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At the beginning of the first month of spring, the Yellow Emperor sat in leisure, observed the Eight Extremities (the eight directions), and examined the Qi of the Eight Winds corresponding to the eight solar terms. He then asked Lei Gong: "Regarding the classification of Yin and Yang and the principles of meridians, among the Five Zang organs, which one is considered the most noble?"

(Note: The 'Eight Extremities' refer to the eight directions. The winds from these eight directions are known as the Eight Winds. Heaven is Yang, Earth is Yin, and humanity exists between them as 'Harmony'. If Yin is excessive and Yang is deficient, the energy of withering and killing becomes endless; if Yang is excessive and Yin is lacking, the process of growth continues without cessation. Unrestrained growth damages Yin, leading to disasters caused by Yin deficiency; endless withering damages Yang, leading to calamities caused by Yang deficiency. Therefore, a sage stands between heaven and earth, harmonizing the Qi of Yin and Yang so that all things may grow. This 'Harmonious Qi' refers to first cultivating one's body and virtue, thereby ensuring the harmony of Yin and Yang Qi. When Yin and Yang Qi are harmonious, the winds of the eight solar terms are balanced; when these winds are balanced and correct, the pernicious winds from the empty spaces of the eight directions also become correct, thus preventing diseases and gathering auspicious signs. Such disharmony arises inevitably. Thus, the Yellow Emperor inquired about the hierarchy of the body's meridians, based on regulating the body through self-cultivation and virtue to rectify the Qi of the Eight Winds. This is the Way asked by Guangchengzi.)

Lei Gong replied: "Spring corresponds to the Heavenly Stems Jia and Yi, the color Green, and internally governs the Liver. It rules for seventy-two days and is the time when the pulse is predominant. I believe the pulse of the Liver organ is the most noble."

(Note: Lei Gong believed that since the Liver governs Spring and Jia/Yi represent the beginning of all things, among the pulses of the Five Zang organs, the Liver pulse is considered the most noble.)

The Yellow Emperor said: "Reflecting on the *Classic of Upper and Lower* and the *Yin-Yang Congrong Chapter*, what you consider most noble is actually at the bottom. (Note: The ultimate principles of the Three Yin, Three Yang, and Five Zang are the most precious; while the Liver pulse governing the season is important, it is secondary to the root. Hence, Lei Gong admitted his lack of thorough understanding, fasted for seven days, and waited upon the Emperor again.)"

The Yellow Emperor said: "The San Yang (Three Yang) meridians serve as the main trunk of the meridians."

(Note: San Yang refers to the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. The Foot-Taiyang meridian starts from the inner canthus of the eyes, ascends to the vertex, and divides into four pathways. Combined with the straight and divergent vessels in the neck, there are six pathways running along the back, forming the main trunk of the meridians relative to the body. Because it is the master of all Yang meridians, it is named so.)

The Er Yang (Two Yang) meridians serve as the main trunk of the meridians."

(Note: Er Yang refers to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. It is named so because of the nature of the Two Yang. The Foot-Yangming meridian, which is the Stomach meridian, is called the Sea of Meridians and Vessels. It starts from the nose, descends into the throat, divides into four pathways, and combines with the straight and divergent vessels to form six pathways running along the abdomen, providing structural support for the body. Therefore, it is called 'Wei' (Guard/Support).")

The Yi Yang (One Yang) meridians wander through various parts."

(Note: Yi Yang refers to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. Because it belongs to Shaoyang, it is called Yi Yang. The Shaoyang meridian wanders through three sections: the head follows Heaven as the Upper Jiao, the waist and below follow Earth as the Lower Jiao, and the middle of the waist follows Humanity as the Middle Jiao. This single Shaoyang meridian originates from the outer canthus, connects to the head, divides into four pathways, descends to the clavicular fossa, and combines with straight and divergent vessels to manage the flow of Qi in the three sections. Hence, it is called 'You Bu' (Wandering Parts).")

Understanding this allows one to know the beginning and end of the Five Zang organs."

(Note: These three Yang meridians originate from and terminate in the Five Zang organs. Therefore, understanding these pulses reveals the cycle of the Five Zang organs.)

