仲景问曰。脉有三部。阴阳相乘。营卫血气。在人体躬。呼吸出
入。上下于中。因息游布。津液流通。随时动作。效象形容。春弦秋
浮。冬沉夏洪。察色观脉。大小不同。一时之间。变无经常。尺寸参
差。或短或长。上下乖错。或存或亡。病辄改易。进退低昂。心迷意
惑。动失纪纲。愿为具陈。令得分明。师曰。子之所问。道之根源。脉
有三部。尺寸及关。营卫流行。不失衡铨。肾沉心洪。肺浮肝弦。此自
经常。不失铢分。出入升降。漏刻周旋。水下二刻。一周循环。当复寸
口。虚实见焉。变化相乘。阴阳相干。风则浮虚。寒则牢坚。沉潜水
蓄。支饮急弦。动则为痛。数则热烦。设有不应。知变所缘。三部不
同。病各异端。太过可怪。不及亦然。邪不空见。中必有奸。审察表
里。三焦别焉。知其所舍。消息诊看。料度腑脏。独见若神。为子条
记。传与贤人。
又师曰。呼吸者。脉之头也。初持脉。来疾去迟。此出疾入迟。名
曰内虚外实也。初持脉。来迟去疾。此出迟入疾。名曰内实外虚也。
又问曰。上工望而知之。中工问而知之。下工脉而知之。愿闻其
说。师曰。病家人请云。病患苦发热。身体疼。病患自卧。师到。诊其
脉沉而迟者。知其瘥也。何以知之。表有病者。脉当浮大。今脉反沉
迟。故知愈也。假令病患云。腹内卒痛。病患自坐。师到。脉之浮而大
者。知其瘥也。何以知之。若里有病者。脉当沉而细。今脉浮大。故知愈也。
又师曰。病家人来请云。病患发热烦极。明日师到。病患向壁
卧。此热已去也。设令脉不和。处言已愈。设令向壁卧。闻师到。不惊
起而 视。若三言三止。脉之咽唾者。此诈病也。设令脉自和。处言
此病大重。当须服吐下药。针灸数十百处乃愈。
又曰。师持脉。病患欠者。无病也。脉之呻者。病也。言迟者。风
也。摇头言者。里痛也。行迟者。表强也。坐而伏者。短气也。坐而下
一脚者。腰痛也。里实护腹如怀卵物者。心痛也。
又师曰。伏气之病。以意候之。今月之内。欲有伏气。假令旧有
伏气。当须脉之。若脉微弱者。当喉中痛似伤。非喉痹也。病患云。实
咽中痛。虽尔。今复欲下利。
又问曰。人病恐怖者。其脉何状。师曰。脉形如循丝累累然。其
面白脱色也。
又问曰。人不饮。其脉何类。师曰。脉自涩。唇口干燥也。
又问曰。人愧者。其脉何类。师曰。脉浮。而面色乍白乍赤。
又曰。经说脉有三菽六菽重者。何谓也。师曰。脉人以指按之。
如三菽之重者。肺气也。（菽、小豆也。）如六菽之重者。心气也。如九
菽之重者。脾气也。如十二菽之重者。肝气也。按之至骨者。肾气也。
又曰。假令下利。寸口关上尺中悉不见脉。然尺中时一小见。脉
再举头者。肾气也。若见损脉来至。为难治。（此上当有北方肾脉。其
形何似云云问答起语。此乃其下文转语一节也。错简在此。）
又问曰。脉有相乘。有纵有横。有逆有顺。何谓也。师曰。水行乘
火。金行乘木。名曰纵。火行乘水。木行乘金。名曰横。水行乘金。火
行乘木。名曰逆。金行乘水。木行乘火。名曰顺也。
又问曰。脉有残贼。何谓也。师曰。脉有弦、紧、浮、滑、沉、涩。此
六者。名曰残贼。能为诸脉作病也。
又问曰。脉有灾怪。何谓也。师曰。假令人病。脉得太阳。与形证
相应。因为作汤。比还送汤如食顷。病患乃大吐。若下利。腹中痛。师
曰。我前来不见此证。今乃变异。是名灾怪。又问曰。何缘作此吐利。
答曰。或有旧时服药。今乃发作。故名灾怪耳。
又问曰。东方肝脉。其形何似。师曰。肝者木也。名厥阴。其脉微
弦濡弱而长。是肝脉也。肝病自得濡弱者愈也。假令得纯弦脉者死。
何以知之。以其脉如弦直。是肝脏伤。故知死也。
又问曰。南方心脉。其形何似。师曰。心者火也。名少阴。其脉洪
大而长。是心脉也。心病自得洪大者愈也。假令脉来微去大。故名
反。病在里也。脉来头小本大者。故名覆。病在表也。上微头小者。
则汗出。下微本大者。则为关格不通。不得尿。头无汗者可治。有汗者死。
又问曰。西方肺脉。其形何似。师曰。肺者金也。名太阴。其脉毛
浮者。是肺脉也。肺病自得此脉。若得缓迟者皆愈。若得数者则剧。
何以知之。数者南方火。火克西方金。法当痈肿。为难治也。
又曰。二月得毛浮脉。何以处言至秋当死。师曰。二月之时。脉
当濡弱。反得毛浮者。故知至秋死。二月肝用事。肝属木。脉应濡弱。
反得毛浮者。是肺脉也。肺属金。金来克木。故知至秋死。他仿此。
又问曰。脉肥人责浮。瘦人责沉。肥人当沉。今反浮。瘦人当浮。
今反沉。故责之。师曰。寸脉下不至关。为阳绝。尺脉上不至关。为阴
绝。此皆不治。决死也。若计其余命死生之期。期以月节克之也。
又曰。脉病患不病。名曰行尸。以无王气。卒眩仆不识人者。短
命则死。人病脉不病。名曰内虚。以无谷神。虽困无苦。
又问曰。翕奄沉。名曰滑。何谓也。师曰。沉为纯阴。翕为正阳。
