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Nature flows downward, and its meaning is clear. Some ask: The Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel is prosperous in the fifth and sixth months, with a pulse that is surging (Hong) and long. It is believed that this is the characteristic pulse of the Taiyang channel. This actually refers to the six pulses of the Earth (referring to the changes in pulse qi corresponding to the Earthly Branches), discussing the decline and prosperity of Shao (Lesser) and Tai (Greater) Yin-Yang based on the pulse qi fluctuations during the six periods of a year, thereby dividing them into Three Yin and Three Yang. It does not refer to the six natural pulses of Heaven and Earth corresponding to the Biao-Gen (Root-Branch) Yin-Yang. Observe where Yin and Yang are located and regulate them, taking balance as the goal. For regular diseases, use regular treatment; for reversed diseases, use reversed treatment. If the Zang organs (Yin) are diseased but the Fu organs (Yang) are not, or if the Fu organs are diseased but the Zang organs are not, this is a regular disease, which is called regular treatment: using cold methods to treat heat syndromes, and hot methods to treat cold syndromes. If a Yang position presents a Yang pulse, yet also presents a Yin pulse at the same Yang position, this is called a reversed disease, which is called reversed treatment: using cold methods to treat cold syndromes, and hot methods to treat heat syndromes. Hence it is said, "For reversed conditions, use reversed treatment." The classic states that the Renying (Carotid artery pulse) and Cunkou (Radial artery pulse) should correspond, like a taut rope, equal in size, which is called a Ping (Normal) pulse. Cunkou governs the interior (Zang-Fu organs), while Renying governs the exterior (Meridians and surface). They correspond to each other, coming and going together, like a taut rope, equal in size, resembling a pulled rope that is level, which is called a Ping pulse. In spring and summer, Renying is slightly larger; in autumn and winter, Cunkou is slightly larger; this is also called a Ping pulse.

When the Si Tian (Heavenly Qi ruling the upper half of the year) does not manifest in the pulse, in Bei Zheng (Northern Administration) years, when Shaoyin (Lesser Yin/Ministerial Fire) is in Quan (Earthly Qi ruling the lower half of the year), then both Cunkou pulses do not respond (In Mao and You years, both hands' Cunkou pulses do not respond). When Jueyin (Great Yin/Wind Wood) is in Quan, then the right Cunkou does not respond (In Yin and Shen years, Ministerial Fire is on the right). When Taiyin (Greater Yin/Damp Earth) is in Quan, then the left Cunkou does not respond (Ministerial Fire is on the left). In years where Shaoyin is in Quan (Bing Zi, Geng Xu, Ren Zi, Wu Wu years), both Cunkou pulses do not respond; for Si Tian years, the Chi (Cun-Knee) positions do not respond (When Jueyin is Si Tian, the right Chi does not respond; when Taiyin is Si Tian, the left Chi does not respond). In Nan Zheng (Southern Administration) years, when Shaoyin is Si Tian (Jia Zi, Jia Wu years), then the Cunkou pulses do not respond (Facing south to issue orders, Ministerial Fire is above, so both hands' Cunkou pulses do not respond). When Jueyin is Si Tian (Ji Si, Ji Hai years), then the right Cunkou does not respond; when Taiyin is Si Tian (Ji Wei, Ji Chou, Ren Wei three years), then the left Cunkou does not respond (Ministerial Fire is on the left). For Qi in Quan, the Chi positions do not respond (When Shaoyin is in Quan, both Chi do not respond; when Jueyin is in Quan, the right Chi does not respond; when Taiyin is in Quan, the left Chi does not respond; all because Ministerial Fire is near, the position does not respond). All non-responsive pulses can be detected through reverse diagnosis (Non-response refers to the pulse sinking downward; when the palm faces up, the pulse sinks; when the palm faces down, the sinking pulse appears floating, and fine pulses appear large. Reverse diagnosis involves flipping the hand to diagnose; large becomes less, small becomes large).

