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Diseases arise neither from external causes (the interaction of the Five Qi) nor from internal causes (excessive dominance of Zang-Fu organs). Once the etiology is diagnosed, treatment can be discussed. If one merely states that a certain pulse corresponds to headache or another to foot pain without investigating the cause, it is mere boasting. Although it may temporarily shock people's ears, it ultimately has no practical effect. Such content is generally excluded and not recorded.

The inner side of both sides of the Chi position corresponds to the hypochondrium. The outer side of Chi observes the Kidney; the inner side of Chi observes the abdominal cavity. Above this (Shang Fu), the left outer side observes the Liver; the inner side observes the Diaphragm. The right outer side observes the Stomach; the inner side observes the Spleen. Above Shang Fu (Shang Shang Fu), the right outer side observes the Lung; the inner side observes the Chest Center. The left outer side observes the Heart; the inner side observes the Danzhong (Chest Center). The anterior aspect observes the front of the body; the posterior aspect observes the back. From the uppermost part down to the lowest part, these correspond to matters of the chest and throat, and the lower abdomen, waist, thighs, knees, shins, and feet, respectively. (From *Suwen: Pulse Essentials*) This describes the fixed positions for observing the five Zang organs. The terms "inner" and "outer" are difficult to interpret. One theory holds that during pulse diagnosis, the hand must be extended, so the area near the Chize point (LU-5) is considered "inner," and the area near the Yuji point (LU-10) is "outer." If this were true, since the Liver is below the diaphragm, saying "outer observes Liver, inner observes Diaphragm" would contradict the principle of "upper observes upper, lower observes lower." Similarly, since the Heart is below Danzhong, saying "outer observes Heart, inner observes Danzhong" would also conflict with this principle. Another theory suggests that when a person sits upright with hands folded, the area near Chize should be "outer" and the area near Yuji should be "inner." If this were true, the statements regarding the Heart and Liver would align perfectly with "upper observes upper, lower observes lower," but would conflict with "anterior observes anterior, posterior observes posterior."

(Shen Youpeng) I privately believe that "inner" and "outer" refer to "anterior observes anterior, posterior observes posterior." Generally, the human back is Yang and the abdomen is Yin. When a person hangs their hands with palms facing forward, the Three Yin Meridians of the Hand are in front, and the Three Yang Meridians of the Hand are behind, corresponding to the abdomen and back. The area closer to the back is "outer"; its pulse should be at the Chen (Deep) level because the Deep pulse is associated with the back. The area closer to the front is "inner"; its pulse should be at the Fu (Superficial) level because the Superficial pulse is associated with the front. For example, the Kidney and the abdominal cavity are both located at the Chi position, but the Kidney is posterior to the abdominal cavity. Therefore, the Chen level of Chi observes the Kidney, and the Fu level of Chi observes the abdominal cavity. "Shang Fu" refers to the area about one cun above the wrist crease where there is a bony prominence, known as the Guan position. The Liver and Diaphragm are both observed at the left Shang Fu, but the Liver is posterior to the Diaphragm. Thus, the Chen level of the left Shang Fu observes the Liver, and the Fu level observes the Diaphragm. The Spleen and Stomach are both observed at the right Shang Fu, but the Spleen is anterior to the Stomach. Thus, the Chen level of the right Shang Fu observes the Stomach, and the Fu level observes the Spleen. "Shang Shang Fu" is the Cun position. The Lung is posterior, and the Chest is anterior. Therefore, the Chen level of the right Shang Fu observes the Lung, and the Fu level observes the Chest Center. The Heart is posterior, and Danzhong is anterior. Therefore, the Chen level of the left Shang Fu observes the Heart, and the Fu level observes Danzhong. In this way, everything aligns with the anterior and posterior principles.

A pulse that is exclusively small indicates disease; exclusively large indicates disease; exclusively rapid (Ji) indicates disease; exclusively slow (Chi) indicates disease; exclusively slippery (Hua, suspected correction) indicates disease; exclusively choppy (Se, suspected correction) indicates disease; exclusively sunken/low indicates disease. (From *Suwen: Three Regions and Nine Observations*)

These few sentences are the essential keys to pulse diagnosis. I fear that if everyone knows them, they might replace two characters in the classic text with "Cold" and "Heat," which would make no sense.