阴阳和合。故令脉滑。关尺自平。阳明脉微沉。饮食自可。少阴脉微
滑。滑者。紧之浮名也。此为阴实。其人必股内汗出。阴下湿也。
又问曰。曾为人所难。紧脉从何而来。师曰。假令亡汗。若吐。以
肺里寒。故令脉紧也。假令咳者。坐饮冷水。故令脉紧也。假令下利。
以胃中虚冷。故令脉紧也。
又曰。寸口卫气盛。名曰高。（高者暴狂而肥）营气盛。名曰章。
（章者暴泽而光）高章相搏。名曰纲。（纲者身筋急脉弦直故也）卫气
弱。名曰 。（ 者心中 动迫怯）营气弱。名曰卑。（卑者心中常自
羞愧） 卑相搏。名曰损。（五脏六腑俱乏气虚 故也）卫气和。名曰
缓。（缓者四肢不自收）营气和。名曰迟。（迟者身体俱重但欲眠）缓
迟相搏。名曰沉。（沉者腰中直腹中急痛但欲卧不欲行）
又曰。寸口脉缓而迟。缓则阳气长。其色鲜。其颜光。其声商。毛
发长。迟则阴气盛。骨髓生。血满肌肉。紧薄鲜硬。阴阳相抱。营卫俱
行。刚柔相得。名曰强也。
又曰。趺阳脉滑而紧。滑者胃气实。紧者脾气强。持实击强。痛
还自伤。以手把刃。坐作疮也。
又曰。寸口脉浮而大。浮为虚。大为实。在尺为关。在寸为格。关
则不得小便。格则吐逆。
又曰。趺阳脉伏而涩。伏则吐逆。水谷不化。涩则食不得入。名曰关格。
又曰。脉浮而大。浮为风虚。大为气强。风气相搏。必成瘾疹。身
体为痒。痒者名泄风。久久为痂癞。（眉少发稀。身有干疮而腥臭也。）
又曰。寸口脉弱而迟。弱者卫气微。迟者营中寒。营为血。血寒
则发热。卫为气。气微者心内饥。饥而虚满。不能食也。
又曰。趺阳脉大而紧者。当即下利。为难治。
又曰。寸口脉弱而缓。弱者阳气不足。缓者胃气有余。噫而吞
酸。食卒不下。气填于膈上也。（上亦作下）
又曰。趺阳脉紧而浮。浮为气。紧为寒。浮为腹满。紧为绞痛。浮
紧相搏。肠鸣而转。转则气动。膈气乃下。少阴脉不出。其阴肿大而虚也。
又曰。寸口脉微而涩。微者卫气不行。涩者营气不逮。营卫不能
相将。三焦无所仰。身体痹不仁。营气不足。则烦疼。口难言。卫气
虚。则恶寒数欠。三焦不归其部。上焦不归者。噫而酢吞。中焦不归
者。不能消谷引食。下焦不归者。则遗溲。
又曰。趺阳脉沉而数。沉为实。数消谷。紧者病难治。
又曰。寸口脉微而涩。微者卫气衰。涩者营气不足。卫气衰。面
色黄。营气不足。面色青。营为根。卫为叶。营卫俱微。则根叶枯槁。
而寒 、咳逆、唾腥、吐涎沫也。
又曰。趺阳脉浮而芤。浮者卫气衰。芤者营气伤。其身体瘦。肌
肉甲错。浮芤相搏。宗气衰微。四属断绝。（四属谓皮肉脂髓俱竭则
宗气衰矣）
又曰。寸口脉微而缓。微者卫气疏。疏则其肤空。缓者卫气实。
实则谷消而水化也。谷入于胃。脉道乃行。水入于经。其血乃成。营盛则其肤必疏。三焦绝经。名曰血崩。
又曰。趺阳脉微而紧。紧则为寒。微则为虚。微紧相搏。则为短气。
又曰。少阴脉弱而涩。弱者微烦。涩者厥逆。
又曰。趺阳脉不出。脾不上下。身冷肤硬。
又曰。少阴脉不至。肾气微。少精血。奔气促迫。上入胸膈。宗气
反聚。血结心下。阳气退下。热归阴股。与阴相动。令身不仁。此为尸
厥。当刺期门巨阙。（宗气者。三焦归气也。有名无形。气之神使也。
下荣玉茎。故宗筋聚缩也。）
又曰。寸口脉微。尺脉紧。其人虚损多汗。知阴常在。绝不见阳
也。
又曰。寸口诸微亡阳。诸濡亡血。诸弱发热。诸紧为寒。诸乘寒
者则为厥。郁冒不仁。以胃无谷气。脾涩不通。口急不能言。战而
也。
又曰。濡弱何以反适十一头。师曰。五脏六腑相乘。故令十一。
又问曰。何以知乘腑。何以知乘脏。师曰。诸阳浮数。为乘腑。诸阴迟涩。为乘脏也。
张仲景问道：脉象分为寸、关、尺三部。阴阳相互交乘，营气、卫气、血液、气机，存在于人体之中。随着呼吸的出入，气血在体内上下运行，借助气息的推动而布散全身，津液随之流通。气血随四时变化而呈现不同的脉象特征，如同事物的形态与象征：春季脉弦，秋季脉浮，冬季脉沉，夏季脉洪。通过观察面色和切诊脉象，可以发现脉象大小各异。在短时间内，脉象变化无常，寸口与尺部参差不齐，或短或长，上下部位错乱，有的存在，有的消失。疾病随之改变，进退起伏，高低不平，令人心神迷惑，失去条理纲纪。希望老师详细陈述，以便分辨清楚。
老师说：你所问的，是脉道的根源。脉分三部，即寸、关、尺。营卫之气流行不息，不失权衡标准。肾脉沉，心脉洪，肺脉浮，肝脉弦，这是正常的常脉，不差毫厘。气血出入升降，随着漏刻（古代计时器）周而复始地循环。水下二刻，完成一周循环，最后回到寸口，虚实的征象便显现出来。脉象变化相互影响，阴阳相互干扰：风邪致病脉多浮虚，寒邪致病脉多牢坚；水饮内停脉多沉潜，支饮（胸胁间有水饮停留）脉多急弦；动脉主痛证，数脉主热烦。如果有不应验的情况，要知晓变化的缘由。三部脉象不同，疾病的端绪也各异。脉象太过令人惊怪，不及也是如此。邪气不会凭空出现，体内必有奸邪潜伏。仔细审察表里，区分三焦，知道病邪所在的部位，斟酌诊断，推测脏腑情况，就能像神一样独见真知。我将为你逐条记录，传给贤能之人。
