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The Wei (Micro) pulse is extremely fine, weak, and soft. Upon deep pressure, it feels as if it is about to cease, appearing now present, now absent; it is fine and slightly long. The *Suwen* refers to it as the Xiao (Small) pulse; when Qi and Blood are deficient, the pulse appears Wei.

It can be perceived with light palpation; when deep pressure makes it feel as if it is about to cease, this is the Wei pulse. When the pulse comes and goes like a thread but remains constantly present, this is the Xi (Fine) pulse. Zhang Zhongjing stated: "When the pulse flutters like fat floating on soup, Yang Qi is deficient; when it lingers like a spider's silk, Yin Qi is depleted. In chronic diseases, this indicates death; in acute diseases, it indicates survival."

**Diseases Governed:**
When Qi and Blood are deficient, the pulse also appears Wei. Symptoms include aversion to cold, fever, and profuse sweating. It indicates extreme exhaustion of Stomach Qi and various deficiency syndromes. In women, it manifests as uterine bleeding (Beng Lou) and leukorrhea. If seen at the Cun (Inch) position, it may cause shortness of breath or palpitations. If seen at the Guan (Bar) position, it presents with abdominal distension. If seen at the Chi (Cubit) position, it indicates weakness of Essence and Blood, accompanied by aversion to cold, relief from Bi pain, and groaning. Furthermore, the Wei pulse primarily governs diseases of chronic deficiency and blood weakness: Yang deficiency leads to aversion to cold, while Yin deficiency leads to fever. The *Mai Jue* states: "Uterine bleeding lasting long turns into white discharge; prolonged leakage causes bones to become dry and withered."

The Dong (Moving) pulse belongs to the Shuo (Rapid) category. It appears in the upper and lower aspects, without head or tail, resembling a bean, quivering and shaking. Zhang Zhongjing stated: "When Yin and Yang struggle against each other, it is named Dong." Yang movement causes tremors; Yin movement causes fever, cold body, and aversion to cold; this indicates injury to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). Cheng Wuji stated: "When Yin and Yang struggle, the deficient aspect moves; thus, Yang deficiency leads to Yang movement, and Yin deficiency leads to Yin movement." Pang stated: "One-third anterior to the Guan is Yang, one-third posterior to the Guan is Yin. The position at the Guan is half-Yang and half-Yin; therefore, the Dong pulse arises from deficiency." He further stated: "The moving pulse quivers rapidly at the Guan, without head or tail, round like a bean. Its origin lies in the struggle between Yin and Yang; the deficient should be tonified, and the victorious will be at peace." The *Mai Jue* claims that searching for it yields presence, lifting the finger yields absence, it stays in place without moving back and forth, and is frequently seen at both Guan positions. This description is vague and erroneous, completely failing to describe the true nature of the Dong pulse. Zhan claimed its form is rapid and moving, resembling a hook or hair, which is even more absurd.

**Diseases Governed:**
The Dong pulse specifically governs pain and fright. Sweating results from Yang movement; fever results from Yin movement. It may also indicate diarrhea, dysentery, or spasms/convulsions. In men, it indicates seminal emission/wasting; in women, it indicates uterine bleeding.

The Lao (Firm) pulse resembles the Chen (Deep) and Fu (Profound) pulses; it is solid, large, long, and slightly wiry. Bian Que stated: "A firm and long pulse corresponds to Liver Wood." Zhang Zhongjing stated: "Cold causes firmness and solidity, presenting a solid appearance." Shen stated: "Resembling Chen and Fu defines its location; being solid, large, wiry, and long defines its form." The *Mai Jue* does not describe its shape, only stating that searching yields nothing while pressing reveals presence, and that distinguishing it by skin respiration is difficult, labeling it a death pulse. These are all rash and erroneous. Li stated: "Wiry, long, solid, and large constitutes the Firm pulse. The Firm pulse resides deeply between Chen and Fu positions. Ge (Leather) and Kou (Hollow) pulses arise from variations of the Firm pulse. Ge indicates deficiency, while Lao indicates excess; these must be carefully distinguished."

**Diseases Governed:**
Cold causes the pulse to be firm and solid, indicating interior excess. It manifests as cold pain in the abdomen and heart, or Liver Wood overacting on Spleen Earth. One need not worry about hernia or masses (Jia). However, patients with blood loss or Yin deficiency must avoid seeing this pulse. Furthermore, in diseases of Cold Excess, Wood excess generates pain. Bian Que said: "Soft pulses indicate deficiency; Firm pulses indicate excess. For blood loss, the pulse should be deep and fine; if it instead appears floating, large, and firm, it indicates death. Deficiency diseases presenting with Excess pulses indicate death." The *Mai Jue* claims bone pain with Qi residing on the surface. Chi believed this indicated transmission from Kidney to Spleen. Both are absurd and unfounded theories.