所谓四时脉就是春夏秋冬所相应的脉，春脉为弦，什么叫弦？弦脉比较容易理解，古人形容是“如按琴弦”。在指下有“如按琴弦”这样一种感觉的就叫弦脉。典型的弦脉在手下稍稍感到紧张，如果更进一步紧张就成了紧脉。所以有不少的医案脉写弦紧，因为弦紧的这个度有时不好区别。弦属春脉，紧属冬脉，冬春相连，所以，这个交界有时并不容易区分。不过，明显的还是可以区别开来。春天为什么会现弦脉呢？通过第二章的讨论我们知道，春天的时候阳气开始释放，开始升发，但是，这个时候阴寒还没完全退。特别是北方，早春二月的时候还很寒。在这样一个时候，阳气要出来，阴寒就会阻挡它，束缚它。这就形成一个抵抗，这样一个阴阳综合作用的结果就形成了我们所说的弦象。所以，我们摸到这个脉的时候总有一种受阻的感觉。当然这样一个过程用言语确实不容易描述，大家可以慢慢去感受它。为什么会形成这样一个弦脉呢？很关键的一点是阳出的时候有东西去束缚它，如果没有这个束缚的因素，它不会出现这个弦脉。因此，弦脉的这样一种情况正好反映了春天的阴阳变化。所以，在春三月里见到这样一个脉象应该是正常的。但是，不能太过，过则有病。太弦了那就说明这样一种束缚和抵抗的力量超过了正常，那你要找原因，看看为什么会形成这个弦脉的太过？如果脉根本不弦，一点紧张的味道都没有，相反地很松弛，那说明这个阳气根本没有升起来，这也是有问题。所以，春三月脉太弦了，即太过，或者一点都不弦，即不及，这样都不好。这个是春脉。如果在平常其他的时候见到弦脉，就应该找找原因。特别是女同志，摸到弦脉的时候应该问问她：近来的情绪怎样？是否怄气了？怄气的时候常常会有弦脉出现。为什么呢？因为怄气就会有抑郁。抑郁了，气血的运行就会有障碍，有束缚。因此，在其他的时候出现弦脉，我们就应该寻找这个引起束缚的原因。
② 夏洪
夏天的脉是洪脉，又叫钩脉。夏天为什么会出现洪脉呢？夏天时候的阳气在方向上还是像春天那样，是春日的继续。阳气升发，向上向外。但是，夏天这个时候阴寒已经退了，束缚的因素没有了，脉气就像完全张开的翅膀，很自在很逍遥地飞翔。所以，这个时候的脉就是洪脉。夏天见到这个脉，这叫应时脉。如果其他时间也出现这个脉，这就是非时之脉。现在给大家讲一个我师父当年的病案，大概在 1982年的冬天，先师到铁路的一个朋友家赴宴。饭前，应朋友的要求为她的父亲诊脉，诊脉过后先师没说什么，等把饭吃好，先师的朋友送他出门的时候，先师才跟她讲：你父亲的身体要注意，不然的话，明年夏天就会出大问题。朋友听到先师的这番话，心里很紧张。因为她亲眼见过先师的一些预言后来都兑了现。所以，迫不及待地问有什么办法可想。先师当时开了一张处方，用的只有两味药，一味生石膏，一味苏木。熬水以后当茶饮。为什么开这两味药呢？当时是冬天，而冬天摸到的却是一个夏天的洪脉。这个时候阳气正在收藏，不应该出现这个洪脉，出现了说明一定有问题。在收藏的时候，还有一个天地的因素在束缚这个脉气。在这样的时候你都会出现这个脉，而一旦到了夏天，这样的因素没有了，那不火山爆发？所以，先师断定夏天肯定会出问题。这个脉在伤寒里也叫阳明脉，阳明病当然可以用白虎汤。所以，我师父开的不过是白虎汤的变方，是更简单的方。送走师父后，回到家她就跟父亲说：李医生说您应该吃一些中药调理，这样会对身体有好处。可是她的父亲是一位老干部，很固执，并且刚刚做过全面体检，什么问题也没有，吃什么药呢？所以，就没有做理会。到了夏天，大概是七月份的时候，突然脑溢血，送医院抢救，不到一个星期就死了。这个病例给我的印象很深，认识到脉是很有作用的，把握好了，确实可以知道疾病，预防疾病。但是，我们很多中医只相信CT，只相信磁共振，偏偏不信这个脉象。这是洪脉。
③ 秋毛
秋脉毛浮，即轻虚以浮之义。言其浮者，轻取即得，言其毛者，轻虚之象也。故其浮不是表病之浮，轻取有余之象。《素问·平人气象论》形容这个脉是“厌厌聂聂，如落榆荚”。吴昆注云：“厌厌聂聂，翩翩之状，浮薄而流利也。”张介宾注曰：“如落榆荚，轻浮和缓貌，即微毛之义也。”《脉诀汇辨》则说：“气转而西属金，位当申酉，于时为秋，万物收成。其气从散大之极自表初收，如浪静波恬，烟清焰息，在人则肺应之，而见毛脉。”这个毛脉的形象我没有多少体会，总之，它是阳气欲敛的一个象征。
④ 冬石
冬为石脉，石就是沉，就像我们把石头丢到水里，必须沉到水底才能摸到一样。冬天为什么见到的是这样一个沉脉呢？因为冬日的阳气收藏起来了。就像三十的月亮一样，我们见不到它。阳气收藏起来，不去鼓动阴血，不去阳加于阴，脉当然也就收藏起来。可见这个脉象它完全是跟着阳气走，阳气出来它就浮起来，阳气入里它就沉下去。我们看脉实际上就是看这么一个问题。理论上，脉是怎么一回事情我们搞清了，实践上大家可以慢慢地摸索。脉象不是一两下就能精通，大家可以先从简单的开始。先搞清浮沉，浮沉清楚了，我们就能知道这个病是在三阳还是三阴。脉浮病在三阳，脉沉病在三阴。阴阳区别清楚了，求本的要素也就具备了。治疗上也就有了一个大致的方向。另外就是迟数、滑弦、大小，这些脉都比较容易分清楚。除此之外，还有一个重要的方面就是分清脉的有力无力，前面我们提到过的川中名医郑钦安就特别强调这一点，认为这是鉴别脉气有神无神的不二法门。这一点我的体会也很深，尤其是碰到大脉，更要弄清这个有力无力。如果有力，那这是阳明病，要用清泻的方法方能奏效。如果无力，这就是虚，这就是劳，清泻的方法万万使不得，必须要用甘温之剂。临床碰到这样的脉象，不管你什么病，都可以异病同治，都可以用黄芪建中汤，或归芪建中汤化裁。而且往往都能获桴鼓相应之效。脉的问题就谈到这里。