The San Yang meridians are exterior; the Er Yin (Two Yin) meridians are interior; the Yi Yin (One Yin) meridians reach their extreme, appearing obscure and dark. One must retreat and examine carefully to investigate their principles."

(Note: San Yang refers to the Taiyang meridian, which is external, hence 'Exterior'. Er Yin refers to the Shaoyin meridian, which is central, hence 'Interior'. Yi Yin refers to the Jueyin meridian, which reaches the point where the twelve meridians complete their cycle, terminating at the Cunkou and Renying acupoints. Thus, it is said to 'reach the extreme'. In this manner, the pulses of the Three Yin and Three Yang appear at the Cunkou and Renying, with Interior-Exterior relationships resembling the change of day and night. Retreating to examine carefully and synthesizing them allows one to govern the body's physiology.)

Lei Gong said: "I have received my training but still do not clearly understand."

(Note: Lei Gong expressed his own lack of comprehension.)

The Yellow Emperor said: "When we speak of San Yang, we mean the Taiyang meridian as the main trunk. When the San Yang pulse reaches the Cunkou of the Hand-Taiyin Lung meridian, the pulse should be wiry and floating but not deep. Use measurement to judge and the mind to observe, aligning with the theory of Yin and Yang."

(Note: Among the San Yang Qi, when Wei Qi arrives at the Cunkou of the Hand-Taiyin, the pulse should be long and relaxed, representing a normal Taiyang pulse. Now, if the pulse at the Cunkou is wiry, floating, and not deep, it indicates pathology. Such conditions can be judged by measurement and observed by the mind/spirit.)

When we speak of Er Yang, we mean the Yangming meridian. When the pulse reaches the Cunkou of the Hand-Taiyin, it should be wiry, deep, and urgent, without a bounding force. If accompanied by heat, it is pathological and indicates death."

(Note: 'Jiong' (heat) sounds like 'gui'. This indicates heat in the meridian. Yangming Qi belongs to Er Yang. When the Yangming pulse reaches the Cunkou, it should be floating, large, and short, representing a normal Yangming pulse. Now, if the pulse is wiry, deep, urgent, and does not bound, it indicates Yin striking Yang, combined with a heat disease. The arrival of heat makes this a Yangming-Taiyang disease, indicating death.)

Yi Yang is the Shaoyang meridian. When the pulse reaches the Hand-Taiyin Cunkou and connects upward to the Renying, the pulse is wiry and tense, hanging like a thread without interruption. This is a Shaoyang disease. If purely Yin pulses are seen, death occurs."

(Note: Since Yang Qi begins to generate, it is called Shaoyang. A normal Shaoyang pulse at the Cunkou varies in frequency and length. Now, if the pulse at the Hand-Taiyin Cunkou and the Renying (stomach pulse at the throat side) is wiry, tense, and faintly unbroken, it is a Shaoyang disease. If the pulse is wiry, tense, and solid, purely Yin without Yang, hanging and severed, death ensues.)

San Yin is the master of these Six Meridians."

(Note: San Yin refers to the Taoyin meridian. The Six Meridians refer to the pulses of Taoyin, Shaoyin, and Jueyin, combining hand and foot meridians into six. Among these, Taoyin is primary. Foot-Taoyin receives Stomach Qi, serving as nourishment for the Five Zang and Six Fu organs. Hand-Taoyin governs the Qi of the Five Zang and Six Fu organs. Thus, it is said that the Six Meridians are governed by Taoyin.)

The pulses intersect at Taoyin, hiding and beating without floating, emptying the Zhi (Will) and Xin (Heart)."

(Note: Intersection means the Qi of the Three Yin and Six Meridians converges at the Hand-Taoyin Cunkou. When Lung Qi appears at the Hand-Taoyin Cunkou, the pulse should be floating and choppy, which is normal. Now, seeing a hidden, beating pulse without floating violates the norm. The Kidney meridian (Foot-Shaoyin) passes through the spine, connects to bones, links to the Bladder, goes from the Kidney through the Liver, pierces the diaphragm into the Lung, exits the Lung, and enters the Kidney via Heart-Lung Qi. The Zhi ascends into the emptiness of the Heart Spirit.)

