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Women's chi pulse is usually vigorous, and the right-hand pulse is often larger; these are normal physiological phenomena. If the kidney pulse is slightly choppy (se) or floating in the inner chi position behind the left guan position, or if the liver pulse is deep and rapid, or if the chi pulse is slippery but irregular with interruptions, these are signs of amenorrhea or menstrual irregularity. In women, if the cun, guan, and chi positions show equal depth and force upon palpation, and menstruation has ceased without other symptoms, this indicates pregnancy. Similarly, a chi pulse that is rapid and vigorous also indicates pregnancy. Furthermore, a large and vigorous chi pulse on the left hand suggests a male fetus, while a deep and solid pulse on the right hand suggests a female fetus. The classics state: "When the yin pulses beat strongly and differ from the yang, it signifies conception." (This means the yin pulses at the chi position beat forcefully against the fingers, revealing distinct yang characteristics within; when yin and yang are balanced, conception can occur.)

Before the onset of Tian Gui (menstrual blood/reproductive essence), a woman's condition belongs to the Shaoyin stage; after menstruation begins, it belongs to the Jueyin stage; and after menopause, it belongs to the Taiyin stage. Diseases related to pregnancy and childbirth are generally treated from the perspective of the Jueyin channel. For women and unmarried girls suffering from cold syndromes, as well as various heat-cold imbalances and qi stagnation, one must inquire about their menstrual status. After childbirth, one must inquire about the presence and quantity of lochia (postpartum discharge).

For children under three years old, observe the color of the veins in the three sections (Fengguan, Qiguan, Mingguan) of the tiger's mouth (radial aspect of the index finger): purple indicates heat, red indicates cold damage (Shanghan), green indicates wind-stroke or convulsions (Jingfeng), and white indicates infantile malnutrition (Ganbing). Only a faint yellow or faint reddish hue is considered a normal sign. The appearance of black indicates a critical condition. Regarding other vein colors, involvement of the Fengguan (first section) indicates mild illness, the Qiguan (second section) indicates increasing severity, and the Mingguan (third section) indicates severe illness. For children over three years old, palpate the cun, guan, and chi positions (referred to here as the three sections) with one finger, considering six to seven beats per breath cycle as the normal rate. An increased rate indicates heat; a decreased rate indicates cold. A floating and rapid pulse suggests milk epilepsy due to wind-heat or obstruction of the five zang organs; a deficient and soft pulse suggests convulsions; a tight and solid pulse suggests wind epilepsy; a tight and wiry pulse suggests abdominal pain; a wiry and urgent pulse suggests disharmony of qi; a firm and solid pulse suggests constipation; a deep and fine pulse indicates cold; an irregular pulse of varying size suggests a "sui" pulse (abnormal pulse caused by evil influences); small, slow, deep, or fine pulses all indicate undigested food retention. A chaotic pulse accompanied by fever, sweating, anorexia, and vomiting after eating indicates Bianzheng (a physiological developmental process in infants). A floating pulse indicates wind; a hidden and knotted pulse indicates accumulation of mass; a single thin pulse indicates gan-lao (chronic wasting disease). Whenever a child exhibits aversion to cold and high fever, one must ask whether exanthems (rash) have appeared. This is a general principle of diagnosis.

(Note: The six categories listed in this chapter correspond to the meaning of "position, number, situation, and form" discussed by the author.)

Floating and Sinking (distinguished by the lightness or heaviness of lifting and pressing. Extreme floating is termed Scattered [San]; extreme sinking is termed Hidden [Fu].)
Slow and Rapid (distinguished by the number of beats per respiratory cycle. Extreme rapidity is termed Fast [Ji]; rapidity with intermittent pauses is termed Hasty [Cu].)
Deficient, Solid, Full, and Minute (distinguished by deficiency or fullness. Deficient [Xu] encompasses Empty [Kou] and Soft [Ru]; Solid [Shi] includes Firm [Lao] and Leathery [Ge]; Minute [Wei] covers Weak [Ruo].)
Wiry, Tight, Slippery, and Choppy (distinguished by their physical characteristics. Extreme wiriness is termed Tight [Jin]; slowness with pauses is termed Knotted [Jie]; extreme knotting is termed Alternating [Dai]; Slippery [Hua] encompasses Moving [Dong].)
Long and Short (distinguished by whether the pulse extends beyond or falls short of its proper position.)
Large and Small (distinguished by their shape.)

Do not all pulse types share a common origin? They are essentially defined by their mutual opposition, revealing Yin and Yang, Exterior and Interior. One need not rigidly adhere to the ancient classification of Seven Exterior, Eight Interior, and Nine Pathological pulses. Examining the discussions on pulses in the *Suwen* and the works of Zhang Zhongjing clearly illustrates the principle of taking images (Xiang). If modern practitioners adopt this perspective, they will understand more than half of the subject. Alas, the Dao of pulse diagnosis is vast; attempting to encompass it entirely with these few points would be like grasping one part while discarding the rest. It is unknown that the most subtle is Principle (Li), and the most manifest is Image (Xiang). Substance and Function originate from the same source, and the hidden and the manifest are inseparable. Once the Principle is grasped, the Images can be deduced. By seeking pulse diagnosis within the system of Yin-Yang opposition, one can trace the source to the branches and recognize the other through the known, leaving no strategy unaccounted for.