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Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) originates between the anterior and posterior yin orifices, ascends to the pubic hair margin, and travels along the midline of the abdomen. Above the central thyroid cartilage in the neck, it descends to the depression below the lower lip ridge, a point named Chengjiang (CV24).
[Note] Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) originates at the midpoint between the anterior and posterior yin orifices, proceeds forward past the transverse bone, ascends to the pubic hair margin, travels straight up along the midline of the abdomen from there, continues upward to the center above the thyroid cartilage in the neck, and terminates at the depression below the lower lip ridge.

Du Mai (Governing Vessel) originates at the end of the coccyx, travels posteriorly along the spine, back, waist, brain, and vertex. Anteriorly, it follows the midline of the nasal column, terminating in the gum seam between the upper incisors inside the lips.
[Note] Du Mai (Governing Vessel) originates at the end of the coccyx, travels posteriorly along the midline of the spine, ascends to the center of the vertex, proceeds anteriorly to the philtrum below the nose, and terminates in the midline seam between the upper incisors inside the lips.

Song on Pulse Locations
The pulse is the blood vessel, connecting all bones and tissues throughout the body. The Cun Kou (Radial Artery) is the meeting place of all pulses. The prominent bone behind the palm is named Guan (Gate), with Cun (Inch) located anterior to it and Chi (Cubit) posterior to it.
[Note] The pulse is the residence of blood. Blood vessels throughout the body circulate and connect; all twelve meridians have arterial pulses. Only the Cun Kou (Radial Artery) is palpated because, at each Yin hour, the Qi of all meridians ascends and converges in the Lung, hence it is called the Zong (Chief) pulse. There is a prominent bone behind the palm, situated between the Chi (Cubit) and Cun (Inch) positions, named Guan (Gate). The position anterior to Guan is named Cun (Inch); the position posterior to Guan is named Chi (Cubit). The names "Chi" and "Cun" refer to the distance: one Cun (Inch) long from Guan to the Thenar eminence, and one Chi (Cubit) long from Guan to the Chize acupoint (LU5), thus the names are derived.

Song on Pulse Distribution to Organs
The Upper Jiao (Upper Burner) is inspected at Cun (Inch); the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner) at Chi (Cubit); the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner) at the two Guan (Gate) positions. The Left Cun corresponds to the Pericardium and Heart; the Left Guan to the Gallbladder and Liver; the Left Chi to the Bladder, Small Intestine, and Kidney. The Right Cun corresponds to the Chest and Lung; the Right Guan to the Stomach and Spleen; the Right Chi to the Large Intestine and Kidney.
[Note] The pulses of both Cuns inspect the Upper Jiao (Chest); the pulses of both Guans inspect the Middle Jiao (Diaphragm); the pulses of both Chis inspect the Lower Jiao (Abdomen). The Left Cun pulse, superficially (Floating), inspects the Pericardium; deeply (Sinking), it inspects the Heart. The Left Guan pulse, superficially, inspects the Gallbladder; deeply, it inspects the Liver. The Left Chi pulse, superficially, inspects the Bladder and Small Intestine; deeply, it inspects the Kidney. The Right Cun pulse, superficially, inspects the Chest; deeply, it inspects the Lung. The Right Guan pulse, superficially, inspects the Stomach; deeply, it inspects the Spleen. The Right Chi pulse, superficially, inspects the Large Intestine; deeply, it also inspects the Kidney. This follows the Three-Position Pulse Diagnosis method of the Nei Jing (Inner Canon). Apocryphal texts incorrectly associate the Large Intestine and Small Intestine with Cun, and the San Jiao (Triple Burner) and Ming Men (Gate of Life) with Chi, completely ignoring the Pericardium; these are erroneous. Hua Shou correctly held that the Left Chi inspects the Small Intestine and Bladder, and the Right Chi inspects the Large Intestine. This is a unique insight of the ages and should be followed.

