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Yellow Emperor asked, saying: Why is pulse diagnosis usually performed at dawn (Pingdan)? Qibo replied: At dawn, Yin Qi (Yin Energy) has not yet stirred, Yang Qi (Yang Energy) has not yet dispersed, food and drink have not been ingested, the Jing Mai (Meridians) are not yet full, the Luo Mai (Collaterals) are harmonious and even, and the Qi and Blood are not yet chaotic. Therefore, it is then possible to diagnose. This principle does not apply after this time. (The *Qianjin Fang* agrees with the *Suwen* and *Taisu*, stating there are "Guo Zhi Mai" pulses, i.e., pulses exceeding normal timing). One must feel the movement and stillness of the pulse, observe the clarity of the eyes (Shi Jing Ming), examine the five colors of the face, and view the excess or deficiency of the Zang Organs (Solid Organs), the strength or weakness of the Fu Organs (Hollow Organs), and the flourishing or declining state of the body. By cross-referencing these factors, one can determine the division between life and death.

From the Yuji point (Rice3) to the high bone (the radial styloid process, which is naturally prominent), moving backward one cun, the area in the middle is called Cun Kou (Inch Gate). From Cun Kou to Chi Ze, it is called Chi Ze. Hence, it is referred to as Cun and Chi. Behind Cun and before Chi is called Guan (Gate). Yang Qi emerges outward, and Yin Qi enters inward; Guan serves as the boundary. Yang Qi emerges three fen outward from Guan, and Yin Qi enters three fen inward from Guan; thus, there are distinctions among the Three Yin and Three Yang meridians. Yang Qi originates at Chi but manifests at Cun; Yin Qi originates at Cun but manifests at Chi. Cun primarily reflects the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), extending to the head, skin, hair, and down to the hand. Guan primarily reflects the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), extending to the abdomen and waist. Chi primarily reflects the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), extending from the lower abdomen to the feet.

Although all twelve Jing Mai (Meridians) have pulsating arteries, why is only Cun Kou selected to determine the prognostic signs of life, death, good fortune, and misfortune for the Zang and Fu organs? The answer is: Cun Kou is the great assembly of the Mai Qi (Pulse Qi) and is the pulsating artery of the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. In one exhalation, the pulse travels three cun; in one inhalation, the pulse travels three cun. During the pause between breaths (Ding Xi), the pulse travels six cun. In a day and night, a person breathes 13,500 times, and the pulse travels fifty cycles, circulating through the entire body. As the water clock drips one hundred ke (time units), Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) travel twenty-five cycles in the Yang aspects and twenty-five cycles in the Yin aspects, completing one full circuit (cycle). Thus, after fifty cycles, the pulse returns to meet at the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. The Taiyin Meridian is Cun Kou, which is where the Qi of the Zang and Fu organs ends and begins; therefore, the method of diagnosis takes its standard from Cun Kou. What is meant by the presence of Cun and Chi in the pulse? The answer is: Cun and Chi are the key points of the great assembly of pulse Qi. From Guan to the inner Chi region is the Chi Nei, governed by Yin Qi; from Guan to the inner Yuji region is the Cun Kou Nei, governed by Yang Qi. Therefore, Cun is divided into Chi, and Chi is divided into Cun. Consequently, Yin occupies one cun within Chi Nei, and Yang occupies nine fen within Cun Nei. The total length of Cun and Chi from beginning to end is one cun and nine fen; hence, it is called Cun Chi.

There are pulses that are excessive (Tai Guo), deficient (Bu Ji), those where Yin and Yang mutually invade (Cheng), those that are Fu (Overturned), Yi (Overflowing), Guan (Blocked), and Ge (Opposed). What do these mean? The answer is: In the region anterior to Guan is the movement of Yang Qi; the pulse should appear at a depth of nine fen and be superficial (Fu). If it exceeds this degree, it is legally termed Tai Guo (Excessive); if it is less than this degree, it is legally termed Bu Ji (Deficient). If the pulse reaches up to Yuji, it is called Yi Mai (Overflowing Pulse), manifesting as Wai Guan Nei Ge (External Blockage and Internal Opposition), which is a pulse of Yin Qi invading the Yang position. In the region posterior to Guan is the movement of Yin Qi; the pulse should appear at a depth of one cun and be deep (Chen). If it exceeds this degree, it is legally termed Tai Guo; if it is less, it is termed Bu Ji. If the pulse sinks into the Chi region below, it is called Fu Mai (Overturned Pulse), manifesting as Nei Guan Wai Ge (Internal Blockage and External Opposition), which is a pulse of Yang Qi invading the Yin position. Thus, they are called Fu and Yi. These are the Mai of the True Zang Organs (Zhen Zang); even if the patient shows no symptoms of illness, death will occur.