An urgent/tight pulse often indicates Cold; a relaxed pulse often indicates Heat; a large pulse indicates abundant Qi and deficient Blood; a small pulse indicates deficiency of both Qi and Blood; a slippery pulse indicates excess Yang Qi with slight Heat; a choppy pulse indicates excess Blood and deficient Qi with slight Cold. (From *Ling Shu: Pathogenic Qi and Zang-Fu Disease Forms*)

"Urgent" here means Tight, not Wiry. Zhang Zhongjing stated: "When the pulse is Floating and Tight, it is named Wiry." The Wiry pulse feels like a bowstring, firm and unyielding to pressure. The Tight pulse feels like a twisting rope, changing constantly. "Relaxed" here means Weak, not Slow, and thus primarily indicates Heat.

The Cun and Chi positions are the major convergence points of the pulse. From the Guan to Chi is called Chi Nei, the domain governed by Yin. From the Guan to Yuji is called Cun Kou, the domain governed by Yang. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 2*)

Cun and Chi divide Yin and Yang, a method also followed by Zhang Zhongjing.

The pulse movement before the Guan is Yang. It should appear at nine fen depth and be Floating. Exceeding this is called "Excess" (Tai Guo); falling short is called "Deficiency" (Bu Ji). Extending beyond Yuji is called "Yi" (Overflow) or "Wai" (External), indicating Yin overacting on Yang. The pulse movement after the Guan is Yin. It should appear at one cun depth and be Deep. Exceeding this is "Excess"; falling short is "Deficiency." Extending into Chi is called "Fu" (Covering) or "Nei" (Internal), indicating Yang overacting on Yin. These are True Zang pulses; even without illness, death may occur. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 3*)

Fu and Yi pulses are True Zang death pulses and may not always manifest exactly as described. However, the expected lengths of Cun and Chi must be known, so they are recorded here.

Exhalation is governed by the Heart and Lung; inhalation is governed by the Liver and Kidney. Between breaths, the Spleen receives the essence of grain. Its pulse is in the middle. Floating pulses belong to Yang; Deep pulses belong to Yin. Both Heart and Lung pulses are Floating. A Floating, Large, and Scattered pulse belongs to the Heart; a Floating, Short, and Choppy pulse belongs to the Lung. Both Liver and Kidney pulses are Deep. A Firm and Long pulse belongs to the Liver; a pulse that is soft upon pressing but becomes solid upon lifting the finger belongs to the Kidney. The Spleen resides in the Central Region, so its pulse is also in the middle. The six pulses vary in Floating/Deep, Long/Short, Slippery/Choppy. Floating, Slippery, and Long are Yang; Deep, Short, and Choppy are Yin. A pulse with one Yin and one Yang element is Deep and Slippery. One Yin and two Yang elements is Deep, Slippery, and Long. One Yin and three Yang elements is Floating, Slippery, and Long, occasionally Deep. Diseases are named according to their meridians, and their favorable or unfavorable nature is determined. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 4*)

The first four sentences describe the dynamic mechanisms of the human body and should be carefully studied.

There are concealed pulses. If a pulse resides in the Yin region but reveals Yang characteristics, it is Yang invading Yin. Although it may sometimes be Deep, Choppy, and Short, this is Yang concealing Yin. If a pulse resides in the Yang region but reveals Yin characteristics, it is Yin invading Yang. Although it may sometimes be Floating, Slippery, and Long, this is Yin concealing Yang. Extreme Yang leads to Mania; Extreme Yin leads to Melancholia. Loss of Yang leads to hallucinations; loss of Yin leads to blindness. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 20*)

Upon initially holding the pulse, with the weight of three beans touching the skin and hair, it is the Lung pulse. With the weight of six beans touching the blood vessels, it is the Heart pulse. With the weight of nine beans touching the muscles, it is the Spleen pulse. With the weight of twelve beans reaching the tendons, it is the Liver pulse. Pressing to the bone, with a rapid return upon lifting the finger, it is the Kidney pulse. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 5*)

If the pulse is diminished/small when Floating but solid/large when Deep, it indicates Yin Excess and Yang Deficiency. If the pulse is diminished/small when Deep but solid/large when Floating, it indicates Yang Excess and Yin Deficiency. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 6*)