又说：呼吸是脉搏的起始标志。刚切脉时，如果脉搏来势疾快而去势迟缓，这是出疾入迟，称为“内虚外实”。刚切脉时，如果脉搏来势迟缓而去势疾快，这是出迟入疾，称为“内实外虚”。
又问道：高明的医生望而知之，一般的医生问而知之，低劣的医生仅靠脉诊而知之。希望能听听其中的道理。
老师说：病人的家属来说：“病人痛苦于发热，身体疼痛，病人自己躺着。”老师到了，诊察其脉象沉而迟，就知道病快要好了。为什么知道呢？因为体表有病，脉象应当浮大。现在脉象反而沉迟，所以知道病愈了。假如病人说：“腹中突然疼痛，病人自己坐着。”老师到了，诊察其脉象浮而大，就知道病快要好了。为什么知道呢？如果里有病，脉象应当沉细。现在脉象浮大，所以知道病愈了。
又说：病人的家属来请，说：“病人发热烦躁至极。”第二天老师到了，看见病人面向墙壁躺着，这说明热已经退了。假如脉象不和，也可以说是已经痊愈。假如病人面向墙壁躺着，听到老师来了，不惊慌起身看视，说话时三次停顿三次止语，切脉时咽唾沫，这是装病。假如脉象自然平和，也要断言此病很重，必须服用催吐或泻下的药物，针灸数十上百个穴位才能痊愈。
又说：老师切脉，病人打哈欠的，是没有病。切脉时病人呻吟的，是有病。说话迟缓的，是中风。摇头说话的，是里有痛证。行走迟缓的，是表证强急。坐着伏身的，是短气。坐着时垂下一只脚的，是腰痛。里有实证护住腹部像怀着蛋物一样的，是心痛。
又说：伏气病，要用心意去候察。如果在当月之内，想要有伏气发作，假如旧有伏气，必须诊察脉象。如果脉象微弱，应当喉咙痛似受伤，但不是喉痹。病人说确实咽喉痛，虽然如此，但现在又想下利。
又问道：人患惊恐恐惧的病，脉象是什么样子？老师说：脉形像顺着丝线摸过去，累累不绝，病人面色苍白脱色。
又问道：人不喝水，脉象像什么？老师说：脉自涩，嘴唇口腔干燥。
又问道：人羞愧时，脉象像什么？老师说：脉浮，而且面色忽白忽赤。
又说：医经说脉按压力度有三菽、六菽的区别，是什么意思？老师说：医生用手指按压脉位，如三颗小豆重量的，是肺气。（菽，即小豆。）如六颗小豆重量的，是心气。如九颗小豆重量的，是脾气。如十二颗小豆重量的，是肝气。按至骨部的，是肾气。
又说：假如下利，寸、关、尺三部都摸不到脉，然而尺部偶尔轻微出现一次，脉再举头（指脉搏跳动有力），这是肾气尚存。如果见到衰损的脉象到来，就难治。（此处原文应有北方肾脉形态问答的起语，这是下文转折的一段话，因竹简错乱而在此处。）
又问道：脉象有相乘，有纵、横、逆、顺，是什么意思？老师说：水行乘火，金行乘木，名叫纵。火行乘水，木行乘金，名叫横。水行乘金，火行乘木，名叫逆。金行乘水，木行乘火，名叫顺。
又问道：脉象中有“残贼”脉，是什么意思？老师说：脉象中的弦、紧、浮、滑、沉、涩这六种，名叫残贼，能导致其他各种脉象生病。
又问道：脉象中有“灾怪”，是什么意思？老师说：假如有人患病，脉象表现为太阳病，与形体症状相应，因此开方汤药。等到送汤药喝下去大约一顿饭的时间，病人却发生剧烈呕吐，或者下利，腹痛。老师说：“我刚才没看到这些症状，现在竟然变异了，这就叫灾怪。”又问：“为什么会发生这种吐利？”回答说：“或许是因为以前服过药，现在才发作，所以叫灾怪。”
又问道：东方肝脉，它的形状像什么？老师说：肝属木，名叫厥阴。其脉微弦、濡弱而长，这就是肝脉。肝病如果得到濡弱的脉象，就会痊愈。假如得到纯弦的脉象，就会死。为什么知道呢？因为脉象像弦一样直硬，说明肝脏受伤，所以知道会死。
又问道：南方心脉，它的形状像什么？老师说：心属火，名叫少阴。其脉洪大而长，这就是心脉。心病如果得到洪大的脉象，就会痊愈。假如脉来时微小，去时盛大，名叫反，病在里。脉来时头小根部大，名叫覆，病在表。上部微小头部小的，则汗出；下部微小根部大的，则为关格不通，不能排尿。头部无汗的可治，有汗的死。
又问道：西方肺脉，它的形状像什么？老师说：肺属金，名叫太阴。其脉毛浮，就是肺脉。肺病如果得到此脉，若得缓迟脉皆愈。若得数脉则病情加重。为什么知道呢？数脉属南方火，火克西方金，法当生痈肿，为难治。
又说：二月得到毛浮脉，怎么判断到秋天会死？老师说：二月的时候，脉应当濡弱，反而得到毛浮脉，所以知道到秋天会死。二月肝气当令，肝属木，脉应濡弱，反而得到毛浮脉，这是肺脉。肺属金，金来克木，所以知道到秋天会死。其他月份仿照此类推。
又问道：对肥胖的人责求浮脉，对消瘦的人责求沉脉。肥胖的人应当脉沉，现在反而浮；消瘦的人应当脉浮，现在反而沉，所以要责备（异常）。老师说：寸脉向下不到关部，为阳绝。尺脉向上不到关部，为阴绝。这些都不治，决断为死证。如果要计算他剩余寿命的死生期限，以月节气的克制来推算。
