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When the Yang pulse is floating and the Yin pulse is weak, it indicates Blood deficiency (Xuè xū), which leads to tendon tension (Jīn jí). When the pulse is deep (Shēn), it indicates slight Ying Qi (Yíng qì). When the pulse is floating and sweating occurs like flowing pearls, it indicates decline of Wei Qi (Wèi qì).

Commentary: The "floating" in "Yang pulse floating" and the second "floating" in "its pulse is floating" should be "soft" (Rú). If they are "floating," they do not align with the meaning of Wei Qi decline and sweating like flowing pearls. The "deep" in "its pulse is deep" should be "weak" (Ruò). If it is "deep," it does not align with the meaning of Blood deficiency and slight Ying Qi. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

If the pulse is harmonious, yet the person is extremely vexed, and the inner canthus appears yellow, this indicates the disease is about to resolve.

"Chong" should be written as "xun" (smoke/inhale), and "lian" should be written as "jian" (eyelid). (Cheng Fusheng)

The Master said: A patient's family comes requesting a visit, saying the patient has fever and extreme vexation. The next day, when the Master arrives, the patient lies facing the wall; this means the heat has gone. Even if the pulse is naturally disharmonious, one may say the illness has healed.

Commentary: "Disharmonious" should be "naturally harmonious" (Zì hé). If it is disharmonious, how can one say it has healed? It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

When Wei Qi at the Cun Kou (inch position) is excessive, it is called "Gao"; when Ying Qi is excessive, it is called "Zhang." When Gao and Zhang contend, it is called "Gang." When Wei Qi is weak, it is called "She" (fear); when Ying Qi is weak, it is called "Bei." When She and Bei contend, it is called "Sun." When Wei Qi is harmonious, it is called "Huan"; when Ying Qi is harmonious, it is called "Chi." When Huan and Chi contend, it is called "Chen."

Commentary: The "Chen" in "called Chen" should be "Qiang" (strong). This can be understood by playing with the following text; it should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

At the Zu Yang (foot Yangming) pulse, tightness and floating indicate that floating represents Qi disorder and tightness represents Cold; floating causes abdominal fullness, and tightness causes colic pain. When floating and tight contend, intestinal sounds occur and rotation happens; rotation leads to Qi movement, and Diaphragm Qi then descends. If the Shao Yin pulse does not emerge, the yin organs swell and feel empty.

Commentary: The "empty" in "yin organs swell and feel empty" should be changed to "pain." Careful consideration will reveal this. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

For those who habitually suffer from wheezing/coughing, Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) added with Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) and Xing Zi (Apricot Seed) is excellent.

"Excellent" is alternatively read as "Ren." (Wei Litong)

In Taiyang disease that has not resolved, if both Yin and Yang pulses appear stagnant, there must first be chills/shivering, followed by sweating for resolution. If only the Yang pulse is slightly weak, resolution comes through sweating first; if only the Yin pulse is slightly weak, resolution comes through purgation. If purgation is desired, Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (Regulate the Stomach and Direct to the Interior Decoction) is suitable.

There is no character "Ting" (stagnant) in pulse methods; it is suspected to mean "deep and stagnant without rising," which is the meaning of the word "Wei" (slight/weak) below. "Wei" here carries the meaning of "Ting," differing from "Wei Ruo" (weak and feeble); if it were weak and feeble, sweating or purgation would not be indicated again. (*Shang Han Lei Fang*)

In Taiyang Wind Strike, accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting/reversal, once the exterior is resolved, one may attack the interior. If the person sweats continuously (Se han chu), attacks occur at fixed times, headache is present, epigastric region feels hard and full, pain radiates to the hypochondrium, dry retching and shortness of breath occur, sweating is present without aversion to cold, this indicates the exterior is resolved but the interior is not harmonized; Shi Zao Tang (Ten Jujube Decoction) governs this.

