Library

The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: "When the hand Shaoyin pulse moves vigorously, it indicates pregnancy." (Here, "Shaoyin pulse" refers to the pulse at the Shenmen acupoint; however, in current clinical practice, it is diagnosed at the left Cun position.) "Vigorous movement" refers to a pulse that is fluid, slippery, and forceful.

(Old theories suggest that the Heart generates blood, and abundant blood enables conception. Regarding the Hand Shaoyin meridian, Quan Yuanqi interpreted it as the Foot Shaoyin meridian, referring to the Taixi pulse, a view adopted by *Yizong Bidu*.) When the Yin pulse (corresponding to the Chi position) beats forcefully against the fingers, distinct from the Yang pulse (Cun position), this is called being pregnant. ("Zi" is a general term for both male and female fetuses.) According to Wang Shuhe: A rapid pulse on the left indicates a male fetus, while a rapid pulse on the right indicates a female fetus. ("Rapid" implies smoothness and speed.) He further stated: A prominent Chi pulse on the left indicates a male fetus, while a prominent Chi pulse on the right indicates a female fetus. Also: A deep and solid pulse on the left indicates a male fetus, while a floating and large pulse on the right indicates a female fetus. Generally, the left belongs to Yang and the right to Yin. The path of Yang is substantial, hence the pulse is deep and solid; the path of Yin is deficient, hence the pulse is floating and empty. (This can be understood by observing the symbols of Kan and Li. The character "large" contains an implication of emptiness.) However, Hua Boren claimed that a flooding and large Chi pulse on the left indicates a male fetus, while a deep and solid Chi pulse on the right indicates a female fetus. This contradicts Wang Shuhe, and Hua's theory is likely incorrect.

Furthermore, regarding pregnancy pulses, all six positions may show slippery and rapid qualities, with the two Chi positions being particularly pronounced. Diagnosing only the Cun position and neglecting the Chi position is also an error stemming from a blind trust in the classic text. The statement "Heart generates blood" means that the red color of blood originates from Heart Fire; does it truly mean that blood is generated by the Heart? *Yizong Bidu* states: In early pregnancy, the Cun pulse is minute, with five breaths per pulse beat. By three months, the pulse becomes rapid, and the Chi pulse is slippery and rapid. If it remains dispersed upon heavy pressure, the pregnancy is three months old. If it is not dispersed but merely rapid without slipperiness, the pregnancy is five months old. (By five months, the nipples and breast roots must turn black, and the breasts will swell and develop, providing more concrete evidence.) The *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) states: If the Chi pulse feels unceasing upon pressure, it indicates pregnancy. (In emaciated women, the pulse need not always be slippery and solid; as long as the Chi position responds to pressure continuously, it suffices. Hua Boren said: If the three positions have equal floating and sinking qualities, with no other illness but amenorrhea, it indicates pregnancy. This conveys the same meaning.) If the pulse deviates from the normal pattern (Jing, meaning routine, differing from the usual daily pulse; another interpretation suggests "deviating from Jing" refers to intermittent beats or irregularities like the sparrow-pecking pulse), accompanied by abdominal pain radiating to the lower back, it indicates impending labor. (If there is no abdominal pain, or if the pain does not radiate to the waist and spine, delivery has not yet occurred, and one should wait quietly.) Zhang Luyu stated: If the fetal shape feels like a held urn and is cold to the touch, and the pulse fluctuates between large and small, present and absent, varying in floating/sinking and motion throughout the day and night, this indicates a "ghost fetus." If the pulse feels like chaotic raindrops, coming and going suddenly, or if a bifurcation is felt under the fingers, this indicates a "yaksha fetus." Furthermore, if the pregnancy pulse is deep, fine, wiry, and urgent, accompanied by aversion to cold and high fever, and bluish-black lips, this indicates damage to the fetal Qi. If the fetus is immobile, accompanied by a sensation of qi rushing upward causing chest oppression and fainting, and the abdomen feels cold to the touch, this indicates that the fetus has died.