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According to the "Treatise on Excess and Deficiency" (Fang Sheng Shuai Lun): When the physical form is weak and Qi (vital energy) is deficient, death ensues; (this indicates insufficiency both internally and externally.) When the physical form and Qi appear abundant, but the pulse Qi is deficient, death also ensues; (this is due to the decline of Zang organs, hence the pulse appears deficient.) When the pulse Qi is abundant, but the physical form and Qi are deficient, survival is possible. (This is because the Zang organs are vigorous, hence the pulse Qi appears abundant.) Therefore, there are standard principles for diagnosis, and sitting and rising should follow regular patterns. (Regular sitting and rising allow for regulated and comfortable breathing power, thus diagnostic methods must first employ this principle.) Movements in and out should have order, thereby maintaining spiritual clarity. (Why is it emphasized that sitting and rising must be regular? Because movements in and out are all guided by the transformation of Shen [spirit].) One must remain clear and quiet, observing above (the complexion) and below (the movement of Qi), monitoring the pathogens of the Eight Regularities (Ba Zheng, seasonal climatic factors), distinguishing the regions of the Five Zang organs, and pressing the pulse to observe its dynamics. ("Observing above" refers to inspecting the Qi and color. "Observing below" refers to inspecting the movement of Qi. The Eight Regularities refer to the normal climatic conditions of the eight solar terms. The Five Zangs refer to the corresponding areas of the five Zang organs. Only then can life and death be determined by assessing the dynamics of the Cun and Chi positions of the pulse.)

The physician is the one who controls human destiny. Pulse diagnosis is the great undertaking of the physician. If a practitioner does not understand pulse diagnosis, it is like groping for a path in the dark, inevitably leading to disaster. For internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, and wind-disease departments, pulse diagnosis must precede symptom-based prescription. However, practitioners of external diseases (Chuang Ke, surgical specialties) often neglect pulse diagnosis, focusing solely on external treatments. When cases are difficult, they invite internal medicine specialists to diagnose, content with the reputation of being superficial and unskilled. Alas! How limited their perspective is!

Left Hand Table-Inside Pulse Diagram
Cun position: Exterior meridian is the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian; Interior meridian is the Foot-Shaoyin Heart Meridian.
Guan position: Exterior meridian is the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian; Interior meridian is the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian.
Chi position: Exterior meridian is the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian; Interior meridian is the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.

Right Hand Table-Inside Pulse Diagram
Chi position: Half-exterior half-interior is the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian; Interior is the Mingmen (Gate of Life).
Guan position: Exterior meridian is the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian; Interior meridian is the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian.
Cun position: Exterior meridian is the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian; Interior meridian is the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian.

The origin of sores and swellings lies in the disharmony of Yin and Yang, and the stagnation of Qi and Blood. Without pulse diagnosis, how can one discern the strength or weakness of Yin and Yang, and the aggregation or dispersion of Qi and Blood? From this, it is evident that for treating sores and swellings, the method of pulse diagnosis cannot be omitted. Having reviewed many ancient texts on treating sores and swellings, I found that their descriptions of diagnostic methods were brief and incomplete, reflecting a negligence among various medical specialties. Although I am untalented, I have selected theories on diagnosing sores and swellings from the *Huangdi Suswen* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: Plain Questions), *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot), *Jiayi Jing*, as well as works by Wang Shuhe, Zhang Zhongjing, Bian Que, Hua Tuo, *Qianjin Yaofang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), *Waitai Miyao* (Secret Essentials of the Outer Hall), and *Shengji Zonglu* (General Records of Holy Relief), along with formulas and discussions from famous physicians of past and present. I have compiled and organized these into chapters. First, I record the methods of entering the diagnostic posture; second, I discuss the principles of correlating Qi, Blood, complexion, and pulse; finally, I clarify the names of pulses, the syndromes they govern, and the methods for determining favorable and unfavorable outcomes in sores and swellings. It is hoped that those practicing surgical specialties will find this text clear and understandable, removing all doubts from their minds. When facing a disease, if one applies these diagnostic steps, distinguishing between favorable and unfavorable outcomes, and determining success or failure, will be as easy as distinguishing black from white.

Detailed Syndrome and Pulse Illustration Diagram