The Er Yin pulse, its Qi returns to the Bladder and externally connects to the Stomach and Spleen."

(Note: Er Yin refers to the Shaoyin meridian. Shaoyin ascends to the Lung and merges with the Bladder organ. Externally connecting to the Stomach and Spleen is because they are the Sea of Zang-Fu organs, producing fluids to nourish Shaoyin. Shaoyin interacts internally and externally with the Stomach and Spleen.)

Yi Yin arrives alone, the severed Qi floats but does not bound, the pulse is hooked and slippery."

(Note: Yi Yin refers to the Jueyin meridian. The Jueyin pulse does not combine with other pulses, hence 'alone'. At the Cunkou, it reaches the extreme. Although floating, it does not bound strongly. 'Hooked' implies pathogenic invasion. 'Slippery' indicates abundant Qi with slight heat.)

These six pulses alternate between Yang and Yin. The six meridians merge mutually, crossing and connecting through the Five Zang organs, harmonizing with Yin and Yang."

(Note: The prosperity and decline of Qi in the Five Zang, Six Fu, Three Yin, and Three Yang cause the pulse at the Cunkou to fluctuate between Yin and Yang. 'Miu' means interlaced. Zang pulses enter Fu organs, and Fu pulses enter Zang organs, interconnecting to facilitate communication between Zang-Fu and harmonize with Yin-Yang.)

The one arriving first is the 'Master'; the one arriving later is the 'Guest'."

(Note: When Yin-Yang pulses appear at the Cunkou, the first to arrive is the 'Master', and the later one is the 'Guest'. For example, if the Liver pulse arrives first, it is the Master; if other pulses follow to invade, they are the Guest.)

Lei Gong said: "I have recorded everything. I previously studied the meridians and recited the *Congrong* methods to align with them, but I do not understand the sequence, nor the distinction between Yin-Yang or Male-Female."

(Note: I have memorized the Three Yin, Three Yang meridians and the *Congrong* methods, but I do not know the sequence of Yang creation or the differences between male and female. 'Congrong' refers to diagnosing conditions. Lei Gong claims he has mastered the diagnostic classics and applies them rationally to the body.)

The Yellow Emperor said: "The San Yang meridians are like the Father."

(Note: San Yang refers to the Taiyang meridian. Its Yang channels run along the back, managing the transport of Qi for the Five Zang and Six Fu organs to nourish the body. It is honored like Heaven, hence 'Father'.")

The Er Yang meridians are like the Guard."

(Note: Er Yang refers to the Yangming meridian. Its channels run along the abdomen and connect to the body, hence 'Guard'.")

The Yi Yang meridians are like the Discipline/Ruler."

(Note: Yi Yang refers to the Shaoyang meridian. Its channels run on both sides of the body, managing the joints and regulating the body, hence 'Discipline'.")

The San Yin meridians are like the Mother."

(Note: San Yin refers to the Taoyin meridian. Its Qi internally nourishes the Zang-Fu organs to sustain the body. It is honored like the Earth, hence 'Mother'.")

The Er Yin meridians are like the Female."

(Note: Er Yin refers to the Shaoyin meridian. It is neither the eldest nor the youngest, residing centrally within, hence 'Female'.")

The Yi Yin meridians are like the Sole Envoy."

(Note: Yi Yin refers to the Jueyin meridian. Its channel travels alone, hence 'Sole Envoy'.")

If it is Er Yang and Yi Yin, Yangming governs the disease. The pulse does not move, and the nine orifices become sunken and obstructed."

(Note: 'Move' implies subtle movement. Er Yang is Yangming, Yi Yin is Jueyin. If Yangming and Jueyin pulses are present, Yangming is diseased. Because Yangming cannot overcome Jueyin, Jueyin's subtle movement overcomes Yang, causing obstruction in the nine orifices.)

If it is San Yang and Yi Yin, Taiyang overcomes Yi Yin. It cannot stop internal chaos in the Five Zang and manifests externally as fright and terror."