Commentary: The "Xia" (down/diarrhea) in "Xia Li" (diarrhea) should be "Bu" (not). If it were diarrhea, how could one use the harsh agent Shi Zao Tang for simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea! Only when stool is difficult to pass, with hardness and fullness/pain, does it belong to interior disease. When urination is difficult, with vomiting/reversal and shortness of breath, it belongs to fluid retention disease, allowing for harsh attack. The "Zuo" (action/start) in "Fa Zuo" (attack/occur) should be "Re" (heat), which aligns with the meaning of Taiyang Yang-evil Heat and Fluid Retention. Without heat-induced sweating, it would be a Shaoyin Yin-evil Cold Fluid Retention pattern treated by Zhen Wu Tang. Moreover, "Zuo" does not fit the context of surrounding sentences; it should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In the modification rules for Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Green Dragon Decoction), if there is choking/gagging, remove Ma Huang (Ephedra) and add one Fu Zi (Aconite).

"Ye" (choking) was anciently written as KT. According to *Nei Jing*, there is no character "Ye"; it is suspected to be a mild form of hiccup (E ni). (*Shang Han Lei Fang*)

In Taiyang disease, on the second or third day, inability to lie down but desire to rise indicates binding in the epigastrium. If the pulse is weak and fine, this originally indicates Cold accumulation (Han fen). If purged incorrectly, and diarrhea stops, Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) will likely develop; if diarrhea continues, and on the fourth day purgation is applied again, this becomes Xie Re Li (Collateral Heat Diarrhea).

Commentary: The "Fu" (again) in "Si Ri Fu Xia Zhi" (on the fourth day purge again) should be "Li" (diarrhea). Since the text says diarrhea has not stopped, how could there be a reason to purge again? It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Shang Han (Cold Damage), if there is no bowel movement for six or seven days, accompanied by headache and fever, administer Cheng Qi Tang (Directed-to-the-Interior Decoction). If urine is clear, knowing the pathogen is not in the interior but still in the exterior, sweating should be induced. If there is headache, nasal bleeding (Nu) will likely occur; Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is suitable.

Commentary: The "Ruo" (if) in "Ruo Tou Tong" (if headache) should be "Ku" (bitter/suffering). Bitter headache is the sign for certain nasal bleeding. If it is "if," then any headache would cause bleeding; it should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Shang Han, if fever persists despite sweating, with epigastric hardness, vomiting, and diarrhea, Da Chai Hu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) governs this.

Commentary: The "Xia" (down/diarrhea) in "Xia Li" (diarrhea) should be "Bu" (not). If it were diarrhea, how could one still use Da Chai Hu Tang to purge? It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Taiyang disease, with fever and a deep, fine pulse, it is named Jing (Spasm/Stiffness).

Jing means stiffness. Characters written differently are errors in transcription. (*Shang Han Fen Jing*)

In Yangming disease, if the pulse is floating and tight, tidal fever (Chao re) occurring at fixed times is certain. If only floating, night sweating (Dao han) is certain.

Commentary: Spontaneous sweating (Zi han) is a Yangming sign; night sweating is a Shaoyang sign. Night sweating should be spontaneous sweating for the text to make sense. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Yangming Wind Strike, the pulse is wiry, floating, and large, accompanied by shortness of breath, general abdominal fullness, pain in the hypochondrium and heart region, obstruction of Qi upon prolonged pressing, dry nose, inability to sweat, drowsiness, jaundice of the whole body and face, difficult urination, tidal fever, frequent hiccups, and swelling around the ears. After acupuncture, slight improvement occurs, but the exterior remains unresolved. If the disease lasts over ten days and the pulse continues to float, give Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). If only floating without other symptoms, give Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction). If there is no urination, increased abdominal fullness, and hiccups, it is untreatable.

Commentary: The "Fu" (float) in "Xu Fu" (continues to float) should be "Xian" (wiry), to match the pulse method for San Yang He Bing (Combined Disease of Three Yangs). If it is "float," then the upper float suits Xiao Chai Hu Tang, and the lower float uses Ma Huang Tang, which is contradictory. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Shang Han, after erroneous vomiting or purgation, if the disease persists, with no bowel movement for five to six days, extending to ten-plus days, tidal fever occurs at dusk (Bu Suo), without aversion to cold, and the patient speaks alone as if seeing ghosts. In severe cases, during attacks, the patient does not recognize people, grasps at clothing and beds, is terrified and uneasy, has slight panting and fixed staring. If the pulse is slippery (Hua), survival is possible; if choppy (Se), death ensues. In mild cases, with only fever and delirium (Zhan Yu), Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Directed-to-the-Interior Decoction) governs this. If one dose results in loose stools, stop taking the remaining medicine.

