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The Seven Superficial Pulses (Qi Biao Mai) are caused by the invasion of exogenous pathogens. This represents Yin encroaching upon Yang. The symptoms include fever and aversion to cold, indicating an exterior manifestation of Yang with an interior presentation of Yin. If the pulse is one of the Seven Superficial types, presenting only heat without aversion to cold... If a condition characteristic of the Seven Superficial pulses presents spontaneous sweating and wind aversion, yet the pulse corresponds to the Eight Interior Pulses (Ba Li Mai), Mahuang Guizhi Ge Ban Tang (Mahuang and Guizhi Half-Dose Decoction) should be used. If a condition characteristic of the Eight Interior Pulses presents spontaneous sweating and wind aversion, yet the pulse corresponds to the Seven Superficial pulses...

(Briefly stated) The Eight Interior Pulses represent Yang encroaching upon Yin. The symptoms include coolness of the body, cold extremities (Jue Ni), and aversion to heat, indicating an exterior manifestation of Yin with an interior presentation of Yang. If there is only cold without heat and no thirst, this indicates both interior and exterior are Yin...

Another theory states that the six pulses interchanging: Floating (Fu), Slippery (Hua), and Long (Chang) belong to the Three Yang pulses, representing Yang containing Yin; Deep (Chen), Choppy (Se), and Short (Duan) belong to the Three Yin pulses, representing Yin containing Yang. One must examine the exterior and interior, distinguishing the root from the branch. ... Only Yang pulses... Pulse... Long pulse is termed... Obstruction. Therefore, a Long pulse is treated with diaphoresis (Fa Han). A Short pulse is treated with purgation (Xia Zhi). This is the interaction between Slippery and Choppy pulses. Slippery pulses... will both damage Qi and Blood. If a Slippery pulse appears at the Cun or Chi positions, it will assist...

Yun Qi Zi said: When the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) on the left hand are affected by pathogens, these are not the principal pulses of the main organs, but rather pulses of exogenous pathogens (Ke Xie).

1. Floating (Fu) is Yang. It governs cough, shortness of breath, spontaneous cold sweat, stiffness and soreness in the back and shoulders, and restlessness at night. Pressing reveals insufficiency, while lifting reveals excess.
Herbs: Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus), Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) (each 0.5 liang); Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Sang Bai Pi (Mori Cortex) (each 2.5 qian). The above herbs are cut into small pieces. Each dose...
Pressing reveals insufficiency, lifting reveals excess; gently searching, the pulse feels floating under the fingers. Cold accumulation in the Zang organs, Heat in the Ying (Nutritive) level. To generate Essence, the key is to tonify deficiency.
Cold accumulation in the Zang organs, pressing reveals insufficiency; Heat in the Ying level, lifting reveals excess. This is Excess of Yang and Deficiency of Yin. Treatment is suitable with Digupi San (Digupi Powder).
Herbs: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Di Gu Pi (Lycii Cortex), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) (each 1.5 liang); Bai Fu Ling (Poria) (0.5 liang); Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) (1 liang); Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (2 liang).
Take to generate Essence and tonify deficiency.

Floating pulse at the Cun position indicates Wind-Stroke causing heat and pain in the head. Principal pulse is Floating, guest pulse is also Floating; principal and guest occupy the same palace, indicating Taiyang Wind-Stroke headache. With sweating and a floating-slow pulse, use Guizhi Tang (Guizhi Decoction). Without... Tai...
Floating pulse at the Guan position indicates abdominal distension and a sensation of emptiness in the stomach. Principal pulse is Wiry (Xian), guest pulse is Floating; Wind, Cold, and Heat combine, causing emptiness in the stomach. What is stomach emptiness? A floating pulse indicates Wind pathogen... due to Cold...
Herbs: Zhi Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex Preparata), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (peeled), Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) (each 1 liang); Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1.5 liang); Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) (5 qian); Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum) (3 qian).
The above...
Floating pulse appearing at the Chi position indicates Wind entering the Lung meridian. Dryness and astringency of the stool make passage difficult. The Kidney pulse should naturally be Deep, but instead shows Floating, indicating being overcome by Wind-Fire. Lung Qi is deficient and cannot generate Water.
What is the Lung... Lung dryness... thinning it...
Herbs: Bing Lang (Arecae Semen), Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (each 0.5 liang); Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Yu Li Ren (Pruni Semen) (each 1 liang). The above are ground into fine powder and formed into pills with honey, sized like wu-tong seeds.

