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It is stated that the method of pulse diagnosis has three key points: First is the Renying (Human Welcome) pulse, located on both sides of the laryngeal prominence. When pressed, it beats in response to the finger; this location corresponds to Heaven. Second are the Three Positions (Sanbu), namely Cun (Inch), Guan (Bar), and Chi (Cubit). On the lateral side above the wrist, there is a slightly elevated bone called the "High Bone" (Gaogu). Placing the middle finger on this bone defines the Guan position; the direction towards the hand is the Cun position, and the direction towards the elbow is the Chi position. Cun and Chi correspond to Yin and Yang respectively; Yang descends and Yin ascends, and Qi enters and exits through the Guan, hence it is named Guan. This location corresponds to Humanity. Third is the Duyang (Foot Yang) pulse, located on the dorsum of the foot where shoelaces are tied; when pressed, it beats in response to the finger. This location corresponds to Earth. These three sites are the crucial convergence points for the entry and exit of Qi, thus enabling the determination of auspiciousness, inauspiciousness, life, and death. If the magnitude and speed of these three pulses correspond and are balanced, the person is free from disease. Therefore, it is said: Without comparing the Renying, Duyang, and the Three Positions, if the pulse beats fewer than fifty times per respiratory cycle, one cannot determine life or death; these three are the keys to deciding life and death.

If the Renying pulse is one-fold stronger than normal, the disease is in the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel, indicating extreme Yang. If it is four-fold or more stronger, Yang is obstructed, meaning there is no Yin to restrain it. If the Cun Kou (Cun Position) pulse is one-fold stronger, the disease is in the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin); two-fold stronger, in the Taiyin (Greater Yin); three-fold stronger, in the Jueyin (Terminal Yin), as Jueyin Qi has its limit. If it is four-fold or more stronger, it is called Guanyin (Closed Yin), meaning there is no Yang to sustain it. "Obstructed Yang" refers to Qi ascending but unable to descend, leading to vomiting and reflux; "Closed Yin" refers to blockage where both urination and defecation are impossible; both conditions are fatal and incurable.

The term "Nine Probes" (Jiu Hou) refers to the three positions, each having three probes: superficial (floating), deep (sinking), and moderate. Superficial probing belongs to Yang, deep probing belongs to Yin, and moderate probing reflects the presence of Stomach Qi; without Stomach Qi, death ensues. The pulses of the Five Zang organs are felt at different depths: light pressure on the skin reveals the Lung pulse; pressure reaching the muscle reveals the Heart pulse; pressure reaching the flesh reveals the Spleen pulse; pressure reaching the tendons reveals the Liver pulse; and pressure reaching the bone reveals the Kidney pulse. If all five depths respond appropriately, it signifies that the Qi of the Five Zang organs is complete. There are also methods of pushing outward (to examine the channels) and pushing inward (to examine the blood vessels).

When diagnosing the pulse of a healthy person, it should be done in the early morning, when Yin Qi has not yet stirred, Yang Qi has not dispersed, and food has not been ingested, so that the meridians are harmonious, allowing one to see excess or deficiency. In one exhalation, Qi moves three cun; in one inhalation, Qi moves three cun; in one full breath, Qi moves six cun, and the pulse beats four times. A robust pulse that aligns with natural rhythms indicates the possession of complete Heavenly Qi. If over ten breaths, the pulse beats fifty times and corresponds with respiration, moving with moderate speed and moisture, flowing continuously like water, this is a pulse of longevity and health. If the pulse stops before fifty beats, it indicates the exhaustion of one Zang organ's Qi, leading to death within four years; if it stops every thirty beats, death follows soon; if it stops every twenty beats or less, death occurs within months or years. If the pulse does not correspond with the body's constitution, appearing short, rapid, dry, and lacking continuity, it indicates a person who will not live long and suffers from frequent illness.

When diagnosing the pulse of a sick person, time of day is irrelevant. Careful examination of the pulse reveals the cause, making cold, heat, excess, and deficiency apparent. Generally, a pathological pulse in a patient who feels well indicates a poor prognosis (death), while a normal pulse in a patient who feels unwell indicates a good prognosis (survival).