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Huangdi asked, "What constitutes a 'Ping Ren' (Normal Person)?" Qibo replied, "When a person exhales, the pulse beats twice; when they inhale, the pulse also beats twice. Between the end of exhalation and the beginning of inhalation (Ding Xi), the pulse may beat five times due to occasional deep sighs (Tai Xi). This is called a 'Ping Ren'. A Ping Ren is one who is not diseased. Typically, the pulse of a healthy person is used as a standard to evaluate the pulse of a patient. Since the physician is healthy, the physician should regulate their own breathing to be calm and even while taking the patient's pulse as a method of diagnosis. If a person's pulse beats once per exhalation and once per inhalation, it is called 'Shao Qi' (Deficiency of Vital Qi). If the pulse beats three times per exhalation and three times per inhalation, and is rapid and restless, with heat in the Chi (Cubital fossa) area, it indicates Wen Bing (Warm Disease); if the Chi area is not hot but the pulse is slippery, it indicates Feng Bing (Wind Disease); if the pulse is choppy, it indicates Bi Syndrome (Obstruction Syndrome). If the pulse beats more than four times per exhalation, or if the pulse ceases completely, or if the pulse rhythm is irregular (alternating between slow and fast), these are signs of death.

The normal Qi of a Ping Ren is derived from the Stomach; the Stomach is the source of normal Qi for a Ping Ren. If a person lacks Stomach Qi, it is called 'Ni' (Rebellion/Contrary), which leads to death. In Spring, a pulse that is slightly Xian (String-like) while retaining Stomach Qi is considered a Normal Pulse; if Xian qualities dominate and Stomach Qi is scant, it indicates Liver Disease; if there is only Xian quality without Stomach Qi, it indicates impending death; if the pulse shows Mao (Floating) qualities, disease will manifest in Autumn; if Mao qualities are pronounced, disease is present now. The Zhen Qi (True Qi) of the Zang organs disperses into the Liver, which governs the Qi of the sinews/fascia. In Summer, a pulse that is slightly Gou (Hook-like/Hong) while retaining Stomach Qi is considered a Normal Pulse; if Gou qualities dominate and Stomach Qi is scant, it indicates Heart Disease; if there is only Gou quality without Stomach Qi, it indicates impending death; if the pulse shows Shi (Stone-like/Deep) qualities, disease will manifest in Winter; if Shi qualities are pronounced, disease is present now. The Zhen Qi of the Zang organs connects to the Heart, which governs the Qi of the blood vessels. During the Late Summer period, a pulse that is slightly Ruo (Weak/Sluggish) while retaining Stomach Qi is considered a Normal Pulse; if Ruo qualities dominate and Stomach Qi is scant, it indicates Spleen Disease; if there is only Dai (Intermittent) quality without Stomach Qi, it indicates impending death; if Ruo qualities show Shi (Deep) characteristics, disease will manifest in Winter; if Ruo qualities are pronounced, disease is present now. The Zhen Qi of the Zang organs moistens the Spleen, which governs the Qi of the muscles. In Autumn, a pulse that is slightly Mao (Floating) while retaining Stomach Qi is considered a Normal Pulse; if Mao qualities dominate and Stomach Qi is scant, it indicates Lung Disease; if there is only Mao quality without Stomach Qi, it indicates impending death; if the pulse shows Xian (String-like) qualities, disease will manifest in Spring; if Xian qualities are pronounced, disease is present now. The Zhen Qi of the Zang organs rises above the Lungs to circulate Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi and Yin-Yang. In Winter, a pulse that is slightly Shi (Deep) while retaining Stomach Qi is considered a Normal Pulse; if Shi qualities dominate and Stomach Qi is scant, it indicates Kidney Disease; if there is only Shi quality without Stomach Qi, it indicates impending death; if the pulse shows Gou (Hook-like) qualities, disease will manifest in Summer; if Gou qualities are pronounced, disease is present now. The Zhen Qi of the Zang organs descends to the Kidneys, which govern the Qi of the bone marrow. The major collateral of the Stomach is named Xuli, which penetrates the diaphragm, connects to the Lungs, and emerges below the left nipple. Its pulsation can be seen through clothing; this represents the Zong Qi (Gathering Qi). If the pulsation is rapid and frequently interrupted, the pathogen is in the Middle Jiao; if the pulsation is knotted and protruding, there is an accumulation (Ji) in the body; if the pulsation ceases completely, it indicates death. If the pulsation below the nipple is vigorous enough to move the clothing, it indicates leakage of Zong Qi.