2. Knotted (Kou) pulse is Yang. It governs dribbling urination. Qi enters the Small Intestine causing blood loss. Patients' illnesses often originate from the Taiyang channel. At the Cun position, it causes hematemesis; below, melena; in the middle...
Knotted pulse at the upper position: Use Jiajian Zhizi Tang (Modified Gardenia Decoction).
Herbs: Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus) (4 grains, crushed), Xiang Chi (Fermented Soybean) (0.5 liang). First, boil Zhi Zi Ren in two cups of water until reduced to 70%, then add Chi, boil for three to five boils, strain, and take warm.
Knotted pulse at the middle position: Use Xie Huang San (Drain Yellow Powder).
Herbs: Huo Xiang Ye (Agastaches Folium), Shan Zhi Zi Ren (Gardeniae Fructus) (each 0.5 liang); Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) (3 liang); Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (1 liang). The above are cut, boiled in two cups of water to yield one cup.
Knotted pulse at the lower position: Use Zhuling Tang (Polyporus Decoction).
Herbs: Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Hua Shi (Talcum), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma), E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini) (stir-fried, equal parts). The above are cut, boiled in two cups of water to yield one cup, strained, then E Jiao is added...
Searching under the fingers reveals hollowness and deficiency; evil wind penetrates and resides in the Small Intestine. During illness, dribbling urination accompanied by pain; decoctions or pills made vigorously will certainly remove it.
Yun Qi Zi said: The Kou pulse governs blood coagulation and stagnation. The twelve meridians of the human body correspond to ditches; if Ying and Wei Qi and Blood do not disperse, they cannot fill the meridians completely.
One says...
Knotted pulse at the Cun position indicates accumulated blood in the chest. Principal pulse is Floating, guest pulse is Kou; Floating and Kou combine, blood accumulates in the chest, heat is severe. Treat with Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction).
Herbs: Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) (2 liang); Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) (1.5 liang); Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) (1 liang); Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (1.5 liang). The above are cut, boiled in two cups of water, weigh one liang... decoct...
At the Guan position encountering Kou pulse, intestinal abscess. Principal pulse is Wiry, guest pulse is Kou; Wiry and Kou combine, blood accumulates in the intestines. This is because the Lung first suffered pathogen invasion, transmitting to the Large Intestine. Should...
Herbs: Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Shui Zhi (Hirudo) (stir-fried and cracked, each 0.5 liang); Meng Chong (Blattaria) (3 qian). The above are cut, ground into fine powder, refined honey used to form pills, sized like wu-tong seeds. Take twenty pills per dose, with warm water after meals. Stop when diarrhea occurs; if not, increase dosage.
Appearing at the Chi position indicates deficiency in the Kidney. Dribbling urination, blood coagulation and thickening. Principal pulse is Deep, guest pulse is Kou; Deep and Kou combine, blood accumulates in the lower part. Use Didang Wan (Didang Pill).
Didang Pill Herbs: Tao Ren (Persicae Semen) (0.5 liang); Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (2.5 qian); Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang); Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (3 qian). The above are cut, take one liang per dose, boil in two cups of water with seven slices of ginger...
It is also said that blood in the Upper Jiao presents as stool followed by blood; blood in the Lower Jiao presents as blood followed by stool; blood in the Middle Jiao presents with simultaneous bloody stool.

3. Slippery (Hua) pulse is Yang. It governs fatigue and weakness of the four limbs, soreness and pain in hands and feet, and dark, astringent urination. Zhang Zhongjing said: When Wei Qi flows forward, urination becomes dark and astringent, and Qi in the waist...
Herbs: Chi Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) (each 1 liang); Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) (each 0.5 liang); Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian). The above are cut, take one liang per dose, water...
Slippery pulse moving like pearls is called Yang pulse. Qi generated in the waist penetrates to the anterior intestine. Calf soreness is solely due to generating cold and heat. Great purgation of the Triple Burner leads to recovery.
Yun Qi said: Dark and astringent urination, Qi generated in the waist, is produced by the Gate of Life (Ming Men). Its pulse is slippery, rapid, and swift. Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) is indicated. More heat than cold...
Herbs: Zhi Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex Preparata) (1 liang); Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) (bran-fried), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (each 0.5 liang); Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) (3 qian). The above are cut, use one bowl of water, ten slices of ginger. First... evening...
Slippery pulse coming to the Cun position often causes nausea and vomiting. Principal pulse is Floating, guest pulse is Slippery; Floating and Slippery combine to cause vomiting. Shengjiang Banxia Tang (Fresh Ginger and Pinellia Decoction) governs. For those with alternating chills and fever, use Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)...
Herbs: Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) (1 liang); Fu Ling (Poria) (2 liang). The above are cut, take one liang per dose, two zhong of water, seven slices of ginger, decoct until half remains, strain, after meal...
Guan position Slippery pulse indicates Stomach Cold preventing food intake. Principal pulse is Wiry, guest pulse is Slippery; Wiry and Slippery combine, drawing Cold into the Stomach, causing inability to eat. In Spring and Summer, use Pingwei San (Stomach-Pacifying Powder) modified; in Autumn and Winter...
Herbs: Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Chi Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra) (each 1 liang); Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) (0.5 liang); Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum) (3 qian); Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (4 qian). The above are cut, take one liang per dose, two cups of water, seven slices of ginger, decoct, strain, take warm.
Appearing at the Chi position, the navel sounds like water. After drinking, gurgling sounds in the Lower Jiao. Principal pulse is Deep, guest pulse is Slippery; Deep and Slippery combine, Cold knotting in the Bladder. Fuzi Sini Tang (Aconite Counterflow Decoction) governs.
Herbs: Pao Fu Zi (Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix), Pao Sheng Jiang (Prepared Zingiberis Rhizoma) (each 0.5 liang); Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1 liang); Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian); Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (7 qian). The above are cut, take one liang per dose, water two...