(Note: San Yang is Taiyang, Yi Yin is Jueyin. Diagnosing Taiyang and Jueyin pulses indicates external Yang overcoming Yin. Yin Qi is internally deficient, and Jueyin cannot restrain Yang. Yang invades internally, chaotic Qi in the Five Zang, and recurrent excess external Yang leads to fright and terror.)

If it is Er Yin and Yi Yang, the disease is in the Lung. Shaoyin excess injures the Lung, and the Spleen is damaged, resulting in external injury to the four limbs."

(Note: Er Yin is Shaoyin, Yi Yang is Shaoyang. Shaoyin Qi is excessive, Shaoyang Qi is weak. Shaoyin pulse qi ascends to the Lung and spreads to the Spleen, rendering the four limbs useless.)

If both Er Yin and Er Yang arrive together, the disease is in the Kidney. Symptoms include cursing, erratic behavior, mania, and madness, classified as a Yin condition."

(Note: Er Yin is Shaoyin, Er Yang is Yangming. Their convergence leads to Yin deficiency and Yang excess, causing mania, cursing, and running. If excess is upper, it causes epilepsy and falling.)

If Er Yin and Yi Yang are involved, the disease originates from the Kidney. Yang Qi lodges below the pericardium, blocking the orifices and dams, causing separation of the four limbs."

(Note: Er Yin is Shaoyin, Yi Yang is Shaoyang. Diagnosing Shaoyin and Shaoyang pulses indicates Yin excess. Thus, the disease originates from the Kidney. The Foot-Shaoyang divergent vessel passes through the Liver and Heart, so Shaoyang lodges below the pericardium. Yang excess blocks the orifices below the pericardium. The pericardium system connects to the Heart, whose meridian (Hand-Taiyang) loops around the heart, follows the pharynx, and reaches the Stomach. The Stomach governs the limbs. Blockage leads to limb dysfunction. The hands and feet do not coordinate, hence 'separation'.")

If Yi Yin and Yi Yang alternate and sever, this Yin Qi reaches the Heart. It moves up and down unpredictably, entering and exiting unknowingly. The throat and pharynx become dry. The disease is in the Earth/Spleen."

(Note: Yi Yin is Jueyin, Yi Yang is Shaoyang. Jueyin is the Liver meridian, Shaoyang is the Gallbladder meridian. Shaoyang passes through the Liver and Heart. Diagnosing alternating pulses indicates Yin excess invading Yang to reach the Heart. The unpredictable movement of Yang out and Yin in is described as 'unknowing entry and exit'. Jueyin reaches the lower abdomen, passes through the stomach, pierces the diaphragm, spreads along the costal region, and follows the throat. Hence, throat dryness occurs, and the disease relates to the Spleen. Spleen and Stomach share the same Qi; Jueyin connects to Earth, i.e., the Spleen-Stomach.)

If Er Yang and San Yin reach the 'Zhi Yin' (Spleen) in the Yin position, Yin does not overcome Yang, and Yang cannot restrain Yin. With Yin and Yang severed, a floating pulse indicates blood masses (*Xue Jia*), and a deep pulse indicates abscesses."

(Note: Er Yang is Yangming, San Yin is Taoyin, Zhi Yin is the Spleen. Foot-Yangming connects to the Spleen, so both are in the Yin position. Yin cannot penetrate Earth, and Yang cannot exceed Yin in Earth, leading to severance. An isolated floating Yang pulse forms blood masses; an isolated deep Yin pulse forms abscesses. 'Fu' implies rotting/destruction.)

When both Yin and Yang are vigorous, the disease enters the Spleen from below."

(Note: Both Taoyin and Yangming are excessive, affecting the Spleen from below.)

The resolution of Yin and Yang aligns above with brightness (*Zhao Zhao*) and below with darkness (*Ming Ming*). Diagnosing the timing of life and death allows one to calculate the years."

(Note: As explained in the Yin-Yang meridian theory, 'resolution' speaks of life aligning above with brightness (Yang's clarity) and death aligning below with darkness (Yin's obscurity). By diagnosing life and death accurately, one can determine the timing according to the cycles of days, months, and years.)