又说：脉象有病而人没有病，名叫行尸。因为没有王气，突然眩晕跌倒不识人的，短命则死。人有病而脉象没有病，名叫内虚。因为没有谷神，虽然困顿但没有痛苦。
又问道：脉象翕奄沉，名叫滑，是什么意思？老师说：沉为纯阴，翕为正阳，阴阳和合，所以令脉滑。关尺脉自平。阳明脉微沉，饮食正常。少阴脉微滑，滑是紧脉的浮象，此为阴实，此人必定大腿内侧出汗，阴部潮湿。
又问道：曾经被人诘难，紧脉是从哪里来的？老师说：假如亡汗，或者呕吐，因为肺里有寒，所以令脉紧。假如咳嗽，因为喝了冷水，所以令脉紧。假如下利，因为胃中虚冷，所以令脉紧。
又说：寸口卫气盛，名叫高。（高者突然发狂且身体肥壮）营气盛，名叫章。（章者突然光泽明亮）高章相搏，名叫纲。（纲者身体筋脉紧急，脉象弦直）卫气弱，名叫怯。（怯者心中悸动迫促胆怯）营气弱，名叫卑。（卑者心中常常自感羞愧）怯卑相搏，名叫损。（五脏六腑都缺乏气虚所致）卫气和，名叫缓。（缓者四肢不能自主收摄）营气和，名叫迟。（迟者身体沉重只想睡觉）缓迟相搏，名叫沉。（沉者腰部挺直腹中急痛只想卧不想行）
又说：寸口脉缓而迟，缓则阳气生长，面色鲜艳，容颜光亮，声音商亮，毛发长。迟则阴气盛，骨髓生，血满肌肉，紧薄鲜硬。阴阳相抱，营卫俱行，刚柔相得，名叫强。
又说：趺阳脉滑而紧，滑者胃气实，紧者脾气强。持实击强，痛还自伤，像手把刀刃，坐作疮也。
又说：寸口脉浮而大，浮为虚，大为实。在尺部为关，在寸部为格。关则不得小便，格则吐逆。
又说：趺阳脉伏而涩，伏则吐逆，水谷不化；涩则食不得入，名叫关格。
又说：脉浮而大，浮为风虚，大为气强。风气相搏，必成瘾疹，身体瘙痒，痒者名叫泄风，久久成为痂癞。（眉毛稀少头发稀疏，身上有干疮且腥臭。）
又说：寸口脉弱而迟，弱者卫气微，迟者营中寒。营为血，血寒则发热。卫为气，气微者心内饥，饥而虚满，不能进食。
又说：寸口脉弱而缓，弱者阳气不足，缓者胃气有余，嗳气吞酸，食物突然不下，气填塞于膈上。（上亦作下）
又说：趺阳脉紧而浮，浮为气，紧为寒。浮为腹满，紧为绞痛。浮紧相搏，肠鸣转动，转动则气动，膈气乃下。少阴脉不出，其阴肿大而虚。
又说：寸口脉微而涩，微者卫气不行，涩者营气不逮。营卫不能相随，三焦无所仰赖，身体麻痹不仁。营气不足，则烦疼，口难言。卫气虚，则恶寒频繁打哈欠。三焦不归其部，上焦不归者，嗳气吞酸；中焦不归者，不能消化谷物引纳食物；下焦不归者，则遗尿失禁。
又说：寸口脉微而涩，微者卫气衰，涩者营气不足。卫气衰，面色黄；营气不足，面色青。营为根，卫为叶，营卫俱微，则根叶枯槁，而出现寒战、咳逆、唾腥、吐涎沫。
又说：趺阳脉浮而芤，浮者卫气衰，芤者营气伤。其身体瘦，肌肉甲错。浮芤相搏，宗气衰微，四属断绝。（四属谓皮肉脂髓俱竭则宗气衰矣）
又说：寸口脉微而缓，微者卫气疏，疏则其肤空。缓者卫气实，实则谷消而水化也。谷入于胃，脉道乃行。水入于经，其血乃成。营盛则其肤必疏，三焦绝经，名叫血崩。
又说：趺阳脉微而紧，紧则为寒，微则为虚。微紧相搏，则为短气。
又说：少阴脉不至，肾气微，少精血，奔气促迫，上入胸膈，宗气反聚，血结心下，阳气退下，热归阴股，与阴相动，令身不仁，此为尸厥。当刺期门、巨阙。（宗气者，三焦归气也。有名无形，气之神使也。下荣玉茎，故宗筋聚缩也。）
又说：寸口脉微，尺脉紧，其人虚损多汗，知阴常在，绝不见阳也。
又说：寸口诸微亡阳，诸濡亡血，诸弱发热，诸紧为寒。诸乘寒者则为厥，郁冒不仁，以胃无谷气，脾涩不通，口急不能言，战栗而哕。
Zhang Zhongjing asked: The pulse is divided into three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi). Yin and Yang mutually influence each other. Ying (Nutritive) Qi, Wei (Defensive) Qi, Blood, and Qi circulate within the human body. Through inhalation and exhalation, they move up and down in the center. Relying on breath to distribute, fluids flow smoothly. They act according to the times, showing effects and forms: Spring pulses are wiry (Xian), Autumn pulses are floating (Fu), Winter pulses are deep (Chen), Summer pulses are surging (Hong). Observing complexion and viewing the pulse reveals differences in size. Within a short time, changes are unpredictable. Cun and Chi may be uneven, sometimes short or long. Upper and lower parts may be disordered, some present, some absent. Diseases change accordingly, advancing or retreating, rising or falling, confusing the mind and causing one to lose the guiding principles. I wish for you to explain this fully so that I may distinguish clearly.
The Master said: What you ask is the root of the Dao. The pulse has three positions: Cun, Guan, and Chi. Ying and Wei circulate without losing balance. Kidney pulses are deep (Chen), Heart pulses are surging (Hong), Lung pulses are floating (Fu), Liver pulses are wiry (Xian). These are the constant norms, accurate to the finest degree. Entering and exiting, rising and descending, they rotate with the water clock. After two hours (Ke), one cycle completes, returning to Cun Kou (Radial Artery Pulse), where deficiency and excess become visible. Changes multiply, Yin and Yang interfere: Wind causes floating and deficient pulses; Cold causes firm and solid pulses; Sunken and submerged indicate water retention; Branching fluid accumulation (Zhi Yin) causes rapid and wiry pulses; Moving pulses indicate pain; Rapid pulses indicate heat and restlessness. If there are discrepancies, understand the cause of the change. The three positions differ, and disease origins vary. Excess is surprising, but deficiency is also notable. Pathogenic factors do not appear empty; there must be hidden evil within. Carefully examine interior and exterior, distinguish the Three Burners (San Jiao), know where the pathogen resides, adjust diagnosis, estimate organ status, and achieve unique insight like a deity. I will record this item by item for you to pass on to worthy people.