5.证释
（1）造字
繁体的证应该写成證，形符为言，声符为登；简体的证形符还是言，声符却是正。这两个有区别，但是又有很微妙的联系。另外在繁体字里也有一个证，不过它表述的是另外一个意思，我们这里不作讨论。
① 言
我们先来看这个形符，形符的简写是讠，《说文》释云：“直言为言。”有什么话说什么话，这个叫言。有什么不直说，拐弯抹角的，这个不叫言。言经常跟语连起来用，或者叫言语，或者叫语言。那什么是语呢？《说文》曰“论难为语”，就某一问题进行讨论，这些讨论的东西就叫语。语和言的一个差别就是语加进了逻辑，有时候我们讲话并不考虑逻辑，想到什么就说什么。可是要形成语呢？就要有一个逻辑加工的过程。你要问难，你要辩论，没有逻辑怎么行？因此，言和语还是有区别的。在《释名》里，言有另一个解释：“言宣也，宣彼此之意也。”把彼此的意思宣说出来，这就叫做言。言还有另外一个内涵更深的意义，就是汉代扬雄《法言》里所说的“言，心声也”。言语它所表述的是什么？什么是心声？心声就是心灵的声音，心灵的呼唤。心灵的这个声音、这个呼唤，可以通过言语来进行表述。我们每个人的内在思想，内心活动，你是看不出来的。现在在座的每一个人你们心里想什么？你们心里在搞什么鬼？我确实无从知晓，除非我具有佛教里所说的他心通，否则真是一点办法都没有。但是，有一样东西能让我知道你的内心活动、你的思维过程，这个东西就是言。言为心声讲的就是这个意思。你心里面有什么？你的思想有什么活动？你把他宣说出来，当然你要说老实话，不能心里一套口里一套。所以，《说文》讲的先决条件是直言为言，什么叫直言呢？心之所想口直言之，这个叫直言，口是心非那不叫直言，这叫诳语。所以，言的作用是使我们知道原来没法知道的东西，是使我们知道看不见摸不着的那些东西。言的这样一个作用应该是很清楚的，大家琢磨一下是不是这么回事。有关言的这个功用希望大家好好地去体悟，这个功用很重要。那些内在的，藏得很深的，不露痕迹的东西，经过它的作用就会变得清清楚楚明明白白。你说这个言厉不厉害？人类区别于其他一切动物的最重要一点，我想就在这里，这个是言。
② 登（正）
所谓四时脉，就是与春、夏、秋、冬四季相对应的脉象。春季的脉象为弦脉（Xian Mai, String-like Pulse），什么是弦脉呢？弦脉比较容易理解，古人形容它“如同按压琴弦”。在手指下感觉到“如同按压琴弦”这种感觉的，就称为弦脉。典型的弦脉在手下会感到轻微的紧张，如果这种紧张感进一步加剧，就变成了紧脉（Jin Mai, Taut Pulse）。因此，在许多医案中脉象描述为“弦紧”，因为弦脉和紧脉之间的程度界限有时难以区分。弦脉属于春脉，紧脉属于冬脉，冬春相连，所以这个交界处的脉象有时并不容易区分。不过，明显的还是可以区别开来。春天为什么会出现弦脉呢？通过第二章的讨论我们知道，春天时阳气开始释放、升发，但是此时阴寒之气还没有完全消退。特别是在北方，早春二月时依然很寒冷。在这样的时节，阳气想要外出，阴寒就会阻挡它、束缚它。这就形成了一种抵抗，这种阴阳综合作用的结果就形成了我们所说的弦象。因此，当我们触摸到这个脉象时，总有一种受阻的感觉。当然，这样一个过程用言语确实不容易描述，大家可以慢慢去感受它。为什么会形成这样一个弦脉呢？很关键的一点是，阳气外出的时候有东西去束缚它，如果没有这个束缚的因素，它就不会出现弦脉。因此，弦脉的这种情况正好反映了春天的阴阳变化。所以，在春季三个月里见到这样的脉象应该是正常的。但是，不能太过，过盛则会导致疾病。如果脉象太弦，那就说明这种束缚和抵抗的力量超过了正常范围，这时你要寻找原因，看看为什么会形成弦脉的太过？如果脉象根本不弦，一点紧张的味道都没有，相反地很松弛，那说明阳气根本没有升发起来，这也是有问题。所以，春季三个月脉象太弦，即太过，或者一点都不弦，即不及，这样都不好。这就是春脉。如果在平常其他时间见到弦脉，就应该寻找原因。特别是女性，摸到弦脉的时候应该问问她：最近的情绪怎样？是否怄气（生气/郁结）了？怄气的时候常常会有弦脉出现。为什么呢？因为怄气就会导致抑郁。抑郁了，气血的运行就会有障碍，受到束缚。因此，在其他时间出现弦脉，我们就应该寻找引起这种束缚的原因。
② 夏洪
