迟数者,脉之缓急也。气火甚盛,脉来急疾,一息六七至者为数,属阳属热多实证。气
血衰微,脉来怠缓,一息二三至者为迟,属阴属寒多虚证。虽间亦有中气不充,脉形虚数,
实积凝结,脉道迟滞者,而以寻常脉理言之,固数主有余,迟主不及也。是以肿疡脉数,皆
为病邪之有余,其势方张,其毒方盛,脉象应之,必兼数疾。或为身热,则数大而洪,或已
酿脓,则紧数而实,脉病相合,是为常态。若在既溃之后,其毒已泄,脉以安静为吉。如仍
数疾不减,则身热之未净,余毒之未化也。初溃得之,尚无大害,化邪解热,即可向安。若
其迁延既久,正气日馁,邪气不衰,而脉数不退,或数大而中空,或细数而急疾,形神必惫
,真元消亡,斯为坏证矣。肿疡脉迟,多属正气之不及,脉病不符,甚非佳象。此惟于虚弱
之体偶见之,而寻常之疡,所不应有者也。惟附骨环跳诸证,病因虚寒,初起酸疼经缩,脉
象应之,沉迟为正。温养舒经,其毒自化。若脑疽、背疽,寒邪在经,迟脉亦为正应。温经
宣托,收效亦佳。苟非此证,则阳病阴脉,宜求其故矣。若在溃后,邪势已衰,脉迟虽似相
宜,如果形证皆顺,养胃调元,是为正治。抑或神疲气馁,则余毒未净,而真元欲漓,脉至
无神,亦非吉象。
Chi (Slow) and Shu (Rapid) pulses refer to the slowness and rapidity of the pulse. When Qi and Fire are excessively abundant, the pulse comes rapidly; beating six or seven times per respiration is defined as Shu (Rapid) [Shu Mai (Rapid Pulse)], belonging to Yang and Heat patterns, mostly Excess syndromes. When Qi and Blood are depleted and weak, the pulse comes lethargic and slow; beating two or three times per respiration is defined as Chi (Slow) [Chi Mai (Slow Pulse)], belonging to Yin and Cold patterns, mostly Deficiency syndromes. Although there are occasional cases where Middle Qi is insufficient leading to a virtual Rapid pulse, or where solid pathogenic accumulation causes stagnation in the pulse vessels, generally speaking according to pulse theory, Shu indicates Excess (redundancy), while Chi indicates Deficiency (insufficiency). Therefore, in the stage of Zhongyang (Swollen Ulcer / Pre-ulcerative abscess), if the pulse is Shu (Rapid), it indicates an excess of pathogenic factors; the disease momentum is rising, and the toxicity is strong, so the pulse image must correspondingly be both Shu (Rapid) and Ji (Hurried). If accompanied by fever, the pulse is Shu (Rapid), large, and Hong (Surging); if pus has already formed, the pulse is Jin (Tight), Shu (Rapid), and Shi (Excess). When the pulse and disease match, this is the normal state. After the ulcer has ruptured (Ji Kui), when the toxicity has been discharged, a quiet and peaceful pulse is auspicious. If the pulse remains Shu (Rapid) and Ji (Hurried) without decrease, it indicates that residual heat is not yet cleared and residual toxins are not yet resolved. If this occurs immediately after rupture, it poses no major danger; resolving pathogens and clearing heat will lead to recovery. However, if the condition persists for a long time, Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) declines daily while Xie Qi (Pathogenic Qi) does not diminish, and the Shu (Rapid) pulse does not recede, or if the pulse is Shu (Rapid) and large with a hollow center (Kou Pulse), or thin, Shu (Rapid), and hurried, the patient's form and spirit will inevitably become exhausted, and Zhen Yuan (True Yuan/Original Qi) will perish; this constitutes a Huai Zheng (Bad/Incurable Syndrome). A Chi (Slow) pulse during the Zhongyang (Swollen Ulcer) stage mostly indicates insufficiency of Zheng Qi (Upright Qi); the pulse and disease do not correspond, which is definitely not a good omen. This is only seen occasionally in individuals with weak constitutions and should not occur in ordinary ulcers. Only in conditions such as Fugu Ju (Bone-attached Abscess) and Huantiao Ju (Huantiao Abscess), where the etiology is Deficient-Cold, presenting initially with sour pain and tendon contraction, a Chen (Deep) and Chi (Slow) pulse is correct. Applying Wenyang Shujing (Warming and Nourishing to Soothe the Meridians) allows the toxicity to resolve naturally. In cases of Nao Ju (Neck Carbuncle) and Bei Ju (Back Carbuncle), where Cold Pathogen resides in the meridians, a Chi (Slow) pulse is also a corresponding normal finding. Applying Wenjing Xuantuo (Warming the Meridians and Promoting Expulsion) yields good results. If these specific conditions are not present, then a Yang disease presenting with a Yin pulse requires investigation into its cause. After rupture, when the pathogenic momentum has declined, a Chi (Slow) pulse may seem appropriate; if the physical signs and symptoms are favorable, treating by nourishing the Stomach and regulating Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) is the correct approach. Alternatively, if there is mental fatigue and deficient Qi, it indicates residual toxins are not cleared and Zhen Yuan (True Yuan/Original Qi) is about to dissipate; a pulse arriving without Shen (Spirit/Vitality) is also not an auspicious sign.