He further said: Respiration is the head of the pulse. When initially holding the pulse, if it comes fast and goes slow, this is fast exit and slow entry, named "Interior Deficiency and Exterior Excess." When initially holding the pulse, if it comes slow and goes fast, this is slow exit and fast entry, named "Interior Excess and Exterior Deficiency."
Another question: The superior doctor knows through observation, the average doctor through inquiry, and the inferior doctor through pulse diagnosis. I wish to hear the explanation.
The Master said: When the patient's family says, "The patient suffers from fever and body ache, and lies down," and upon arrival, the pulse is deep (Chen) and slow (Chi), one knows recovery is near. Why? Because exterior disease should present with floating (Fu) and large (Da) pulses. Now the pulse is contrary, deep and slow, hence recovery is known. Suppose the patient says, "Sudden abdominal pain, sitting up." Upon arrival, if the pulse is floating (Fu) and large (Da), one knows recovery is near. Why? Interior disease should present with deep (Chen) and thin (Xi) pulses. Now the pulse is floating and large, hence recovery is known.
He further said: When the patient's family requests, saying, "The patient is extremely feverish and restless," and the next day the master arrives to find the patient lying facing the wall, this indicates the heat has subsided. Even if the pulse is not harmonious, one may say he has recovered. If the patient lies facing the wall, hears the master's arrival, does not startle up to look, speaks with pauses, and swallows saliva during pulse taking, this is feigned illness. Even if the pulse is naturally harmonious, declare the disease severe, requiring emetic or purgative herbs and dozens or hundreds of acupuncture points for cure.
He further said: When the master takes the pulse, if the patient yawns, there is no disease. If the patient groans while the pulse is taken, there is disease. Slow speech indicates Wind (Zheng Feng). Shaking the head while speaking indicates interior pain. Walking slowly indicates exterior stiffness. Sitting and leaning forward indicates shortness of breath. Sitting with one leg hanging down indicates waist pain. Protecting the abdomen as if holding an egg indicates Heart Pain (Xin Tong).
He further said: Latent Qi disease requires mental observation. If latent Qi is desired within the current month, assuming old latent Qi exists, the pulse must be examined. If the pulse is weak and faint, throat pain resembling injury occurs, but it is not Hou Bi (Throat Bi). The patient claims real throat pain; although so, diarrhea is now desired.
Another question: What is the pulse shape when a person suffers from fear and terror? The Master said: The pulse feels like tracing threads continuously, and the face loses color.
Another question: What is the pulse like when a person does not drink? The Master said: The pulse is naturally choppy (Se), and lips and mouth are dry.
Another question: What is the pulse like when a person feels ashamed? The Master said: The pulse is floating (Fu), and the complexion alternates between white and red.
He further said: Medical classics state that pulse pressure involves three beans and six beans. What does this mean? The Master said: When pressing with fingers, light pressure equivalent to three beans (Shu, small beans) indicates Lung Qi. Pressure equivalent to six beans indicates Heart Qi. Pressure equivalent to nine beans indicates Spleen Qi. Pressure equivalent to twelve beans indicates Liver Qi. Pressing to the bone indicates Kidney Qi.
He further said: In cases of diarrhea, if Cun, Guan, and Chi all fail to show a pulse, but the Chi position occasionally shows a slight pulse that rises again, this indicates Kidney Qi remains. If a damaged pulse appears, it is difficult to treat. (Note: This section likely contains misplaced bamboo slips regarding Northern Kidney pulse descriptions.)
Another question: Pulses have mutual multiplication, including Zong (Vertical), Heng (Horizontal), Ni (Reverse), and Shun (Smooth). What does this mean? The Master said: Water multiplying Fire, Metal multiplying Wood is called Zong. Fire multiplying Water, Wood multiplying Metal is called Heng. Water multiplying Metal, Fire multiplying Wood is called Ni. Metal multiplying Water, Wood multiplying Fire is called Shun.
Another question: What are the "Cai Ze" (Destructive) pulses? The Master said: Wiry (Xian), Tight (Jin), Floating (Fu), Slippery (Hua), Deep (Chen), and Choppy (Se) are the six Cai Ze pulses, which can cause pathology in other pulses.
Another question: What is the "Zai Guai" (Disaster/Monster) pulse? The Master said: Suppose a patient has a Taiyang pulse corresponding to symptoms, and decoction is prepared. Before the meal is finished, the patient suddenly vomits severely or has diarrhea with abdominal pain. The Master says, "I did not see these symptoms earlier; now they have changed. This is called Zai Guai." Asked why this vomiting/diarrhea occurs, the answer is: Perhaps old medication is now taking effect, hence called Zai Guai.
Another question: What does the Eastern Liver pulse resemble? The Master said: Liver belongs to Wood, named Jue Yin. Its pulse is slightly wiry, soft/weak (Ru/Ruo), and long. This is the Liver pulse. If Liver disease presents with Ru/Ruo pulse, it heals. If a pure wiry pulse appears, death ensues. Why? Because the pulse is straight like a string, indicating Liver damage.
