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The Da (Large) pulse manifests as full and overflowing under the fingers, being both large and long, yet feeling slightly weak upon deep pressure. The Fu (Floating), Kou (Hollow), Hong (Surging), and Chang (Long) pulses all belong to this category of Da pulses. They differ from the Chang pulse, which is merely long without being large, and from the Hong pulse, which is both large and rapid. (Zhang Lu) The Da pulse presents differences between deficiency and excess, yin and yang, and cannot be generalized. If the pulse is large and forceful, it indicates an excess of Yang Qi, suggesting the disease is progressing; if it is large but forceless, it indicates a deficiency of Zheng Qi (Upright Qi). A Da pulse biased towards the left suggests pathogenic excess in the meridians; a Da pulse biased towards the right suggests heat excess in the Yin. A Da pulse accompanied by Se (Choppy) or Kou (Hollow) pulses indicates that Blood fails to nourish internally; a Da pulse accompanied by Shi (Excess) or Chen (Deep) pulses indicates blazing internal Excess-Heat. A Da pulse with Fu-Jin (Floating-Tight) characteristics indicates severe external pathology; a Da pulse with Chen-Duan (Deep-Short) characteristics indicates internal obstruction/stagnation. A Da-Shi (Large-Excess) pulse that is Huan (Slow) indicates虽有剧疾仍有生机 (severe condition but with potential for survival); a Da-Shi pulse that is Po (Rapid/Impetuous) indicates虽静即死 (apparent calm but impending death). Therefore, whenever a Da pulse is observed, symptoms must correspond with the pulse to rule out danger. If a Da pulse appears after prolonged deficiency, after purgation, after the cessation of wheezing, or postpartum, these are all signs of untreatable conditions. (Zhang Lu stated: Among various small pulses, if one position is uniquely large; among various large pulses, if one position is uniquely small, diagnose the deficiency or excess of the disease based on that specific position.)

The Xiao (Small) pulse manifests as smallness across all three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi), clearly perceptible under the fingers. The Wei (Minute), Xi (Fine), Duan (Short), and Ruo (Weak) pulses all belong to this category of Xiao pulses. They differ from the Wei pulse, which is faint and indistinct; from the Xi pulse, which is minute like a hair; from the Ruo pulse, which is soft and weak, requiring deep pressure to feel; and from the Duan pulse, which does not extend to its beginning and end. (Zhang Lu) The Xiao pulse signifies insufficiency of Yuan Qi (Original Qi) and the trend of disease receding. If the pulse becomes small due to illness damage and is accompanied by weakness, appearing at the Renying point, it indicates decline of Stomach Qi; appearing at the Qikou point, it indicates weakness of Lung Qi; appearing at the Cun Kou point, it indicates insufficiency of Yang; appearing at the Chi Nei area, it indicates insufficiency of Yin. These are all manifestations of forcelessness. However, if the pulse is small yet forceful, and accompanied by Hua (Slippery) or Shi (Excess) qualities, it indicates solidified Excess-Heat. Nevertheless, as long as the pulse is not urgent and strong, and the limbs are not cold/reversed, it can still be said that Stomach Qi has not perished. If Stomach Qi is gone and Sheng Qi (Vital Qi) is lost, what help can there be? (The Classic states: Palpating the Mai Kou, if the pulse is Slippery, Small, Tight, and increasingly Deep, the disease worsens and resides in the interior. It also states: In Warm Disease with high fever, if the pulse is unexpectedly small and fine, and the hands and feet are reversed/cold, death ensues. Xianwei stated: Large anteriorly and small posteriorly leads to headache and vertigo; small anteriorly and large posteriorly leads to chest fullness and shortness of breath.)