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Luo vessels (Collaterals) are divided into Yin Luo and Yang Luo. Yin Luo is located internally, deep and difficult to see; Yang Luo is located externally on the surface, smooth and easy to see. The color of the Luo vessels changes with the progression of the four seasons; therefore, cold or heat patterns can be diagnosed based on these color changes. When cold predominates, the vessels become stagnant and sluggish, resulting in a bluish-black color. When heat predominates, the vessels become moist and glossy, resulting in a yellowish-red color.

The major Luo vessel of the Stomach is named Xuli (虚里), which penetrates the diaphragm, connects with the Lung, and emerges below the left breast. Its pulsation can be seen through clothing, allowing for the assessment of Zong Qi (Gathering Qi). If the pulsation is faint and invisible, it indicates insufficiency, signifying internal deficiency of Zong Qi. If the pulsation is vigorous and visible through clothing, it indicates excess, signifying leakage of Zong Qi externally. If the pulse beats three or four times before a pause, or five or six times before a pause, it indicates the presence of accumulations (masses). If the pulse ceases completely, death ensues.

The area above the umbilicus primarily reflects the condition of the Stomach; the area below the umbilicus primarily reflects the condition of the Intestines. By palpating the temperature of the abdominal skin above and below, one can determine whether there is cold or heat pathology in the Stomach and Intestines. Heat in the Stomach often leads to a preference for cold drinks. Cold in the Intestines often leads to a preference for hot soups. However, when providing hot drinks, they should not be excessively hot; when providing cold drinks, they should not be excessively cold. One should only provide what is appropriate for their tolerance of cold and heat.

Heat in the Stomach may manifest upward as oral ulcers (mouth sores) and a sensation of emptiness in the heart with frequent hunger. Heat in the Intestines may manifest downward as the discharge of hot fecal matter, yellow in color like porridge. Cold in the Stomach manifests as a clear and cold complexion with cold extremities, abdominal distension, and pain. Cold in the Intestines manifests as clear white urine, undigested stool in diarrhea (Sun-xie), and borborygmus (intestinal rumbling).

Physical constitution is divided into strong and weak. Those who are strong are resistant to invasion by external pathogens; those who are weak are easily affected by external pathogens. Individuals who eat much and are fat are considered strong. However, individuals who eat little but are fat are not strong; rather, this is due to Phlegm accumulation. Fat individuals most fear a pulse that feels soft and cotton-like, termed "Qi-less," which indicates death. Individuals who eat little and are thin are considered weak. However, individuals who eat much but are thin are not weak; rather, this is due to Fire pathogen. Thin individuals most fear muscles that are dry and cling tightly to the bones, termed "emaciation," which also indicates death.

The Classics state: If physical form has degenerated and departed, even if the nine pulses are harmonious, death occurs because the degenerated form cannot store Qi. If both physical form and Qi are deficient, but the Cun-kou (Radial) pulse is harmonious, recovery is possible because form and Qi have not yet separated. If the body is robust and fat, but the pulse is small and Qi is scant, it means Qi cannot overcome the Form, indicating death. If the body is frail and thin, but the pulse is large and Qi is abundant, it means Form cannot overcome Qi, also indicating death.