Song on Floating and Sinking Pulses
A Floating pulse rises from the muscle surface; a Sinking pulse descends from within the muscle. Floating at the skin level belongs to the Lung; floating in the blood vessels belongs to the Heart. Sinking in the tendons belongs to the Liver; sinking in the bones belongs to the Kidney. Muscle lies between floating and sinking and belongs to the Spleen; its pulse is inspected in the middle.
[Commentary] The Su Wen (Plain Questions) states: "On both sides inside the Chi area are the hypochondrium. Outside the Chi area inspects the Kidney; inside inspects the Abdomen. Attached to the middle, outside on the left inspects the Liver; inside inspects the Diaphragm. Outside on the right inspects the Stomach; inside inspects the Spleen. Attached to the upper, outside on the right inspects the Lung; inside inspects the Chest. Outside on the left inspects the Heart; inside inspects the Dan Zhong." However, exterior inspects Fu organs, interior inspects Zang organs, as confirmed by the Nei Jing and pulse books. Why single out the Spleen and Stomach saying "outside on the right inspects the Stomach, inside inspects the Spleen"? The phrase "outside on the right inspects the Stomach, inside inspects the Spleen" should be considered correct. The "outside" character in "outside of Chi" should be "inside"; the "inside" character in "inside of Chi" should be "outside". Similarly, the "inside" and "outside" characters for the left and right at the middle and upper attachments should be corrected. Therefore, we do not follow the old diagrams to conform to the meaning of interior inspecting Zang and exterior inspecting Fu.
[Note] A pulse rising from the muscle surface is called Floating; a pulse descending from within the muscle is called Sinking. Both Heart and Lung pulses manifest as Floating. Obtained at the skin and hair level is the Lung's floating pulse; obtained at the blood vessel level is the Heart's floating pulse. Hence, "skin floating belongs to Lung, blood floating belongs to Heart." Both Liver and Kidney pulses manifest as Sinking. Obtained at the tendon level is the Liver's sinking pulse; obtained at the bone level is the Kidney's sinking pulse. Hence, "tendon sinking belongs to Liver, bone sinking belongs to Kidney." Muscle lies between floating and sinking and belongs to the Spleen. Its pulse is inspected in the middle, hence "inspected in the middle." All pulses named by location are governed by Floating and Sinking. Thus, Floating and Sinking serve as the outline to govern the Ru (Soft), Ruo (Weak), Kou (Scallion-stem), Fu (Hidden), Lao (Deep-firm), Ge (Leather), Xu (Deficient), Shi (Excess), Wei (Minute), and San (Scattered) pulses.

Song on Ru, Ruo, Kou, Fu, Lao, and Ge Pulses
Floating without force is Ru (Soft) or Ruo (Weak); middle pressure without force is Kou (Scallion-stem); sinking to the extreme at bone and tendon is Fu (Hidden); extreme force at floating is Ge (Leather), and at sinking is Lao (Deep-firm).
[Note] Floating without force is called Ru (Soft) pulse; sinking without force is called Ruo (Weak) pulse. Forceful at floating and sinking, but without force at middle pressure, resembling a scallion stem, is called Kou (Scallion-stem) pulse. Sinking to the extreme, pushed to bone and tendon, felt only upon pressing, is called Fu (Hidden) pulse. Extremely forceful at floating is called Ge (Leather) pulse; extremely forceful at sinking is called Lao (Deep-firm) pulse.

Song on Xu, Shi, Wei, and San Pulses
Forceful at all three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) is Shi (Excess) pulse; without force at all three positions is Xu (Deficient) pulse; without force at all three positions and small, seeming present yet absent, is Wei (Minute) pulse; without force at all three positions and large, loose and uncollected, is San (Scattered) pulse.
[Note] Forceful at Floating, Middle, and Sinking positions is called Shi (Excess) pulse. Without force at Floating, Middle, and Sinking positions is called Xu (Deficient) pulse. Without force at Floating, Middle, and Sinking positions, feeling small upon pressing, seeming present yet absent, is called Wei (Minute) pulse. Without force at Floating, Middle, and Sinking positions, feeling large upon pressing, loose and uncollected, is called San (Scattered) pulse.

Song on Chi, Shu, Huan, Ji, Jie, Cu, and Dai Pulses
Three beats per respiration is Chi (Slow); six beats is Shu (Rapid); four beats is Huan (Moderate); seven beats is Ji (Fast). Huan pulse with intermittent stops is Jie (Knotted); Shu pulse with intermittent stops is Cu (Hasty); stops that are difficult to recover from are Dai (Intermittent) pulse.
[Note] One exhalation and one inhalation constitute one respiration (Xi). Three beats per respiration is called Chi (Slow) pulse. Four beats per respiration is called Huan (Moderate) pulse. Six beats per respiration is called Shu (Rapid) pulse. Seven beats per respiration is called Ji (Fast) pulse. When the Huan pulse has a pause during beating, it is called Jie (Knotted) pulse. When the Shu pulse has a pause during beating, it is called Cu (Hasty) pulse. For Jie and Cu pulses, the beating stops but cannot self-recover, which is called Dai (Intermittent) pulse. All pulses named by frequency are governed by Chi and Shu. Thus, Chi and Shu serve as the outline to govern the Huan, Ji, Jie, Cu, and Dai pulses.

