[Question]
How does pulse diagnosis reveal the state of qi, blood, and the internal organs?
[Master's Answer]
The pulse primarily reveals the condition of qi and blood. Both qi and blood can be excessive or deficient, and organs may show dominance. When both qi and blood are abundant, the pulse shows strength in both yin and yang; when both are weak, the pulse is deficient in both aspects. When qi alone is strong, the pulse feels forceful; when blood alone is abundant, the pulse feels smooth; when qi is lacking, the pulse becomes weak; when blood is deficient, the pulse feels rough; when qi and blood are in harmony, the pulse is relaxed; when qi and blood are balanced, the pulse is even; when qi and blood are disordered, the pulse becomes chaotic; when qi and blood are depleted, the pulse vanishes. When yang forces qi and blood, the pulse quickens; when yin obstructs qi and blood, the pulse slows. When external pathogens invade, qi and blood become disturbed, causing the pulse to change accordingly these changes are endless, all driven by qi and blood. Though diseases manifest in countless ways, one must identify their origins. To understand the source of illness, observe pulse changes; to understand disease progression, first examine its root. The body itself holds these irregularities. By examining the body through diagnosis, no disease can conceal its true nature.
[Question]
The pulse has three positions where yin and yang interact. The nutritive qi, defensive qi, blood, and vital energy manifest in the human body. With each breath in and out, they move up and down through the center, circulating with respiration to distribute fluids throughout the limbs and body. The pulse changes with physical movement and reflects seasonal qualities string-like in spring, floating in autumn, deep in winter, and flooding in summer. When examining both complexion and pulse, many variations appear differences in size that change constantly, variations between the cun and chi positions, sometimes short, sometimes long, sometimes discordant between upper and lower positions, sometimes present, sometimes absent. As diseases transform, the pulse shows corresponding changes in its rising and sinking, its elevation and depression. These complex patterns create confusion and disorder in understanding. I wish for you to explain this clearly so I may comprehend it fully.
[Master's Answer]
What you ask touches the very foundation of our art. The pulse has three positions: cun (inch), guan (gate), and chi (cubit). The flow of nutritive and defensive qi maintains perfect balance. The kidney pulse sinks, the heart pulse floods, the lung pulse floats, and the liver pulse is taut these remain constant. Qi circulation follows precise timing completing one full circuit in the time water drops two marks, then returning to the cun position where deficiency and excess become visible. Changes multiply as yin and yang interact. Wind creates floating emptiness; cold creates firmness; water retention creates depth; phlegm-fluid creates tightness; movement indicates pain; rapidity indicates heat. When pulses don't match these patterns, one must understand why. The three positions differ, each indicating a different ailment. Excessive pulses are concerning, as are deficient ones. Pathogens never appear without cause something must exist within. Carefully examine the exterior and interior, distinguishing the three burners. Know where the illness resides, observe changes during diagnosis, assess the organs this skill appears almost divine. I record these principles for you to share with worthy students.
[Master's Answer]
The fundamental method of pulse diagnosis divides the pulse into three depths. The superficial level corresponds to the skin and meridians; the deep level corresponds to the five zang organs; the middle level corresponds to the six fu organs.
[Master's Answer]
The pulse is divided into cun, guan, and chi positions. The cun position corresponds to yang, which governs qi; the chi position corresponds to yin, which governs blood thus we speak of yin and yang. The guan position is where yin and yang intersect, corresponding to the rising and falling of qi and blood, and to the qi of the middle jiao.
[Question]
The classics speak of pulses with the weight of three millet seeds or six millet seeds. What does this mean?
[Master's Answer]
When examining the pulse with the finger: a pulse with the weight of three millet seeds indicates lung qi; six millet seeds indicates heart qi; nine millet seeds indicates spleen qi; twelve millet seeds indicates liver qi; and a pulse felt down to the bone indicates kidney qi. For example, in cases of diarrhea, when no pulse can be felt at the cun, guan, or chi positions, yet occasionally a slight pulse appears at the chi position and rises twice, this represents kidney qi. If this pulse diminishes further, the condition becomes difficult to treat.