（肝脏脉病虚实）
肝象木，王于春，其脉弦，其神魂，其候目，其华在爪，其充在筋；其声呼，其
臭臊，其味酸，其液泣，其色青，其藏血，足厥阴其经也。与胆合为腑，而主表，肝
为脏而主里。肝气盛为血有余，则病目赤，两胁下痛引小腹，善怒；气逆则头眩，耳
聋不聪，额肿，是肝气之实也，则宜泻之。肝气不足，则病目不明，两胁拘急，筋挛
不得太息，爪甲枯而青，善怒，恐如人将捕之，是肝气之虚也，则宜补之，禁当风。
肝部在左手关上是也。关部脉来绰绰，如按琴瑟之弦，如揭长竿；春以胃气为本，
春肝木旺，其脉弦细而长，是平脉也。反得微涩而短者，是肺之乘肝，金之克木，谓
之贼也，大逆不治。反得浮大而洪者，是心乘肝，子之乘母，为实邪，虽病当愈。反
得沉濡而滑者，是肾乘肝，母之克子，为虚邪，虽病当愈。反得缓而大者，是脾之
乘肝，是土之凌木，为微邪，虽病不死。肝脉来盈实而滑，如循长竿曰平。病肝脉来，
急益劲，如新张弓弦，曰肝死。真肝脉至，中外急，如循刀刃责责然，如新张弓弦，色
青白不泽，毛折乃死。
（心脏脉病虚实）
心象火，王于夏，其脉如钩而洪大，其候舌，其声言，其臭焦，其味苦，其液汗，
其养血，其色赤，其藏神，手少阴其经也。与小肠为腑而主表。心气盛主神有余，则
病胸内痛，胁支满，胁下痛，膺背膊髀间痛，两臂内痛，喜笑不休，是心气之实也，
则宜泻之。心气不足，则胸腹大，胁下与腰背相引痛，惊悸恍惚，少颜色，舌本强，
善忧悲，是心气之虚也，则宜补之，禁温衣热食。
心部在左手寸口是也。寸口脉来，累累如连珠，如循琅 曰平，心以胃气为本，
夏心火旺，其脉浮洪大而散，名曰平脉也。反得沉濡而滑者，肾之乘心，水之克火，大
逆不治。反得弦而长，是肝乘心，母之克子，虽病当愈。反得缓而大，是脾乘心，子
之乘母，虽病当愈。反得微涩而短，是肺之乘心，金之凌火，为微邪，虽病不死。心
脉来，湍湍连属，冥中微曲，曰心病。死心脉，前曲后倨，如操带钩，曰心死。真
心脉至，牢而搏，如循薏苡累累然，其色赤黑不泽，毛折乃死。
（脾脏脉病虚实）
脾象土，旺于长夏，其脉缓，其候口，其声歌，其臭香，其味甘，其液涎，其养
形肉，其色黄，其藏意，足太阴其经也。与胃合为腑，主表，脾为脏，主里。脾气盛，
为形有余，则病腹胀，溲不利，身重若饥，足痿不收行，善 脚下痛，是为脾气之实
也，则宜泻之。脾气不足，则四肢不用，后泄食不化，呕逆腹胀肠鸣，是为脾气之虚
也，则宜补之，禁温食饱食，湿地濡衣。
脾部在右手关上是也。六月脾土旺，其脉大阿阿而缓，名曰平脉也。长夏以胃气
为本，反得弦而急，是肝之乘脾，木之克土，为大逆不治。反得微涩而短，是肺之
乘脾，子之乘母，不治而愈。反得浮而洪者，是心之乘脾，母之归子，当瘥不死。反
得沉濡而滑者，是肾之克脾，水之凌土，为微邪，当瘥。脾长而弱，来疏去数，再至
曰平，三至曰离经，四至曰夺精，五至曰命尽，六至曰死。病脾脉来，实而盛。如
鸡举足，曰脾病。死脾脉来，坚锐如鸟之啄，如鸟之距，如屋之漏，如水之溜，曰
脾绝。真脾脉弱而乍数疏，然其色不泽，毛折乃死。
