Library

(The twenty-seven pulse types recorded in the above "Mai Xiang Tong Lei" [Comprehensive Classification of Pulse Images] are all diagnosed according to the Cun, Guan, and Chi positions of each pulse. The Renying [Human Welcome] and Qikou [Qi Mouth] pulses cannot be included among them, so they are specially appended at the end.)

Renying Pulse: The Renying pulse is used to observe the Six Qi of Heaven (The position one-fen anterior to the Guan position on the left wrist is the Renying pulse. Each of the Cun, Guan, and Chi positions has three subdivisions: anterior, middle, and posterior. "One-fen anterior to Guan" refers to the anterior subdivision of the Guan position itself, not the anterior subdivision of the Cun position which lies anterior to Guan; do not mistake this. The Qikou pulse is similar.)

When the pathogenic factors of the Six Evils [Wind, Cold, Summerheat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire] invade the meridians but have not yet entered the Stomach Fu organs, it causes the Renying pulse on the left hand to become tight and full, being twice as large as the Qikou pulse. This indicates an external contraction of Wind-Cold or other pathogens, belonging to the Exterior syndrome, Yang aspect, and Fu organs. A floating Renying pulse indicates injury by Wind; a tight pulse indicates injury by Cold; a weak pulse indicates injury by Summerheat; a deep and fine pulse indicates injury by Dampness; a deficient and rapid pulse indicates injury by Heat; a surging and rapid pulse indicates injury by Fire. All these belong to exogenous causes, and the treatment method should involve releasing the exterior through sweating or promoting diuresis/drainage. Furthermore, Yang meridians are determined by the Renying pulse. If the left Renying pulse is discordant, the disease is in the Exterior as Yang, primarily affecting the four limbs. Shicai [Li Zhongzi, courtesy name Shicai] stated: "The one-fen anterior to the left Guan corresponds exactly to the Liver region. The Liver is the viscera of Wind-Wood; therefore, when externally injured by Wind, it internally resonates with the Wind-viscera, manifesting as a tight and full pulse." He also stated: "Do not rigidly adhere to the concept of exogenous causes when discussing injuries by Wind; generally, injuries caused by the Six Qi are also determined by the Renying pulse."

Qikou Pulse: The Qikou pulse is used to observe the Seven Emotions of Man (The position one-fen anterior to the Guan position on the right wrist is the Qikou pulse).

When the Qi of the Seven Emotions [Joy, Anger, Worry, Pensive thought, Sorrow, Fear, Fright] becomes stagnant in the heart and abdomen without dispersing, or when dietary damage from the Five Flavors remains in the intestines and stomach without clearing, it causes the Qikou pulse on the right hand to become tight and full, being twice as large as the Renying pulse. This indicates internal injury due to the Seven Emotions and diet, belonging to the Interior syndrome, Yin aspect, and Zang organs. Regarding the Qikou pulse manifestations: Joy leads to a scattered pulse; Anger leads to a soft pulse; Worry leads to a choppy pulse; Pensive thought leads to a knotted pulse; Sorrow leads to a tight pulse; Fear leads to a deep pulse; Fright leads to a moving pulse. All these belong to endogenous causes. By diagnosing which position corresponds to the abnormality, one can determine which Zang organ is diseased. The treatment method should employ moistening and warming agents to dissipate and pacify. Furthermore, Yin meridians are determined by the Qikou pulse. If the right Qikou pulse is discordant, the disease is in the Interior as Yin, primarily affecting the abdominal viscera. Shicai stated: "The one-fen anterior to the right Guan corresponds exactly to the Spleen region. The Spleen is the official responsible for granaries; therefore, when internally injured by food, it internally resonates with the Food-viscera, manifesting as a tight and full pulse." He also stated: "Do not rigidly adhere to the concept of endogenous causes when discussing injuries by food; generally, injuries caused by the Seven Emotions are also determined by the Qikou pulse."

If both the Renying and Qikou pulses are tight and full, it indicates Cold Damage complicated by Food Retention, where both internal injury and external contraction symptoms are present simultaneously.