夏天的脉是洪脉（Hong Mai, Surging Pulse），又叫钩脉（Gou Mai, Hook Pulse）。夏天为什么会出现洪脉呢？夏天时的阳气在方向上还是像春天那样，是春日升发的继续。阳气升发，向上向外。但是，夏天这个时候阴寒已经退了，束缚的因素没有了，脉气就像完全张开的翅膀，很自在、很逍遥地飞翔。所以，这个时候的脉就是洪脉。夏天见到这个脉，这叫应时脉（Seasonal Pulse）。如果其他时间也出现这个脉，这就是非时之脉（Non-seasonal Pulse）。现在给大家讲一个我师父当年的病案，大概在1982年的冬天，先师到铁路的一个朋友家赴宴。饭前，应朋友的要求为她的父亲诊脉，诊脉过后先师没说什么，等把饭吃好，先师的朋友送他出门的时候，先师才跟她讲：你父亲的身体要注意，不然的话，明年夏天就会出大问题。朋友听到先师的这番话，心里很紧张。因为她亲眼见过先师的一些预言后来都兑现了。所以，迫不及待地问有什么办法可想。先师当时开了一张处方，用的只有两味药，一味生石膏（Sheng Shigao, Raw Gypsum Fibrosum），一味苏木（Sumu, Sappan Wood）。熬水以后当茶饮。为什么开这两味药呢？当时是冬天，而冬天摸到的却是一个夏天的洪脉。这个时候阳气正在收藏，不应该出现这个洪脉，出现了说明一定有问题。在收藏的时候，还有一个天地的因素在束缚这个脉气。在这样的时候你都会出现这个脉，而一旦到了夏天，这样的因素没有了，那不火山爆发？所以，先师断定夏天肯定会出问题。这个脉在《伤寒论》（Shanghan Lun, Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases）里也叫阳明脉（Yangming Pulse），阳明病（Yangming Disease）当然可以用白虎汤（Baihu Tang, White Tiger Decoction）。所以，我师父开的不过是白虎汤的变方，是更简单的方。送走师父后，回到家她就跟父亲说：李医生说您应该吃一些中药调理，这样会对身体有好处。可是她的父亲是一位老干部，很固执，并且刚刚做过全面体检，什么问题也没有，吃什么药呢？所以，就没有做理会。到了夏天，大概是七月份的时候，突然脑溢血，送医院抢救，不到一个星期就死了。这个病例给我的印象很深，认识到脉诊是很有作用的，把握好了，确实可以知道疾病，预防疾病。但是，我们很多中医只相信CT，只相信磁共振，偏偏不信这个脉象。这就是洪脉。
③ 秋毛
秋脉为毛浮脉，即轻虚以浮的含义。言其浮者，轻取即得；言其毛者，轻虚之象也。故其浮不是表病（Exterior Disease）之浮，而是轻取有余之象。《素问·平人气象论》形容这个脉是“厌厌聂聂，如落榆荚”。吴昆注云：“厌厌聂聂，翩翩之状，浮薄而流利也。”张介宾注曰：“如落榆荚，轻浮和缓貌，即微毛之义也。”《脉诀汇辨》则说：“气转而西属金，位当申酉，于时为秋，万物收成。其气从散大之极自表初收，如浪静波恬，烟清焰息，在人则肺应之，而见毛脉。”这个毛脉的形象我没有多少体会，总之，它是阳气欲敛（Yang Qi Descent/Storage）的一个象征。
④ 冬石
冬季为石脉，石就是沉（Chen Mai, Deep Pulse），就像我们把石头丢到水里，必须沉到水底才能摸到一样。冬天为什么见到的是这样一个沉脉呢？因为冬日的阳气收藏起来了。就像三十的月亮一样，我们见不到它。阳气收藏起来，不去鼓动阴血，不去阳加于阴，脉当然也就收藏起来。可见这个脉象它完全是跟着阳气走，阳气出来它就浮起来，阳气入里它就沉下去。我们看脉实际上就是看这么一个问题。理论上，脉是怎么一回事情我们搞清了，实践上大家可以慢慢地摸索。脉象不是一两下就能精通，大家可以先从简单的开始。先搞清浮（Fu Mai, Floating Pulse）、沉，浮沉清楚了，我们就能知道这个病是在三阳经（Three Yang Meridians）还是三阴经（Three Yin Meridians）。脉浮病在三阳，脉沉病在三阴。阴阳区别清楚了，求本的要素也就具备了。治疗上也就有了一个大致的方向。另外就是迟（Chi Mai, Slow Pulse）、数（Shuo Mai, Rapid Pulse）、滑（Hua Mai, Slippery Pulse）、弦、大小，这些脉都比较容易分清楚。除此之外，还有一个重要的方面就是分清脉的有力无力，前面我们提到过的川中名医郑钦安就特别强调这一点，认为这是鉴别脉气有神无神的不二法门。这一点我的体会也很深，尤其是碰到大脉，更要弄清这个有力无力。如果有力，那这是阳明病，要用清泻的方法方能奏效。如果无力，这就是虚（Deficiency），这就是劳（Consumptive Disease），清泻的方法万万使不得，必须要用甘温之剂（Sweet and Warm Formulas）。临床碰到这样的脉象，不管你什么病，都可以异病同治（Treating Different Diseases with the Same Method），都可以用黄芪建中汤（Huangqi Jianzhong Tang, Astragalus Decoction to Establish the Middle) 或归芪建中汤化裁。而且往往都能获桴鼓相应之效（Effect as immediate as a drumstick hitting a drum）。脉的问题就谈到这里。