The Classic says: The victory and revenge of Heaven and Earth's Qi do not manifest in symptoms. The pulse diagnostic method states: Changes of Heaven and Earth cannot be diagnosed solely by pulse, which is what this means. It also says: Following the location of the Qi, expect changes in the left and right; following the Qi brings harmony, encountering the Qi brings disease. Alternating positions cause disease; losing one's position brings danger; reversal of Cun (Wrist) and Chi (Elbow/Lower arm) positions leads to death; intersection of Yin and Yang leads to death. By "intersection of Yin and Yang," it means that in a given year, Yang should be on the left but intersects to the right, or Yin should be on the right but intersects to the left; such intersection leads to death. If only one side (left or right) is abnormal without intersection, this is called "non-response," which occurs specifically in Yin-Shen, Ji-Hai, Chen-Xu, and Ren-Wei eight years. By "reversal of Cun and Chi leads to death," it means that the pulse should appear at Cun but reversely appears at Chi, or should appear at Chi but reversely appears at Cun; such reversal leads to death. If Cun or Chi alone is abnormal without reversal, this is called "non-response," which applies to Zi-Wu and Mao-You four years. Now, based on the direct statements of the *Suwen* (Basic Questions), diagrams are established, and pulse methods are explained. First, establish the year to know its Qi, observe if the left and right pulses correspond, and only then can life and death be determined.

Whenever Sans Yin (Three Yin) is Si Tian or in Quan, involving Upper/Lower and South/North administrations, causing non-correspondence in the Cun and Chi positions of both hands, these are all cases of pulses sinking below. When the palm faces up, the pulse sinks; when the palm faces down, the sinking pulse appears floating, and fine pulses appear large.

[Image: Diagram of Northern Administration in Quan]
[Image: Diagram of Northern Administration Jueyin in Quan]
[Image: Diagram of Northern Administration Taiyin in Quan / Northern Administration Si Tian]
[Image: Diagram of Southern Administration Si Tian]
[Image: Diagram of Southern Administration Jueyin Si Tian]
[Image: Diagram of Southern Administration Taiyin in Quan / Southern Administration Three Yin in Quan]
[Image: Diagram of Palm Up/Down Pulse Diagnosis]

Women are the opposite of this, viewed from behind. Women belong to Yin, men to Yang. Yang corresponds to Southern Administration Si Tian, with Heaven facing South. Women, being Yin, correspond to Northern Administration Si Tian, with Heaven facing North. In Southern Administration (Yang), the palm turns down towards North; in Northern Administration (Yin), the palm turns up towards South. In Southern Administration, East is Left; in Northern Administration, East is Right. This is how women differ.

The left hand belongs to Yang, where Yang Qi begins at Zi hour; the right hand belongs to Yin, where Yin Qi begins at Wu hour. Therefore, the left Chi position belongs to Water, corresponding to the First Qi phase, which is the position of Taiyang Cold Water, so the pulses of the Kidney and Bladder appear. Next, Wood generates Ministerial Fire; the left hand corresponds to the Second Qi phase, the position of Shaoyin Summer Heat Fire, so the pulses of the Heart and Small Intestine appear. However, Ministerial Fire is above, and Divergent Fire is below, corresponding to the right hand, matching the Third Qi phase, the position of Shaoyang Great Heat Fire, so the pulses of the Mingmen (Gate of Life) and Sanjiao (Triple Burner) appear. Next, Earth is generated at the right Guan position, corresponding to the Fourth Qi phase, the position of Taiyin Damp Earth, so the pulses of the Spleen and Stomach appear. Next, Earth generates Metal at the right Cun position, corresponding to the Fifth Qi phase, the position of Yangming Dry Metal, so the pulses of the Lung and Large Intestine appear. Next, Metal generates Water at the left Chi position, cycling continuously.

Regarding the pulses of these Six Qi and Six Positions: Floating pulses are Yang, corresponding to Fu organs; sinking pulses are Yin, corresponding to Zang organs; neither sinking nor floating, but moderate and gentle, is the Stomach pulse. Earth of the Stomach is the mother of all things, so all four seasons rely on Stomach Qi as the foundation.

