Corresponding with the *Renying* (Stomach Meridian pulse at the neck), it indicates pathogenic factors blocking the meridians; corresponding with the *Qikou* (Lung Meridian pulse at the wrist), it indicates accumulation obstructing the Qi of the Zang organs.
Yang concealed within Yin leads to stagnant blood flow.
Why does the *Duan* (Short) pulse, which belongs to Yin yet is concealed in Yang, occur? The Classics state: "There is a pulse type of one Yang and three Yin," referring to a pulse that is deep, choppy, and short, occasionally floating. In autumn, this is a normal pulse;
in the other three seasons, it results from emotional stagnation or retained food causing obstruction, where insufficient Qi fails to guide blood circulation.
A Short and rapid pulse indicating pathology in the upper body is also ominous.
The Classics say: "Short and rapid pulses indicate disease in the upper body; a Short pulse at the *Cunkou* (Radial artery at the wrist) causes headache." It also says: "Short and rapid pulses indicate heart pain accompanied by vexation," all pointing to diseases in the upper body. A Short pulse is also ominous due to the absence of Stomach Qi.
The *Cu* (Surging/Intermittent) pulse indicates excess Yang and insufficiency of Yin, where Qi, Blood, Phlegm, and Food accumulate into toxic pathogens.
It signifies disharmony between Yin and Yang Qi, preventing continuity, unlike the *Jie* (Knotted) or *Dai* (Tirated) pulses which stop mid-beat. Some stops are caused by stagnation of Qi, Blood, food, or phlegm-fluids; thus, the *Cu* pulse cannot be universally regarded as an ominous pulse.
Whenever internal organ heat is excessive, the pulse becomes rapid and intermittent. Therefore, it is said: "Corresponding with *Renying*, it indicates Phlegm obstructing the Yang meridians; corresponding with *Qikou*, it indicates accumulation remaining in the Stomach Fu."
Internal heat and blood stasis lead to mania and macules.
Excessive Wind-Heat causes blood stasis and stagnation, manifesting as mania and macules.
Anger provokes Jue syndrome and convulsions.
Due to anger, rebellious Qi causes Jue syndrome, characterized by excess above and deficiency below.
Gradual worsening leads to death; gradual improvement leads to survival. Obtaining this pulse in chronic illness is also not auspicious.
Although the *Cu* pulse is not necessarily ominous, if seen in elderly or chronic patients, where the upper part becomes more excessive and the lower part more deficient, it is not auspicious.
The *Jie* (Knotted) pulse is primarily due to Yin excess and indicates accumulations; severe knotting indicates severe accumulation, while slight knotting indicates slight accumulation.
Corresponding with *Renying*, it indicates dispersal of Yin and generation of Yang; corresponding with *Qikou*, it indicates accumulation obstructing Qi rhythm. Yin excess leads to knotting, large accumulations in the Spleen region, constipation, and pain in the Large Intestine. Severe knotting means severe accumulation; slight knotting means slight accumulation.
*Yang Jie* (Yang Knotting) feels vast like a chariot canopy.
A pulse expansive like a chariot canopy is named *Yang Jie*. This occurs when Yang Qi is constrained externally and does not harmonize with Yin Qi.
*Yin Jie* (Yin Knotting) feels clustered and contradicts Yang.
A pulse clustered and rigid like touching a long bamboo pole is named *Yin Jie*. This occurs when Yin Qi is constrained internally and does not harmonize with Yang Qi.
*Jie* pulse floating indicates Cold pathogen stagnating in the collaterals; *Jie* pulse deep indicates Phlegm-fluids and blood stasis as the root.
It can also be caused by Qi stagnation from the Seven Emotions, where the pulse pathway is blocked indeed by this factor.
Internal Cold with a slow pulse constitutes *Jie*; Internal Heat with a rapid pulse constitutes *Cu*. Since Slow and Rapid differ, *Jie* should also be differentiated like *Cu*, distinguishing between Phlegm-fluids, Qi-Blood, or accumulations.
The *Dai* (Tirated) pulse indicates certain death from Zang Qi exhaustion; seeing this in healthy people is highly inauspicious.
However, for patients, there are cases where survival is possible, whereas for healthy people, it is strictly taboo.
Only in cases of Wind-Damp Bi syndrome and extreme pain, or during the third month of pregnancy, does it cause no harm.
Wind-Damp and Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or fetal Qi obstruction during pregnancy, cause no harm.
In cases of sudden injury to Qi and Blood, the ancients established the *Zhigancao Tang* (Prepared Licorice Decoction).
For those who suddenly injure and deplete Qi and Blood, where Yuan Qi is temporarily unharmonized but Zang Qi is not exhausted, *Zhigancao Tang* (Prepared Licorice Decoction) should be used to rescue them.