Spring is Wiry, Summer is Hooked, Autumn is Hairy (Floating), Winter is Stone-like (Deep). These are the seasonal pulses. Spring pulse is soft, weak, and long, hence called Wiry. Summer pulse comes rapidly and departs slowly, hence called Hooked. Autumn pulse is light, void, and floating, hence called Hairy. Winter pulse is deep, soft, and slippery, hence called Stone-like. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 15*)

Spring pulse is like a wire. Spring pulse belongs to the Liver, East Wood, the beginning of all things. It comes soft, weak, light, void, slippery, straight, and long, hence called Wiry. If it comes solid and strong, this is Excess, disease in the exterior. If it comes insubstantial and faint, this is Deficiency, disease in the interior. Excess causes forgetfulness, dizziness, and epilepsy. Deficiency causes chest pain radiating to the back and fullness in the lower hypochondrium.

Summer pulse is like a hook. Summer pulse belongs to the Heart, South Fire, the flourishing growth of all things. It comes vigorous and departs declining, hence called Hooked. If it comes vigorous and departs vigorous, this is Excess, disease in the exterior. If it comes insubstantial and departs vigorous, this is Deficiency, disease in the interior. Excess causes fever, skin pain, and spreading sores. Deficiency causes vexation, coughing up saliva upwards, and qi leakage downwards.

Autumn pulse is like floating. Autumn pulse belongs to the Lung, West Metal, the harvest of all things. It comes light, void, and floating, rapid in arrival and scattered in departure, hence called Floating. If it comes like hair but firm in the center and void on the sides, this is Excess, disease in the exterior. If it comes like hair but faint, this is Deficiency, disease in the interior. Excess causes rebellious qi, back pain, and a feeling of oppression. Deficiency causes panting, shortness of breath, cough, hemoptysis, and abnormal sounds in the lower body.

Winter pulse is like a camp (firm/deep). Winter pulse belongs to the Kidney, North Water, the storage of all things. It comes deep and pounding, hence called Camp. If it comes like throwing stones, this is Excess, disease in the exterior. If it departs like a rapid pulse, this is Deficiency, disease in the interior. Excess causes lethargy, spinal pain, shortness of breath, and reluctance to speak. Deficiency causes a feeling of hunger with an empty heart, coldness in the flanks, spinal pain, lower abdominal fullness, and changes in urination.

The Spleen pulse belongs to Earth, the solitary organ that irrigates the four directions. A healthy Spleen pulse is invisible; only a pathological one is visible. If it flows like water, this is Excess, disease in the exterior. If it resembles a bird's beak, this is Deficiency, disease in the interior. Excess causes inability to move the limbs. Deficiency causes obstruction of the nine orifices, termed "Heavy Rigidity." (From *Suwen: Jade Machine True Zang*)

In Spring, a pulse with slight Wiry quality and Stomach Qi is Normal. More Wiry than Stomach Qi indicates Liver disease. Purely Wiry without Stomach Qi indicates Death. (See *Suwen: Jade Machine True Zang* for "Weak and slippery indicates Stomach Qi"). If Stomach Qi combines with Hairy (Autumn) pulse, disease occurs in Autumn; severe Hairy pulse indicates current disease. The True Essence disperses to the Liver, which stores the Qi of the sinews.

In Summer, a pulse with slight Hooked quality and Stomach Qi is Normal. More Hooked than Stomach Qi indicates Heart disease. Purely Hooked without Stomach Qi indicates Death. If Stomach Qi combines with Stone-like (Winter) pulse, disease occurs in Winter; severe Stone-like pulse indicates current disease. The True Essence connects to the Heart, which stores the Qi of the blood vessels.

In Late Summer, a pulse with slightly soft/weak quality and Stomach Qi is Normal. More Weak than Stomach Qi indicates Spleen disease. Purely Alternating (Dai) without Stomach Qi indicates Death. Soft/weak combined with Stone-like pulse indicates disease in Winter; severe Stone-like pulse indicates current disease. The True Essence moistens the Spleen, which stores the Qi of the muscles.

In Autumn, a pulse with slight Hairy quality and Stomach Qi is Normal. More Hairy than Stomach Qi indicates Lung disease. Purely Hairy without Stomach Qi indicates Death. Hairy pulse combined with Wiry pulse indicates disease in Spring; severe Wiry pulse indicates current disease. The True Essence rises to the Lung to circulate Ying and Wei Qi and balance Yin and Yang.