（肺脏脉病虚实）
肺象金，王于秋，其脉如毛而浮，其候鼻，其声哭，其臭腥，其味辛，其液涕，
其养皮毛，其藏气，其色白，其神魄，手太阴其经也。与大肠合，大肠为腑，主表，
肺为脏，主里。肺气盛，为气有余，则病喘咳上气，肩背痛，汗出，尻阴股膝 胫
足皆痛，是为肺气之实也，则宜泻之。肺气不足，则少气不能报息，耳聋嗌干，是
为肺气之虚也，则宜补之。禁寒饮食寒衣，肺欲收，急食酸以收之，用辛泻之。
肺部在右手关前寸口是也。肺脉微短涩如毛，名曰平脉。秋以胃气为本，脉来
上下如循鸡羽，曰病肺脉。其色白，身体但寒无热，时时欲咳，其脉微迟，为可治。
秋金肺王，其脉浮涩而短，是曰平脉也。反得浮大而洪者，是心之乘肺，火之克金，为
大逆不治。反得沉濡而滑者，是肾之乘肺，子之乘母，不治而愈。反得缓大而长，阿
阿者，是脾之乘肺，母之归子，虽病当愈。反得弦而长者，是肝之乘肺，木之凌金，为
微邪，虽病当愈。肺脉来泛泛而轻，如微风吹鸟背上毛，再至曰平，三至曰离经，四
至曰夺精，五至曰死，六至曰命尽。肺脉来如物之浮，如风吹毛，曰肺死。秋胃微
毛曰平；胃气少毛多曰肺病；但如毛无胃气曰死；毛有弦曰春病；弦甚曰金病。真
肺脉至，大而虚，如毛羽中人肤，然其色青白不泽，毛折乃死。
（肾脏脉病虚实）
肾象水，王于冬，其脉如石而沉，其候耳，其声呻，其臭腐，其味咸，其液唾，
其养骨，其色黑，其神志，足少阴其经也。与膀胱合，膀胱为腑主表，肾为脏主里。肾
气盛，为肾有余，则病腹胀飧泄，体肿喘咳，汗出憎风，面目黑，小便黄，是为肾
气实也，则宜泻之。肾气不足，则厥腰背冷，胸内痛，耳鸣苦聋，是为肾气之虚也，
则宜补之。毋犯尘垢，毋衣炙衣，肾欲坚，急食苦以坚之，咸以泄之，苦以补之。
肾部在左手关后尺中是也。肾脉来如引葛，按之益坚，曰肾病。肾属水，其脉
大紧，身无痛，形不瘦，不能食，善惊悸，以心萎者死。冬肾水王，其脉沉濡而滑，名
曰平脉也。反得浮大而缓者，是脾之乘肾，土之克水，为大逆不治。反得浮涩而短者，
是肺之乘肾，母之归子，为虚邪，虽病可治。反得弦细而长者，是肝之乘肾，子之
乘母，为实邪，虽病自愈。反得浮大而洪者，是心之乘肾，火之凌水，虽病不死。肾
死脉来，发而夺索，辟辟如弹石，曰肾死。冬胃微石曰平；胃少石多曰肾病；但石无
胃气者死；石而有钩曰夏病；钩甚曰今病；脏真下于肾，藏骨髓之气。真肾脉至，搏
而绝，如弹石辟辟然，其色黄黑不泽，毛死。
诸真脏见者，皆不治。
（胆经虚实病候）
胆象木，王于春，足少阳其经也。肝之腑也，谋虑出焉，诸腑脏皆取决断于胆。
其气盛，为有余，则病腹内冒冒不安，身躯习习，是为胆气之实也，则宜泻之。胆
气不足，其气上嗌而口苦，善太息，呕宿汁，心下澹澹如人将捕之，嗌仲介介数唾，
是为胆气之虚也，则宜补之。
（小肠虚实病候）
小肠象火，王于夏，手太阳其经也。心之腑也，水液之下行为溲便也，流于小肠。
其气盛，为有余，则病小肠热，焦竭干涩，小腹 胀，是为小肠之气实也，则宜泻之。
小肠不足，则寒气客之，肠病惊跳不言，乍来乍去，是为小肠气之虚也，则宜补之。
