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The *Lao* (Deep-Firm) pulse resembles the *Chen* (Deep) and *Fu* (Profound) pulses; it is solid, large, long, and slightly *Xian* (Wiry) (*Mai Jing*). Bian Que stated: A pulse that is firm and long corresponds to the Liver. Zhang Zhongjing stated: Cold causes the pulse to be firm and solid, presenting a stable image. Shen Shi stated: Resembling the Deep and Profound pulses describes the position of the *Lao* pulse; being solid, large, wiry, and long describes its form. The *Mai Jue* does not describe the shape but states that upon searching, the pulse seems absent, while upon pressing, it appears. It further claims that the pulse enters the skin making breath differentiation difficult, and labels the *Lao* pulse as a death pulse; these are all rash and erroneous errors.

[Poem on Form and Similarity] Wiry, long, solid, and large, the pulse is firm and solid; the position of the Firm pulse often resides between the Deep and Profound. The *Ge* (Hollow) and *Kou* (Scallion Stalk) pulses naturally rise from a floating position with wiry qualities; the Hollow pulse indicates deficiency, while the Firm pulse indicates excess, requiring careful examination.

[Poem on Main Diseases] Cold makes the pulse firm and solid, indicating excess in the interior; cold pain in the abdomen and heart results from Wood overacting on Earth. One need not fear hernias or masses, but this pulse is contraindicated for blood loss and Yin deficiency. The *Lao* pulse governs diseases of Cold-Excess; when Wood is excessive, it causes pain. Bian Que said: The *Ruan* (Soft) pulse indicates deficiency, while the *Lao* pulse indicates excess. In cases of blood loss, the pulse should be deep and fine; if it reversely becomes floating, large, and firm, it signifies death, as an Excess pulse appears in a Deficiency disease. The *Mai Jue* states: Pain between the bones, with Qi residing at the surface. Chi Shi believed this was transmission from Kidney to Spleen, which is absurd and baseless.

The *Ru* (Soggy) pulse is extremely soft, floating, and fine, like silk floating in water; it is perceived with light touch but disappears upon pressure (*Mai Jing*), resembling bubbles floating on water. It is like the image of silk floating in water, where heavy pressure yields immediately. The *Mai Jue* states: Pressing feels somewhat present, lifting makes it disappear; this is the *Wei* (Minute) pulse, not the *Ru* pulse.

[Poem on Form] The shape of the Ru pulse is floating and fine, requiring lightness upon pressing; it floats on water like cotton, weak and unable to withstand force. After illness or during postpartum, it may still be treatable; if seen in a healthy person, it indicates a lack of root.

[Poem on Similarity] Floating, soft, and fine indicates the Ru pulse; sinking, soft, and fine constitutes the Ruo (Weak) pulse. The Wei pulse is floatingly minute, almost perishing; the Xi (Fine) pulse is sinkingly fine, close to the Wei. Floating and extremely fine like silk is called Ru; sinking and extremely fine like silk is called Ruo; floating and extremely fine as if severed is called Wei; sinking and extremely fine without interruption is called Xi.

[Poem on Main Diseases] The Ru pulse indicates diseases of lost blood and Yin deficiency, with the Sea of Marrow and Dantian secretly depleted. Night sweats rain down, steaming into the bones; sudden blood collapse is due to dampness invading the Spleen. At the Cun (Inch) position, Yang is weak with spontaneous sweating; at the Guan (Bar) position, Qi deficiency is severe. At the Chi (Cubit) position, essence and blood are injured with severe deficiency-cold; warming and tonifying True Yin can restore health. The Ru pulse governs diseases of Blood deficiency and also injuries by Dampness.