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[Body Image] The characteristic of the Long Pulse (Chang Mai) is that it extends far, with both beginning and end distinct, rising and falling straightly, like tracing a long bamboo pole.
The beginning and end are proportionate, and the pulse movement is upright and straight.

[Main Diseases] The Long Pulse primarily indicates excess conditions, such as rebellious Qi and flourishing Fire.
When the Long Pulse appears at the Left Cun position, it indicates disease of the Ministerial Fire (Jun Huo) of the Heart.
When the Long Pulse appears at the Left Guan position, it signifies disaster caused by excessive Liver Wood.
When the Long Pulse appears at the Left Chi position, it indicates the onset of Ben Tun (Rushing Pig, a condition where Qi rushes from the lower abdomen upwards).
When the Long Pulse appears at the Right Cun position, it definitively indicates fullness and rebellion.
When the Long Pulse appears at the Right Guan position, it indicates distension and oppression due to Spleen Earth stagnation.
When the Long Pulse appears at the Right Chi position, it indicates exclusive dominance of Ministerial Fire leading to cold (Note: Textual ambiguity retained as per source).

The Long Pulse is similar to the Rapid Pulse (Shu Mai, fast rate) and the Full Pulse (Shi Mai, forceful and solid). However, the Long Pulse corresponds to the Liver; the Liver belongs to Wood and generates Fire. All the aforementioned syndromes are essentially due to the excessive blazing of Eastern Wood, assisting the flames of Southern Fire, thereby becoming an enemy to the Central Earth (Spleen/Stomach). Therefore, it is urgent to soothe the Liver.

According to *Su Wen: Ping Ren Qi Xiang Lun* (Plain Questions: On the Manifestations of Normal People): "When the Liver pulse comes soft and swaying, like the tip of a long pole held high, it is called Liver Peace (normal). When the Liver pulse comes full, solid, and slippery, like tracing a long pole, it is called Liver Disease." Thus, we know that if the Long Pulse is harmonious and relaxed, it aligns with the Qi of Spring generation and is a sign of robust health. If the Long Pulse is hard and full, it belongs to the form of hyperactive Fire and is a response to disease. In terms of seasons, the Long Pulse corresponds to Spring; in the Eight Trigrams, it corresponds to Zhen (Thunder); in the human body, it corresponds to the Liver. The Liver governs the command of Spring generation, when the Qi of Heaven and Earth begins to expand and diffuse. *Su Wen: Mai Yao Jing Wei Lun* (Plain Questions: Essential Secrets of Pulse Investigation) states: "Long means Qi is regulated." Li Yuechi said: "For the Heart pulse, being long indicates strong spirit and robust Qi. For the Kidney pulse, being long indicates a deep root and firm foundation." These all refer to normal pulses (Ping Mai). As mentioned above regarding main diseases, those refer to pathological pulses (Bing Mai). Old theories stated that exceeding the original position defines the Long Pulse; after careful examination over time, this is known to be incorrect. If the Cun position exceeds upwards, it becomes Yi Mai (Overflowing Pulse); if it exceeds downwards, it becomes Guan Mai (Bar Position Pulse); if the Guan position exceeds upwards, it belongs to the Cun position; if it exceeds downwards, it belongs to the Chi position; if the Chi position exceeds upwards, it belongs to the Guan position; if it exceeds downwards, it becomes Fu Mai (Inverted Pulse). From this observation, the notion of "exceeding the original position" is logically impossible and conceptually inconsistent. Only its shape resembles a long pole, rising and falling straightly, with beginning and end responding to each other, unlike other pulses which are uneven up and down and inconsistent at beginning and end. The Solid (Shi), Deep-Firm (Lao), Wiry (Xian), and Tight (Jin) pulses all incorporate the Long Pulse; therefore, the ancient saying that the Long Pulse governs excess diseases is not without basis.