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In typhoid fever (Shanghan) with heat symptoms, a洪大 (Hongda, surging and large pulse) is easy to treat, while a沉细 (Chenxi, deep and fine pulse) is difficult to cure; in wind-cold injury with coughing, a浮濡 (Furu, floating and soft pulse) can be treated with attacking methods, whereas a沉牢 (Chenlao, deep and firm pulse) should be avoided. For swelling and distension, a浮大 (Fuda, floating and large pulse) is appropriate; for mania (Diankuang), a虚细 (Xuxi, deficient and fine pulse) is contraindicated. In hematochezia or dysentery, a浮洪 (Fuhong, floating and surging pulse) is ominous; in Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting syndrome) or Xiao Zhong (Middle Wasting), a实大 (Shida, excess and large pulse) is favorable. In Huoluan (Colic disorder with vomiting and diarrhea), a浮大 (Fuda, floating and large pulse) is preferred while a微迟 (Weichi, faint and slow pulse) is feared; for headache, a浮滑 (Fuhua, floating and slippery pulse) is liked while a短涩 (Duanse, short and choppy pulse) is disliked. For Chang Zang Du (Intestinal Toxin disease), a沉微 (Chenwei, deep and faint pulse) is not feared; for Feng Bi (Wind-Bi obstruction) and Zu Wei (Foot Atrophy), a数急 (Shuji, rapid and urgent pulse) is particularly undesirable. In Body Wind-Stroke (Shenzhongfeng), a缓滑 (Huanhua, moderate and slippery pulse) indicates survival; in abdominal or cardiac pain, a沉细 (Chenxi, deep and fine pulse) is auspicious. Panting urgency with a浮洪 (Fuhong, floating and surging pulse) is critical; hemoptysis with a沉弱 (Chenruo, deep and weak pulse) indicates recovery. A脉细软而不弦洪 (Mai xiruan er bu xianhong, pulse that is fine and soft without being wiry and surging) suggests one will not die from Zhong E (Sudden Evil attack); a脉微小而不数急 (Mai weixiao er bu shuji, pulse that is minute and small without being rapid and urgent) implies no worry regarding Jin Chuang (Metal weapon wounds). For吐血 (Tuxue, hematemesis) or鼻衄 (Bixue, epistaxis), I do not favor a实大 (Shida, excess and large pulse); for Die Pu Sun Shang (Falls and trauma injuries), I fear a坚强 (Jianqiang, hard and strong pulse). In Li Ji (Dysentery) with body heat and a洪脉 (Hongmai, surging pulse), the disaster is abhorrent; in Shi Bing (Dampness disease) with bodily restlessness and a细脉 (Ximai, fine pulse), the affliction is unbearable. Water diarrhea with a large pulse is strange; blood loss with an excess pulse is inauspicious. Disease inside the body with a虚脉 (Xumai, deficient pulse) is harmful; disease outside the body with a涩脉 (Semai, choppy pulse) is disastrous. Abdominal accumulation lasting long but with a虚脉 (Xumai, deficient pulse) leads to death; surface heat severe but with a静脉 (Jingmai, calm pulse) leads to demise.

The pulse resembles a sparrow pecking, coming continuously then pausing every three or five beats; like a leaking roof, dropping only once in half a day; like a fish swimming, appearing and disappearing; like a shrimp swimming, suddenly leaping amidst stillness; like a stone bouncing, hard upon touch and scattering immediately; scattered upon the finger like untying a knot. I advise physicians to examine carefully: if any of these six pulses appear, do not administer medicine.

Question 1 states: All twelve meridians have pulsating arteries, yet only the Cun Kou (Cunkou, radial artery at the wrist) is taken to determine the life, death, good fortune, and misfortune of the five zang and six fu organs. What does this mean? Answer: The Cun Kou is the great gathering point of pulses, belonging to the hand Taiyin Lung meridian. Question 2 states: The pulse has Cun and Chi divisions. What does this mean? Answer: From the Guan (Gate) to the Chi position is the Chi interior, governed by Yin; from the Guan to the Yu Ji (Fish Border) is the Cun interior, governed by Yang. Thus, Cun is divided into Chi, and Chi is divided into Cun.

Question 5 states: Pulse palpation involves different degrees of pressure. What does this mean? Answer: Initially holding the pulse with the weight of three beans, touching the skin and hair, corresponds to the Lung region. With the weight of six beans, touching the blood vessels, corresponds to the Heart region. With the weight of nine beans, touching the muscles, corresponds to the Spleen region. With the weight of twelve beans, level with the tendons, corresponds to the Liver region. Pressing to the bone, where the pulse returns swiftly upon lifting the finger, corresponds to the Kidney region. This is referred to as the degrees of pressure.