Song on Hua, Se, Xian, Jin, Hong, Xi, Da, Chang, Duan, and Dong Pulses
Hua (Slippery) pulse flows like beads rolling,不定 (uncertain/unfixed); Se (Choppy) pulse is stagnant and difficult to move; Xian (Bowstring) pulse is straight, thin, and forceful; Jin (Taut) pulse is coarser than Xian, forceful, and elastic. Hong (Surging) pulse comes vigorously and deploys weakly; Xi (Fine) pulse is like a thread; Da (Large) pulse is broad and open; Chang (Long) pulse extends far; Duan (Short) pulse is contracted; Dong (Moving) pulse resembles a bean, trembling and shifting.
[Note] Shape like a bead, slippery and uncertain, is called Hua (Slippery) pulse. Stagnant and difficult to advance or retreat is called Se (Choppy) pulse. Shape like a bowstring, thin and straight, forceful upon pressing, is called Xian (Bowstring) pulse. Coarser than Xian, forceful upon pressing, and flicking left and right is called Jin (Taut) pulse. Coming strongly to the finger and departing weakly is called Hong (Surging) pulse. Soft and straight like a thread is called Xi (Fine) pulse. Broad and open is called Da (Large) pulse. Extending far in coming and going is called Chang (Long) pulse. Contracted in coming and going is called Duan (Short) pulse. Shape like a bean, trembling and immobile is called Dong (Moving) pulse. All pulses named by shape are governed by Hua and Se. Thus, Hua and Se serve as the outline to govern the Xian, Jin, Hong, Xi, Da, Chang, Duan, and Dong pulses.

Song on Yong Seeing Ju Pulse and Ju Seeing Yong Pulse
Yong (Abscess) pulse should be Hong (Surging), Da (Large), and Shu (Rapid); if Jie (Knotted) and Duan (Short) appear, suppuration is difficult. Ju (Carbuncle) pulse should best be Chen (Sinking) and Ruo (Weak); if Fu (Floating), Da (Large), and San (Scattered) appear, life returns to the spring (death).
[Note] Yong is Yang toxin and should show Yang pulses. If Hong, Da, and Shu appear, the toxin easily suppurates. If Jie and Duan appear, it indicates Yin stagnation and Qi deficiency, hence "suppuration is difficult." Ju is Yin toxin, and the pulse should be Chen and Ruo, which is a favorable pulse. If Fu, Da, and San appear, it indicates Yang collapse and Qi failure, hence "life returns to the spring."

Song on Fu Pulse in Yong and Ju
The principle of Fu (Hidden) pulse in Yong and Ju should be understood. Toxin blocks the meridians, causing the six pulses to stop. If the syndrome shows no ominous signs, penetration and dispersal therapy is suitable; once Qi connects, the pulse channel naturally flows.
[Note] In both Yong and Ju conditions, Fu pulse appears due to toxin blocking the meridians and stagnation of Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi, causing the six pulses to cease and become hidden. If the syndrome shows no ominous signs, it is not a death pulse. Treatment should focus on penetrating the meridians and disseminating Ying and Wei Qi, allowing Qi to flow freely so that the pulse channel naturally functions.

Song on Floating Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Floating pulse in Swollen Ulcer suggests deficiency or wind-cold in the exterior; after ulceration, floating pulse indicates Qi leaking outward, requiring frequent tonification.
[Note] Floating pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates either Qi and Blood deficiency or wind-cold in the exterior; treatment must be based on detailed syndrome differentiation. Floating pulse after ulceration indicates Qi leaking outward; tonic treatment is necessary for proper management.

Song on Sinking and Slow Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Sinking pulse in Swollen Ulcer often indicates toxin blockage; after ulceration, sinking pulse indicates toxin remaining internally. Weakness requires checking for internal toxin collapse; Slow indicates cold, Rapid indicates heat, which must be distinguished.
[Note] Sinking pulse in Swollen Ulcer, when inappropriate, is caused by toxin blockage. Sinking pulse after ulceration indicates toxin remaining internally. If sinking and weak, internal deficiency with toxin collapse is feared, requiring careful examination: sinking and slow indicates concomitant cold; sinking and rapid indicates concomitant heat, which must be differentiated.

