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The Huamai (Slippery Pulse) is characterized by smooth and fluent movement. When lightly palpated, it feels floating and tight; when heavily pressed, it feels like touching slippery stone. All pulses such as Hongmai (Surging Pulse), Koushi (Hollow/Real), belong to the category of Huamai. They do not resemble Shimai (Excess Pulse) which beats forcefully against the fingers, Jinmai (Tight Pulse) which moves with vigorous urgency, Dongmai (Moving Pulse) which appears in only one position, or Jimai (Rapid Pulse) which is excessively hurried. (This passage is from Zhang Lu. Additionally, Li Shizhen's *Binhu Tizhuang Shi* states: "Huamai resembles pearls, beating alternately, moving smoothly yet returning forward; Do not confuse Huamai with Shumai [Rapid Pulse], for Shumai is judged solely by its frequency.") Huamai indicates phlegm rebellion, food stagnation, vomiting with upward counterflow, chest fullness and obstruction, swelling, and a sensation of stuffiness. However, differentiation must be made based on whether the pulse is forceful or weak. If it is large, slippery, and rapid, the pulse indicates an excess condition (Yuyou); if it is merely light, floating, harmonious, and slow, lacking significant force, it should not be treated merely as an excess condition. Some cases arise where Qi deficiency fails to control Yin fire, resulting in a slippery pulse; others occur due to internal accumulation of phlegm-dampness, presenting as a slippery pulse. For healthy individuals, a smooth and harmonious pulse indicates no disease. In women, amenorrhea accompanied by a slippery and rapid pulse indicates pregnancy; during labor, a slippery and rapid pulse indicates the "Li Jing" pulse, signifying imminent delivery. In cases of diarrhea and dysentery, a Xianhua (Wiry-Slippery) pulse indicates injury to the Spleen and Kidney; in chronic illness, a Xianhua pulse indicates Yin deficiency. How can these generally be treated as Excess conditions? (Li Shizhen stated: "Huamai represents an excess of Yin energy, hence the pulse flows smoothly like water. The Mai is the residence of Blood. When Blood is abundant, the pulse is slippery, thus suitable for the Kidney pulse; when Qi is abundant, the pulse is choppy, thus suitable for the Lung pulse.")

The Semai (Choppy Pulse) is characterized by difficult and choppy movement, lacking fluency, resembling rain soaking into sand or a knife scraping bamboo. All pulses such as Xu (Deficiency), Xi (Fine), Wei (Micro), and Chi (Slow) belong to the category of Semai. They do not resemble Chimai (Slow Pulse) which feels sluggish under the finger, Huanmai (Moderate Pulse) which is drawn out and leisurely, or Rumai (Soggy Pulse) which is soft in onset and termination. (This passage is from Zhang Lu. Additionally, Li Shizhen's *Binhu Tizhuang Shi* states: "Fine, slow, short, and choppy, movement is difficult; scattered and stopping, faintly responding to the finger: Like rain soaking sand, easily dispersed; Like a sick silkworm eating leaves, slow and arduous. Also, the *Xianglei Shi* states: 'Irregular rhythm is named Semai, light as scraping bamboo, short and difficult; Micro like the tip of a hair, extremely soft, indistinguishable between floating and deep, present and absent.')" Semai is a sign of joint deficiency of Qi and Blood. Therefore, symptoms often include spasms and numbness, depression, blood loss and essence injury, Jueni (Cold extremities/reversal) and poor appetite. However, differentiation must be made among Hansai (Cold Choppy), Kusai (Withered/Dry Choppy), and Resai (Heat Choppy). If Semai accompanies vomiting and diarrhea, it belongs to Deficiency and Cold; if Semai accompanies essence loss, blood loss, spasms, and numbness, it belongs to Withered/Dry and disharmony; if Semai accompanies constipation and inability to pass stool, it belongs to internal closure by Heat pathogen or obstruction by Cold stagnation. One must always investigate based on symptoms. How can one generally point to Blood deficiency without distinct examination and care? (Proposing the three types of Cold Choppy, Heat Choppy, and Withered Choppy ensures that diagnosis and treatment have a clear focus.)