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Sun Shangyao said: Generally, when diagnosing the pulse, one must first observe a person's height and weight. If the physical form and Qi (vital energy) are harmonious, there is no disease; if they are discordant, disease occurs; if the form and Qi are depleted, the condition is critical; if they are contrary, death ensues.

When the pulse conforms to the Four Seasons, it is described as String-like in Spring (Chun Xian), Hook-like in Summer (Xia Gou), Feather-like in Autumn (Qiu Mao), and Stone-like in Winter (Dong Shi). Among these, a pulse that possesses "Harmonious Qi" (Heqi, peaceful energy), appearing soft, slippery, and long, indicates a healthy individual. Even if such a person falls ill, it is easy to treat because of this internal Harmonious Qi.

To diagnose disease via pulse, one must first estimate the patient's leanness or robustness to regulate the deficiency or excess of Qi. Deficiency is treated by tonification; excess is treated by purgation. Therefore, if a person has a robust physical form but a thin pulse and insufficient Qi, the condition is critical and near death.

Generally, when diagnosing the pulse, one must first determine the seasonal pulses, then assess whether there is excess or deficiency, cold or heat, the number of beats (Zhi Shu), changes in Yin and Yang, the generation and restriction of the Five Elements (Wu Xing), and the affiliation with Zang-Fu organs.

The "Five Excesses" (Wu Shi) lead to death, and the "Five Deficiencies" (Wu Xu) also lead to death. "Five Excesses" refer to a surging pulse, hot skin, abdominal distension, obstruction of urination and defecation, and chest tightness with dizziness/confusion. This constitutes the Five Excesses. The "Five Deficiencies" refer to a fine pulse, cold skin, weak breath, diarrhea/dysentery, and loss of control over excretion... [Text fragmentary].

Treatment should prioritize severe conditions, regardless of whether they are Yin or Yang, or root or branch. If there is Cold in the body, it causes tendon contraction and bone pain, treated with Warm methods; if there is Heat in the body, it causes flaccidity, inability to contract, paralysis, and weakness, treated with Cool methods. Careful examination is essential.

Whenever a person falls ill in society and presents differently from their usual state, one must examine the pulse and symptoms. Physical aversion to wind indicates Wind Injury (Shang Feng); aversion to cold indicates Cold Disease (Bing Han); a choppy, floating, and tight pulse indicates Wind-Cold on the Exterior (Biao).

Cold Damage (Shang Han), Wind Strike (Zhong Feng), Warm Diseases (Wen Bing), Damp-Heat diseases, Spasm diseases, and Epidemic Febrile Diseases (Shi Yi), although all follow the laws of Yin and Yang, require distinct treatments. Treating them identically to Cold Damage will inevitably lead to critical deterioration. The Classics state: The pulse has... [Text fragmentary].

If the pulses at the Three Positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) are equal in magnitude, depth, and speed, within normal beat counts, and harmonious, even if there are unresolved cold or heat symptoms, this is a Pulse of Yin-Yang Harmony. Although ill, recovery is certain. This is... [Text fragmentary, attributed to Fangshi/Alchemists].