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Question: The classics state that pulse qualities are described with terms like "three beans" and "six beans" in terms of pressure. What does this mean?

Master said: When pressing the pulse with fingers, if the sensation is as light as three beans, it indicates Lung Qi (Lung Energy); if it feels as heavy as six beans, it indicates Heart Qi; if it feels as heavy as nine beans, it indicates Spleen Qi; if it feels as heavy as twelve beans, it indicates Liver Qi; if the pulse is only felt when pressing down to the bone, it indicates Kidney Qi. Suppose a patient suffers from Xialli (diarrhea/loose stools), and the pulses at Cun Kou (Inch position), Guan (Bar position), and Chi (Cubit position) are all imperceptible. However, if at the Chi position, a pulse is occasionally faintly perceived, rising slightly like a head lifting up, this indicates that Kidney Qi has not yet perished, and the condition is still treatable. If, however, a Sun Mai (damaged/withered pulse) appears, it becomes difficult to treat.

The discussion regarding three beans and five beans originates from Chapter 5 of the *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues). Regarding the pulse pressure: feeling the pulse with a pressure equivalent to three beans indicates Lung Qi; six beans indicates Heart Qi. The Lung governs the skin and hair, and the Heart governs the vessels; their pulses are both superficial (Floating). Nine beans indicate Spleen Qi. The Spleen governs the muscles, and its pulse lies between superficial and deep. Twelve beans indicate Liver Qi. Pressing until the bone reveals Kidney Qi. The Liver governs the sinews, and the Kidney governs the bones; their pulses are both deep (Sunken). The Lung and Heart belong to Yang, while the Liver and Kidney belong to Yin. In cases of diarrhea, which is a Yin disease, if pulses are absent at all three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi), it signifies the depletion of Yang Qi. Yet, if the Chi position occasionally shows a faint pulse that rises slightly, it means Kidney Qi remains intact, allowing for treatment. If a damaged pulse appears subsequently, the case is refractory. A damaged pulse refers to a Chi Mai (slow pulse). The *Nan Jing* states: one beat per breath cycle is called Li Jing (departing from the normal); one beat per two breath cycles is called Duo Jing (exhaustion of essence); one beat per three breath cycles is called Si (death); one beat per four breath cycles is called Ming Jue (life extinction). These constitute the damaged pulses.

Question: What is the shape of the Liver pulse associated with the East?

Master said: The Liver corresponds to Wood in the Five Elements and is named Jueyin (Terminal Yin). Its normal pulse is slightly wiry (Xian), soft and weak, yet long. This is the Liver pulse. If a patient with Liver disease presents with a soft and weak pulse, they will recover. However, if a pure wiry pulse is found, death ensues. How do we know this? Because such a pulse is rigid and straight like a bowstring, indicating injury to the Liver organ itself, hence predicting death.

The Liver belongs to Wood, resides in the East, and corresponds to the left side of the body. Its meridian is named Jueyin. Its normal pulse is slightly wiry, soft, weak, and long. If a Liver disease patient exhibits a soft and weak pulse, it indicates the presence of Wei Qi (Stomach Qi/Guardian Qi), signifying recovery. If a pure wiry pulse appears, it indicates the absence of Wei Qi, leading to death. Why is this so? Because the pulse is rigid and straight like a bowstring, showing that the Liver is injured and no longer nourished by Earth Qi (Spleen/Stomach energy). The *Su Wen* (Plain Questions) chapter "Ping Ren Qi Xiang Lun" (Discussion on the Phenomena of Pulse and Health) states: "When the Liver pulse comes softly and lightly, swaying like a raised long pole, it is a healthy Liver pulse." Conversely, "If the Liver pulse comes urgent and forceful, like a newly drawn bowstring, it is a dying Liver pulse." This confirms the meaning above.