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Someone asked, "Is it difficult to recognize the pulse?" I replied, "You only know that recognizing the pulse is difficult, but you do not know that examining the pulse is even more difficult." What is meant by recognizing the pulse is as described in *Zhenjia Shuyao* (Key Essentials of Pulse Diagnosis) by Hua Borén: The *Fu* pulse (Floating pulse) is not sunken; the *Chen* pulse (Deep pulse) is not floating. The *Chi* pulse (Slow pulse) has a frequency less than normal; the *Shu* pulse (Rapid pulse) has a frequency exceeding normal. The *Xu* pulse (Deficient pulse) is not solid; the *Shi* pulse (Excess pulse) is not deficient. The *Hua* pulse (Slippery pulse) is not rough; the *Se* pulse (Choppy pulse) is not slippery. The *Chang* pulse (Long pulse) is not short; the *Duan* pulse (Short pulse) is not long. The *Da* pulse (Large pulse) is not small; the *Xiao* pulse (Fine pulse) is not large. The *Huan* pulse (Moderate pulse) is not urgent. The *Ruo* pulse (Weak pulse) is not vigorous. The *Fu* pulse (Hidden pulse) is not visible. The *Ruan* pulse (Soft pulse) lacks strength. The *Wei* pulse (Minute pulse) is not distinct. The *San* pulse (Scattered pulse) is not gathered. The *Hong* pulse (Surging pulse) is surging and large. The *Xi* pulse (Thready pulse) is minute and fine. The *Dai* pulse (Intermittent pulse) involves alternation or pause. The *Lao* pulse (Firm pulse) is firm and solid. The *Dong* pulse (Moving pulse) is slippery and larger at the Guan position. The *Xian* pulse (Wiry pulse) resembles a bowstring and does not shift when pressed. The *Jin* pulse (Tight pulse) is like a twisting rope, irregular in nature. The *Kou* pulse (Hollow pulse) is floating and large but empty upon pressure. The *Ge* pulse (Drum-taut pulse) is empty inside and firm outside. The *Jie* pulse (Knotted pulse) is slow with pauses; the *Cu* pulse (Hasty pulse) is rapid with pauses. By using the method of comparative opposition to recognize pulses, it is still relatively easy to distinguish them under the fingers. What is meant by examining the pulse is to comprehend the cause of the observed pulse and the disease syndrome it indicates, confirming it through mental insight before reaching a conclusion. The *Ping Mai Pian* (Chapter on Normal Pulses) states: A floating pulse indicates pathology in the Exterior; a deep pulse indicates pathology in the Interior; a rapid pulse indicates pathology in the Fu organs; a slow pulse indicates pathology in the Zang organs. It further states: A floating pulse may indicate Wind; a floating pulse may indicate Heat; a floating pulse may indicate Qi excess; a floating pulse may indicate Qi deficiency; a floating pulse may indicate Blood deficiency; a floating pulse may indicate Deficiency. Does this signify an external contraction? An internal injury? A Qi disorder? A Blood disorder? An Excess syndrome? A Deficiency syndrome? One must carefully examine the syndrome's Exterior/Interior, Yin/Yang, Cold/Heat, and Excess/Deficiency; whether the disease is chronic or acute; and whether the pulse is forceful or feeble, and then make a judgment through deliberate reasoning. For instance, Bian Que knew the depth of Duke Huan of Cai's illness through observation (*Wang*); he knew the Crown Prince of Guo was not dead through inquiry (*Wen*). Hua Tuo extracted snake venom upon hearing groans through auditory examination (*Wen*). How could later generations match the divine wisdom of these two masters? However, only when all four diagnostic methods—Observation, Listening and Smelling, Inquiry, and Palpation—are fully employed can one ensure absolute safety. Therefore, it is said that examining the pulse is even more difficult.