5. 证释
（1）造字
繁体的“证”应该写成“證”，形符为言，声符为登；简体的“证”形符还是言，声符却是正。这两个有区别，但是又有很微妙的联系。另外在繁体字里也有一个“证”，不过它表述的是另外一个意思，我们这里不作讨论。
① 言
我们先来看这个形符，形符的简写是讠，《说文解字》释云：“直言为言。”有什么话说什么话，这个叫言。有什么不直说，拐弯抹角的，这个不叫言。言经常跟语连起来用，或者叫言语，或者叫语言。那什么是语呢？《说文解字》曰“论难为语”，就某一问题进行讨论，这些讨论的东西就叫语。语和言的一个差别就是语加进了逻辑，有时候我们讲话并不考虑逻辑，想到什么就说什么。可是要形成语呢？就要有一个逻辑加工的过程。你要问难，你要辩论，没有逻辑怎么行？因此，言和语还是有区别的。在《释名》里，言有另一个解释：“言宣也，宣彼此之意也。”把彼此的意思宣说出来，这就叫做言。言还有另外一个内涵更深的意义，就是汉代扬雄《法言》里所说的“言，心声也”。言语它所表述的是什么？什么是心声？心声就是心灵的声音，心灵的呼唤。心灵的这个声音、这个呼唤，可以通过言语来进行表述。我们每个人的内在思想，内心活动，你是看不出来的。现在在座的每一个人你们心里想什么？你们心里在搞什么鬼？我确实无从知晓，除非我具有佛教里所说的他心通（Telepathy），否则真是一点办法都没有。但是，有一样东西能让我知道你的内心活动、你的思维过程，这个东西就是言。言为心声讲的就是这个意思。你心里面有什么？你的思想有什么活动？你把他宣说出来，当然你要说老实话，不能心里一套口里一套。所以，《说文解字》讲的先决条件是直言为言，什么叫直言呢？心之所想口直言之，这个叫直言，口是心非那不叫直言，这叫诳语。所以，言的作用是使我们知道原来没法知道的东西，是使我们知道看不见摸不着的那些东西。言的这样一个作用应该是很清楚的，大家琢磨一下是不是这么回事。有关言的这个功用希望大家好好地去体悟，这个功用很重要。那些内在的，藏得很深的，不露痕迹的东西，经过它的作用就会变得清清楚楚明明白白。你说这个言厉不厉害？人类区别于其他一切动物的最重要一点，我想就在这里，这个是言。
② 登（正）
The so-called "Four-Season Pulses" refer to the pulses corresponding to Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The pulse of Spring is the Xian Mai (String-like Pulse). What is a string-like pulse? It is relatively easy to understand; the ancients described it as "like pressing a zither string." When there is a sensation under the fingers "like pressing a zither string," it is called a string-like pulse. A typical string-like pulse feels slightly tense under the hand; if this tension increases further, it becomes a Jin Mai (Taut Pulse). Therefore, in many medical records, the pulse is described as "string-taut," because the degree of distinction between string-like and taut pulses is sometimes difficult to differentiate. The string-like pulse belongs to Spring, while the taut pulse belongs to Winter. Since Winter and Spring are connected, the boundary between them can sometimes be hard to distinguish. However, obvious differences can still be identified. Why does a string-like pulse appear in Spring? Through the discussion in Chapter Two, we know that in Spring, Yang