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Diseases present as deficiency and excess of the Zang organs, deficiency and excess of the Fu organs, deficiency and excess of the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), and deficiency and excess of the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner). Their manifestations differ significantly and require deep investigation. Intestinal murmurs with Qi movement, cold feet and hands, food failing to enter the stomach, frequent vomiting and regurgitation, emaciated skin and hair, wrinkled muscles, deafness and blindness, broken and scattered speech, panting and urgency during walking, and loss of spiritual essence constitute the deficiency syndrome of the Five Zang Organs. Upon pulse diagnosis, the pulse feels active when lifted lightly but becomes faint upon heavy pressure. By observing any specific pulse position, one can determine which Zang organ is affected. Furthermore, if the pulse feels deep, small, weak, minute, short, choppy, soft, or soggy upon palpation, all indicate Zang deficiency. The treatment principle for deficiency is tonification, which is the standard approach.

Excessive food intake, difficulty in urination and defecation, chest and diaphragm fullness and oppression, pain in limbs and joints, heaviness of the body, dizziness of head and eyes, swollen lips, blocked throat, urgent Qi in the intestines, insensitivity of skin and flesh, sudden onset of panting and fatigue, occasional alternating chills and fever, concurrent appearance of sores and carbuncles, intermittent episodes of sadness or joy, spontaneous flaccidity or excessive strength, unsmooth Qi flow, and stagnant blood circulation constitute the excess syndrome of the Zang organs. Upon pulse diagnosis, a pulse that is vigorous both upon light lifting and heavy pressing indicates excess. Additionally, pulses that are long, floating, rapid, hurried, surging, tight, wiry, or large are all termed excess. One must observe which meridian is involved to diagnose the specific Zang organ.

Headache with red eyes, hot skin but cold bones, relaxed and weak hands and feet, congestion of Blood and Qi, recurrence of erysipelas-like tumors, swelling and pain in the throat, pain upon light pressure but relief upon heavy pressure, and normal appetite characterize the excess syndrome of the Fu organs. Upon pulse diagnosis, a pulse that is floating and solid-large confirms this condition. Itching of the skin, distension of muscles, indigestion, and slippery, uncontrollable diarrhea characterize the deficiency syndrome of the Fu organs. Upon pulse diagnosis, a slippery pulse is felt with light pressure, while a normal pulse is felt with heavy pressure. Treatment should be guided by identifying the affected meridian to correct the timing and method.

Stuffiness and fullness in the chest and diaphragm, piercing pain in the head and eyes, inability to eat, heaviness and dizziness in the brain and neck, dysphagia, thick and sticky sputum and nasal discharge, with a pulse that is deep, solid, firm, and large at the Cun (inch) positions on both left and right wrists, indicates the excess syndrome of the Upper Jiao. Red cheeks, palpitations, trembling movements, hoarse voice, dry and cracked lips and mouth, panting and weakness, pale complexion, and swelling of the chin and jaw, with a pulse that is weak and minute at the left and right Cun positions, indicates the deficiency syndrome of the Upper Jiao. Difficulty in urination and defecation with normal diet, heavy waist and legs, and abdominal pain, with a pulse that is hidden and choppy at the Chi (cubit) positions on both left and right wrists, indicates the excess syndrome of the Lower Jiao. Difficulty in urination and defecation, fluctuating appetite, heavy waist and legs, sensation of sitting in water, difficult walking, upward rushing of Qi, and fearful dreams, with a pulse that is slippery and choppy at the left and right Chi positions, indicates the deficiency syndrome of the Lower Jiao. A patient presenting with micro, choppy, short, and small pulses generally falls under the category of Lower Jiao deficiency.