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(Yuan Fang's discussion on pulse methods, although consistent with the classic's intent, fails to elucidate further.)

The Yellow Emperor said: In spring, one should urgently treat the collaterals and channels; in summer, one should urgently treat the Jing-River points and Shu-points; in autumn, one should urgently treat the diseases of the Six Fu organs; in winter, the Qi portals are closed. When closed, medication is used, and acupuncture and stone therapy are minimized. (Urgent implies haste. Closed refers to the obstruction of the Qi portals.) The statement "minimizing acupuncture and stone therapy" does not refer to carbuncles and sores. (Although the Qi portals are closed in winter, carbuncles and sores have fierce pathogenic Qi, forming large amounts of pus internally. If not drained promptly, they will rot tendons and corrupt bones. Therefore, even in winter, it is appropriate to use acupuncture and stone therapy to open and drain them.) Carbuncles and sores cannot be delayed for a moment. (...Note: Hui means deviation or delay. Carbuncles and sores are most critical; delaying treatment by even a moment leads to error. Thus, even in winter, urgent use of acupuncture and stone therapy is required, falling outside the category of prohibited treatments.) Generally, treating Xiao-Dan (Wasting-Thirst), Pu-Ji (Sudden Collapse), Pian-Ku (Hemiplegia), Wei-Jue (Atrophy and Paralysis), and Qi-Man Fa-Ni (Qi Fullness and Reversal) involves conditions arising from Gao-Liang (Rich Diet). Ge-Sai Bi-Jue (Obstruction and Blockage) with upper and lower non-communication arises from sudden severe worry. Sudden Jue (Fainting) with deafness, and unilateral blockage/non-communication, arise from sudden internal Qi pressure. Not originating from interior or exterior, but being a Wind-Strike disease, it results from emaciation due to lingering pathogens. Limping is a disease caused by Cold, Dampness, and Wind. (...Xiao refers to internal consumption; Dan refers to latent heat; Jue refers to Qi reversal. Gao refers to fat/grease; Liang refers to grain. The foot is called Zhi. Fatty foods cause heat to accumulate in the middle; sweet foods cause fullness in the middle. Thus, heat presses internally, causing Wasting-Thirst, hemiplegia, and Qi fullness with reversal. "Reversal" means deviating from normal patterns, differing from healthy individuals. However, sorrow causes Qi to close and cease moving, leading to obstruction, blockage, severed Qi pulses, and lack of communication between upper and lower. Qi stagnating internally prevents the smooth excretion of urine and feces. Why? Because the Qi of the Zang-Fu organs fails to transform, becoming fixed and unable to disperse. External Wind invading the body lingers without departing, causing Yang Qi to receive heat internally, which flares externally, consuming muscles. Thus, pathogens linger in the muscle layers, causing emaciation where skin adheres to sinew and bone. Dampness exceeding in the feet leads to tendon dysfunction; Cold exceeding in the feet leads to spasms and urgency. When Wind, Dampness, and Cold prevail, Wei-Qi (Defensive Qi) aggregates. Aggregated Wei-Qi causes muscle pain, resulting in limping and inability to walk. Note: Yao Zhi'an's commentary is correct, but his explanation of "sudden internal Qi pressure" is inaccurate. Bo (press) implies striking or pressing against. Human Qi prefers flow and dislikes stagnation. Extreme stagnation seeks release, causing conflict and rising, striking up and down, hence "sudden pressure." Due to this sudden pressure, Qi rises upward causing Jue-Ni (Reversal); due to upward reversal, deafness occurs. However, although Qi reverses, it does not immediately reach its destination, causing obstruction and non-communication. Furthermore, regarding "not originating from interior or exterior, but being a Wind-Strike disease," reading Zhong (strike/enter) as a departing tone is also inaccurate. It means that when Wind enters the human body, it is neither inside the Zang-Fu nor outside the skin/hair, but lingers within the muscles, causing muscle emaciation; this is named Wind-Strike disease. If interpreted as external Wind striking the skin/hair, the body would only manifest chills and fever, and muscles would not necessarily emaciate; if internal Wind strikes the Zang-Fu, it would cause hemiplegia, collapse, and Jue-Jue, not merely muscle emaciation. Zhong is read with a level tone. Zhuo (linger) is pronounced zhi-lüe qie. Zhi is pronounced zhi. Bo (limp) is pronounced bu-huo qie, wave rising tone, referring to a short leg.) Huang-Dan (Jaundice), Bao-Tong (Sudden Pain), Dian-Ji (Epilepsy), and Jue-Kuang (Jue and Mania) are generated by long-term Qi reversal. Imbalance of the Five Zang organs is generated by obstruction of the Six Fu organs. Headache, tinnitus, and dysfunction of the Nine Orifices are generated by the stomach and intestines. (The Three Yang meridians of the foot run from head to foot. However, if long-term Jue-Ni prevents downward flow, Qi becomes stagnant in the Upper Jiao, generating Jaundice, sudden pain, epilepsy, mania, and Qi reversal. Improper diet, excessive vomiting and diarrhea, lead to obstruction of the Six Fu organs, causing the Qi of the Five Zang organs to become unbalanced. Stomach and intestinal blockage disrupts the orderly flow of Qi; disrupted Qi flow causes mutual contention among upper, lower, interior, and exterior, resulting in headache, tinnitus, and dysfunction of the Nine Orifices. Note: Diseases have their origins; treating their origins cures the disease. The chapter "Yin-Yang Ying Xiang Da Lun" states: "In treating diseases, one must seek the root." This is precisely what is meant here.)