Qi (Vital Energy) begins to release and ascend, but at this time, Yin-Cold has not yet completely receded. Especially in the North, early spring in February is still very cold. In such a season, when Yang Qi attempts to emerge, Yin-Cold will obstruct and bind it. This forms a resistance. The result of this comprehensive interaction between Yin and Yang forms what we call the "string-like image." Thus, when palpating this pulse, one always feels a sense of obstruction. Of course, such a process is indeed difficult to describe with words; everyone can slowly feel it for themselves. Why does such a string-like pulse form? A key point is that when Yang Qi emerges, there is something binding it. Without this binding factor, the string-like pulse would not appear. Therefore, the situation of the string-like pulse exactly reflects the changes of Yin and Yang in Spring. Hence, seeing such a pulse during the three months of Spring should be normal. However, it must not be excessive; excess leads to disease. If the pulse is too string-like, it indicates that the power of binding and resistance exceeds the normal range. In this case, you must seek the cause: why does the string-like pulse become excessive? Conversely, if the pulse is not string-like at all, lacking any sense of tension and instead being very relaxed, it indicates that Yang Qi has not ascended at all, which is also problematic. Therefore, in the three months of Spring, a pulse that is too string-like (excess) or not string-like at all (deficiency) is both unfavorable. This is the Spring pulse. If a string-like pulse is seen at other times, one should seek the cause. Particularly for women, when a string-like pulse is felt, one should ask her: How has been your recent mood? Have you been resentful or depressed? Resentment often leads to the appearance of a string-like pulse. Why? Because resentment causes depression. Depression creates obstacles and bindings in the circulation of Qi and Blood. Therefore, when a string-like pulse appears at other times, we should seek the cause of this binding.
