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Liang Gun from Futang suffered from pain in the heart and spleen for several years without cure, and medication was ineffective. Someone advised him to worship the Huiji Deity (Deity of Filthy Traces) and recite mantras. After a long time, he was told in a dream: "I will give you a good medicine named Yifu Yin (One-Dose Drink). Take equal parts of Galangal Rhizome (Gaoliangjiang) and Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfuzi), process them according to the specific instructions, grind into fine powder, take two qianbi (a traditional measure) each time, administer with warm aged rice water, best taken on an empty stomach, no need for further doses." It proved effective later. He subsequently used it to treat others, all of whom were effective. (Note: *Leibian Baiyi Xuanfang* states that these two herbs must be stir-fried separately, then mixed and stir-fried together; otherwise, it is ineffective.)

Pulse diagnosis is usually performed at dawn (Pingdan), when Yin Qi (Yin Energy) has not yet stirred, Yang Qi (Yang Energy) has not yet dispersed, food and drink have not been ingested, the Jingmai (Meridians) are not yet full, the Luomai (Collaterals) are balanced, and Qi and Blood are not yet disturbed. Therefore, only then can one diagnose abnormal pulses. (From *Qianjin Fang*)

By palpating the pulse's movement and stillness, observing the clarity of the eyes (Jingming), examining the Five Colors, assessing the excess and deficiency of the Zang organs (Solid Organs), the strength and weakness of the Fu organs (Hollow Organs), and the flourishing and declining state of the body form, one can comprehensively determine the division between life and death. (From *Qianjin Fang*)

All twelve Jingmai (Meridians) have pulsating arteries, but only the Cunkou (Inch Position) pulse is taken to decide the life, death, auspiciousness, and inauspiciousness of the Zang and Fu organs. The Cunkou is the great meeting point of the pulses and is the pulsating artery of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. In one exhalation, the pulse moves three cun; in one inhalation, it moves three cun. At the completion of a breath cycle, the pulse moves six cun. A person breathes 13,500 times in a day and night. The pulse circulates fifty cycles around the body, corresponding to 100 ke (water clock units). Ying Qi (Nutritive Energy) and Wei Qi (Defensive Energy) each circulate twenty-five cycles through Yin and Yang respectively to complete one major cycle. Thus, after fifty cycles, they reconvene at the Hand-Taiyin. Taiyin refers to the Cunkou, which marks the beginning and end of the Zang and Fu organs. (From *Qianjin Fang*)

Sun Shangyao said: When diagnosing the pulse, first observe whether the person's height and weight, fat or thin build, are consistent with their Qi condition. If the body form and Qi are harmonious, there is no disease; if disharmonious, there is disease; if depleted, it is critical; if reversed, it is fatal. If the body form and Qi are already reversed, and the pulse shows extreme suspension (Xuanjue), both form and Qi are diseased, and death will occur immediately. For example, a tall person has a long pulse, a short person has a short pulse, a fat person has a thick/full pulse, and a thin person has a rapid/tight pulse; this indicates harmony between form and Qi. However, humans are born of the Five Elements but are often attacked by the Eight Evils (Pathogenic Factors). If illness arises from secondary pathogenic factors rather than primary sequence errors, it is easier to treat; this is called "form and Qi are harmonious." If form and Qi are disharmonious and reversed (e.g., a tall person with a short pulse), treatment will likely fail. This reflects the individual's physiological climate: those without disease will soon fall ill, those with disease are in danger, and those in danger will die. One must be cautious, practice moderation, harmonize Qi, nourish Shen (Spirit), avoid indulgence and negligence, and prevent the depletion of Tianzhen (innate vitality). Deep reflection is required. (From *Jifeng Fang*)