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Question: Why is it stated that if a *mao fu* (Hairy and Floating) pulse is obtained in the second lunar month, death will occur by autumn? The Master said: In the second month, the pulse should be *ru ruo* (Soft and Weak). If one instead obtains a *mao fu* pulse, one knows that death will occur by autumn. During the second month, the Liver governs; the Liver belongs to Wood, so the pulse should be *ru ruo*. To instead obtain a *mao fu* pulse indicates the Lung pulse. The Lung belongs to Metal; Metal overcomes Wood, hence one knows that death will occur by autumn. All other cases follow this pattern.

During the second month, the pulse should be *ru ruo*; to instead obtain a *mao fu* pulse signifies that Wood is deficient and is being overcome by Metal (*Su Wen*: "Below the position of Wood, the Qi of Metal succeeds it"). Therefore, one knows that death will occur by autumn. Generally, in the second month, the Liver-Wood governs. As the Liver belongs to Wood, the pulse should be *ru ruo*. A *ru ruo* pulse is the image of Yang Qi just beginning to generate and Wood about to flourish. To instead obtain a *mao fu* pulse indicates the Lung pulse. The Lung belongs to Metal, and Metal overcomes Wood. In spring, although Liver-Wood is weak, it still bears the vigorous Qi of the season. By autumn, Wood becomes even more depleted while Metal becomes even more prosperous; therefore, one knows that death will occur by autumn. The prognosis for other Zang organs can be deduced by analogy from this category.

Question: There are "Can Zei" (Destructive and Robbing) pulses among the pulses. What does this mean? The Master said: Among the pulses, there are Xian (Wiry), Jin (Tight), Fu (Floating), Hua (Slippery), Chen (Deep), and Se (Choppy). These six pulse names are called "Can Zei"; they can cause pathology in various other pulses.

"Can Zei" means to harm and rob/overcome. When the pulse is Xian (Wiry), it indicates excessive Wood; those with deficient Earth should fear this. When the pulse is Jin (Tight), it indicates excessive Water; those with deficient Fire should fear this. When the pulse is Fu (Floating), it indicates excess at the Exterior; those with deficiency at the Interior should fear this. When the pulse is Chen (Deep), it indicates excess at the Interior; those with deficiency at the Exterior should fear this. When the pulse is Hua (Slippery), it indicates excess of Blood; those with deficient Qi should fear this. When the pulse is Se (Choppy), it indicates excess of Qi; those with deficient Blood should fear this. These six pulses are named "Can Zei" and can cause pathology in various other pulses.

In the Cun Kou (Inch Position) area, all Wei (Micro) pulses indicate loss of Yang; all Ru (Soft) pulses indicate loss of Blood; all Ruo (Weak) pulses accompanied by fever indicate blood-deficiency fever; all Jin (Tight) pulses indicate Cold. Whenever Cold invades, it leads to Jue (Cold extremities), Yu Mao (Stagnant dizziness/confusion), and Bu Ren (numbness/insensitivity). This is because the Stomach lacks Grain Qi, and the Spleen is blocked and unobstructed, leading to tightness of the mouth preventing speech, trembling, and shivering.

All Wei (Micro) pulses indicate loss of Yang; Yang deficiency results in a Micro pulse. All Ru (Soft) pulses indicate loss of Blood; Blood depletion results in a Soft pulse. All Ruo (Weak) pulses with fever indicate that a Weak pulse signifies Blood deficiency causing fever. All Jin (Tight) pulses indicate Cold; a Tight pulse signifies Yin excess generating Cold. Whenever Cold invades, it leads to Jue (Cold extremities), Yu Mao (Stagnant dizziness/confusion), and Bu Ren (numbness/insensitivity). This is because Cold-Water Qi is prosperous and invades the various Zang and Fu organs; due to this invasion, the Cold Qi becomes even more intense. When the Cold Qi attacks and insults the Stomach and Spleen, it causes cold extremities, oppression, dizziness, confusion, and lack of sensation. Because the Stomach lacks Grain Qi, the Water pathogen has nothing to fear; because the Spleen-Earth is blocked by Cold-Dampness Qi, the whole body becomes dull and numb, unable to function; the mouth is tight, preventing speech; the body trembles and shivers with cold.