② Summer Surging Pulse
The pulse of Summer is the Hong Mai (Surging Pulse), also known as the Gou Mai (Hook Pulse). Why does a surging pulse appear in Summer? The direction of Yang Qi in Summer is similar to Spring, continuing the ascent from Spring. Yang Qi ascends, moving upward and outward. However, by Summer, Yin-Cold has receded, and the binding factors are gone. The pulse Qi flies freely and effortlessly, like wings fully spread. Thus, the pulse at this time is the surging pulse. Seeing this pulse in Summer is called a Seasonal Pulse. If this pulse appears at other times, it is a Non-seasonal Pulse. Now, let me share a medical case from my master's past, around the winter of 1982. My late master went to a friend's home in the railway bureau for a banquet. Before the meal, at his friend's request, he palpated the pulse of her father. After palpation, my master said nothing. Only after the meal, when the friend saw him out, did he tell her: "You must pay attention to your father's health; otherwise, major problems will arise next summer." Hearing this, the friend was very nervous because she had witnessed some of her master's predictions come true. So, she eagerly asked if there was any solution. At that time, my master prescribed a formula with only two herbs: Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) and Sumu (Sappan Wood). They were boiled in water and drunk as tea. Why these two herbs? It was winter, yet the pulse felt like a Summer surging pulse. At this time, Yang Qi should be storing inward, so the appearance of a surging pulse indicates a problem. During storage, the factors of Heaven and Earth usually bind the pulse Qi. If such a pulse appears even then, imagine what would happen in Summer when these binding factors disappear—wouldn't it be like a volcanic eruption? Thus, my master concluded that problems would definitely occur in Summer. In the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases), this pulse is also called the Yangming Pulse. Yangming Disease can naturally be treated with Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction). Therefore, my master's prescription was merely a variation of Baihu Tang, a simpler formula. After seeing off my master, she returned home and told her father: "Dr. Li says you should take some Chinese medicine to regulate your body, which will be beneficial." However, her father was a veteran cadre, very stubborn, and had just undergone a comprehensive physical examination with no issues found. Why take medicine? So, he ignored it. By Summer, around July, he suddenly suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. He was sent to the hospital for rescue but died less than a week later. This case left a deep impression on me, making me realize the importance of pulse diagnosis. If grasped well, it can indeed reveal diseases and prevent them. Yet, many of our TCM practitioners only trust CT scans and MRIs, refusing to believe in pulse images. This is the surging pulse.
③ Autumn Hairy Pulse
The Autumn pulse is Mao Fu Mai (Hairy-Floating Pulse), meaning floating with lightness and emptiness. "Floating" means it is obtained with light pressure; "hairy" refers to the image of lightness and emptiness. Thus, its floating nature is not the floating of an Exterior Disease, but rather an image of abundance upon light pressure. The *Suwen: Pingren Qixiang Lun* describes this pulse as "gentle and slight, like falling elm seeds." Wu Kun commented: "Gentle and slight, resembling a fluttering state, floating, thin, and smooth." Zhang Jiebin noted: "Like falling elm seeds, light, floating, gentle, and slow, which is the meaning of slight hairiness." The *Maijue Huibian* states: "Qi turns west, belonging to Metal, positioned at Shen and You hours, corresponding to Autumn, when all things are harvested. Its Qi, from extreme dispersion, begins to gather from the exterior, like calm waves and quiet waters, clear smoke and extinguished flames. In humans, the Lung corresponds to this, revealing the Hairy Pulse." I have little personal experience with the image of this Hairy Pulse; in short, it is a symbol of Yang Qi desiring to store inward.
