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The *chang* (Long) pulse is characterized by a sensation of length under the fingers, extending upward beyond the *Yuchi* (L.I.10) area and downward toward the *Chize* (LU.5) region, exceeding its normal position. This is observed in all three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) upon both light and heavy palpation. Pulses such as *Shi* (Full), *Lao* (Deep-Firm), *Xian* (Wiry), and *Jin* (Tight) all belong to the category of Long pulses. This differs from the *Da* (Large) pulse, which appears grand and forceful upon light palpation but loses some strength upon heavy pressure. (This passage is attributed to Zhang Lu. Additionally, Li Shizhen's poem on similar pulse characteristics states: "Exceeding the normal position defines the Long pulse; the Wiry pulse is not so, merely feeling full and distended; The distinction between Wiry and Long is far apart, measured accurately by skilled physicians." Li Shicaipoints out: "It resembles a long bamboo pole, straight up and down, with head and tail corresponding, unlike other pulses that are uneven at the top and bottom or irregular in head and tail.") A Long pulse indicates harmonious Qi and the absence of disease. (The Classics state: "A Long pulse signifies regulated Qi.") However, it must be Long and gentle/relaxed to truly indicate health. If the Long pulse is also floating and vigorous, in external contraction diseases, it indicates that pathogenic factors are flourishing; in internal deficiency damage, it indicates insufficient Yin Qi leading to an excess of pulse energy in the upper part. Regarding wind pathogens sinking into the Yin aspect, the pulse should be slightly choppy (*Se*) and fine; if a Long pulse suddenly appears amidst these fine and subtle Yin pulses, it signifies the outward emission of heat pathogens and is a sign of impending recovery. How could this be interpreted as a sign of disease progression? (Zhang Zhongjing stated: "In Taiyin Wind Strike, with vexing pain in the four limbs, if the Yang pulse is slight, the Yin pulse is choppy and Long, it indicates impending recovery.")

The *duan* (Short) pulse is characterized by being lower than the normal range at both the Cun (inch) and Chi (cubit) positions. Pulses such as *Wei* (Minute), *Se* (Choppy), *Dong* (Surging), and *Jie* (Knotted) all belong to the category of Short pulses. This is distinct from the *Xiao* (Small) pulse, where all three positions are weak and unvigorous, and from the *Fu* (Deep) pulse, which hides and does not advance. (This passage is attributed to Zhang Lu. Additionally, Li Shizhen's poem states: "Shrinking at both ends is named Short; Choppy and Short are slow, fine, and difficult; A Choppy-Short-Floating pulse is favorable in Autumn, but in the three Spring months, it indicates evil invasion.") A Short pulse is seen only at the Cun and Chi positions.
If a Short pulse is seen at the Guan (bar) position, it means there is no connection upward to the Cun, constituting Yang Extinction, and no connection downward to the Chi, constituting Yin Extinction. Therefore, there is no rationale for a Short pulse to appear at the Guan position. (Sheng Tongwen said: "The Guan position does not show a Short pulse." Li Shicaipointed out: "The Short pulse is seen only at the Cun and Chi positions. However, if Cun and Chi are short, they still fall into Yin and Yang Extinction; one must not know that the Short pulse is not severed at both ends, but rather sinks downward at the ends while bulging upward in the middle, remaining internally connected.") A Short pulse results from the disconnection of Yang Qi, or from the accumulation of Phlegm-Qi or Food Stagnation in the interior. However, the obstruction of the Qi pathway by Phlegm-Qi or Food Stagnation occurs because Yang Qi is insufficient, leading to blockage. Therefore, for patients presenting with symptoms of obstruction, one should add Qi-tonifying herbs within the formula for unblocking and draining, so that when Qi becomes regulated, the unblocking will naturally manifest. If there is no interior obstruction but the pulse shows a Short and interrupted quality, urgent use of major warming and tonifying methods is required to save the perishing Yang Qi; otherwise, the condition will be incurable.