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The Ji (Rapid) pulse is characterized by seven to eight beats per respiration cycle. All pulses such as Dong (Agitated), Hua (Slippery), Hong (Surging), and Shu (Rapid) belong to the category of Ji. Unlike the Hong pulse, which is both large and rapid, the Ji pulse lacks the form of dryness and urgency. The Ji pulse appears as hyperactive Yang without restraint, yet there are differences regarding true and false manifestations of cold-heat and Yin-Yang. If the Ji pulse is indeed accompanied by a Surging, large, and firm quality, it clearly indicates that True Yin is on the verge of exhaustion and extreme Yang is difficult to restrain. If the pulse feels non-elevating upon deep pressure, it is a sign of flourishing Yin pathogen with the exposure of deficient Yang. However, all these conditions are considered difficult to treat. Generally, patients with a Ji pulse accompanied by Surging and large qualities suffer from vexation and fullness; those with a Ji pulse accompanied by Deep and Rapid qualities suffer from abdominal pain; both indicate the impending extinction of Yin and Yang. Only in cases of sudden syncope or sudden fright where an urgent and rapid pulse appears, provided the condition stabilizes and improves slightly, is there no major concern. If the pulse presents only as rapid without being large or thin, although the illness is severe, it is treatable. (Li Dongyuan treated exogenous febrile disease with a Ji pulse, red face and eyes, vexation, thirst with desire to drink but inability to swallow, using Ginger and Aconite with Ginseng to induce sweating, resulting in recovery. Zhu Shouzhen treated exogenous febrile disease with accumulated heat causing Yang reversal, where the pulse was Ji reaching seven to eight beats or more, using Huanglian Jiedu Decoction to achieve stability.)

The Xi (Fine) pulse comes and goes like a hair, appearing clearly under the fingers. All pulses such as Ruo (Weak), Xiao (Small), Wei (Minute), and Ru (Soggy) belong to the category of Xi. They do not resemble the Wei pulse, which is weak and blurred. (This passage is attributed to Zhang Lu. Additionally, Li Shizhen's poem in Binhu Maixue states: "The Fine pulse comes continuously, thin as silk, sinking under the finger without ever ceasing; unfavorable for youths in Spring and Summer, yet suitable for the elderly and weak in Autumn and Winter.") The Xi pulse is a sign of declining Yang Qi. However, the Xi pulse has distinctions: if Xi is accompanied by Floating, it indicates declining Yang Qi; if Xi is accompanied by Deep, it indicates internal invasion of Cold pathogen or Heat transmitting to the Three Yin meridians; if Xi is accompanied by Slow, it indicates internal invasion of Dampness. In all cases, one must seek the underlying cause and not apply treatment indiscriminately. Once the pulse is fine as a hair, it belongs to Qi deficiency. Even if there is internal heat, one must simultaneously consolidate Middle Qi and cannot purely use heat-clearing methods, lest the pulse become even finer. Furthermore, what about cases where there is absolutely no internal heat, but rather a deficiency of True Yuan elements, with Shen Qi unable to maintain itself, leading to a Xi pulse? (Li Shicai said: "I have seen patients with deficiency consumption presenting with a Fine pulse and body heat. Physicians who did not investigate the root cause administered cooling agents, causing the dispersion and collapse of True Yang, loss of appetite, vomiting above and diarrhea below, thereby hastening their death. The Classic says: 'Lesser Fire generates Qi.' Without this fire, humans cannot circulate the San Jiao and ripen and transform water and grain. Those who do not thoroughly understand this, how can they speak of medicine? However, in consumptive diseases, the Fine and Rapid pulses should not appear together; if they do, death is certain. The Fine pulse signifies Qi decline, the Rapid pulse signifies Blood deterioration. When Qi and Blood are mutually exhausted, the short term [of life] is approaching.")