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[Physical Manifestation] The characteristic of the *Chang Mai* (Long Pulse) is that it extends far, with both its beginning and end being regular; it rises straight up and falls straight down, resembling the sensation of sliding one's fingers along a long bamboo pole.

[Indications] The Long Pulse primarily indicates excess conditions, specifically rebellious Qi and flourishing Fire. When seen at the Left Cun position, it indicates pathology of Jun Huo (Monarch Fire, i.e., Heart Fire). When seen at the Right Cun position, it definitively indicates chest fullness and rebellious Qi. When seen at the Left Guan position, it signifies the calamity of Liver Wood excess. When seen at the Right Guan position, it indicates distension and oppression due to Spleen Earth stagnation. When seen at the Left Chi position, it indicates Ben Tun (Rushing Pig, a condition characterized by a sensation of gas rushing from the lower abdomen) causing shock and fear. When seen at the Right Chi position, it indicates the exclusive dominance of Xiang Huo (Ministerial Fire).

[Commentary] The meaning of the Long Pulse lies in its balance between beginning and end, and its straight, unswerving movement. In terms of seasons, it 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 generative function of Spring; when Heaven and Earth's Qi reaches this stage, it expands and舒展 (unfolds), and the pulse image responds to this, thus manifesting as Long. The *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon) states: "A long pulse indicates regulated Qi." Li Yuechi stated: "A long Heart pulse indicates strong spirit and robust Qi; a long Kidney pulse indicates a solid foundation and deep roots; these all refer to Ping Mai (Normal Pulses). As for the indications mentioned above, they all refer to Bing Mai (Pathological Pulses)." The *Nei Jing* also states: "When the Liver pulse arrives soft and gentle, like the tip of a raised long pole, it is called Liver Ping (Normal Liver Pulse). When the Liver pulse arrives full, solid, and slippery, like sliding along a long pole, it is called Liver Disease." Therefore, we know that if the pulse is long yet harmonious and slow, it aligns with the generative Qi of Spring and is a sign of vigor and health; if the pulse is long yet hard and full, it belongs to the form of hyperactive Fire and is a response to disease. Old theories claimed that exceeding the original position defines the Long Pulse; after prolonged scrutiny, this is known to be incorrect. If the pulse extends upward beyond the Cun position, it is called Yi Mai (Overflowing Pulse); if it extends downward beyond the Cun position, it is called Guan Mai (Bisecting Pulse); if it extends upward beyond the Guan position, it falls into the realm of the Cun pulse; if it extends downward beyond the Guan position, it falls into the realm of the Chi pulse; if it extends upward beyond the Chi position, it falls into the realm of the Guan pulse; if it extends downward beyond the Chi position, it is called Fu Mai (Inverted Pulse). Observing this, the notion of "exceeding the original position" is logically impossible and conceptually inconsistent. Only because its shape resembles a long pole does it move straight up and down, with beginning and end corresponding to each other, unlike other pulses which are uneven and irregular in their vertical distribution. Real (Shi), Firm (Lao), Wiry (Xian), and Tight (Jin) pulses all accompany the Long Pulse; therefore, the ancient assertion that the Long Pulse indicates excess diseases is not without basis.