Lei Gong asked: "Please explain the short-term prognosis." The Yellow Emperor did not answer. Lei Gong asked again. The Yellow Emperor said: "It is in the treatises."

(Note: Referring to the section on short-term prognosis in this text.)

Lei Gong said: "Please explain the short-term prognosis."

The Yellow Emperor said: "For diseases in the three winter months, if the disease involves Earth-Yang, by the first month of Spring, if the pulse shows signs of death, the patient will die after Spring emerges."

(Note: Winter is Yin. Disease occurs when Yang Qi invades. By the first month of Spring, when Shaoyang is dominant and Yin Qi is exhausted, the pulse shows death signs. Diseases of the three winter months resolve or lead to death after Spring emerges, when Yang dominates and all things grow.)

For diseases in the three winter months involving the *Li* (interstices), if the pathogen is exhausted, similar to grass and willow leaves dying, with Yin and Yang severed, death is expected in early Spring."

(Note: *Li* refers to interstices. In winter, Yang Qi resides in the flesh. Winter Yin Qi is damaged by Yang and exhausted. Similar to grass and willow leaves dying in fire, if Yin and Yang are severed, death occurs in the first month.)

For diseases in the three spring months, if Yang is diseased and dies daily, with Yin and Yang severed, death is expected when grass dries."

(Note: Spring is Yang. Yang Qi is dominant. If Yang is diseased, it indicates Yang deficiency, leading to death. If Yin and Yang are severed and disconnected, death occurs in late Autumn when Metal Qi dominates and overcomes Wood.)

For diseases in the three summer months involving *Zhi Yin* (Spleen), death occurs within ten days. If Yin and Yang intersect, death is expected when water rises."

(Note: Summer is Yang. *Zhi Yin* refers to the Spleen. Summer Yang disease affecting the Spleen due to Yang excess leads to death within ten days (the completion number of Spleen). If Yin and Yang clash, death occurs when Water rises, i.e., in the seventh month when Water is generated.)

For diseases in the three autumn months, if the Three Yang rise together, the disease resolves spontaneously. If Yin and Yang intersect, the patient cannot stand to sit or sit to stand. If the Three Yang arrive independently, death is expected in 'Stone Water'."

(Note: Three Yang refers to Taiyang, Yangming, and Shaoyang. In autumn, if Three Yang pulses rise simultaneously, Yang is declining, and even if Shaoyin is diseased, it resolves without treatment. If Yin and Yang intersect vertically, mobility is lost. If the Three Yang pulses arrive separately, Yang cannot overcome Yin, leading to death in the tenth month when water freezes. Severe cold freezes water like stone, hence 'Stone Water'.")

If only Er Yin arrives, death is expected when water is abundant."

(Note: Er Yin is Shaoyin. If only Shaoyin arrives, Yin cannot overcome Yang. Death occurs in spring when ice melts and water is abundant.)

The Yellow Emperor sat in the Ming Tang and summoned Lei Gong, asking: "Do you understand the medical arts? You can recite and distinguish, but you cannot clarify. Clarification does not mean illumination. You are sufficient to treat officials but insufficient to treat nobles."

(Note: Ming Tang is the imperial hall. Mastery of medicine has five levels: recitation, explanation, distinction, clarification, and illumination. You can recite but not explain or distinguish. You can treat commoners but not the honored.)

Establish the Way of Heaven to illuminate the classics, benefiting future generations. Connect upwards to Shennong. If you grasp the supreme teachings, you emulate the Two Emperors."

(Note: To establish the Way of Heaven to clarify medical arts for posterity, connecting to Shennong's supreme teachings, emulating the ancient Fuxi and Shennong.)

The Yellow Emperor said: "Good. Do not lose this principle of Yin-Yang, Exterior-Interior, Up-Down, Male-Female, and meridian correspondence."

(Note: Test your sincerity.)

Following this Way, knowing astronomy above, geography below, and human affairs in the middle, one can achieve longevity."

(Note: Teaching aligned with the Dao leads to long life and preservation.)

Teaching the masses with this ensures no doubt or danger. The Treatise on Medical Dao can be passed to posterity and treasured."