Commentary: The "Xian" (wiry) in "Mai Xian Zhe Sheng" (puls wiry implies life) should be "Hua" (slippery). Wiry is a Yin-deficient pulse; how can it imply life? Only the slippery pulse is Yang and implies vitality. Furthermore, slippery means unobstructed, while choppy means obstructed. By nature, things live through unobstruction and die through obstruction. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Taiyang disease, after passing the meridian stage for over ten days, if there is a feeling of nausea in the heart/chest and chest pain, with loose stools instead of constipation, slight abdominal fullness, and suppressed mild vexation: if prior to this, the patient had undergone extreme vomiting and purgation, give Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (Regulate the Stomach and Direct to the Interior Decoction). If not so, do not give it; if only desiring to vomit, with chest pain and slight looseness, this is not a Chai Hu syndrome; due to vomiting, we know extreme vomiting/purgation occurred.

"Wen Wen" should be "Yun Yun" (warm/uncomfortable). There is missing text after "yi ou" (due to vomiting). (Wang Yutai)

Originally Taiyang disease unresolved, transferring to Shaoyang: hardness/fullness under the hypochondrium, dry retching, inability to eat, alternating chills and fever. If not yet vomited or purged, and the pulse is deep and tight, give Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). If already subjected to vomiting, purgation, sweating, or warm needling, resulting in delirium, and Chai Hu signs have ceased, this is a Ruined Disease (Huai Bing). Determine what error was made and treat according to the method.

Commentary: "Deep and tight" should be "Deep and wiry" (Chen Xian). If deep and tight, it indicates Cold solid in the chest requiring emesis. Only with a deep and wiry pulse does it align with the preceding text, allowing Xiao Chai Hu Tang. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Shang Han, after five or six days, with head sweating, slight aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, epigastric fullness, lack of desire to eat, hard stools, and a deep, fine pulse, this is Yang Minor Binding (Yang Wei Jie). There must be an exterior component, and also an interior component. Deep pulse indicates interior involvement. Sweating indicates slight Yang; if it were Pure Yin Binding, there would be no exterior signs, all entering the interior. This is half-interior, half-exterior. Although the pulse is deep and tight, it cannot be considered Shaoyin disease. Why? Yin patterns do not have sweating; now with head sweating, we know it is not Shaoyin. One may give Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction); if still uncomfortable, passage of stool brings resolution.

Commentary: "Fine pulse" should be "Deep and fine pulse." Observing the latter part of this clause, "Pulse deep also in interior," the word "also" reveals this; it should be supplemented. The "tight" in "Although pulse is deep and tight" should be "fine." Observing the former part of this clause, there is no mention of "tight"; how can one say "although deep and tight"? What is the point of "although"? It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

The presentation resembles Shang Han, but the pulse is not wiry/tight but weak. Weakness implies thirst; if fire therapy is applied, delirium will occur. Weakness with fever and floating pulse: resolving it requires sweating for recovery.

Commentary: All three instances of "weak" should be "rapid" (Shu). If weak, where would the heat come from? Not only does the text not align, such a statement does not exist in the treatise. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

Er Yang Bing (Combined Disease of Two Yangs): At the beginning of Taiyang disease, sweating was induced, but the sweat was not thorough, leading to transfer to Yangming. Continued slight sweating without aversion to cold. If Taiyang signs persist, purgation is contraindicated; purging is adverse. In such cases, slight sweating may be induced. If the face is uniformly red, Yang Qi is constrained in the exterior; release it via fumigation. If sweating was not thorough, this is insufficient to explain; Yang Qi is constrained and cannot vent. Sweat should have been induced but wasn't; the person is restless/vexed, unaware of pain location, sometimes in abdomen, sometimes in limbs, unable to locate upon pressing, short of breath, preferring to sit. This is due to incomplete sweating; inducing sweat again cures it. How do we know sweating was incomplete? Because the pulse is choppy.

