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Quezhuo pulse (pulse resembling a bird pecking, rapid and irregular) comes in clusters of three to five beats then stops; Wulou pulse (pulse resembling water dripping from a leaking roof, slow and weak) falls only once every half day. Danshi pulse (pulse hard as a stone struck by a finger) feels rigid upon arrival and dissipates immediately; Dazhi pulse (pulse scattered and rootless, like untying a rope) feels chaotic under the fingers. Yuxiang pulse (pulse resembling a fish swimming, head steady but tail trembling, seemingly present yet absent); Xiayou pulse (pulse resembling a shrimp jumping, suddenly leaping amidst stillness). I advise physicians to examine carefully: when any of the Six Extinction Pulses appears, do not administer medication.

Having clarified the principles of root and branch, reversal and compliance, one must understand the harmonizing medicines. For inducing sweating to release the exterior, Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) is used; without Scallion White (Congbai, 葱白), the dispersing action is insufficient. For inducing vomiting to expel phlegm, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Gua Di, 瓜蒂 - note: actually Semen Momordicae/Trichosanthis seed context usually implies Gua Di Dan, here referring to Gua Di) is used; without Fermented Soybean (Chidou, 豉), the purging action is weak. For clearing excess heat, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Dahuang, 大黄) is used; without Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Zhishi, 枳实), bowel unblocking is ineffective. For warming meridians, Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi, 附子) is used; without Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang, 干姜), the warming effect is inadequate. Bamboo Sap (Zhuli, 竹沥) cannot circulate through meridians without Ginger Juice (Jiangzhi, 姜汁); Honey Suppository (Midao, 蜜导) cannot relieve constipation without Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina (Zaorao, 皂角). Only Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia, 半夏) and Ginger Juice can stop vomiting; only Ginseng Radix (Renshen, 人参) and Phyllostachys Nitida Leaf (Zhuyeqian, 竹叶) can stop deficiency vexation; only Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu, 柴胡) can harmonize the exterior and interior; only Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) can promote urination; only Trichosanthis Radix (Tianhuafen, 天花粉) and Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Gegen, 干葛) can relieve thirst and resolve the muscle layer; only Ginseng Radix, Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong, 麦冬), and Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi, 五味) can generate fluids and tonify the pulse; only Rhinocerotis Cornu (Xijiao, 犀角) and Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang, 地黄) can stop epistaxis and hematemesis from the Upper Jiao; only Taoren Chengqi Tang (Peach Kernel Decoction for Stagnation) can break up blood stasis in the Lower Jiao; only Astragali Membranacei Radix (Huangqi, 黄芪) and Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi, 桂枝) can secure the exterior and stop spontaneous sweating due to deficiency; only Poria (Fuling, 茯苓) and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu, 白术) can eliminate dampness and assist the Spleen; only Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (Yinchen, 茵陈) can treat jaundice; only Chengqi Tang formulas can control mania; only Zhiji Tang (Aurantium and Tangerine Peel Decoction) can remove stuffiness and fullness; only Xiaoxiong Tang (Chest-Restraining Decoction) can open chest binding; only Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo, 羌活) can treat common cold; only Renshen Baidu San (Ginseng Detoxification Powder) can treat Spring-Warmth disease; only Sini Tang (Reverse-Four Decoction) can treat Yin-Jue (Cold extremities); only Renshen Baitu Tang (Ginseng and White Tiger Decoction) can transform macules; only Lizhong Wan combined with Mume Fructus (Wumei, 乌梅) can treat ascariasis-induced Jue; only Guizhi Mahuang Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Ephedra Decoction) can dispel winter chills; only Jiangfu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction) can stop diarrhea caused by Yin-cold; only Dachaihu Tang (Major Bupleuri Decoction) can clear excess heat causing delirious speech; The Taiyin Spleen Earth dislikes cold-dampness; only Ganjiang and Baizhu can dry dampness; The Shaoyin Kidney Water dislikes cold-dryness; only Fuzi can warm and moisten; The Jueyin Liver Wood stores blood and nourishes sinews; only Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao, 芍药) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草) can nourish. These are the major principles of commonly used medicines, yet clinical variations are infinite.