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Luo Dongyi stated: The medical classics say, "The subtlety lies in the pulse; it must not be neglected." Among all ancient and modern methods of pulse diagnosis, none surpasses the *Neijing* (Inner Canon). The diagnostic methods in the *Neijing* are very detailed, yet the pulse methods are concise. Since Wang Shuhe's *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) emerged, pulse images became complex, categorized into twenty-four types, with names such as "Seven Superficial," "Eight Interior," and "Nine Dao" established, under the assumption that diagnostic methods for diseases were exhausted therein. However, one fails to realize that the more numerous the names and images, the less accurate the diagnostic principles become; seeking precision leads further away from it. This is likely due to ignorance that the pulse is the source of Stomach Qi (Stomach Energy), and its essential Yin-Yang dynamics lie in mutual correspondence. Between vast differences, there is a need for extremely precise observation, but not necessarily for seeking numerous pulse images.

Generally, diagnosing the pulse to seek disease involves only determining the exterior-interior, cold-heat, deficiency-excess, and favorable-unfavorable nature of the disease. The *Neijing* discusses only eight pulses: Floating (Fu), Deep (Chen), Moderate (Huan), Rapid/Urgent (Ji), Large (Da), Small (Xiao), Slippery (Hua), and Choppy (Se). It specifically emphasizes their mutual correspondence, degrees of intensity (slight vs. severe), and extreme disparities (suspended/absolute difference), indicating two levels of difference between them, thereby exhausting the variations of pulse conditions and achieving extreme precision in observation. Later, Zhang Zhongjing combined Yin and Yang to expand the pulses to ten, classifying Floating, Rapid (Shu), Agitated (Dong), Slippery, and Large as Yang pulses, and Deep, Choppy, Weak (Ruo), Wiry (Xian), and Minute (Wei) as Yin pulses. The method of observing Yin and Yang could not be better than this. Thus, the sophistication of pulse diagnosis reached its peak here.

Why is this so? The human congenital foundation is based on Yin and Yang, which in turn are generated by Stomach Qi. Only when the spirit of grain (digestive energy) is vigorous and Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) is sufficient can the pulse circulate. The pulse contains the correct Qi of the congenital Four Seasons and Five Zang Organs, nourished by Stomach Qi, subtly manifesting within. Therefore, the pulse always possesses Shen (Spirit/Vitality), allowing diagnosis via methods of Yin-Yang reversal and compliance. Consequently, applying methods of Yin-Yang reversal and compliance requires first examining Stomach Qi, the Five Zang Organs, and the Four Seasons. Examining Stomach Qi involves assessing its force; examining the Five Zang Organs involves assessing their Shen; examining the Four Seasons involves assessing their compliance.

What is meant by force? When Stomach Qi is in the Three Yang channels, the pulse beats without being floating; when in the Three Yin channels, it beats without being deep. If the pulse is full, round, and forceful, with Yin and Yang harmonized, it is a peaceful Stomach pulse. In the four seasons, interspersed with sighs (deep breaths), resulting in five beats per respiration, where would the disease be? This is called having force. If Stomach Qi declines and dissipates, it will first show signs of beating without force, appearing either floating or deep. What is meant by Shen? The Five Zang Organs have five Shens governing the Five Elements, so the pulse constantly shows a balance of slightly Wiry (Xian), slightly Hook-like (Gou), slightly Soft (Ruan), slightly Hairy (Mao), and slightly Stone-like (Shi) qualities. This is called the "True Zang." If excessive, they invade each other; if weak, they are overcome, leading to loss of Zang Shen; if even more severe, the True Zang pulse appears. This is called having Shen. What is meant by compliance? The Five Zang Organs, relying on Stomach Qi, each dominate during their respective seasons and obey heavenly commands. Thus, Liver dominates Spring, Heart Summer, Lung Autumn, and Kidney Winter, similar to Heaven covering all things, embodying Growth, Flourishing, Transformation, Harvest, and Storage. One organ dominates its season while others follow, without disorder or deviation. This is called compliance. Reversing compliance results in reversal (Ni); reversing the season reverses the Zang, and also reverses Stomach Qi. These three constitute the diagnosis of the disease's root.

Thereupon, one examines Yin and Yang to distinguish soft and hard, knowing the location of compliance and reversal. Therefore, distinguishing Yang reveals the onset time of the disease; distinguishing Yin predicts the period of death or life. This is the great source of diagnosis, which must not be unknown.

Subsequently, there are three methods of significant disparity to understand the disease condition. One method is "Correspondence" (Duì Dài), such as Floating corresponding to Deep, Moderate to Urgent, Large to Small, and Slippery to Choppy. Each pair is unequal and clearly distinguishable. Another method is "Slightness vs. Severity" (Wēi Shèn), deduced from correspondence, identifying excesses or deficiencies, such as severely Floating versus slightly Floating, or severely Deep versus slightly Deep, understood through calm observation. A third method is "Suspended/Absolute Difference" (Xuán Jué), such as excessive (threefold, fourfold) or deficient states that are radically different or non-existent. These are the pulses of Guan Ge (Constraint and Gridlock) and True Zang appearances, which can be observed and distinguished. By discerning correspondence, one observes generation and restriction; by discerning slightness and severity, one observes the interval and severity of illness; by discerning suspended differences, one observes life and death. Furthermore, combining these with Zhang Zhongjing’s Ten Yin-Yang Pulses, the first three methods serve as the warp (vertical axis), and the latter four as the weft (horizontal axis). Without needing numerous pulse names, the mechanisms of life/death and compliance/reversal become clear as pointing at one’s palm.