(Note: Sincerely transmit and treasure it.)

Lei Gong said: "Please let me receive the Dao and recite it for understanding." The Yellow Emperor said: "Have you not heard the transmission of Yin and Yang?" Lei Gong said: "No." The Yellow Emperor said: "The San Yang Taiyang acts as the leaf, moving up and down unpredictably. Combining, it causes disease, pervading Yin and Yang."

(Note: San Yang is Taiyang. Yang channels travel from head to foot. If they do not follow proper measures and combine pathologically, they damage the Five Zang internally and the Six Fu externally, pervading Yin and Yang.)

Lei Gong asked: "What does 'San Yang Mo Dang' mean? Please explain."

(Note: 'Mo Dang' means excessively powerful.)

The Yellow Emperor said: "When San Yang arrives alone, it is the convergence of the Three Yang. Converging like wind and rain, it causes mania above and leakage diseases below. There is no fixed internal period, no standard pattern, but it follows the meridians. Diagnosis lacks upper-lower distinction; record it to differentiate."

(Note: 'San Yang Du Zhi' means Taiyang arrives alone. Taiyang alone implies the convergence of Taiyang, Yangming, and Shaoyang under Taiyang as the leader. Yang Qi tends to ascend to the head, like violent wind and rain. Upper excess causes mania; lower deficiency causes leakage diseases (incontinence of urine/feces).")

Lei Gong said: "My treatment was negligent and distracted." The Yellow Emperor said: "San Yang is Extreme Yang. Accumulation and convergence cause fright. The disease arises like wind, strikes like whetstones. The nine orifices become blocked. Yang Qi floods sideways, drying the throat and causing obstruction."

(Note: The extreme of Taiyin is Extreme Yin; the extreme of Taiyang is Extreme Yang. If Taiyang, Yangming, and Shaoyang function separately, there is no disease. If they converge, Yang Qi becomes excessive, causing fright. Fright arises quickly like wind. The disease is severe like whetstones. Excessive Yang heat floods sideways, blocking the nine orifices, drying the throat. 'Xu' means overflow.)

Converging with Yin, the Qi moves up and down unpredictably, thinning to cause intestinal discharge."

(Note: Yin refers to Spleen and Kidney. Excess Yang converging with Spleen/Kidney causes unpredictable Qi in the intestines/stomach. If stagnant Qi thins the intestines, it causes dysentery with pus and blood, a type of cold-heat disease.)

This describes Er Yang directly affecting the Heart. The patient cannot rise from sitting; lying down, the body feels heavy. This is a Yangming disease."

(Note: Er Yang is Yangming. The divergent vessels of Yangming belong to the Stomach, disperse to the Spleen, and connect to the Heart, hence 'directly affecting the Heart'. Yangming is the Stomach meridian. Spleen/Stomach disease renders limbs useless, causing heaviness in sitting/lying, characteristic of Yangming disease.)

Thus, one can understand the world, distinguish Yin and Yang, respond to the four seasons, and harmonize with the Five Elements."

(Note: Lei Gong requested to learn the heavenly degrees and seasonal Yin-Yang. I have now explained it fully to you.)

The Yellow Emperor sat in leisure, summoned Lei Gong, and asked: "You have studied the arts and recited books. You are good at observing diverse learning, comparing categories, and integrating principles. Tell me your strengths."

(Note: The Emperor instructed Lei Gong to state his strengths.)

The Five Zang and Six Fu organs, Gallbladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Spleen, Bladder, Brain, Marrow, nasal mucus, saliva, crying, grief—these are the paths of Water. They are the source of human life. Errors in treating them are faults. You must clarify them. If you do not achieve perfection, you will not be understood and will be resented by the world."

(Note: Residual food from Spleen/Stomach enters the Small Intestine, which holds it like the Spleen's bladder, along with Brain and Marrow. These, plus tears, saliva, and fluids, sustain life. If the principles of life are misunderstood, and one fails to cure perfectly, one will be blamed by the world.)

Lei Gong said: "I recite the *Pulse Classic* extensively, distinguishing and comparing categories. Yet I cannot achieve perfection. How can I clearly differentiate?"