Another question: What does the Southern Heart pulse resemble? The Master said: Heart belongs to Fire, named Shao Yin. Its pulse is surging (Hong), large (Da), and long. This is the Heart pulse. If Heart disease presents with Hong Da pulse, it heals. If the pulse comes small and goes large, it is called Fan (Reverse), indicating interior disease. If the pulse head is small and root is large, it is called Fu (Cover), indicating exterior disease. If the upper part is small, sweating occurs. If the lower part is small, Guan Ge (Blockage) occurs, preventing urination. Head sweating without sweat elsewhere is curable; head sweating with body sweat is fatal.
Another question: What does the Western Lung pulse resemble? The Master said: Lung belongs to Metal, named Tai Yin. Its pulse is hair-like and floating (Mao Fu). This is the Lung pulse. If Lung disease presents with this pulse, or with Huan Chi (Slow) pulse, it heals. If a Shu (Rapid) pulse appears, the condition worsens. Why? Shu belongs to Southern Fire; Fire overcomes Western Metal, potentially causing carbuncles/swellings, making it difficult to treat.
He further said: If a Mao Fu (Hair-like Floating) pulse is found in the second lunar month, how is it judged to cause death in autumn? The Master said: In the second month, the pulse should be Ru Ruo (Soft/Weak). Finding Mao Fu instead indicates death in autumn. The second month governs the Liver (Wood); the pulse should be Ru Ruo. Finding Mao Fu (Lung/Metal pulse) means Metal overcomes Wood, hence death in autumn. Other months follow this analogy.
Another question: For obese people, we seek floating pulses; for thin people, we seek deep pulses. Obese people should have deep pulses but have floating ones; thin people should have floating pulses but have deep ones. Thus, we investigate. The Master said: If Cun pulse does not reach Guan, it is Yang Jue (Yang Extinction). If Chi pulse does not reach Guan, it is Yin Jue (Yin Extinction). Both are untreatable and fatal. To calculate remaining life, use monthly solar term overcoming cycles.
He further said: Pulse indicates disease, but the person appears healthy: named Xing Shi (Walking Corpse). Lacking Wang Qi, sudden dizziness/fainting with loss of consciousness leads to short life and death. Person is diseased, but pulse is normal: named Nei Xu (Interior Deficiency). Lacking Gu Shen (Grain Spirit), though distressed, there is no suffering.
Another question: Xi Yan Chen is named Hua (Slippery). What does this mean? The Master said: Chen is Pure Yin; Xi is Correct Yang. Yin and Yang harmonize, creating a Slippery pulse. Guan and Chi are balanced. Yang Ming pulse is slightly deep; digestion is normal. Shao Yin pulse is slightly slippery. Slippery is the floating name of Tight; this is Yin Excess. The person will have sweat in the inner thighs and dampness in the genital area.
Another question: Where does the Jin (Tight) pulse come from? The Master said: If there is profuse sweating or vomiting due to Cold in the Lung interior, the pulse becomes Tight. If coughing due to drinking cold water, the pulse becomes Tight. If diarrhea due to Empty-Cold in the Stomach, the pulse becomes Tight.
He further said: Cun Kou Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) excess is named Gao (High). (Gao implies sudden mania and obesity). Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) excess is named Zhang (Bright). (Zhang implies sudden luster). Gao and Zhang combining is named Gang (Net/Cord). (Gang implies tense sinews and wiry/straight pulse). Wei Qi weakness is named Qie (Fearful). (Qie implies palpitations and timidity). Ying Qi weakness is named Bei (Low/Humble). (Bei implies constant shame). Qie and Bei combining is named Sun (Damage). (Sun implies deficiency in all organs). Wei Qi harmony is named Huan (Slow/Relaxed). (Huan implies limbs cannot self-control). Ying Qi harmony is named Chi (Late/Slow). (Chi implies heavy body and desire to sleep). Huan and Chi combining is named Chen (Deep/Sunken). (Chen implies straight waist, abdominal pain, desire to lie down).
He further said: Cun Kou pulse Huan (Slow/Relaxed) and Chi (Late/Slow). Huan indicates Yang Qi growth, fresh complexion, bright face, Shang voice, long hair/nails. Chi indicates Yin Qi abundance, marrow generation, blood filling muscles, tight/thin/fresh/hard texture. Yin and Yang embrace, Ying and Wei travel together, Gang and Rou obtain each other: named Qiang (Strong).
He further said: Zu Yang (Foot-Yangming) pulse Hua (Slippery) and Jin (Tight). Hua indicates Stomach Qi excess; Jin indicates Spleen Qi strength. Holding excess against strength causes self-injury, like holding a blade and cutting oneself.
He further said: Cun Kou pulse Fu (Floating) and Da (Large). Fu indicates Deficiency; Da indicates Excess. At Chi, it is Guan (Blockage); at Cun, it is Ge (Rebellion). Guan prevents urination; Ge causes vomiting/reversal.
He further said: Zu Yang pulse Fu (Sunken/Hidden) and Se (Choppy). Fu causes vomiting/reversal and undigested food/water. Se prevents food intake. Named Guan Ge.
