The sequence of transmission in Cold Damage diseases was disrupted by Wang Shuhe, leading to the loss of the true meaning of *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage). This is because inferior physicians do not understand this point. If the sequence of transmission had not been disrupted, even a novice would have comprehended it within two or three years. Amidst these fragmented and chaotic contents, I have systematically clarified and restored its original sequence. Although it may not completely align with Zhang Zhongjing's original chapter order, the source and details are clear, the脉络 (meridians/connections) are distinct, the principles of Cold Damage are elucidated, and Zhang Zhongjing's methods are transmitted. Since Wang Shuhe, dozens of commentators have annotated *Shanghan Lun*; the more works there are, the more the true meaning of Cold Damage is lost. Among them, only Cheng Jiaoqian (Cheng Shi) could distinguish between Cold Damage and Warm Diseases, correcting the error that "transmission through meridians implies heat," and had some understanding of Yin Meridian diseases. Compared to predecessors, he was outstanding. Unfortunately, he had too many theoretical obstacles and full of doubts; his explanations covered only one percent. As for the complete logic of Zhang Zhongjing, he never entered the hall to perceive the profound mysteries.

The subtlety lies in the pulse, which must be carefully examined (from *Suwen*). All changes of deficiency and excess, waxing and waning of cold and heat, advancement and retreat of exterior and interior, and mutual overcoming of Yin and Yang, once the Qi mechanism moves, are invariably manifested in the pulse. The Taiyin Spleen channel circulates Qi among the Three Yin channels, and the Yangming Stomach channel circulates Qi among the Three Yang channels (from *Suwen*). Zang organ diseases are diagnosed at Cun Kou (the pulse point of the Hand Taiyin Lung meridian, located below the thenar eminence of the thumb); Fu organ diseases are diagnosed at Chong Yang (the pulse point of the Foot Yangming Stomach meridian, located above Xian Gu point on the foot). Cun Kou is on the hand, Chong Yang is on the foot; the Qi of the arterial pulses in the hands and feet originates from the meridians, while the Shen (spirit/mind) connects to the Zang organs. Therefore, those proficient in pulse diagnosis do not need to drink water from the upper pool (a legend associated with Bian Que gaining clairvoyance) to possess the clarity of seeing through walls. Zhang Zhongjing’s pulse methodology broadly encompasses Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi) and finely penetrates the inconceivable. The text is obscure and profound, the principles are extensive and deep, making it harder to understand than the Six Meridian disease patterns. This is what is meant by being subtle yet universally connected. As stated in *Lüshi Chunqiu*: "Be precise and familiar, and the Spirit will inform you." It is not that the Spirit informs you, but that through precision and familiarity, one naturally understands. By mastering Zhang Zhongjing’s pulse methods, letting the mind wander in the realm of emptiness and stillness, and moving the fingers in the court of vastness and silence, diagnosing diseases becomes akin to divine planning and revelation.

The circulation of pulse Qi corresponds to clepsydra timekeeping; respiration has a fixed number, and movement and stillness have no errors; this is the Normal Pulse (Ping Mai). Once illness arises, various changes such as Floating, Deep, Slow, Rapid, Large, Small, Slippery, and Choppy emerge. Deviating from norms and losing measure, becoming biased and unharmonious, it starts from minute discrepancies and results in significant gaps in measurement. Zhang Zhongjing’s pulse methodology ranges from subtle to prominent, from beginning to end, covering both coarse and fine aspects, presenting both grand and minute details; thus, the methods are complete and the meanings abundant. Its variations are complex and diverse, yet all fall within this chapter, likely because the following sections exhaust the details, while this section summarizes the essentials.