Commentary: "Fumigate" should be "with sweat" (Yi han). This aligns with the context. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

San Yang He Bing (Combined Disease of Three Yangs): Pulse is floating and large, reaching the Guan position. The patient desires sleep, and sweating occurs when eyes are closed.

Commentary: The "Shang" (up) in "Floating and Large Shang Guan" should be "Xian" (wiry), matching the pulse for Combined Disease of Three Yangs. If "up," there is no principle in classics stating both Cun positions govern Three Yang diseases. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Shang Han, initial fever for six days, followed by nine days of reversal and diarrhea. Generally, those with reversal and diarrhea cannot eat. Now, the ability to eat suggests Chu Zhong (Elimination of Middle). Feed Su Bing (noodles/wheat cakes); if no fever follows, stomach Qi remains, and recovery is certain. Fear of sudden heat appearing and disappearing. Check pulse after three more days; if heat continues, recovery is expected at dawn/midnight. Why? Originally fever for six days, reversal for nine days, plus three days of fever makes nine days total, matching the reversal period, hence recovery at dawn/midnight. Check pulse after another three days; if rapid and heat persists, excess heat will cause carbuncle/pus formation.

Commentary: The "Bu" (not) in "Bu Fa Re Zhe" (if not feverish) should be "Ruo" (if). If "not," it is Chu Zhong; why follow with fear of sudden heat appearing and disappearing? It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

Aversion to cold, faint pulse, and recurring diarrhea. If diarrhea stops, it indicates Blood loss; Si Ni Jia Ren Shen Tang (Counterflow Decoction with Ginseng) governs this.

Commentary: How can strong hot tonics be used for stopping diarrhea and blood loss? "Stops" should be "does not stop"; "Blood loss" should be "Yang collapse." It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Shang Han, originally suffering from Cold Downward, if the physician erroneously applies vomiting and purgation, Cold rejection causes further reversal of vomiting and diarrhea. If food is vomited immediately upon entry, Gan Jiang Huang Lian Huang Qin Ren Shen Tang (Dried Ginger, Coptis, Scutellaria, and Ginseng Decoction) governs this.

Commentary: Classics contain no disease or text called "Cold Downward." Playing with the following text "Cold rejection causes further reversal..."可知 the "Xia" (down) in "Han Xia" should be "Ge" (reject/block). This aligns the meaning. Commentators interpret it as Stomach Cold diarrhea, which misaligns with the text and contradicts the properties of Huang Qin and Huang Lian. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Shang Han, faint pulse and reversal cold. By the seventh or eighth day, skin is cold, and the person is restless with no moment of peace; this is Zang Reversal (Zang Jue), not Hui Jue (Roundworm Reversal). In Hui Jue, the person typically vomits roundworms. Now, the patient is quiet but occasionally vexed; this is Zang Cold. Roundworms move up into the diaphragm, causing vexation, which ceases shortly. After eating, vomiting and vexation recur because the smell of food drives out the worms; the person will likely vomit roundworms. Hui Jue is governed by Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill), which also treats chronic diarrhea.

Commentary: The "Ci" (this) in "Ci Wei Zang Han" (this is Zang Cold) should be "Fei" (not). If "this," it is Zang Jue. This contradicts the distinction of Hui Jue. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

In Shang Han, after five or six days, no Chest Binding, soft abdomen, deficient pulse, and recurring reversal cold: do not purge. This is Blood loss; purging leads to death.

Commentary: "Chest Binding" should be "Stool." No chest binding, soft abdomen, deficient pulse, and reversal cold provide no reason to purge. Saying "do not purge" is meaningless here. It should be corrected. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)

Question: How to distinguish retained food disease? Master said: Cun Kou pulse is floating and large; pressing reveals roughness; Chi position is also slightly rough. Thus, retained food is known; purgation is indicated, preferably Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Directed-to-the-Interior Decoction).

Commentary: The "Wei" (slight) in "Chi Zhong Wei" should be "Da" (large). If slight, purgation is absolutely contraindicated. (*Yi Zong Jin Jian*)