（胃经虚实病候）
胃象土，王于长夏，足阳明其经也。脾之腑也，为水谷之海，诸脏腑皆受水谷之
气于胃。胃气盛，为有余，则病腹 胀气满，是为胃气之实也，则宜泻之。胃虚不
足，则饥而不受水谷，飧泄呕逆，是为胃气虚也，则宜补之。胃脉实则胀，虚则泄，
关脉沉，胃中有寒，脉滑为实，气满不欲食，关脉浮，积热在胃内。
（大肠虚实病候）
大肠象金，王于秋，手阳明其经也。肺之腑也，为传道之官，变化糟粕出焉。气
盛为有余，则病肠内切痛，如锥刀刺无休息，腰背寒痹挛急，是为大肠之气实也，则
宜泻之。大肠气不足，则寒气客之善泄，是大肠之气虚也，则宜补之。诊其右手寸口
脉，手阳明经也，脉浮则为阳，阳实者，大肠实也。
（膀胱经虚实病候）
膀胱象水，王于冬，足太阳其经也。肾之腑也，五谷五味之津液，悉归于膀胱气
化，分入血脉，以成骨髓也，而津液之余者，入胞则为小便。其气盛，为有余，则
病热胞涩，小便不通，小便偏肿痛，是为膀胱气之实也，则宜泻之。膀胱气不足，则
寒气客之，胞滑小便数而多也，面色黑，是膀胱之气虚也，则宜补之。
（三焦虚实病候）
三焦者，上焦、中焦、下焦是也。上焦之气出于上口，并咽以贯膈布胸内，走
腋，循太阴之分而行，上至舌，下至足阳明，当与荣卫俱行，主纳而不出也。中焦
之气亦并于胃口，出于上焦之后，此受气者，泌糟粕，承津液，化为精微，上注于
肺脉，乃化而为血，主不上不下也。下焦之气别回肠，注于膀胱而渗入焉，主出而
不纳，故水谷常并居于胃，成糟粕，而俱下于大肠也。谓此三气，焦干水谷，分别
清浊，故名三焦。
三焦为水谷之道路，气之所终始也。三焦气盛，为有余，则胀气满于皮肤内，轻
轻然而不牢，或小便涩，或大便难，是为三焦之实也，则宜泻之。三焦之气不足，则
寒气客之，病遗尿，或泻利，或胸满，或食不消，是三焦之气虚也，则宜补之。诊
其寸口脉迟，上焦有寒；尺脉迟，下焦有寒；尺脉浮者，客阳在下焦。
（肝脏脉病虚实）
肝在五行中属木，旺于春季，其脉象为弦脉，主宰神魂，外候于眼睛，荣华表现于指甲，充养筋脉；其发声为呼，气味为臊，味道为酸，体液为泪，颜色为青，功能为藏血，足厥阴肝经是其经脉。肝与胆相合构成腑，胆主表，肝作为脏主里。肝气旺盛导致血有余，则出现眼睛发红、两侧胁肋下疼痛牵引小腹、容易发怒等症状；若肝气上逆，则出现头晕、耳聋听力下降、额头肿胀，这是肝气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。肝气不足，则出现视物不明、两侧胁肋拘急、筋脉挛缩不能深呼吸、指甲干枯发青、容易发怒、恐惧好像有人要抓捕自己，这是肝气虚证，应当采用补法治疗，并禁止当风受邪。肝的脉部位于左手关部。关部脉来从容和缓，如同按压琴瑟之弦，又像举起长竿；春季以胃气为本底，春季肝木旺盛，脉象弦细而长，这是正常的平脉。如果反而得到微涩而短的脉象，是肺金乘袭肝木，金克木，称为贼邪，属于大逆之症，难以治愈。如果反而得到浮大而洪大的脉象，是心火乘袭肝木，子乘母，为实邪，虽然生病但会痊愈。如果反而得到沉濡而滑的脉象，是肾水乘袭肝木，母克子，为虚邪，虽然生病但会痊愈。如果反而得到缓大而软的脉象，是脾土乘袭肝木，土凌木，为微邪，虽然生病但不会死亡。肝脉来势充盈坚实而滑利，如同抚摸长竿，称为平脉。患肝病时脉来紧急强劲，像新拉开的弓弦，称为肝死脉。真肝脉出现时，脉象中外紧急，如同触摸刀刃发出责责的声音，又像新拉开的弓弦，面色青白无光泽，毫毛脱落就会死亡。