4. Full (Shi) pulse is Yang. It governs hidden Yang inside, Spleen deficiency with anorexia, and fatigue of the four limbs.
Full pulse, searching reveals excess upon lifting. Hidden Yang steaming internally causes Spleen deficiency. Low food intake is due to generating Stomach congestion. Mild and warm decoctions lead to recovery.
Jiegu said: The Spleen pulse is naturally Slow (Huan). If it unexpectedly receives a Guest pulse that is Full, Slow and Full combine, governing Heat in the Stomach. Thus, the Spleen's mild nature appears Full, hence anorexia. Low food intake... in the Stomach...
Herbs: Huo Xiang Ye (Agastaches Folium), Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) (each 1 liang); Ding Xiang (Caryophylli Flos) (0.5 liang). The above are made into coarse powder. Take three qian per dose, one and a half zhong of water, seven slices of ginger, decoct, strain...
Yun Qi said: The Spleen suffers Heat and thus becomes deficient, hence inability to eat. Mild and warm decoctions refer to Pingwei San (Stomach-Pacifying Powder).
Full pulse before the Guan position indicates severe heat in the chest. Principal pulse is Floating, guest pulse is Full; Floating and Full combine, Yang Qi is excessive, heat in the chest, actually located in the Upper Jiao. Use Liangge San (Cool the Chest Powder) modified...
Herbs: Shan Zhi Zi Ren (Gardeniae Fructus) (1 liang); Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) (each 2 liang); Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (0.5 liang); Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) (1.5 liang). The above are made into coarse powder, take one liang per dose...
When Guan position encounters pain in the Middle Jiao Ren meridian. Principal pulse is Wiry, guest pulse is Full; Wiry and Full combine, Heat in the Stomach. Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulate the Stomach Order the Qi Decoction) can be used. Fullness in the Middle Jiao, Water overcomes Fire... these two...
Herbs: Fu Zi (Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix) (0.5 liang); Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1 liang); Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum) (3 qian). The above are cut, take half liang per dose, one and a half large cups of water, decoct to one zhong.

5. Wiry (Xian) pulse is Yang. It governs labor-wind fatigue, frequent night sweats, soreness and pain in hands and feet, and withered skin and hair. The Wiry pulse damages all five Zang organs, primarily because Wood overacts on Earth...
Wiry pulse is Yang-like, resembling a string. Four limbs are further tormented by Qi. Three times resolving labor allows it to recede. One must constantly secure the Dantian below the navel.
Pulse like a zither string, tight and urgent, governs torment of the four limbs. Wood is prosperous, Earth is declining. The four limbs are the four ends of Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei, belonging to the Earth position. Securing the navel Dantian... belongs to the Spleen...
Cun position pulse tight and wiry like a single thread. Hidden pain in the chest feels like rope pulling. Principal pulse is Floating, guest pulse is Wiry; Floating and Wiry combine, acute pain in the chest, belonging to Shaoyang. Use...
Guan position has Wiry pulse, Cold in the Stomach. Principal and guest pulses are both Wiry, knowing Wood Qi is excessive, causing Cold Qi to be greatly full in the Stomach. Fuzi Lizhong Wan (Aconite Regulate the Middle Pill) governs.
Wiry at...
Water retention in the Lower Jiao fills the Dantian. Principal pulse is Deep, guest pulse is Wiry; Deep and Wiry combine, Wind-Cold Qi is excessive, water retention in the Lower Jiao. Shu Fu Tang (Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction) governs.
Wiry...

