轻循之法名为举。浮脉中间仔细推。有力为风兼表实。无神无力的知虚。（浮多不足。阳分
虚也。）
重取法时名曰按。按之不足是元虚。有力为疼多气滞。宜温宜下细详推。（沉多有余。阴分
实也。下手脉沉是气。脉来附骨为积。）
不轻不重曲求寻。个里机关理最深。虚实死生从此得。粗工岂辨石和珍。（中以候胃。胃气
虚实。生死所关。尤宜仔细。）
四时当旺何为主。要识弦洪石与毛。一字情同分两义。诊家候气最为高。（以己之息。候彼之息。
知其接续间断。乃见生死虚实。至春弦夏洪秋毛冬石。虽为诊家定规。然亦不必拘泥也。但取神
胃二气耳。）
阳病见阴名为逆。非羸脉大亦如然。有余不足如相反。决死无疑命入泉。（一切有余之症。脉
宜有力有神。如或微涩而不应手者。死也。产后脉大。失血脉洪。腹胀脉涩。痢后脉弦。
皆谓逆也。形瘦脉大胸中多气者死。形盛脉细少气不足以息者死。）
脉大形标两得平。症余脉大病还轻。形羸脉细无妨害。脉症相应是顺情。（逆顺二字。乃脉
症之枢要也。）
神本先天位在离。要知动静是根基。神存气守无危殆。望切工夫妙在斯。（经曰。得守者昌
。谓神气在也。）
三元亏损土无基。遇着庸医促命期。秘合相离形已脱。诊知失守死如归。（经曰。失守者死
。谓神气脱也。得失之旨。轩岐之秘也。）
The method of light palpation is called "Ju" (Lifting). Carefully explore the middle of the floating pulse. If forceful, it indicates wind pathogen combined with exterior excess; if without spirit and forceless, it indicates deficiency. (Floating pulses mostly indicate insufficiency, i.e., deficiency in the Yang aspect.)
The method of heavy palpation is called "An" (Pressing). If pressing reveals insufficiency, it indicates Yuan Qi (Original Qi) deficiency. If forceful upon pressing, it mostly indicates pain and Qi stagnation. One should carefully deduce whether to use warming or purging methods. (Sinking pulses mostly indicate excess, i.e., excess in the Yin aspect. A sinking pulse upon initial touch indicates Qi pathology; a pulse felt deep against the bone indicates accumulation.)
Neither light nor heavy, bend the fingers to seek (middle palpation). The mechanism within is profoundly profound. Deficiency, excess, death, and life are determined from here. How can crude physicians distinguish between Shi (Stone-like) and Zhen (Precious) pulses? (Middle palpation assesses Stomach Qi. The deficiency or excess of Stomach Qi is critical for life and death, requiring particular care.)
What are the dominant pulses during the four seasons? One must recognize Xian (Wiry), Hong (Surging), Shi (Rock-like), and Mao (Feather-like). One character's demeanor holds two meanings; the highest realm of pulse diagnosis lies in assessing Qi. (Use one's own breath rhythm to measure the patient's breath rhythm, knowing whether they connect or interrupt, thereby revealing life/death and deficiency/excess. Although Spring Wiry, Summer Surging, Autumn Feather-like, and Winter Rock-like are fixed rules for diagnosticians, one need not be rigidly bound by them. Only the Shen (Spirit) and Wei (Stomach) Qi are essential.)
Yang disease presenting with Yin pulse is called "Ni" (Reversal). This applies not only to emaciated pulses being large. When excess and deficiency are contrary, death is certain, and the soul enters the spring of the underworld. (For all excess symptoms, the pulse should be forceful and spirited. If it is faint, choppy, and unresponsive, it is a death sign. Large pulse after childbirth, surging pulse after blood loss, choppy pulse with abdominal distension, wiry pulse after dysentery—all are called Reversal. Emaciated form with large pulse and excessive Qi in the chest leads to death; robust form with fine pulse and insufficient Qi leading to shortness of breath also leads to death.)
When Pulse Size and Physical Markers achieve balance. When symptoms remain while the pulse indicates severe illness but the actual condition is mild. Emaciated form with fine pulse causes no harm. Pulse and symptom correspondence is "Shun" (Smooth/Favorable). (The terms Ni and Shun are the pivot of pulse and symptom analysis.)
Shen (Spirit) originates from Pre-heaven and resides in Li (Fire/Heart). Knowing movement and stillness is the foundation. With Shen present and Qi guarded, there is no danger. The subtlety of observation and palpation lies here. (The Classic states: "Those who retain [Shen/Qi] prosper," meaning Shen Qi exists.)
San Yuan (Three Primes) depleted, Earth lacks foundation. Meeting a mediocre physician accelerates the end of life. Secret union separates, form has already detached. Diagnosing loss of retention means death is inevitable. (The Classic states: "Loss of retention leads to death," meaning Shen Qi has escaped. The principle of gain and loss is the secret of Xuanyuan and Qibo.)