(Note: I have memorized many pulse texts and comparisons, yet still fail to cure perfectly. How can I diagnose undiseased individuals?)

The Yellow Emperor said: "Try to distinguish the faults of the Five Zang, the unknowns of the Six Fu, failures of acupuncture/stone therapy, suitability of toxic drugs, and properties of decoctions and flavors. State their conditions fully and answer my questions about what you do not know."

(Note: Be sincere. State the losses of the Five Zang, the mysteries of Six Fu, and the uses of needles, stones, drugs, and foods that you do not understand, and I will explain them to you.)

Lei Gong asked: "Liver deficiency, Kidney deficiency, and Spleen deficiency all cause heavy bodies and irritability. Should I use toxic drugs, acupuncture/moxibustion, stone therapy, or decoctions? Some recover, some do not. Please explain."

(Note: These Three Yin organs have pulses ascending from the feet. Taoyin and Shaoyin ascend to the mouth; Jueyin ascends to the vertex. Deficiency in these Yin pulses often causes heaviness and irritability. Treatment may succeed or fail; please explain.)

The Yellow Emperor said: "How old are you to ask such a shallow question? I sincerely asked you profound questions, but you answered with superficial ones. I asked about the mysterious depths, and you replied with basic chapters. Why?"

(Note: You are older, yet ask simple questions. I asked about the subtle fluctuations of pulses, but you answered with basic theories of Three Zang deficiency. This is inappropriate.)

Spleen deficiency floating resembles Lung; Kidney small floating resembles Spleen; Liver wiry/sunken/scattered resembles Kidney. These confuse skilled physicians, but can be resolved through *Congrong* (calm deliberation)."

(Note: The pulses of these four organs are similar in floating/sunken qualities, making differentiation difficult, termed 'Mysterious'. Lung pulse is floating and soft like feathers. Spleen disease pulse is floating and soft, resembling Lung. Kidney pulse is usually deep, but when Qi/Blood is low, it may float slightly, resembling Spleen. Liver pulse is wiry/tense, sunken/scattered, resembling Kidney. Only through calm deliberation can these be distinguished, termed 'Mysterious'.)

That the Three Zangs—Earth, Wood, and Water—coexist is knowledge known to children. Why ask?"

(Note: Earth is Spleen, Wood is Liver, Water is Kidney. Their coexistence causing heaviness is basic knowledge for beginners.)

Lei Gong said: "Here is a person with headache, tendon cramping, bone heaviness, fearfulness with shortness of breath, belching/hiccups, abdominal fullness, occasional fright, and insomnia. Which Zang organ is the source?"

(Note: Listing eight symptoms to ask for their origin.)

The pulse is floating and wiry; pressing it feels like stone. I do not understand the explanation. Asking about the Three Zangs helps to know the comparison."

(Note: Asking about the similarities and differences in Floating, Wiry, and Stone pulses of the Three Zangs.)

The Yellow Emperor said: "This is what is meant by *Congrong*."

(Note: How to calmly deliberate on the pulses of the Three Zangs? Hence, *Congrong*.)

For the elderly, seek the disease in the Fu organs."

(Note: Over fifty is considered old. For the previous Three Zang diseases in those over fifty, treatment focuses on the Six Fu organs because, with age, Qi and Blood reside more in the Fu organs.)

For the young, seek the disease in the Jing (Meridians/Zang)."

(Note: Men over sixteen and women over forty have Qi and Blood residing in the Five Zang organs, hence seek the Zang.)

What you describe now involves the accumulation of the Eight Winds, wasting of the Five Zang, and transmission of pathogens."

(Note: Eight Winds/Evil Qi are pernicious winds. Accumulated and ripened, they transmit into the Zang, wasting the Five Zang. 'Shuo' means melt/waste. 'Wan Shu' means accumulation, causing disease.)

Floating and wiry indicates Kidney deficiency."

(Note: Kidney pulse is deep and stone-like. Now it is floating and wiry, indicating Kidney deficiency.)

Deep and stone-like indicates Kidney Qi lodging internally."

(Note: A faintly stone-like Kidney pulse indicates...)