6. Tight (Jin) pulse is Yang. It governs Wind pathogen. This is the combination of Taiyang and Shaoyang. It governs hidden Yang rushing upward, transforming into manic disease. Use Huanglian Xiexin Tang (Coptis Drain the Heart Decoction).
Herbs: Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) (each 0.5 liang); Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) (2 liang); Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (0.5 liang). The above are cut, take one liang per dose, one and a half cups of water, decoct and take.
Tight pulse in the three positions is rapid and wiry. Rising Wind is the true root. Suddenly speaking madly frightens people; without a good physician, recovery is impossible.
Jiegu said: This is a combined disease of the Three Yangs. Tight and rapid indicate Taiyang. Many wiry indications point to Shaoyang and Yangming. Thus, excess leads to delirious speech. Yun Qi said: Its pulse...
Tight...
Herbs: Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Shan Zhi Zi Ren (Gardeniae Fructus) (each 1 liang); Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (0.5 liang). The above are cut, decoct one liang in water, stop when bowel movement occurs.
Tight pulse before the Guan position causes head pain. Principal pulse is Floating, guest pulse is Tight; Floating and Tight combine, all headaches belong to the Three Yangs. Taiyang headache is governed by Qianghuo Tang (Notopterygi Decoction).
Pain... Tight in the Upper Jiao.
Arriving at Guan, pain prevents movement. Principal pulse is Wiry, guest pulse is Tight; Wiry and Tight combine, Taiyin suffers pathogen, sharp pain in the Spleen. Treat with Shaoyao Tang (Peony Decoction).
Herbs: Chi Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra) (2 liang); Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (0.5 liang); Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (3 qian). The above are cut, decoct one liang in water, add seven slices of ginger to take. If excess pain, add Da Huang...
Hidden finger feeling sparse reaching the Chi position. Constricted and winding around the navel, often holding with hands. Principal pulse is Deep, guest pulse is Tight; Deep and Tight combine, pain winding around the navel belongs to Taiyin. With Shaoyao...
Herbs: Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (1 liang); Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix), Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum) (each 0.5 liang). The above are cut, take one liang per dose, decoct with ginger and jujube.

7. Surging (Hong) pulse is Yang. It governs headache, floating heat in the four limbs, obstruction of the Large Intestine, dry feces impaction, dry mouth, and generalized body pain.
Jiegu said: ...pressing reveals fullness, lifting reveals prosperity. Hong pulse... deficiency syndrome can be purged...
The root of the Surging pulse is originally Yang. Encountering late summer, it naturally prospers. If encountered in autumn and winter, diaphoresis and unblocking the intestines bring coolness.
Yun Qi said: Its pulse is prosperous upon both lifting and pressing, originally a sign of Ministerial Fire. Diaphoresis addresses both exterior and interior; for the exterior, use Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction); for the interior, use Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction).
Mahuang Tang Herbs: Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix) (each 1 liang); Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) (1 liang 3 qian); Chi (Fermented Soybean) (100); Cong Bai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus) (3 stalks). The above are cut, take one liang per dose, water two... diagnose knowing...
Surging pulse before the Guan position indicates heat in the chest. Principal pulse is Floating, guest pulse is Surging; Floating and Surging combine, heat knotting in the chest. Liangge San (Cool the Chest Powder) modified is used. Or Lianqiao Tang (Forsythia Decoction)...
Herbs: Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) (2 liang); Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix) (each 0.5 liang); Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) (1 liang); Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian). The above are cut, one...
Arriving at Guan, retching dozens of layers. Principal pulse is Wiry, guest pulse is Surging; Wiry and Surging combine, Stomach Heat does not stop, retching and epistaxis. Remove with sour and bitter medicines. Or...
Herbs: Da Huang (half the amount of other herbs), Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Fu Ling (Poria), Ben (Ligustici Wallichii Rhizoma), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum) (equal parts). Above... residual heat enters...
Further towards the Chi position, if still so. Dark, astringent urination and sore legs. Jiegu said: Surging pulse at Chi is due to Yin failing to reach Yang. From bottom to top, first damaging Kidney and Liver... Suitable...
Herbs: Chi Fu Ling (Red Poria), Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) (each 0.5 liang); Sang Bai Pi (Mori Cortex), Shan Zhi Zi Ren (Gardeniae Fructus) (each 1 liang). The above are cut, decoct one liang in water, take until urination becomes free...
Regarding these Seven Superficial pulses, although named Yang pulses, why are hot medicines sometimes used? The answer is: Yang contains Yin. Regarding the twenty-one pulse conditions connecting upper, middle, and lower... using medicine... Jing's... actual lower...