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Chen (Deep) pulse belongs to Yin. Under the fingers, it feels as if present when lightly pressed, but completely absent when lifted. It moves slowly through the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi), resembling rotten cotton in texture; this is the Chen pulse. It primarily indicates Qi distension, manifesting as fullness in both hypochondria and coldness of the hands and feet from time to time.

Chen corresponds to Water in the Five Elements and is Yin. The nature of water is to sink downwards; thus, it feels as if present upon light palpation but vanishes upon lifting, which is the intrinsic nature of water. The flowing characteristic of water is reflected in the pulse moving slowly through the three positions, representing the dynamic state of water. The moistening and soft nature of water manifests as a texture resembling rotten cotton, representing the form of water. However, water nature is Yin and cold; coldness generates Qi stagnation, hence leading to Qi distension in the hypochondria and intermittent coldness of the extremities.

According to the *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic): "The Chen pulse is insufficient upon light lifting but abundant upon heavy pressing." Another view states that it can only be felt with heavy pressure. The classics state: "Chen indicates Water retention and Excess patterns," and also refers to "Gui Zhu" (a type of infectious or spirit-related disease).

"Heavy pressing seems to have it, light lifting makes it vanish": This indicates Qi fullness in the San Jiao (Triple Burner) and deficiency of the Zang-Fu organs. Imbalance of Cold and Heat causes obstruction in the three positions; only by unblocking the intestines and strengthening the stomach can the condition be cured.

The Chen pulse governs Qi and is the head of all Yin pulses. The description "heavy pressing seems to have it, light lifting makes it vanish" indicates a Chen pulse without force. Mr. Liu stated: "Chen without force indicates Qi pathology." If a person's Cold and Heat are harmonious, the Zang-Fu organs will be substantial, and the Qi of the Upper, Middle, and Lower San Jiao will flow smoothly without obstruction. Now, due to the imbalance of Cold and Heat, the Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) cannot circulate in the Yang aspect. Since Wei Qi does not circulate in the Yang aspect, the Qi of the San Jiao becomes full, while the Zang-Fu become deficient. In treatment, acrid-warm herbs should be used to promote circulation and unblock the intestines, followed by warm-tonifying herbs to harmonize and strengthen the stomach. Once the Qi of the stomach and intestines is unblocked and circulating, the Qi in the three positions will become smooth and free-flowing, allowing Wei Qi to re-enter the Yang aspect, and the pulse vessels will naturally cease to hide deeply.

According to the classics: "Chen and slow indicate cold diseases in the abdominal viscera." Also: "A pulse that comes deep and moist indicates numbness of the four limbs, possibly due to evil influences." Also: "Chen and slippery indicate bleeding from the lower orifices, or pain in the back and spine; the *Qian Jin Fang* records this as 'heaviness in the lower region'."

If the Cun position is Chen, there is phlegm in the chest.
The Cun position is used to inspect the chest. If the Cun position presents a Chen pulse, it indicates that Water Qi has overflowed and transformed into Phlegm.
According to the *Qian Jin Fang*: "If the Cun Kou pulse is Chen and slippery, there is Water Qi in the chest, facial swelling, slight fever, indicating Feng Shui (Wind-Water edema)." Also: "If the Cun Kou pulse is Chen, large, and slippery, Chen indicates Blood excess, and Slippery indicates Qi excess. When Blood and Qi contend and enter the Zang organs, death ensues; if they enter the Fu organs, recovery occurs." The *Mai Jing* states: "Cun Kou Chen indicates chest pain radiating to the back." Also: "Cun Kou Chen indicates chest pain radiating to the hypochondria, with Water Qi in the chest; Ze Qi Tang is suitable, and needle Juque with reducing method." Also: "Cun Kou Chen indicates shortness of breath in the chest." Also: "Cun Kou Chen and firm indicates disease within." Also: "Cun Kou Chen and weak indicates Cold." Also: "Cun Kou Chen and weak indicates hair loss." Also: "Cun Kou Chen and tight, if there is Cold under the heart, causing periodic pain and accumulation." Also: "Cun Kou Chen and panting indicates alternating Cold and Heat."

At the Guan position, Qi is short and pain is unbearable.
The Guan position is used to inspect the abdomen. If the middle Qi is mild and harmonious, there will be no discomfort of fullness or pain. If a Chen pulse appears at the Guan position, it indicates Cold Qi in the abdomen. Cold Qi in the abdomen causes blockage and obstruction. Obstruction leads to abdominal pain, difficulty in breathing, and unbearable shortness of breath.
According to the *Mai Jing*: "Guan Shang Chen indicates heart pain and acid regurgitation." Also: "Guan Mai Chen indicates Cold Qi under the heart, bitter fullness, and acid regurgitation; Bai Wei Fu Ling Wan is suitable, and needle Weiguan with reinforcing method."

If the Chi position shows Chen, the waist and legs feel heavy, and urination is frequent and turbid like rice washings.
The Chi position is the Yin position, used to inspect the Kidneys, San Jiao, and Bladder. The Left Kidney governs Water, the Right Kidney governs Fire; the Bladder belongs to Water, and the San Jiao belongs to Fire. Thus, when Water and Fire interact and Yin and Yang sustain each other, the waist and legs remain agile, and the water passages remain clear. If a Chen pulse appears at the Chi position, it indicates Yin without Yang, Water without Fire. This prevents the Yang Qi from circulating, resulting in heaviness and stiffness of the waist and legs, failure of the Jue Du (water pathways) to function properly, and urine becoming turbid like rice washings.
According to the *Mai Jing*: "Chi Zhong Chen indicates pain radiating to the back." Also: "Chi Mai Chen indicates lumbar and back pain; Shen Qi Wan is suitable, and needle Jingmen with reinforcing method."