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All ancient texts, intended to pass down teachings, underwent countless deliberations and revisions before being compiled into books. How can later generations, merely because they fail to understand them at a glance, dismiss them by placing them on high shelves? Is this not a betrayal of the sincere intentions of the ancient sages who authored these works?

I have extensively studied the surviving writings of the ancients. When I find insights that resonate with my mind, I naturally cannot bear to put them down. Even when doubts arise within me, I linger over them repeatedly until, one night, I experience a sudden enlightenment and profound comprehension.

Consider the statement found in medical formularies: "In cases of various pains, the pulse is deep-hidden (Fu Mai) and thus difficult to diagnose." I once harbored doubts about this. The method of treating disease relies on distinguishing between deficiency and excess, cold and heat, and weighing the severity and urgency of the condition, all of which depend heavily on pulse diagnosis. If a deep-hidden pulse renders diagnosis impossible, how can a physician determine whether a disease stems from deficiency or excess, cold or heat? Furthermore, how can one establish definitive guidelines for using medications lightly or heavily, or treating slowly or urgently?

Unexpectedly, I realized that what the ancients intended to teach me was already clearly recorded in their writings, anticipating my own thoughts. Through repeated reflection, I came to understand that the phrase "deep-hidden pulse implies impossibility of diagnosis" means that one must rely on other symptoms to differentiate the condition before determining the treatment method.

Therefore, for patients presenting with pain and a deep-hidden pulse, I invariably examine the tendons for cyanosis or purple discoloration to identify Sha Syndrome (a acute condition caused by toxic stagnation in the meridians). Similarly, for diseases presenting with a deep-hidden pulse but no pain, I also examine the tendons for cyanosis or purple discoloration to identify Sha Syndrome. This is because Sha toxins obstruct blood flow within the meridians, causing the pulse to become deep-hidden and imperceptible. If treated with acupuncture, the release of blood and Qi dissipates the obstruction, allowing the pulse to return to its normal state.

However, in severe cases of Sha Syndrome where the damage extends to the intestines, stomach, and the Three Yin meridians, acupuncture may be insufficient, and bloodletting may not fully expel the pathogen. In such instances, I treat based on the toxicity obstructed by food retention, blood stasis, and phlegm. Once the pulse recovers following herbal administration, if the illness persists, one can then rely on the pulse to guide further medication. Only then does one truly appreciate the ancients' assertion that "various pains with deep-hidden pulses are indeed difficult to diagnose through pulse alone." The guidance provided by the ancients is indeed founded upon profound insight.