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Why does the fingerprint suddenly float? This is because the pathogenic factor is in the skin layer, which is not yet a cause for concern. Obstruction of the couli (pores and interstices) is termed Exterior Syndrome (Biao Zheng). One should immediately administer herbs that disperse wind and release the exterior to induce sweating.
(The fingerprint here communicates with the Taiyuan pulse. Whenever there is an external pathogenic invasion, the Taiyuan pulse presents as floating, and this fingerprint also becomes floating. Since the pathogen resides between the skin/hair and the couli, the fingerprint also manifests externally, which is called Exterior Syndrome. At this stage, rapid dispersal treatment is required to open the skin/hair and unblock the couli, allowing the pathogen to be resolved through slight sweating. Success can be achieved with a single dose; what reason is there not to administer it?)

If the fingerprint at the Guan position gradually becomes sunken, it indicates that the pathogen has entered the interior, and the disease is just beginning to deepen. Do not casually attempt to use wind-dispelling herbs; one must seek treatment based on Interior Syndromes of the Yangming channel.
(A sunken fingerprint indicates that the pathogen has entered the interior, though there are distinctions in depth. If there is alternating fever and chills, and the fingerprint is half-sunken, the pathogen remains in the Yangming Stomach Channel; treatment should focus on resolving the muscle layer. If external symptoms show persistent high fever, and the fingerprint is extremely sunken, the pathogen has deeply entered the Yangming Stomach Organ; rapid purgation is required. Quack doctors, seeing body heat, still treat with wind-dispelling herbs. Because the disease is internal, treating the exterior is incorrect therapy. Not only will the pathogen not subside, but it will also dry up yin blood, exacerbating the condition.)

When the body is stable, the fingerprint appears red and yellow; bright red often arises from cold syndromes. Faintly visible pale red originally indicates deficiency-cold; do not wait until deep red transforms into heat syndrome.
(With tranquil spirit and quiet Ying-Wei [nutritive and defensive qi], a state of peace is established. Yellow represents the harmonious qi, and red represents the color of ceremonial attire. When red and yellow appear faintly together, the scene is harmonious; how could there be instability? When cold pathogen first invades the skin/hair, meridians temporarily stagnate, causing the fingerprint to appear fresh red due to blood stasis. Whether it is internal or external cold, whether early or late stage, seeing this fingerprint always indicates a cold syndrome. In individuals with weak middle qi and insufficient Ying-Wei qi, the fingerprint color must be pale. Pale combined with red is a sign of deficiency-cold. As for the idea that deep red transforms into heat, where is the logic? Red originates from cold; how can it transform into heat? It is because cold closes the skin/hair and obstructs the couli. The qi of the five zang organs constantly communicates with the qi of the skin/hair without pause. Now, cold blocks the sweat pores, so the qi exiting internally has no outlet, accumulating between the skin/hair, becoming denser and eventually transforming into heat. This heat is generated by the internally exiting qi, not by the externally acquired cold transforming into heat.)

A purple fingerprint at the Guan position is a sign of heat; green has been attributed to wind since ancient times. Food retention causes purple-green colors, and rebellious phlegm-qi follows. Green-black across the three segments brings unbearable disaster.
(Ying qi flows within the vessels, while Wei qi flows outside. Heat congestion in the meridians blocks the pathway of ying-nutritive flow, resulting in a purple fingerprint. Purple signifies blazing heat, a verdict confirmed through ages. Shaoyang Jia Wood naturally corresponds to the color green. When the Liver and Gallbladder are affected by pathogens, the fingerprint appears green, indicating Wind-Cold/Wind-Heat syndrome. It should be called Wind-Heat, not "Jing Feng" [Startled Wind/Convulsion] to avoid misleading the world. Green is the color of Wood. The *Neijing* states, "In heaven it is Wind, on earth it is Wood." Thus, Wind and Wood share the same qi; when the Liver is affected by Wind pathogen, the fingerprint must appear green—a very clear principle. However, pediatricians insist that green does not represent Wind, but rather Jing [Startle]. According to their theory, Jing originates from the Heart, yet green is not the color of the Heart; why does green represent Jing? Such forced explanations are most erroneous. I have written "Refutation of Baseless Claims on Startled Wind," detailed in Volume 2. Purple combined with green indicates food injury. Food, being有形 (substantial), obstructs the Middle Jiao, stifling Spleen Qi and preventing its dissemination. Consequently, Wind-Wood takes advantage of this distress to overact upon Earth, leading to rebellious phlegm-qi. Treatment should focus on unblocking stagnation to restore smooth flow. If depression persists, Spleen Qi fails to transport further, and Ying-Wei flow becomes more stagnant. Then, Wind-Phlegm Excess-Heat consolidates in the Middle Jiao, resulting in green mixed with black, representing extreme depression. Urgent purgation is needed to preserve life; mistaking this for Startled Wind leaves less than one in a hundred chances of survival.)