this requires purging with Chengqi Tang. If diarrhea persists, Sini Tang is indicated.