In Winter, a pulse with slight Stone-like quality and Stomach Qi is Normal. More Stone-like than Stomach Qi indicates Kidney disease. Purely Stone-like without Stomach Qi indicates Death. Stone-like pulse combined with Hooked pulse indicates disease in Summer; severe Hooked pulse indicates current disease. The True Essence descends to the Kidney, which stores the Qi of the bones and marrow. (From *Suwen: Normal Person Pulse Phenomena*)

The Classic states: If the complexion is seen but the pulse does not match, and instead a controlling (overcoming) pulse is obtained, death ensues. If a generating pulse is obtained, the disease will resolve. Why? The five Zang organs have five colors visible on the face, which should correspond to the pulse. For example, Green color requires a Wiry and urgent pulse; Red requires a Floating, Large, and Scattered pulse; Yellow requires a Moderate, Slow, and Large pulse; White requires a Floating, Choppy, and Short pulse; Black requires a Deep, Soft, and Slippery pulse. This is correspondence. Each Zang has specific voice, color, odor, and taste that should correspond to the pulse. Non-correspondence indicates disease. For instance, Green color (Liver Wood) with a Floating, Choppy, and Short pulse (Lung Metal controls Liver Wood) or a Large and Slow pulse (Spleen Earth, controlled by Liver Wood) indicates overcoming. Floating, Large, and Scattered pulse (Heart Fire, generated by Liver Wood) or Small and Slippery pulse (Kidney Water, generates Liver Wood) indicates generation. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 13*)

The *Shi Bian* states: Liver is Green, odor Musky, taste Sour, sound Call, fluid Tears. Heart is Red, odor Scorched, taste Bitter, sound Speech, fluid Sweat. Spleen is Yellow, odor Fragrant, taste Sweet, sound Song, fluid Saliva. Lung is White, odor Fishy, taste Pungent, sound Cry, fluid Mucus. Kidney is Black, odor Putrid, taste Salty, sound Groan, fluid Spittle. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 34*)

Liver governs Color, Heart governs Odor, Spleen governs Taste, Lung governs Sound, Kidney governs Fluid. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 40*)

If the Liver pulse is obtained, external signs include a bright complexion, greenish hue, and irritability. Internal signs include pulsation at the left umbilicus, firm and painful upon pressure. Symptoms include limb fullness, urinary difficulty, constipation, and tendon spasms. Presence of these indicates Liver disease; absence indicates otherwise.

If the Heart pulse is obtained, external signs include red complexion, dry mouth, and excessive laughter. Internal signs include pulsation above the umbilicus, firm and painful upon pressure. Symptoms include vexation, heart pain, and heat in the palms. Presence of these indicates Heart disease; absence indicates otherwise.

If the Spleen pulse is obtained, external signs include yellow complexion, frequent belching, excessive thinking, and appreciation of taste. Internal signs include pulsation at the umbilicus, firm and painful upon pressure. Symptoms include abdominal fullness, indigestion, heavy body and joint pain, lethargy, and weakness of the limbs. Presence of these indicates Spleen disease; absence indicates otherwise.

If the Lung pulse is obtained, external signs include pale complexion, frequent sneezing, sadness, and desire to cry. Internal signs include pulsation at the right umbilicus, firm and painful upon pressure. Symptoms include cough, asthma, and aversion to wind/cold. Presence of these indicates Lung disease; absence indicates otherwise.

If the Kidney pulse is obtained, external signs include black complexion, fearfulness, and yawning. Internal signs include pulsation below the umbilicus, firm and painful upon pressure. Symptoms include rebellious qi, lower abdominal urgency/pain, diarrhea with heaviness, and coldness in the shins/feet. Presence of these indicates Kidney disease; absence indicates otherwise. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 16*)

A Heart pulse that is Firm and Long indicates tongue retraction and inability to speak. A Soft and Scattered Heart pulse indicates spontaneous recovery. A Lung pulse that is Firm and Long indicates spitting blood. A Soft and Scattered Lung pulse indicates profuse sweating that does not cease. A Liver pulse that is Firm and Long, despite a non-green complexion, indicates trauma or blow causing blood stasis in the hypochondrium, leading to wheezing/rebellious qi. A Soft and Scattered Liver pulse with normal luster indicates Overflowing Drink (Yi Yin), characterized by sudden thirst, excessive drinking, and fluid accumulation in muscle/skin/gut exteriors. A Stomach pulse that is Firm and Long with a red complexion indicates hip fracture. A Soft and Scattered Stomach pulse indicates food stagnation/bi syndrome. A Spleen pulse that is Firm and Long with a yellow complexion indicates shortness of breath. A Soft and Scattered Spleen pulse with dull luster indicates leg edema resembling water retention. A Kidney pulse that is Firm and Long with a yellow-red complexion indicates lower back fracture. A Soft and Scattered Kidney pulse indicates blood deficiency that does not recover.