Question: The pulse has three positions, where Yin and Yang mutually overcome each other. Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi and Blood circulate within the body, entering and exiting, moving up and down, spreading via breath, circulating fluids, acting according to time, and reflecting shapes. Spring pulse is Wiry, Autumn pulse is Floating, Winter pulse is Deep, Summer pulse is Surging. Observing complexion and pulse reveals differences in size. Within a moment, changes follow no constant pattern. Cun and Chi positions differ, sometimes short, sometimes long; upper and lower parts are disordered, existing or absent. Diseases shift accordingly, advancing or retreating, rising or falling. One becomes confused and loses control. Please explain thoroughly so I may distinguish clearly.

The pulse has three positions: Cun, Guan, and Chi. Yin and Yang mutually overcome; when Yin is excessive, it overcomes Yang positions; when Yang is excessive, it overcomes Yin positions. Respiration enters and exits, moving up and down within. Exhalation moves upward, inhalation moves downward. Spreading via breath, fluids circulate; the pulse spreads throughout the body with respiration, and where the pulse flows, fluids circulate up and down. Acting according to time, reflecting shapes, the pulse varies with the four seasons: Wiry in Spring, Floating in Autumn, Deep in Winter, Surging in Summer, thereby normalizing the images of the four seasons. Observing complexion and pulse shows differences in size; observing color and pulse reveals varying pulse sizes. Changes occur rapidly without a fixed pattern within moments. Differences between Cun and Chi, lengths varying; disorders between upper and lower, existence or non-existence differing. Diseases shift accordingly, with advances and retreats arising here. Confusion reigns, losing discipline. Please explain thoroughly to clarify.

Master said: What you ask is the root of medical Dao. The pulse has three positions: Cun, Chi, and Guan. Ying and Wei circulate without losing minute measures; entering and exiting, ascending and descending, revolving with clepsydra time. Under the water mark of one hundred ke (hours), a cycle completes returning to Cun Kou. Deficiency and excess appear; changes multiply, Yin and Yang interact. Wind presents as Floating and Empty; Cold presents as Firm and Solid; Sunken and Water Accumulation present as Deep; Branching Fluid retention presents as Rapidly Wiry; Moving indicates pain; Rapid indicates heat and vexation. If responses do not match, know the causes of variation. The three positions differ, diseases have different origins. Excess is remarkable, deficiency is also so. Pathogens do not appear empty; there must be hidden factors. Observe the distinctions of Exterior and Interior, Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao. Know where the disease resides, examine and diagnose, estimate Zang and Fu organ states, possessing unique insight like a spirit. I will record these points for you to pass on to worthy people.

What you asked is indeed the root of medical Dao. The pulse has three positions: Cun, Chi, and Guan. The circulation of Ying and Wei has fixed degrees, without any discrepancy in weight or length. Their entry and exit, ascent and descent correspond to clepsydra time for rotation. One hundred ke under the water mark constitute one day cycle. From Yin hour to Chou hour in a day, pulse Qi circulates fifty times, totaling 810 zhang. At the first ke of the next Yin hour, it re-emerges at Cun Kou, called one Great Cycle. Deficiency, excess, large, and small aspects of the pulse are all seen here. The multiplying changes and interacting Yin and Yang can be discussed. For example, Wind Strike presents as Floating and Empty; Cold Damage presents as Tight and Firm; Water Accumulation presents as Deep and Submerged; Branching Fluid presents as Rapidly Wiry; Moving pulse indicates pain; Rapid pulse indicates heat and vexation. These are fixed principles. If responses do not match, know the reasons for variation, as there must be causes. Each of the three pulse positions governs specific diseases. Excessive pulses are remarkable, deficient pulses are also so. Pathogenic pulses never appear without cause; if a pathogenic pulse appears, there must be hidden pathology. Examine differences in Interior/Exterior and Upper/Middle/Lower Jiao to know where the disease resides. Examine and diagnose based on Qi degrees to estimate Zang/Fu deficiency/excess. Possess unique insight like a spirit. I will record these details for you to pass on to future worthy people. This outlines the outline of pulse methodology, with subsequent chapters elaborating on this meaning, hence the term "recording point by point."