[Image: Diagram of Six Qi Pulse Appearance]

Heaven and Earth are the upper and lower of all things; Left and Right are the pathways of Yin and Yang; Water and Fire are the signs of Yin and Yang; Metal and Wood are the beginning and end of generation and completion. Thus, one knows that Heaven and Earth's Yin-Yang responds to Heavenly Qi, moving and unceasing. Therefore, the Five Zang organs migrate to the right, responding to Earthly Qi, remaining still and holding their positions. Thus, after six cycles, they meet again. Heaven has Six Qi, Earth has Five Positions. Heaven descends Six Qi upon Earth, and Earth receives them with Five Positions, because Earthly Qi does not impose upon Ministerial Fire. Adding Six to Five yields Five Qi, leaving one surplus Qi, hence the migration of one position. If Five receive Six for a year, the Heavenly Yuan Qi is fully exhausted. A sixty-year cycle completes, marking the return to the beginning. Furthermore, Earthly Qi moves left, going forth without returning; Heavenly Qi rotates eastward, always starting from Wood Yun for five years. The subsequent secondary Qi is directly above Ministerial Fire. According to the law, no imposition occurs, so Ministerial Fire migrates right. The upper Qi imposes upon the Divergent Fire above, hence it is said that every five years, there is a rightward migration. Through the movement and stillness of periods, and the mutual imposition of upper and lower, lies the sentiment of Heaven, Earth, and all things, and the mechanism of change.

