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The method of pulse diagnosis is usually based on the time of dawn (Pingdan). At this time, Yin Qi (Yin Energy) has not yet dispersed, Yang Qi (Yang Energy) has not yet moved, food and drink have not been ingested, blood and Qi (Vital Energy) are not yet chaotic, the Jing Mai (Meridians) are not yet full, and the Luo Mai (Collaterals) are harmonious and even. Therefore, it is possible to diagnose the pulse of a diseased person. If one encounters a sudden or urgent patient, this rule does not strictly apply. As stated in the *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon), holding the pulse requires a way, valuing emptiness and tranquility above all. One must clear the spirit, calm the thoughts, regulate the breath, and focus the mind. Observe the clarity of the eyes, inspect the five colors, listen to the voice, ask about the suffering, and only then press the Cun Kou (Cun Position) and Chi positions, distinguishing between Fu (Floating) and Chen (Sinking) pulses. By referring to these signs, one can determine the division between life and death. Furthermore, observe the patient's body shape—length, leanness, and obesity; age; gender; and temperament—each case being different. Thus it is said: "When form and Qi are in harmony, there is life; when the three positions are disordered, there is disease." For example, in unmarried women or nuns, the pulse should be Ru (Soft) and weak; in infants and children, the pulse is fine and rapid; for children aged three or four, during one respiration cycle, the pulse should beat seven or eight times as normal, which is particularly different from adults.

Generally, for men, the left hand is diagnosed first; for women, the right hand is diagnosed first. In men, a larger pulse on the left is favorable; in women, a larger pulse on the right is favorable.

In general pulse diagnosis, first use the middle finger to palpate the high bone behind the palm. Below this bone is the Guan (Bar) position. Once the Guan position is found, place the index and ring fingers of both hands simultaneously. For persons with long arms, space the fingers widely; for persons with short arms, place the fingers closely together. After the three fingers are steady, first diagnose the upper position, called Cun Kou (Cun Position). Explore it by light pressure (Fu), medium pressure (Zhong), and heavy pressure (Chen); explore from the proximal end to the distal end; push outward to explore; push inward to explore. Then diagnose the Guan and Chi positions in a similar manner. If among the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi), the pulses such as Fu (Floating), Chen (Sinking), Hua (Slippery), Se (Rough), Chi (Slow), and Ji (Rapid) are irregular, determining the associated disease requires observing external appearance and internal pulse conditions, analyzing carefully, and advising faithfully. One must not speak lightly, laugh, discuss trivialities, look around, or act carelessly; this is the behavior of an incompetent physician.

The *Huang Ji Jing* states: Each of the four limbs has its own pulse. One pulse is divided into three positions (Bu), and each position has three depths (Hou), corresponding to the heavenly numbers. The three positions of one pulse are Cun, Guan, and Chi; the three depths of one position are Fu (Floating), Zhong (Medium), and Chen (Deep), thus corresponding to the number nine. It can be said that the principle of the pulse is subtle.

Humans have normal pulses according to the four seasons, habitual pulses throughout life, altered pulses due to internal injury, pathogenic pulses due to external contraction, pulses of excessive Yin, pulses of excessive Yang, pulses where Yin overcomes Yang due to Yang deficiency, pulses where Yang overcomes Yin due to Yin deficiency, pulses where Yin arises from extreme Yang, pulses where Yang arises from extreme Yin, solitary pulses, combined pulses, pulses at the onset of disease, pulses indicating recovery, treatable pulses, and untreatable pulses. Whether excess or deficiency exists between the left and right, upper and lower, exterior and interior, it depends entirely on distinguishing Yin and Yang. Only by distinguishing Yin and Yang can one understand the essence of the pulse.

Liu Fuzhen said: In the past, Wang Shuhe used the Seven Exterior and Eight Interior pulse classifications to determine life and death. However, the textual principles were vast and complex. It is better to extract the essentials, taking Fu (Floating), Chen (Sinking), Chi (Slow), and Shu (Rapid) as the main categories, understanding that wind, cold, and heat govern diseases. A Fu pulse with force indicates Wind; a Fu pulse without force indicates Deficiency. A Chen pulse with force indicates Accumulation; a Chen pulse without force indicates Qi stagnation. A Chi pulse with force indicates Pain; a Chi pulse without force indicates Cold. A Shu pulse with force indicates Heat; a Shu pulse without force indicates Sores/Ulcers. Further dividing into three positions: if found in the Cun position, it indicates diseases of the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), head, face, chest, and diaphragm; if in the Guan position, it indicates diseases of the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), abdomen, spleen, and stomach; if in the Chi position, it indicates diseases of the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), lower abdomen, waist, and feet. When diagnosing the Zang Organs, whichever organ corresponds to the pulse applies similarly to the Fu Organs. Scholars should comprehend this through intent and refine their discrimination, so as not to be mocked for merely pressing the Cun and grasping the Chi without understanding their meaning.