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The shape of the *Chang* (Long) pulse is characterized by smooth Qi regulation, extending beyond its normal position. It is long, straight, and taut like pressing a string, responding distinctly to the finger. This describes the morphology of the Long pulse. The pulse is divided into three positions: Cun (Inch), Guan (Bar), and Chi (Cubit). The Long pulse becomes apparent only when it extends beyond its standard position. Such a Long image cannot occur unless Qi is abundant and flowing smoothly; hence, it is termed "Qi Zhi" (regulation of Qi). If the pulse is long, straight, and responds forcefully to the touch, it is identified as the Xian (Wiry) pulse.

The morphology of the *Duan* (Short) pulse indicates pathological Qi, where the pulse qi fails to fill the entire vessel section. It is often not palpable at the Guan position but can be felt at the Cun and Chi positions. Each pulse type has specific indications for disease. When the Shuo (Rapid) pulse combines with other pulse qualities, various symptoms may manifest. This section discusses the morphology of the Short pulse. A Short pulse signifies that Qi is not abundant or flowing smoothly; whether at the Cun or Chi position, it fails to fill the vessel section entirely—how could this not be a Qi pathology? The Short pulse is observed at the Cun and Chi positions; if it fails to fill the Guan position, it will not connect with the Cun and Chi sections. Each pulse possesses its own distinct shape; if the pulse exhibits both Short and Rapid characteristics, multiple diseases may coexist.

The *Fu* (Floating) pulse primarily indicates exterior syndromes, yet interior deficiency is invariably present. A Fu pulse that is forceful suggests Wind-Heat; one that is forceless suggests Blood deficiency. A Fu-Chi (Floating-Slow) pulse indicates Wind-Deficiency; a Fu-Shuo (Floating-Rapid) pulse indicates Wind-Heat; a Fu-Jin (Floating-Tight) pulse indicates Wind-Cold; a Fu-Huan (Floating-Lax) pulse indicates Wind-Dampness; a Fu-Xu (Floating-Empty/Weak) pulse indicates Summerheat Injury; a Fu-Kou (Floating-Hollow) pulse indicates Blood Loss; a Fu-Hong (Floating-Vast) pulse indicates Deficient Fire; a Fu-Wei (Floating-Micro) pulse indicates Extreme Exhaustion (Lao Ji); a Fu-Ru (Floating-Soft) pulse indicates Yin Deficiency; a Fu-San (Floating-Scattered) pulse indicates severe Deficiency; a Fu-Xian (Floating-Wiry) pulse indicates Phlegm-Fluid retention; and a Fu-Hua (Floating-Slippery) pulse indicates Phlegm-Heat. This section elucidates the pathological significance of the Floating pulse when combined with other pulse qualities.

The Floating pulse indicates an exterior syndrome, implying pathogenic factors are in the exterior, corresponding with the skin and hair, and reflecting exterior Qi dynamics; thus, it signifies interior insufficiency leading to the floating manifestation. Regarding Wind, a Floating pulse that is forceful indicates excessive accumulation of Wind-Heat, whereas a forceless Floating pulse indicates vacuity. Blood governs the interior (Ying/Nutrient level), while Qi governs the exterior (Wei/Defensive level). If Blood is weak and cannot harmonize with Qi, the pulse floats, which also reflects interior insufficiency. A Floating-Slow pulse, with insufficient pulsation, denotes Wind-Deficiency; a Floating-Rapid pulse, with excessive pulsation, denotes Wind-Heat. A Floating-Tight pulse features the contracting nature of Tightness, characteristic of Cold, thus indicating Wind-Cold. A Floating-Lax pulse features the slow movement of Laxity, characteristic of Dampness, thus indicating Wind-Dampness. The term "Floating-Weak indicates Summerheat Injury" refers to the *Neijing* statement: "A weak pulse with body heat results from Summerheat injury," and further, "Summerheat damages Qi, so the pulse must be weak."

A Floating-Hollow (Kou) pulse indicates Blood Loss. Ying (Nutrient) Qi flows within the vessels, while Wei (Defensive) Qi flows outside. When blood is lost, Ying Qi is damaged, resulting in a pulse that is empty like a scallion stalk (Kou grass). A Floating-Vast (Hong) pulse represents the image of Fire; because it floats, it indicates exterior presence without interior substance, hence termed Deficient Fire. A Floating-Micro pulse at the Cun and Guan positions indicates Yang Qi on the verge of extinction; a Floating-Micro pulse at the Chi position indicates that Essence and Blood are nearly exhausted. This corresponds to the "Five Damages" described in Chapter 14 of the *Nanjing*, progressing from the skin down to the bones. A Floating-Soft (Ru) pulse indicates extreme debility, where the pulse seems to exist only in the upper part and lacks the lower part, thus indicating Yin Deficiency. If the pulse is Floating-Scattered (San), it represents extreme Yin Deficiency where Yang Qi has no foundation, causing it to float and scatter. A Floating-Wiry (Xian) pulse indicates Phlegm-Fluid retention. How does Fluid retention arise? It stems from deficient Yang Qi failing to circulate and transform fluids, resulting in this Wiry and contracting pulse. Although Fluid retention typically presents with a Deep (Chen) pulse, a Floating pulse suggests the fluid resides in the Upper Jiao. If the pulse is Floating-Slippery (Hua), it is no longer Wiry and contracting; instead, Cold transforms into Heat, and Fluid retention transforms into Phlegm, which is an inevitable principle.