To understand excess (Tai Guo) and deficiency (Bu Ji) at the Cunkou (Radial artery) position: If the Cunkou pulse feels short upon palpation, it indicates Headache. If the Cunkou pulse feels long upon palpation, it indicates Pain in the lower legs/shins. If the Cunkou pulse feels rapid and strikes upward upon palpation, it indicates Shoulder and Back pain. If the Cunkou pulse is Deep and Firm, it indicates disease in the Interior/Middle Jiao. If the Cunkou pulse is Floating and Excessive, it indicates disease in the Exterior. If the Cunkou pulse is Deep and Weak, it indicates Alternating Cold and Fever, as well as Shaoyang abdominal pain caused by Shan Jia (Abdominal masses). If the Cunkou pulse is Deep and Horizontal, it indicates masses under the hypochondrium and horizontal abdominal pain from accumulations. If the Cunkou pulse is Deep and Rapid, it indicates Alternating Cold and Fever. If the pulse is Excessive, Slippery, and Firm, it indicates disease in the Exterior. If the pulse is Small, Solid, and Firm, it indicates disease in the Interior. If the pulse is Small, Weak, and Choppy, it is termed Chronic Disease. If the pulse is Slippery, Floating, and Rapid, it is termed New Disease. If the pulse is Tense, it indicates Shaoyang abdominal pain from Shan Jia. If the pulse is Slippery, it indicates Wind Disease. If the pulse is Choppy, it indicates Bi Syndrome. If the pulse is Slow and Slippery, it indicates Heat in the Middle Jiao. If the pulse is Excessive and Tight, it indicates Distension. If the pulse follows Yin-Yang principles, the disease is easy to cure; if the pulse contradicts Yin-Yang principles, the disease is difficult to cure. If the pulse conforms to the Four Seasons, there are no other complications; if the pulse contradicts the Four Seasons and the generating cycle of the Zang organs, it is difficult to cure. Excessive blue veins on the arms indicate Blood loss. A Chi pulse that is Slow and Choppy indicates relaxation/laxity. An excessive pulse in someone who rests quietly indicates Blood loss. A Choppy Chi pulse combined with a Slippery overall pulse indicates profuse sweating. A cold Chi skin with a Fine pulse indicates subsequent diarrhea/chronic loose stools. A coarse and constantly hot Chi skin indicates Heat in the Middle Jiao. Liver pathology dies on Geng/Xin days (Metal days); Heart pathology dies on Ren/Gui days (Water days); Spleen pathology dies on Jia/Yi days (Wood days); Lung pathology dies on Bing/Ding days (Fire days); Kidney pathology dies on Wu/Ji days (Earth days). This is called the appearance of the True Zang Pulse, all indicating death. Pulsation in the neck accompanied by panting and rapid cough indicates Water retention (Edema). Slight swelling of the eyelids resembling a silkworm indicates Water retention. Yellow urine, red urine, and quiet rest indicate Huang Dan (Jaundice). Feeling hungry after eating indicates Wei Dan (Stomach Jaundice). Facial swelling indicates Wind. Swelling of the lower legs indicates Water. Yellow eyes indicate Huang Dan (Jaundice). If the Shao Yin pulse (on the woman's wrist) beats strongly, she is pregnant. Pulses may follow or contradict the Four Seasons. Without obvious Zang organ morphological changes, if the pulse is thin in Spring/Summer and floating/large in Autumn/Winter, it is called Contradicting the Four Seasons. If Wind-Heat presents with a calm pulse, or diarrhea/blood loss presents with a solid pulse, or interior disease presents with a deficient pulse, or exterior disease presents with a choppy/firm pulse, all are difficult to treat and are called Contradicting the Four Seasons. Humans rely on water and grain as their root; thus, humans die when cut off from water and grain, and also die when the pulse lacks Stomach Qi. What is meant by lacking Stomach Qi is that only the True Zang Pulse is felt, without Stomach Qi. What is meant by the pulse lacking Stomach Qi is that the Liver pulse does not show Xian (String-like) qualities and the Kidney pulse does not show Shi (Deep) qualities. The Tai Yang pulse arrives, appearing Hong (Surging), Large, and Long; the Shao Yang pulse arrives, appearing alternately rapid and slow, alternately short and long; the Yang Ming pulse arrives, appearing Floating, Large, and Short.

A normal Heart pulse comes continuously like linked pearls, or like rolling over Langgan jade; this is a Normal Heart Pulse, where Summer relies on Stomach Qi as the foundation. A diseased Heart pulse comes rapidly and continuously, with slight curvature in the middle; this is a Diseased Heart Pulse. A dying Heart pulse comes with curvature at the front and stiffness at the back, like handling a belt hook; this is a Dead Heart Pulse. A normal Lung pulse comes gently and softly, like falling elm seeds; this is a Normal Lung Pulse, where Autumn relies on Stomach Qi as the foundation. A diseased Lung pulse comes neither up nor down, like feeling a chicken feather; this is a Diseased Lung Pulse. A dying Lung pulse floats like an object, or like wind blowing hair; this is a Dead Lung Pulse. A normal Liver pulse comes weakly and gracefully, like holding the tip of a long bamboo pole; this is a Normal Liver Pulse, where Spring relies on Stomach Qi as the foundation. A diseased Liver pulse comes full, solid, and slippery, like feeling a long bamboo pole; this is a Diseased Liver Pulse. A dying Liver pulse comes urgent and strong, like a newly strung bowstring; this is a Dead Liver Pulse. A normal Spleen pulse comes harmonious and soft, distinct yet connected, like a chicken stepping on the ground; this is a Normal Spleen Pulse, where Late Summer relies on Stomach Qi as the foundation. A diseased Spleen pulse comes solid, full, and frequent, like a chicken lifting its foot; this is a Diseased Spleen Pulse. A dying Spleen pulse comes sharp and hard like a bird's beak, like a bird's claw, like water dripping from a leaking roof, or like flowing water; this is a Dead Spleen Pulse. A normal Kidney pulse comes rapidly and continuously like a hook, firm upon pressure; this is a Normal Kidney Pulse, where Winter relies on Stomach Qi as the foundation. A diseased Kidney pulse comes like pulling a vine, becoming firmer upon pressure; this is a Diseased Kidney Pulse. A dying Kidney pulse comes like pulling a rope in opposite directions, or crackling like striking stones; this is a Dead Kidney Pulse.

*Mai Yao Jing Wei Lun*: Pronunciation notes: You (sound 'you'), Mi (cut as 'gu mo'), Dan (cut as 'du HT'), [Character] (sound 'xun', also sound 'shun').
*Ping Ren Qi Xiang Lun*: Pronunciation notes: Shan (sound 'shan'), Jia (sound 'jia'), [Character] (sound 'yi'), [Character] (cut as 'nu gong'), Hui (cut as 'xu wei').