Song on Rapid Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Rapid pulse in Swollen Ulcer suits Heat Toxin; rapid with surging indicates impending suppuration. After ulceration, surging indicates disease progression; rapid and surging after pus discharge means treatment is ineffective.
[Note] Rapid pulse in Swollen Ulcer, especially with surging during suppuration, is appropriate. Surging after ulceration, or rapid and surging after pus discharge, indicates excess pathogen and deficient healthy Qi, opposite to the expected pulse, disease progresses daily, and treatment is futile.

Song on Slippery Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Slippery pulse in Swollen Ulcer is still favorable; phlegm in early stage should be treated. After ulceration, excessive phlegm fears Qi exhaustion; asthma and toxin collapse signal death.
[Note] Slippery pulse indicates free flow. Early Swollen Ulcer with slippery pulse and no phlegm is favorable. If phlegm exists, treating phlegm is urgent to prevent post-ulceration phlegm accumulation, Qi exhaustion, asthma, and toxin collapse leading to death.

Song on Choppy Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Choppy pulse in Swollen Ulcer belongs to toxin stagnation; forceful indicates Excess, weak indicates Deficiency. Choppy pulse after ulceration indicates Blood injury; urgently tonify Qi and Blood without delay.
[Note] Choppy pulse indicates stagnation. Choppy pulse in early Swollen Ulcer indicates Qi and Blood stagnated by toxin. Forceful upon pressing indicates Excess toxin stagnation; weak indicates Healthy Qi damage and Deficiency, which must be distinguished. Choppy pulse after ulceration indicates insufficient Blood due to injury; urgently tonify Qi and Blood without delay.

Song on Deficient and Excess Pulse in Swolved Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Deficient pulse in Swollen Ulcer favors internal support; internal deficiency after ulceration requires major tonification. Excess pulse in Swollen Ulcer favors dispersion; excess pulse after ulceration indicates uncleared toxin.
[Note] Deficient pulse in non-ulcerated Swollen Ulcer requires no attacking toxin, only internal support; Deficient pulse after ulceration requires urgent major tonification to conclude treatment. Excess pulse in non-ulcerated Swollen Ulcer requires detoxification and dispersion; Excess pulse after ulceration indicates toxin remains uncleared.

Song on Long Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Long pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates surplus; dispersive formulas can be applied freely. Long pulse after ulceration indicates regulated Qi, smooth and harmonious, requiring no medical intervention.
[Note] Long pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates sufficient Qi and Blood; dispersive formulas may be used arbitrarily. Long pulse after ulceration indicates smooth Qi flow, hence "Qi regulated," healing spontaneously without medicine.

Song on Short Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Short pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates Yuan Qi deficiency; major tonifying formulas are suitable. Short pulse after ulceration indicates severe deficiency; if short persists after tonification, death is certain.
[Note] Short pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates Yuan Qi deficiency, requiring major tonifying formulas. Short pulse after ulceration indicates severe deficiency; if the pulse remains short after tonification, it is a failing syndrome, and death is inevitable.

Song on Surging Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Surging pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates Yang Heat excess; clearing heat and attacking toxin will succeed. Surging pulse after ulceration indicates toxin retained internally; if treatment fails to reduce it,凶 (ominous) outcome is natural.
[Note] Surging pulse in non-ulcerated Swollen Ulcer indicates Heat excess; clearing heat and attacking toxin methods are applicable. Surging pulse after ulceration indicates Pathogen excess. If pulse remains surging after medication, it indicates Deficient Healthy Qi and Excess Pathogen, and the ominous outcome is unavoidable.

Song on Minute Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Minute pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates Deficient syndrome; internal support and receiving tonification lead to recovery. Minute pulse after ulceration is favorable, but minute, fine, and spiritless is viewed as Ominous.
[Note] Minute pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates Deficient syndrome; internal support tonics are primary, and recovery occurs only if the patient receives tonification. Minute pulse after ulceration is generally favorable, but if minute, fine, and spiritless upon pressing, the root is depleted, and it should be viewed as an Ominous syndrome.

