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[Verse] A faint pulse (Wei Mai, 1) in a swelling ulcer indicates a deficiency syndrome; only with internal support (Nei Tuo, 2) and tonification can recovery be achieved. Although seeing this pulse after ulceration is generally favorable, if the pulse is faint, thin, and lacks spirit (Shen, 3), it should be viewed as an adverse prognosis.
[Note] A faint pulse in a swelling ulcer indicates a deficiency syndrome. Treatment should primarily focus on internal support and tonifying formulas; only those who can tolerate tonification will recover. If a faint pulse is seen after ulceration, although it may initially appear as a favorable sign, if it feels faint and thin upon palpation and lacks spirit, it indicates that the root has been depleted. Thus, it should also be regarded as an adverse condition.

[Verse] When a swelling ulcer is about to erupt, a pulsating (Dong Mai, 4) and tight (Jin Mai, 5) pulse occurs because toxic qi is externally battling the meridians. Seeing these pulses after ulceration indicates that toxic qi is internally battling the zang-fu organs. This represents a "harmful" (Can Zei, 6) syndrome, which is not mild.
[Note] The appearance of a pulsating or tight pulse in a swelling ulcer indicates that toxic qi is externally battling the meridians. If pulsating or tight pulses are seen after ulceration, it signifies that toxic qi is internally battling the zang-fu organs. Since pulsating and tight pulses are considered harmful pulses, their appearance after ulceration is inappropriate; hence, it is said that the condition is serious.

[Verse] For a swelling ulcer with a moderate/slow (Huan Mai, 7) pulse, medication is unnecessary; a moderate and unhurried quality is the most auspicious. Seeing this pulse after ulceration indicates good stomach function; with harmonized bowel movements and normal diet, health will naturally return.
[Note] A moderate pulse in a swelling ulcer indicates that qi and blood are in harmony. It is an auspicious omen of natural peace and recovery without the need for medication. Seeing this pulse after ulceration indicates harmonized stomach qi, pleasant appetite, regulated urination and defecation, and natural convalescence of the condition.

[Verse] A scallion-stalk (Kou Mai, 8) pulse in a swelling ulcer indicates original blood deficiency; seeing a scallion-stalk pulse after ulceration is logically appropriate. A wiry (Xian Mai, 9) pulse in a swelling ulcer indicates pain caused by pathogenic factors; seeing a wiry pulse after ulceration indicates pathogenic influence on the spleen.
[Note] In a swelling ulcer that has not yet ulcerated, a scallion-stalk pulse indicates that blood has been deficient since long ago. Seeing a scallion-stalk pulse after ulceration, following blood loss, is also consistent with reason. A wiry pulse in a swelling ulcer indicates pain caused by toxic attack, as the wiry pulse governs pain; however, if a wiry pulse is seen after ulceration, it indicates liver pathogen invading the spleen, as the wiry pulse belongs to the liver.

[Verse] A deep-wiry-and-firm (Lao Mai, 10) pulse in a swelling ulcer indicates firm consolidation of pathogens. Seeing a firm pulse before suppuration indicates difficult-to-dispel toxins; seeing it after ulceration indicates difficult-to-remove pathogens, leading to non-resolution of tubercles and scrofula.
[Note] A firm pulse in a swelling ulcer, when seen before suppuration, indicates that toxic pathogens are firmly consolidated and difficult to eliminate. Seeing it after ulceration indicates that pathogens are also difficult to remove. For all cases of tubercles and scrofula, seeing a firm pulse indicates a state of firmness where resolution cannot occur.