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The Yellow Emperor asked: How is pulse diagnosis conducted? Pulse diagnosis is typically performed in the early morning, 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 (Primary Meridians) are not yet full, the Luomai (Collateral Vessels) are harmonious and even, and the Yingqi (Nutritive Qi) and Xue (Blood) are not yet chaotic. Thus, abnormal pulses can be diagnosed. By palpating the movement and stillness of the pulse, observing the clarity of the patient's eyes, examining the five colors of the face, assessing the excess or deficiency of the Zang organs (Solid Organs), the strength or weakness of the Fu organs (Hollow Organs), and the flourishing or declining state of the body, these aspects are cross-referenced to determine the boundary between life and death. Therefore, there is a principle for pulse diagnosis, with emptiness and tranquility serving as the safeguard. This does not apply to patients encountered in sudden emergencies. The physician must clear their mind, maintain inner tranquility and emptiness, regulate breathing, gaze steadily at the patient's eyes, observe facial colors, listen to vocal sounds, inquire about the cause of illness, and only then begin to palpate the Cun (Inch) and Chi (Cubit) positions, distinguishing between Floating (Fu) and Deep (Chen) pulses. Subsequently, observe the patient's physique, including length, leanness, obesity, age, and gender, as temperaments and habits vary. Hence it is said: If the Form (Xing) and Qi (Vital Energy) are in harmony, life prevails; if the three and five elements are discordant, disease arises. For instance, unmarried women and nuns should have a Soft (Ru) and Weak (Ruo) pulse; infants and young children have rapid pulses; children aged three or four should have seven pulse beats per respiration cycle; whereas ordinary adults differ significantly. Generally, men are diagnosed first on the left hand, and women on the right hand; for men, a larger pulse on the left is favorable, while for women, a larger pulse on the right is favorable. In general pulse diagnosis, the middle finger is used to locate the Guan (Bar) position by pressing above the high bone behind the palm (radial styloid process). Once the Guan position is found, the ring and index fingers are placed alongside. If the arm is long, the fingers are spaced wider; if the arm is short, they are placed closer together. With the three fingers stable, the uppermost position is diagnosed first, known as the Cun Kou (Inch Port). It is examined by light pressure (Floating), medium pressure (Middle), and heavy pressure (Deep); also by pushing upwards to the end of the Cun section, downwards to the end of the Chi section, pushing outward to assess exterior conditions, and pushing inward to assess interior conditions. Then, the Guan and Chi sections are examined similarly. If irregularities such as Floating, Deep, Slippery, Choppy, Slow, or Rapid pulses are detected in the three positions, indicating specific diseases, one must analyze external physical signs and internal pulse characteristics to formulate treatment plans and advise the patient faithfully. One must not engage in casual talk, speak irresponsibly, look around distractedly, or act negligently; such behavior characterizes an incompetent physician.

Pulse is divided into three positions: Cun, Guan, and Chi. The Cun position corresponds to Heaven, the Guan position to Humanity, and the Chi position to Earth. The Cun position diagnoses the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), covering diseases from the chest and diaphragm, heart, lungs, pharynx, throat, head, and eyes. The Guan position diagnoses the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), covering diseases from below the chest/diaphragm to the lower abdomen; the Spleen, Stomach, Liver, and Gallbladder reside here. The Chi position diagnoses the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), covering the lower abdomen, waist, kidneys, knees, and feet; the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Bladder reside here. This aligns with the Nei Jing (Inner Canon) principle of "upper diagnosing upper, lower diagnosing lower," reflecting an inherent logical necessity without room for error. Is this diagnostic method not easy to verify?