A coarse/large pulse indicates Yin deficiency and Yang excess, resulting in Heat Middle. A pulse coming rapidly and departing slowly indicates Upper Excess and Lower Deficiency, leading to Jue or Head Disease. A pulse coming slowly and departing rapidly indicates Upper Deficiency and Lower Excess, leading to aversion to wind. A Deep, Fine, and Rapid pulse indicates Shaoyin Jue. A Floating and Scattered pulse indicates collapse/fainting. (From *Suwen: Pulse Essentials*)

At Cun Kou, a Deep and Transverse pulse indicates hypochondriac accumulation and horizontal abdominal pain. An Urgent pulse indicates Hernia/Jia and lower abdominal pain. A Slippery pulse indicates Wind. A Choppy pulse indicates Bi syndrome. A Relaxed and Slippery pulse indicates Heat in the Middle. A Vigorous and Tight pulse indicates Distension.

At Chi, a Relaxed and Choppy pulse indicates relaxation and lying down. A Vigorous pulse indicates blood loss. A Choppy Chi with Slippery pulse indicates excessive sweating. A Cold and Fine Chi pulse indicates posterior discharge/diarrhea. A Coarse and constantly Hot Chi pulse indicates Heat in the Middle. (From *Suwen: Normal Person Pulse Phenomena*)

Yang Knotting causes swelling of the four limbs. Yin Knotting causes bloody stool. Yin-Yang oblique knotting with more Yin than Yang is Stone Water, with lower abdominal swelling. Knotting of Two Yangs is Xiao (Consumption). Knotting of Three Yangs is Ge (Obstruction). Knotting of Three Yins is Shui (Edema/Water). Knotting of One Yin and One Yang is Hou Bi (Throat Bi). Yin Pulsing with distinct difference from Yang indicates pregnancy. Yin-Yang deficiency leads to death from intestinal dysentery. Yang added to Yin indicates sweat. Yin deficiency with Yang pounding indicates metrorrhagia. (From *Suwen: Discussion on Yin and Yang Differences*)

Wang Bing commented on "Yin Pulsing with distinct difference from Yang": Yin refers to the Chi position. "Bo" means beating against the fingers. The Chi pulse beats distinctly different from the Cun pulse, a sign of pregnancy. This is a definitive conclusion. Since the fetus is in the abdomen, Qi and Blood protect it, naturally becoming vigorous in the abdominal Chi region. The Chi pulse beating distinctly different from Cun is logical. Extending this, Left beating indicates male, Right beating indicates female. Danxi argued using the physician's hands (Left diagnoses Right, Right diagnoses Left), suggesting Left beating indicates female and Right indicates male. This seems based on trial and error; I dare not dismiss it.

In women, vigorous movement of the Foot Shaoyin pulse indicates pregnancy. (From *Suwen: Normal Person Pulse Phenomena*)

"Dong" (Movement) is like a bean, quivering. Wang Bing interpreted it as the Hand Shaoyin pulse under the styloid process opposite the little finger, not Taiyuan. Quan Yuanqi interpreted it as Foot Shaoyin, sought within Chi, which aligns well with Chi observing the abdomen.

How to know pregnancy is imminent? The body has symptoms but no pathogenic pulse. (From *Suwen: Abdominal Discussion*) Women relate the uterus to the Kidney. If the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) are equal in Floating/Deep quality and unceasing upon pressure, it indicates pregnancy.

(Shen Youpeng) Note: Individual constitutions vary, and pulses differ. Pregnant women may show Dong pulse or not; may show beating or not. Ultimately, the key is the Chi pulse being firm and distinct from Cun. Some pregnant women have equal Cun and Chi pulses; these should be sought via Floating/Deep quality, specifically unceasing upon pressure, indicating Kidney solidity.

