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Length and shortness refer to the positional distribution of the pulse at the Cun, Guan, and Chi positions. When Qi and Blood are abundant, the momentum under the fingers is vigorous, with both the Cun (distal) and Chi (proximal) positions overflowing their normal boundaries; this is termed a Long Pulse (Chang Mai). When Qi and Blood are deficient, the momentum under the fingers is hurried and short, with both the Cun and Chi positions failing to reach their normal boundaries; this is termed a Short Pulse (Duan Mai). Therefore, a Long Pulse is invariably accompanied by characteristics such as Surging (Hong), Large (Da), Slippery (Hua), and Rapid (Ji); a Short Pulse is invariably accompanied by characteristics such as Weak (Ruo), Deficient (Xu), Fine (Xi), and Minute (Wei). This condition mostly belongs to an individual's constitutional endowment, and by differentiating syndromes based on the pulse, one can subsequently determine the nature of deficiency or excess.

The concepts of Length and Shortness are discussed in relation to the three positions: Cun, Guan, and Chi. A Long Pulse manifests as both the Cun and Chi positions exceeding their respective standard locations, while a Short Pulse manifests as both the Cun and Chi positions falling short of their standard locations; thus, there is no concept of length or shortness regarding the Guan (middle) position. Ancients often stated that the Guan position does not diagnose shortness, because the Cun, Guan, and Chi positions are originally connected in a continuous line and cannot be separated; hence, there is the theory that "if the Cun pulse does not reach the Guan, it is Yang Extinction; if the Chi pulse does not reach the Guan, it is Yin Extinction." Consequently, even if the Guan position should not exhibit a Short Pulse, it certainly cannot be described as a Long Pulse either. Furthermore, in diseases characterized by excessive upward movement of Yang Qi, the pulse is long at the Cun but short at the Chi; in diseases characterized by excessive downward movement of Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo), the pulse is long at the Chi but short at the Cun. This refers to the pulse phenomenon known as "reaching the fish-mound (Yumen) and entering the Chi." Those biased toward excess above must be short below; those biased toward excess below must be short above. This differs from the specific discussion of Length and Shortness concerning the combination of Cun and Chi positions. Whenever a disease presents with a Long Pulse, unless the person has been constitutionally strong since youth, it indicates that the pathogenic factor is currently vigorous, or that Deficient Yang is floating outward. If the pulse is longer yet empty, long yet lacking Shen (Spirit/Vitality), although it appears to have excess, it actually lacks substance; this is not a favorable omen. Whenever a disease presents with a Short Pulse, unless the person has been constitutionally weak since youth, it indicates that both Qi and Blood are declining. Otherwise, it signifies that Excess Pathogens are coagulating in the middle jiao, causing the Qi mechanism to be unsmooth. If the pulse is short and lacks Shen, with both form and Qi being depleted, treatment will be extremely difficult. Therefore, in the stage of swelling/ulceration, a Long Pulse indicates merely the vigor of Yang pathogens; whereas a Short Pulse during swelling/ulceration indicates the firm coagulation of severe toxicity. However, after the ulcer has ruptured, when pus and toxins have been discharged and Qi and Blood have been injured, the pulse should contract/restrain. In this context, a Short Pulse seems more appropriate, while a Long Pulse would likely indicate many variations. Unless the toxic pathogens have not diminished, it implies that Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is floating outward. The situation where "the syndrome is deficient but the pulse is excess" requires careful consideration. Ultimately, a Short Pulse signifies that Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) is not circulating fully, and the pulse reflects the consumption of Jin Ye (Body Fluids). Nourishing fluids and nourishing Yin is the correct treatment method. If the pulse is short, choppy (Se), and lacks Shen, it indicates that True Yin is about to be exhausted, which is naturally dangerous.