Therefore, after Winter Solstice, upon reaching a Jia-Zi day, Shaoyang becomes prosperous. Its pulse is suddenly large, suddenly small, suddenly short, suddenly long, with no fixed standard. Summarizing the main outline, a full Jia-Zi cycle is divided into two parts, each lasting thirty days. Added after Winter Solstice, this marks the day of the Major Cold mid-period, beginning the entry into the First Qi phase. Before Spring Equinox is the position of Wind Wood. Yang Qi is prosperous, and Heaven exercises authority; its Qi is still minor, hence called Shaoyang (Lesser Yang). Things begin to sprout and grow suddenly, varying in size, length, and shape, which reflects their pulse image. Wind commands the function, responding to the Liver Wood pulse. If since Jia-Zi, the weather is warm and mild, this is "arriving when expected" (Zhi Er Zhi Zhi). If past Jia-Zi, the weather is severely cold, this is "expected but not arriving" (Zhi Er Bu Zhi Zhi). If before Jia-Zi, the weather is warm, this is "not yet expected but arriving early" (Wei Zhi Er Zhi Zhi). If expected to arrive but the weather is excessively hot, this is "arriving but excessive" (Zhi Er Tai Guo). If expected to arrive but the weather is instead severely cold, this is "arriving but insufficient" (Zhi Er Bu Ji). Human pulses also respond; non-responsiveness indicates disease. Upon reaching another Jia-Zi, Yangming becomes prosperous. Its pulse is floating, large, and short. This is the Second Qi phase from Spring Equinox to before Minor Fullness, the position of Ministerial Fire. Its Qi is neither Tai nor Shao, hence called Yangming. Things are vibrant and fresh. Although prosperous, they are not yet tall and lush, reflecting the pulse image. Summer heat commands the function, responding to the Heart Fire pulse. Some say Chen month (3rd lunar month) governs the left foot Yangming, and Si month (4th lunar month) governs the right foot Yangming, believing this defines Yangming. This is incorrect. This distinguishes the meanings of cold/heat and dark/bright. Thus, Xu month (9th lunar month) governs the right foot Jueyin, and Hai month (10th lunar month) governs the left foot Jueyin. Southeast is Yang, two Yangs combined make Brightness, hence Yangming. Northwest is Yin, two Yins intersect and end, hence Jueyin. Southwest is the division of extreme heat; Northeast is the division of extreme cold. Hence Cold, Heat, Warmth, and Coolness are all prosperous in the Four Corners. Generally, if the Five Elements are deficient, their number is born; this is called not combining the number of Earth. If excessive, their number is completed, combining the number of Earth. Earth is the monarch of the Five Yun, the mother of all things. Things prosper by obtaining it and decline by losing it. Earth Qi combines and resides, prospering after the four seasons, hence the prosperity of Cold, Heat, Warmth, and Coolness. Thus the Classic says: "Dark and Bright have their positions, Cold and Heat relax and expand." Jueyin is called Dark, Yangming is called Bright. This is what is meant, not referring to pulse meaning. Similarly, Water's root is cold, its branch is Taiyang; the Moon is the essence of water, named Taiyin. Fire's root is hot, its branch is Shaoyin; the Sun is the essence of fire, named Taiyang. Also, the *Lingshu Jing* says: Heart is Hand Taiyang, Lung is Hand Shaoyin, Kidney is Foot Taiyin, Spleen is Foot Jueyin. Also, the Classic says Yin is also Taiyang. There are many such cases with different meanings, originally distinct, not errors. They are texts speaking according to their respective uses. Though words are the same, applications differ; one must understand this. Upon reaching another Jia-Zi, Taiyang becomes prosperous. Its pulse is surging, large, and long. This is the Third Qi phase from Minor Fullness to before Major Heat, the position of Divergent Fire. Its Qi is very prosperous, hence called Taiyang. Things are grand, prosperous, tall, and lush, reflecting the pulse image. Fire commands the function, responding to the Pericardium Divergent Fire pulse. Upon reaching another Jia-Zi, Taiyin becomes prosperous. Its pulse is tight, large, and long. This is the Fourth Qi phase from Major Heat to before Autumn Equinox, the position of Damp Earth. Yin Qi is already prosperous, and Earth rules it. In the Yin portion, one cannot speak of Yang; its Qi is still prosperous, so one cannot speak of Shao. Hence called Taiyin. Things reach their peak, growing vigorously and transforming quickly, reflecting the pulse image. Dampness commands the function, responding to the Spleen Earth pulse. Upon reaching another Jia-Zi, Shaoyin becomes prosperous. Its pulse is tight, fine, and slight. This is the Fifth Qi phase from Autumn Equinox to before Light Snow, the position of Dry Metal. Its Qi converges and gradually diminishes, hence called Shaoyin. Things wither and fall, dry and exhausted, tight, strong, fine, and subtle, reflecting the pulse image. Dryness commands the function, responding to the Lung Metal pulse. Upon reaching another Jia-Zi, Jueyin becomes prosperous. Its pulse is sinking, short, and solid. This is the Final Qi phase from Light Snow to before Major Cold, the position of Cold Water. Its Qi is declining, about to end and transition, hence called Jueyin. Things store within, guarding firmly without extending, reflecting the pulse image. Cold commands the function, responding to the Kidney Water pulse.