He further said: Pulse Fu (Floating) and Da (Large). Fu indicates Wind-Deficiency; Da indicates Qi-Strength. Wind and Qi combat, causing nettle rash (Chen Zhen) and itching. Itching is named Xie Feng (Leaking Wind). Long-term, it becomes Jia Lai (Crust/Leprosy). (Sparse eyebrows/hair, dry foul-smelling sores).
He further said: Cun Kou pulse Ruo (Weak) and Chi (Slow). Ruo indicates weak Wei Qi; Chi indicates Cold in Ying. Ying is Blood; Blood Cold causes fever. Wei is Qi; Weak Qi causes internal hunger. Hunger with emptiness/fullness prevents eating.
He further said: Zu Yang pulse Da (Large) and Jin (Tight) indicates immediate diarrhea, difficult to treat.
He further said: Cun Kou pulse Ruo (Weak) and Huan (Slow/Relaxed). Ruo indicates insufficient Yang Qi; Huan indicates excess Stomach Qi. Belching and acid regurgitation, sudden inability to swallow, Qi blocking the diaphragm.
He further said: Zu Yang pulse Jin (Tight) and Fu (Floating). Fu indicates Qi; Jin indicates Cold. Fu causes abdominal fullness; Jin causes colic. Fu and Jin combine, causing bowel sounds and rotation. Rotation moves Qi, lowering Diaphragmatic Qi. Shao Yin pulse does not emerge; genitals swell and feel empty.
He further said: Cun Kou pulse Wei (Micro) and Se (Choppy). Wei indicates non-circulating Wei Qi; Se indicates unreachable Ying Qi. Ying and Wei cannot accompany each other; San Jiao has no reliance. Body numbness and paralysis. Ying deficiency causes irritability/pain and difficulty speaking. Wei deficiency causes aversion to cold and frequent yawning. San Jiao fails to return to its sector: Upper Jiao failure causes belching/acid; Middle Jiao failure causes inability to digest food; Lower Jiao failure causes urinary incontinence.
He further said: Zu Yang pulse Chen (Deep) and Shu (Rapid). Chen indicates Excess; Shu digests grain. Jin (Tight) makes it difficult to treat.
He further said: Cun Kou pulse Wei (Micro) and Se (Choppy). Wei indicates declining Wei Qi; Se indicates insufficient Ying Qi. Declining Wei Qi causes yellow complexion; insufficient Ying Qi causes green complexion. Ying is Root; Wei is Leaf. Both micro means root and leaf wither, causing chills, cough/reversal, bloody sputum, and spitting saliva.
He further said: Zu Yang pulse Fu (Floating) and Kou (Bamboo-sheath/Empty). Fu indicates declining Wei Qi; Kou indicates injured Ying Qi. Body emaciation, skin like fish scales. Fu and Kou combine, causing Zong Qi (Pectoral Qi) decline and severance of Four Belongings (Skin, Flesh, Fat, Marrow).
He further said: Cun Kou pulse Wei (Micro) and Huan (Slow/Relaxed). Wei indicates sparse Wei Qi, leading to empty skin. Huan indicates substantial Wei Qi, digesting grain and transforming water. Grain enters Stomach, pulse channels move. Water enters meridians, blood forms. Ying abundance leads to loose skin, San Jiao meridian rupture, named Blood Collapse (Xue Beng).
He further said: Zu Yang pulse Wei (Micro) and Jin (Tight). Jin indicates Cold; Wei indicates Deficiency. Micro and Tight combine, causing shortness of breath.
He further said: Shao Yin pulse Ruo (Weak) and Se (Choppy). Ruo causes slight restlessness; Se causes cold extremities (Jue Ni).
He further said: Zu Yang pulse does not emerge; Spleen fails to ascend/descend. Body cold, skin hard.
He further said: Shao Yin pulse does not arrive; Kidney Qi is micro, Jing/Blood is scarce. Rushing Qi forces upward into chest/diaphragm. Zong Qi gathers inversely, Blood knots below heart. Yang Qi retreats downward, Heat returns to inner thighs. Interacting with Yin, causing body numbness. This is Shi Jue (Corpse Syncope). Acupuncture Qimen and Juque points. (Zong Qi is San Jiao returning Qi, name only, formless, spirit messenger of Qi. Nourishes penis, causing tendon contraction.)
He further said: Cun Kou pulse Wei (Micro), Chi pulse Jin (Tight). Person is deficient with profuse sweating. Yin is constant, Yang is absolutely absent.
He further said: All Cun Kou Wei pulses indicate Yang loss. All Ru pulses indicate Blood loss. All Ruo pulses indicate fever. All Jin pulses indicate Cold. All Cold-overcoming pulses lead to Jue (Syncope/Cold Extremities), depression/dizziness, numbness. Due to Stomach lacking Grain Qi, Spleen stuck/unblocked, mouth tight unable to speak, trembling and hiccups.
He further said: Why do Ru Ruo pulses correspond to eleven heads? The Master said: Five Zang and Six Fu organs multiply each other, thus forming eleven.
Another question: How to know multiplication of Fu organs? How to know multiplication of Zang organs? The Master said: All Yang pulses Floating/Rapid indicate multiplication of Fu organs. All Yin pulses Slow/Choppy indicate multiplication of Zang organs.