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The *Suwen* (Basic Questions) states: To know [the disease] through observation is called "Shen" (Divine); to know through hearing and smelling is called "Sheng" (Sage); to know through questioning is called "Gong" (Skilled); to know through palpation of the pulse is called "Qiao" (Clever).

The chapter "Zang-Fu Organs, Diseases, and Forms" in the *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) states: When the complexion is green, the pulse should be Xian (Wiry); when red, it should be Gou (Hook-like); when yellow, it should be Dai (Moderate/Intermittent); when white, it should as Mao (Feather-like); when black, it should be Shi (Stone-like). If one observes a certain complexion but does not find the corresponding pulse, and instead finds a pulse that overcomes [the complexion's element], death ensues. If one finds a pulse that generates [the complexion's element], the disease will resolve. It further states: First determine the correspondence between the Five Colors and the Five Pulses, then the disease can be distinguished. It also states: If redness appears on both cheeks, the size of a thumb, even if the illness is slightly improving, sudden death will occur. If blackness appears on the Tian Ting (Forehead), the size of a thumb, although seemingly healthy, sudden death will occur. It further states: Green and black indicate Pain; Yellow and Red indicate Wind; Yellow with luster indicates Pus; Intense Red indicates Blood stasis; White indicates Cold. These are the indications of the Five Colors. It further states: Subtle diagnosis of the Five Colors can be observed by the eye. By combining color and pulse analysis, one can achieve perfection in treatment.

When the Chi (Red) pulse arrives, rapid and firm, indicating accumulation of Qi in the middle jiao, occasionally hindering food intake, it is named Xin Bi (Heart Bi Syndrome). This results from external pathogens and excessive thinking leading to Heart Qi deficiency, allowing evil to enter. When the Bai (White) pulse arrives, rapid and floating, with emptiness above and fullness below, accompanied by accumulation of Qi in the chest, rapid and weak, it is named Fei Bi (Lung Bi Syndrome). This results from sexual activity while drunk. When the Qing (Green) pulse arrives, long and pulsating left and right, with accumulation of Qi supporting beneath the heart, it is named Gan Bi (Liver Bi Syndrome). This results from cold-dampness, treated similarly to Shan (Hernia), with symptoms of lower back pain, cold feet, and tight head pulses. When the Huang (Yellow) pulse arrives, large and weak, with accumulation of Qi in the abdomen and Jue Qi (Rebellious Qi), it is named Jue Shan. The mechanism is the same for women. This results from running vigorously with sweaty limbs exposed to wind. When the Hei (Black) pulse arrives, tight above and large below, with accumulation of Qi in the lower abdomen and yin organs, it is named Shen Bi (Kidney Bi Syndrome). This results from bathing in cold water and lying down.

It further states: Clear vision and bright complexion are the brilliance of Qi. Red should resemble white silk wrapping cinnabar (subtle and vibrant), not like hematite (dull and dark). White should resemble goose feathers (pure and light), not like a mirror (pale and lifeless). Green should resemble the luster of bluish jade (moist and clear), not like indigo dye (dark and muddy). Yellow should resemble raw realgar wrapped in silk (bright and contained), not like yellow earth (dry and dull). Black should resemble multiple layers of lacquer (deep and shiny), not like dark earth (dry and cracked). If the subtle images of the Five Colors reveal exhaustion, longevity will be short. The Five Colors reflect the strength of the body. The head is the mansion of Jing Shen (Spirit); if the head droops and eyes are sunken, Spirit is being depleted. The back is the mansion of the chest organs; if the back is curved and shoulders hang, the organs are failing. The waist is the mansion of the Kidneys; if turning and shaking is difficult, the Kidneys are exhausted. The knees are the mansion of the Sinews; if flexion and extension are impossible, and walking requires stooping or leaning, the Sinews are exhausted. The bones are the mansion of the Marrow; if standing for long periods is impossible, and walking causes trembling, the Bones are exhausted. Those who retain strength live; those who lose strength die.

When the Qi of the Zang organs fails, colors appear on the form: Green like dead grass, yellow like zhi shi (immature bitter orange), black like soot, red like dried blood, white like dry bones—all indicate death. Green like kingfisher feathers, red like rooster combs, yellow like crab bellies, white like pig fat, black like crow feathers—these all indicate life.

If green appears in the Tai Yin and Tai Yang regions, at the fish tail (outer canthus), face, or corners of the mouth, resembling the strange and ugly shape of large blue leaves, Liver Qi is exhausted, indicating death. If it resembles kingfisher feathers or cypress bark, it is merely Liver pathogenic factors, belonging to categories such as convulsions, wind diseases, or eye diseases. If red appears on lips and mouth, and along the three Yin and three Yang channels, resembling the color of horse liver and the appearance of dead blood, Heart Qi is exhausted, indicating death. If it resembles tangerine red or horse-tail color, it is merely Heart disease, manifesting as palpitations, fright, and restless sleep. If white appears on the nose tip and front face, resembling dry bones or leftover sweat powder, Lung Qi is exhausted, indicating death on Bing-Ding days. If it resembles fine powder, plum blossom white, or white cotton, it is merely Lung pathogenic factors, manifesting as coughs, possibly associated with mourning. If yellow appears on the nose, dry like a clay idol, Spleen Qi is exhausted, indicating death. If it resembles osmanthus flowers mixed with dark halos, it is merely Spleen disease, manifesting as poor appetite, limb fatigue, and domestic burdens.

If black appears in the ears, inside or outside the helix, Ming Men (Gate of Life), or Xuan Bi (hanging wall), resembling dirty water or soot, Kidney Qi is exhausted, indicating death. If it resembles spider webs or has the luster of crow feathers, it is merely Kidney deficiency with Fire evil attacking Water.

Generally, observing the Five Colors identifies the disease: Green face indicates Liver disease, Red face indicates Heart disease, Yellow face indicates Spleen disease, White face indicates Lung disease, Black face indicates Kidney disease. This is how to identify the organ involved.

Regarding the unusual combinations of Five Colors and Pulses: A yellow face with green eyes, red eyes, white eyes, or black eyes all indicate survival. A green face with green eyes, red face with white eyes, green face with black eyes, black face with white eyes, or red face with green eyes all indicate death. Observing patients with unclear vision, difficulty breathing in and out of the nose, short and cold breath indicates Yin disease. Patients with clear vision, smooth nasal breathing, free movement of Qi, and long, uniform oral/nasal breathing indicates Yang disease. If a healthy person or patient exhibits blackness, or whiteness invading the eyes and nose, death occurs within three days. In chronic patients, redness in the eyes, ears, and cheekbones indicates death within five days. Patients with eyes lacking luster, complexion like earth, and inability to eat, die within four days. If yellow rises around the eyes of a patient, recovery is imminent. Patients with yellow face and eyes do not die. Patients with blue-black face and lips die. Observing a healthy person or patient whose face resembles horse liver color, appearing green from afar and black up close, indicates death.