However, these six pulses are called the pulses of the Six Steps of Main Position in a year. These Three Yin and Three Yang, depending on the prosperity and decline of their pulse Qi, and the division of Heaven and Earth Yin-Yang, discuss Shao and Tai to form Three Yin and Three Yang, not referring to the Yin-Yang of the Six Qi's Biao-Gen. The Natural Harmony Six Pulses are those that appear in response to the arrival of the Six Steps of Guest Qi. It is said that Qi has Main and Guest, and Pulse also has Main and Guest. If Main and Guest Qi are the same, human pulse is also the same, meaning both are in their original positions. For example, if Shaoyang Divergent Fire is Si Tian in a year, the Main Qi occupies the Divergent Fire position. The Guest Qi of Shaoyang has a pulse that is large and floating; the Main Qi of Divergent Fire has a pulse that is surging, large, and long. They are largely similar but slightly different. Main Qi holds its position immovably, while Guest Qi occupies irregular positions. Heaven and Earth are the same but slightly different, so pulses are largely similar but slightly different. Suppose Shaoyang governs the Earth (Di), meaning Fire occupies the Water position. The Guest Qi of Shaoyang has a pulse that is large and floating; the Main Qi of the Water position has a pulse that is sinking, short, and solid. Because Main and Guest are different, human pulses differ. This is the profound principle of the ancient sages, which the world cannot explain. However, if one responds to the Main pulse but not the Guest pulse, it is disease; if one responds to the Guest pulse but not the Main pulse, it is also disease. These two pulses, originally opposite, can be understood by observing the prosperity and decline of Qi. If the Main Qi of the Water position is prosperous, the weather is severely cold, and the pulse should be sinking, short, and solid. Opposite to this is disease. If the Guest Qi of Shaoyang is prosperous, the weather is very hot, and the pulse should be slightly large and floating. This is because Fire occupies the Water position, and its function is incomplete. Opposite to this pulse is disease. If Main and Guest Qi are balanced, with no excess or deficiency in winter, the weather is not cold but slightly warm, and the pulses are halved: slightly sinking, slightly floating, large cannot be large, short cannot be short, moderate and harmonious. Opposite to this is disease. The rest follow this pattern and can be deduced. Generally, regarding pulse signs, carefully distinguish the Main and Guest pulses of Heaven and Earth. Do not adhere to Heavenly pulses while discarding Earthly pulses, nor hold Earthly pulses while discarding Heavenly pulses. Compare Heaven and Earth, examine similarities and differences, observe prosperity and decline, adapt to the use of Qi, and you can assess the fullness and emptiness of pulses to judge the fortune and misfortune of diseases.

The Six Pulses of Heaven arrive with Qi, neither strong nor weak, neither prosperous nor declining, constituting a peaceful pulse. String-like like a bowstring, slippery like linked pearls, sinking attaching to bone, floating higher than skin, choppy and stopping, short like hemp seeds, large like a hat pin, long like a drawn rope—all indicate "arriving but too excessive," which is disease. Responding to string-like but appearing choppy, responding to large but appearing fine, responding to slight but appearing large, responding to sinking but appearing floating, responding to floating but appearing sinking, responding to short/choppy but appearing long/slipping, responding to soft/deficient but appearing strong/excessive—all indicate "arriving but reversed," an abnormal sign, which is disease.

All these pulses should be examined for similarities and differences between Main and Guest Qi, adapted to their prosperity and decline, to discuss disease. If the Qi position is obtained but the pulse Qi does not respond, it is "arriving but not arriving," causing disease. If the Qi position has not arrived but the pulse Qi changes first, or corresponds to the change of South/North Yearly Administration, it is "not yet arrived but arriving early," causing disease. Not responding to Heavenly norms, seeing Yang pulses in Yin positions, or Yin pulses in Yang positions, indicates exchange of Yin and Yang, disease and danger. The positions of Yin and Yang can be known by viewing the South/North Yearly Administration. Upper Jueyin (Shang Jiao) causes left Chi non-response; Upper Taiyin (Shang Gong) causes right Chi non-response; Shaoyin in Quan causes both Cun non-response; Lower Jueyin (Xia Jiao) causes right Cun non-response; Lower Taiyin (Xia Gong) causes left Cun non-response. This is because the pulse sinks under the fingers, not responding like a taut rope equal in size, hence called non-response. Non-response and sinking is Yin, hence Yin position; responding and floating is Yang, hence Yang position. All non-responses reverse the usual diagnosis under the fingers. Hence the Classic says: "For all non-responses, reverse the diagnosis to see them," which is what this means.

