Library

The pulse in spring is *Xian* (String-like), in summer *Hong* (Surging), in autumn *Mao* (Feather-like/Light), and in winter *Shi* (Stone-like/Deep). In the four seasons, a pulse that is harmonious and mild is called a *Ping Mai* (Normal Pulse). A pulse that is excessive, solid, and strong indicates disease originating from the exterior; a pulse that is deficient, weak, and minute indicates disease originating from the interior. If the Autumn *Mao* pulse appears in Spring, death occurs on Metal days (Geng/Xin days). The pulses of the Five Zang Organs can be deduced by this method without error.

All diseases across the four seasons are rooted in the *Wei Qi* (Stomach Qi). The pulse values spiritual vitality (*Shen*), which must be carefully examined. This passage discusses the correct pulses of the four seasons, emphasizing that all diseases take *Wei Qi* as their foundation.

Heaven and Earth's Qi rises to the East, belonging to Wood, corresponding to Spring. When all things begin to grow, their Qi emerges from dormancy. In humans, the Liver corresponds to this, manifesting as the *Xian* pulse. The Qi turns South, belonging to Fire, corresponding to Summer. When all things flourish and grow, their Qi expands outward after rising. In humans, the Heart corresponds to this, manifesting as the *Gou* pulse (Hook-like, vigorous coming and gentle going). The Qi turns West, belonging to Metal, corresponding to Autumn. When all things are harvested, their Qi, having reached maximum expansion, begins to contract inward from the exterior. In humans, the Lung corresponds to this, manifesting as the *Mao* pulse (Feather-like, light and floating). The Qi turns North, belonging to Water, corresponding to Winter. When all things store and hide, their Qi condenses and becomes substantial within. In humans, the Kidney corresponds to this, manifesting as the *Shi* pulse (Stone-like, deep and firm). The above references the *Neijing* discussing the shapes of the correct pulses of the four seasons. However, due to seasonal changes, they always embody a soft, gentle, and mild Qi image.

"Gentle and mild" belongs to Earth, which is precisely *Wei Qi*. With *Wei Qi* present and aligned with the season, it constitutes a normal pulse. The terms "excessive" and "deficient" refer to the *Xian*, *Gou*, *Mao*, and *Shi* pulses corresponding to their respective seasons; they should all include an element of gentleness and moderation. They should be subtle and not too prominent; they should be slightly visible but not absent. For instance, the Spring pulse should be slightly *Xian* to be normal. If it is excessively *Xian*, it is "excessive," leading to excess Qi and disease from the exterior. If there is no *Xian* quality, it is "deficient," leading to deficient Qi and disease from the interior. The pathology of excess or deficiency in the *Xian*, *Gou*, *Mao*, and *Shi* pulses follows similar logic.

Not only does the absence of the expected Spring *Xian* pulse (whether excessive or deficient) indicate illness, but appearing with the Floating and Feather-like Autumn pulse when one should be ascending and generating life, yet instead descending and exhibiting killing energy, represents a great reversal of Qi mechanism. This is called "Ke Ze" (Overcoming/Clashing). Such cases inevitably result in disease and death. Since Spring Wood is overcome by Metal, and Evil Qi is prosperous on Metal days, death ensues. The Five Zang Organs can be deduced using this principle without error.

The four seasons have their respective pulses and their respective diseases. Although Earth Qi irrigates the four directions and diseases may manifest in myriad ways, *Wei Qi* must remain the foundation. After all, *Wei Qi* is the essence of water and grain, and the spiritual vitality of the various pulses is the power derived from water and grain. Is it not said that "those who obtain grain prosper"? Indeed, this must be carefully examined.