Song on Moving and Taut Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Moving and Taut pulse before Swollen Ulcer eruption indicates toxin attacking meridians externally. Appearance after ulceration indicates toxin attacking viscera internally; this is a residual harmful syndrome, not light.
[Note] Moving and Taut pulses in Swollen Ulcer indicate toxin attacking meridians externally. Appearance after ulceration indicates toxin attacking viscera internally. Moving and Taut are harmful pulses; their appearance after ulceration is unfavorable, hence "syndrome is not light."

Song on Moderate Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Moderate pulse in Swollen Ulcer needs no medicine; gentle and leisurely is most auspicious. Moderate pulse after ulceration indicates good Stomach function; regular bowel movements and diet ensure natural health.
[Note] Moderate pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates harmonious Qi and Blood, a sign of natural recovery without medicine. Moderate pulse after ulceration indicates harmonious Stomach, sweet appetite, regulated bowels, and natural health.

Song on Scallion-stem and Bowstring Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Scallion-stem pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates original Blood deficiency; appearance after ulceration is logical. Bowstring pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates pain from pathogen; Bowstring after ulceration indicates pathogen affecting Spleen.
[Note] Scallion-stem pulse in non-ulcerated Swollen Ulcer indicates inherent Blood deficiency. Appearance after ulceration is logical following blood loss. Bowstring pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates pain from toxin attack, as Bowstring governs pain; Bowstring pulse after ulceration indicates Liver pathogen invading Spleen, as Bowstring is the Liver pulse.

Song on Deep-firm Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Deep-firm pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates solidified pathogen; appearing before suppuration, it indicates stubborn toxin. Appearing after ulceration, pathogen is hard to resolve; nodules and scrofula with this pulse indicate inability to dissipate.
[Note] Deep-firm pulse in Swollen Ulcer before suppuration indicates stubborn toxin difficult to dissipate; after ulceration, pathogen is also hard to resolve. Nodules and scrofula showing Deep-firm pulse indicate a state of solidity and inability to dissipate.

Song on Soft and Weak Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Soft and Weak pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates insufficiency; supporting deficiency and supporting interior leads to recovery. Soft and Weak pulse after ulceration matches disease, but safety requires absence of deficiency signs.
[Note] Soft and Weak pulse in Swollen Ulcer requires Yuan-supporting and interior-supporting formulas for recovery. Soft and Weak pulse after ulceration matches the disease, but safety is achieved only without deficiency symptoms. If spirit is fatigued and appetite is lost, it is also a critical sign.

Song on Scattered Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Scattered pulse in Swollen Ulcer is most worrying; toxin excess and Qi scattering prevent resolution. Appearance after ulceration is also Ominous; urgent tonifying and consolidating may bring hope.
[Note] Swollen Ulcer most fears Scattered pulse, as it indicates toxin excess and Qi scattering, preventing resolution. Appearance after ulceration is also Ominous. Urgent administration of tonifying and consolidating formulas may offer survival chances.

Song on Large and Fine Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Large pulse in Swollen Ulcer is favorable; Large pulse after ulceration is unsuitable. Fine pulse in Swollen and Ulcerated Ulcers generally indicates Qi and Blood deficiency.
[Note] Large pulse in Swollen Ulcer indicates strong Healthy Qi, toxin easily exits, favorable. Large pulse after ulceration indicates disease progression, toxin hard to transform, unsuitable. Fine pulse in both Swollen and Ulcerated Ulcers indicates Qi and Blood deficiency, requiring major tonification.

Song on Hasty Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Hasty pulse applies to both Swollen and Ulcerated Ulcers, always indicating Yang knotting, unsuitable for long duration. Gradual retreat allows toxin dispersion and possible cure; persistent advancement ensures death.
[Note] Hasty pulse in Swollen and Ulcerated Ulcers indicates Yang knotting, suitable only temporarily. If Hasty pulse gradually recedes, toxin disperses, and cure is possible. If persistent and unreceding, death is inevitable.

Song on Knotted and Intermittent Pulse in Swollen Ulcer and Ulcerated Ulcer
Knotted pulse in Swollen Ulcer is Yin knotting; urgent warming and resolving brings health. Knotted pulse after ulceration indicates Yin deficiency pauses; if like Intermittent pulse, death is certain.
[Note] Knotted pulse in Swollen Ulcer is Yin knotting; urgent warming and detoxifying formulas are effective. Knotted pulse after ulceration indicates Yin deficiency pauses, not necessarily fatal. If pauses resemble Intermittent pulse, stopping and failing to recover, it is the pulse of the True Zang, definitely indicating death.