④ Winter Stone Pulse
Winter features the Shi Mai (Stone Pulse); "Shi" means Chen Mai (Deep Pulse). It is like throwing a stone into water; one must sink to the bottom to feel it. Why is such a deep pulse seen in Winter? Because Yang Qi in Winter is stored inward. Like the moon on the thirtieth day of the lunar month, we cannot see it. Yang Qi is stored, not stirring Yin Blood, not applying Yang to Yin; thus, the pulse naturally stores inward. It is evident that this pulse image follows Yang Qi entirely: when Yang Qi emerges, it floats; when Yang Qi enters inward, it sinks. Observing the pulse essentially involves understanding this issue. Theoretically, once we clarify how the pulse works, practically, everyone can slowly explore. Pulse diagnosis cannot be mastered quickly; everyone should start with the simple. First, clarify Fu Mai (Floating Pulse) and Chen Mai. Once floating and deep are clear, we can know whether the disease is in the Three Yang Meridians or the Three Yin Meridians. A floating pulse indicates disease in the Three Yang; a deep pulse indicates disease in the Three Yin. Once Yin and Yang are distinguished, the elements for seeking the root are prepared. Treatment then has a general direction. Additionally, Chi Mai (Slow Pulse), Shuo Mai (Rapid Pulse), Hua Mai (Slippery Pulse), Xian, and size are relatively easy to distinguish. Furthermore, another important aspect is distinguishing whether the pulse is forceful or feeble. Zheng Qin'an, a famous physician from Sichuan mentioned earlier, particularly emphasized this, considering it the unique method to distinguish whether pulse Qi has Shen (Spirit) or lacks Shen. I have deeply experienced this, especially when encountering a large pulse, where it is crucial to determine forcefulness. If forceful, this is Yangming Disease, requiring clearing and purging methods to be effective. If feeble, this is Deficiency or Consumptive Disease; clearing and purging methods must absolutely not be used. Instead, Sweet and Warm Formulas must be employed. Clinically, encountering such a pulse, regardless of the disease, allows for "Treating Different Diseases with the Same Method." One can use Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (Astragalus Decoction to Establish the Middle) or Guiqi Jianzhong Tang with modifications. Often, the effect is as immediate as a drumstick hitting a drum. That concludes the discussion on pulses.
5. Explanation of Zheng (Syndrome/Evidence)
(1) Character Formation
The traditional character for "Zheng" should be written as "Zheng" (證), with the semantic component Yan (言, speech) and phonetic component Deng (登). The simplified character "Zheng" (证) retains the semantic component Yan but uses Zheng (正) as the phonetic component. These two are distinct yet have subtle connections. Additionally, there is another character "Zheng" (证) in traditional writing, but it expresses a different meaning, which we will not discuss here.
① Yan (Speech)
Let us first look at this semantic component, whose simplified form is Yan (讠). The *Shuowen Jiezi* explains: "Direct speech is Yan." Saying exactly what one thinks is called Yan. Speaking indirectly or circumlocutiously is not called Yan. Yan is often combined with Yu (语), forming Yanyu (言语) or Yuyan (语言). What is Yu? The *Shuowen Jiezi* states: "Discussion and questioning constitute Yu." Discussions on specific issues are called Yu. The difference between Yu and Yan is that Yu incorporates logic. Sometimes we speak without considering logic, saying whatever comes to mind. But to form Yu, there must be a logical processing step. Questioning and debating require logic. Therefore, Yan and Yu are distinct. In the *Shiming*, Yan has another explanation: "Yan is declaration, declaring each other's intentions." Declaring mutual intentions is called Yan. Yan has another deeper meaning, as stated by Yang Xiong of the Han Dynasty in the *Fayan*: "Yan is the voice of the heart." What does speech express? What is the voice of the heart? It is the sound of the soul, the call of the spirit. This sound and call of the spirit can be expressed through speech. We cannot see anyone's inner thoughts or mental activities. What is everyone in this audience thinking? What are they plotting? I truly cannot know unless I possess the Buddhist ability of Telepathy. However, there is one thing that allows me to know your inner activities and thought processes: it is Yan. "Yan is the voice of the heart" means exactly this. What is in your heart? What activities are your thoughts engaged in? Declare them. Of course, you must speak the truth, not having one intention in heart and another in mouth. Therefore, the prerequisite in the *Shuowen Jiezi* is "direct speech is Yan." What is direct speech? Thinking in the heart and speaking directly from the mouth is direct speech. Being duplicitous is not direct speech; it is lying. Thus, the function of Yan is to make known what was previously unknowable, to reveal the invisible and intangible. This function of Yan should be clear; ponder whether this is true. I hope everyone reflects on this function of Yan, as it is very important. Internal, deeply hidden, and traceless things become clear and bright through its action. Is Yan powerful? I think the most important point distinguishing humans from all other animals lies here: it is Yan.
② Deng (Zheng)