One exhalation, two pulse beats; one inhalation, two pulse beats. At the end of respiration, five beats total, is a Normal person. One exhalation, one beat; one inhalation, one beat, is Short Qi. One exhalation, three beats; one inhalation, three beats, with agitation: Chi Heat indicates Warm Disease; Chi No Heat with Slippery pulse indicates Wind Disease; Choppy pulse indicates Bi syndrome. (Note: The last three phrases apply to the "three beats" scenario). Four beats per exhalation/inhalation or more indicates death. Absent pulse indicates death. Irregular interval indicates death. (From *Suwen: Normal Person Pulse Phenomena*)

The Classic discusses Damage (Sun) and Arrival (Zhi) pulses. Two beats per exhalation is Normal. Three beats is Li Jing (Departing from the Classic). Four beats is Duo Jing (Depriving Essence). Five beats is Death. Six beats is Life Exhaustion. These are Arrival pulses. One beat per exhalation is Li Jing. Two beats per two exhalations is Duo Jing. Three beats per three exhalations is Death. Four beats per four exhalations is Life Exhaustion. These are Damage pulses. Arrival pulses rise from below; Damage pulses descend from above. First Damage affects skin/hair (hair falls). Second Damage affects blood vessels (deficient, unable to nourish Zang-Fu). Third Damage affects muscles (emaciation, food cannot form flesh). Fourth Damage affects tendons (slack, unable to hold). Fifth Damage affects bones (atrophy, unable to rise from bed). Descending from above, inability to rise from bed indicates death. Ascending from below, hair falling indicates death. Treat Lung Damage by benefiting Qi. Treat Heart Damage by regulating Ying and Wei. Treat Spleen Damage by adjusting diet and temperature. Treat Liver Damage by soothing the interior. Treat Kidney Damage by benefiting Essence. This is the method for treating Damage. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 14*)

Li Dongyuan stated: Deficiency diseases involve cold/heat due to deficiency. Cold damages Yang; Upper Damage gradually affects Lower. Treatment uses Acrid, Sweet, and Pale flavors; exceeding the Stomach makes it untreatable. Heat damages Yin; Lower Damage gradually affects Upper. Treatment uses Bitter, Sour, and Salty flavors; exceeding the Spleen makes it untreatable. Damage affecting Lower causes amenorrhea in women. Thus, Heart/Lung damage causes complexion deterioration; Liver/Kidney damage causes physical atrophy; Spleen/Stomach damage causes failure to digest grains. Ye Shi of Wu Men said: Poor appetite and loose stools indicate damage to the Central Region; the disease is already half-way there. This statement is particularly clear.

Three beats per exhalation/inhalation is appropriate for early disease. Anterior Large/Posterior Small indicates headache/dizziness. Anterior Small/Posterior Large indicates chest fullness/shortness of breath. Four beats per exhalation/inhalation indicates worsening disease. Large pulse indicates vexation/fullness. Deep/Fine pulse indicates abdominal pain. Slippery pulse indicates Heat injury. Choppy pulse indicates mist/dew invasion. (Note: These four phrases apply to the "four beats" scenario). Five beats per exhalation/inhalation indicates exhaustion. Deep/Fine worsens at night; Floating/Large worsens by day. Neither Large nor Small, though exhausted, is treatable. Variable size is difficult to treat. Six beats per exhalation/inhalation is death. Deep/Fine dies at night; Floating/Large dies by day. One beat per exhalation/inhalation is named Sun Ren (Damaged Person). Though able to walk, they must lie down due to Qi/Blood deficiency. Two beats per two exhalations/inhalations, though able to walk, will die soon. Named Hunless, also called Walking Corpse. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 14*)

Rapid pulses belong to Fu organs; Slow pulses belong to Zang organs. Rapid indicates Heat; Slow indicates Cold. All Yang is Heat; All Yin is Cold. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 9*)

Shaohan (Cold Damage) has five types: Wind Stroke, Cold Damage, Damp-Warmth, Heat Disease, and Warm Disease. Wind Stroke pulse: Yang Floating/Slippery, Yin Choppy/Weak. Damp-Warmth pulse: Yang Floating/Weak, Yin Small/Urgent. Cold Damage pulse: Yin/Yang both Vigorous/Tight/Choppy. Heat Disease pulse: Yin/Yang both Floating, Floating/Slimy, Deep/Scattered. Warm Disease pulse: Moves through various meridians; identify the affected meridian and diagnose accordingly. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 58*)