To know the South/North of the Yearly Administration, examine the Movement of Ruler and Minister. Among the Five Yun, Earth Yun is the Ruler, facing South as the Monarch, hence called Southern Administration. The other four Yun are Ministers, facing North to serve the Ruler, hence called Northern Administration. The positions of Yin-Yang pulses also refer to the way of Ruler and Minister. Among the Six Qi, Shaoyin Fire is the Ruler, others are Ministers. The Ruler governs the interior and issues decrees; the Ministers obey decrees to govern the exterior. Exterior is Yang, hence its pulse floats; Interior is Yin, hence its pulse sinks. For example, in a Southern Administration year, facing South as Ruler. If Shaoyin is Si Tian, meaning Heaven's position is South, both Cun pulses do not respond, and the pulse sinks. If Jueyin is Si Tian, then Shaoyin is on the right, hence called Shang Jiao, causing right Cun non-response. If Taiyin is Si Tian, then Shaoyin is on the left, hence called Shang Gong, causing left Cun non-response. If Shaoyin is in Quan (also called Si Di), Earth's position is North, so both Chi pulses do not respond. Left and right follow the same method. The rest follow this example, all depending on the location of Ministerial Fire, resulting in sinking/non-responding pulses. This is the wonderful path, the essential truth, clearly verifiable, and indeed not false. Hence the Classic says: "Those who know the essentials conclude in one word; those who do not know the essentials scatter infinitely." This is what is meant.

When in Yin positions the pulse sinks, and in Yang positions the pulse floats, it is a peaceful pulse. Seeing Yang pulses in Yin positions, or Yin pulses in Yang positions, occurs in four years when Ministerial Fire governs Heaven and Earth, called "Reversed." Reversal leads to peril and death. If only Yin positions show Yang pulses, or only Yang positions show Yin pulses, this is called "Non-responding Qi," not Reversal. Reversal refers to Cun and Chi positions, occurring in eight years when Wood or Earth governs Heaven and Earth. This is not called Reversal but "Intersection." If both Yin and Yang intersect, it is called "Secondary Intersection," leading to peril and death. If only Yin or only Yang is so, it is called "Non-responding Qi," not Intersection. Intersection refers to Left and Right. Non-responding Qi is disease. Seeing Yin pulses in Yang positions is called "Ruler occupying Minister's position." Although deviating from normal, it is not a major violation, so disease is mild. Seeing Yang pulses in Yin positions is called "Minister occupying Ruler's position," a great rebellion, so disease is severe. Intersection and Reversal lead to peril and death. This means the Ruler inversely occupies the Minister's position, and the Minister inversely occupies the Ruler's position. Ruler and Minister exchange positions, greatly reversing normalcy, defying the Way of Heaven, how could it not lead to peril and death!

Pulse is the residence of Blood, nourished by the Heart, corresponding to Fire. Its Qi is active and restless, thus it moves. The circulation of Blood and Qi is the function of Spirit, thus one can diagnose disease by observing the pulse. However, the four-season pulses—Spring String-like, Summer Rapid, Autumn Choppy, Winter Sinking—are peaceful pulses. If they do not respond, one cannot immediately declare disease. Human pulse signs all respond to Heaven and Earth's Qi. The four-season pulses are caused by Cold, Heat, Warmth, and Coolness climates. Warm Qi makes the pulse string-like; Hot Qi makes it rapid; Cool Qi makes it choppy; Cold Qi makes it sinking. If pulse corresponds to Heaven, Earth, Interior, and Exterior, it is peaceful; if not, it is disease. If corresponding to Interior and Exterior but still diseased, the pulse response is excessive. Suppose the weather is hot, the pulse should be rapid, but not exceeding five beats per breath. Hot weather causes rapid breathing, and the pulse responds, hence called Rapid. Counting breaths reveals this. Six or seven beats per breath is disease, indicating Heat. Interior Heat presents sinking-rapid pulse, requiring purgation; Exterior Heat presents floating-rapid pulse, requiring sweating. This is the general principle of treatment. Opposite treatment leads to death. Eight or more beats per breath is death, indicating excessive rapidity. The rest follow this pattern and can be deduced. Some say: Spring getting Autumn pulse, Autumn getting Summer pulse, Summer getting Winter pulse, Winter getting Late Summer pulse, Late Summer getting Spring pulse—these are the pulses of the Four Seasons' Official Ghosts punishing each other, indicating fatal disease. One must be cautious not to immediately declare death. However, Spring pulse should be string-like, Autumn pulse should be choppy. If Yangming Metal governs the First Qi in a year, and Guest Qi is prosperous, the air becomes very cool, and the pulse short and choppy. Although this is Spring getting Autumn pulse,