Pathogen excess is Excess; Essence depletion is Deficiency. Intestinal dysentery with bloody stool: Body Heat indicates death; Cold indicates survival. Dysentery with white mucus: Deep pulse indicates survival; Floating pulse indicates death. Dysentery with pus/blood: Hanging-Absent pulse indicates death; Slippery/Large pulse indicates survival. Dysentery without Heat and non-hanging-absent pulse: Slippery/Large indicates survival; Hanging-Choppy indicates death. Judge by Zang timing. Epilepsy: Large/Slippery pulse recovers over time; Small/Firm/Urgent is untreatable/death. Xiao Dao (Consumption): Solid/Large pulse is treatable even if chronic; Hanging/Small/Firm is untreatable if chronic. (From *Suwen: Comprehensive Evaluation of Excess and Deficiency*)

Shaoyang pulse: Fluctuates Large/Small, Short/Long. Yangming pulse: Floating/Large/Short. Taiyang pulse: Huge/Long. Taiyin pulse: Tight/Large/Long. Shaoyin pulse: Tight/Fine/Minute. Jueyin pulse: Deep/Short/Round. These are not Normal or Disease pulses, but Wang (Prosperous) pulses. After Winter Solstice, upon receiving Jia Zi, Shaoyang prospers; next Jia Zi, Yangming prospers; next, Taiyang; next, Taiyin; next, Shaoyin; next, Jueyin. Each prospers for 60 days, totaling 360 days for one year. This is the general rule for the prosperity times of the Three Yang and Three Yin. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 7*)

Cun Kou pulse is Normal but the patient dies: The vital energy is solely cut off internally, referring to the Kidney Interstitial Artery pulse. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 8*)

Pulse present at Upper, absent at Lower: Patient should vomit; if not, death ensues. Pulse absent at Upper, present at Lower: Though distressed, no harm will come. The Chi pulse in humans is like roots in trees; even if branches/leaves wither, roots regenerate. Pulses have roots; humans have Yuan Qi, so life is preserved. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 14*)

Classic states: Pulse stops once every 50 beats, indicating one Zang lacks Qi. Which Zang? Inhalation follows Yin entering; Exhalation follows Yang exiting. Now, inhalation cannot reach the Kidney, stopping at the Liver and returning. Thus, the Zang lacking Qi is the Kidney. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 11*)

Rapid, Beating, and Alternating pulses indicate disease in Yang meridians, with discharge and bloody/purulent stool. (From *Suwen: Pulse Essentials*)

Due to fright/shock, pulse may be absent. If mute, it will heal spontaneously without treatment. (From *Suwen: Great Strange Theory*)

For all malaria cases where pulse is not visible, prick bleeding between the ten fingers; bleeding ensures cessation. (From *Ling Shu: Needling Malaria*)

Patient closing eyes, avoiding people: Should obtain Wiry/Long Liver pulse. If instead Floating/Short/Choppy Lung pulse is obtained, death ensues. Patient opening eyes, thirsty, with firm epigastrium: Should obtain Tight/Real/Rapid pulse. If instead Deep/Choppy/Micro pulse is obtained, death ensues. Patient vomiting blood/nosebleed: Should obtain Deep/Fine pulse. If instead Floating/Large/Firm pulse is obtained, death ensues. Patient delirious/speaking wildly, with body heat: Should obtain Huge/Large pulse. If instead extremities are cold and pulse is Deep/Fine/Micro, death ensues. Patient with large abdomen and diarrhea: Should obtain Micro/Fine/Choppy pulse. If instead Tight/Large/Slippery pulse is obtained, death ensues. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 17*)

Right hypochondriac qi accumulation: Lung pulse should be Knotting. Severe knotting = severe accumulation; mild knotting = mild accumulation. If Knotting pulse is not seen, expect Deep/Void pulse. Same method for external chronic diseases. Knotting pulse stops intermittently without regularity. Void pulse runs under tendons. Floating pulse runs above flesh. Left/Right, Interior/Exterior should correspond. If Knotting/Void pulse exists but no interior accumulation, or Floating/Knotting pulse exists but no external chronic disease, or interior accumulation exists without Knotting/Void pulse, or external disease exists without Floating/Knotting pulse, this is Pulse not matching Disease, Disease not matching Pulse, indicating death. (From *Nanjing: Chapter 18*)