（心脏脉病虚实）
心在五行中属火，旺于夏季，其脉象如钩且洪大，外候于舌头，发声为言，气味为焦，味道为苦，体液为汗，功能为养血，颜色为赤，主宰神志，手少阴心经是其经脉。心与小肠相合构成腑，小肠主表。心气旺盛导致神有余，则出现胸内疼痛、胁肋支撑胀满、胁下疼痛、胸前背部及手臂大腿间疼痛、两臂内侧疼痛、喜笑不止等症状，这是心气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。心气不足，则出现胸腹肿大、胁下与腰背相互牵引疼痛、惊悸恍惚、面色少华、舌根强硬、容易忧愁悲伤，这是心气虚证，应当采用补法治疗，并禁止穿暖和吃热的食物。心的脉部位于左手寸口。寸口脉来连续不断如连珠，如同抚摸美玉，称为平脉，心以胃气为本底，夏季心火旺盛，脉象浮洪大而散，名为平脉。如果反而得到沉濡而滑的脉象，是肾水乘袭心火，水克火，属于大逆之症，难以治愈。如果反而得到弦而长的脉象，是肝木乘袭心火，母克子，虽然生病但会痊愈。如果反而得到缓而大的脉象，是脾土乘袭心火，子乘母，虽然生病但会痊愈。如果反而得到微涩而短的脉象，是肺金乘袭心火，金凌火，为微邪，虽然生病但不会死亡。心脉来势湍急相连，中间略微弯曲，称为心病。死心脉，前曲后直僵硬，如同拿着带钩，称为心死脉。真心脉出现时，脉象牢靠搏指，如同抚摸薏苡仁颗粒累累的样子，面色赤黑无光泽，毫毛脱落就会死亡。
（脾脏脉病虚实）
脾在五行中属土，旺于长夏，其脉象为缓脉，外候于口，发声为歌，气味为香，味道为甘，体液为涎，功能为滋养形体肌肉，颜色为黄，主宰意念，足太阴脾经是其经脉。脾与胃相合构成腑，胃主表，脾作为脏主里。脾气旺盛，导致形有余，则出现腹胀、小便不利、身体沉重却感觉饥饿、脚痿软无力行走、经常脚下疼痛，这是脾气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。脾气不足，则出现四肢不能使用、腹泻完谷不化、呕吐逆气、腹胀肠鸣，这是脾气虚证，应当采用补法治疗，并禁止吃温热饱食、居住在潮湿之地或穿着湿衣。脾的脉部位于右手关部。六月脾土旺盛，脉象宏大而缓，名为平脉。长夏以胃气为本底，如果反而得到弦而急的脉象，是肝木乘袭脾土，木克土，为大逆之症，难以治愈。如果反而得到微涩而短的脉象，是肺金乘袭脾土，子乘母，不治也会痊愈。如果反而得到浮而洪大的脉象，是心火乘袭脾土，母归子，应当病愈不死。如果反而得到沉濡而滑的脉象，是肾水克脾土，水凌土，为微邪，应当病愈。脾脉长而弱，来势疏缓去势频数，两次搏动称为平脉，三次搏动称为离经，四次搏动称为夺精，五次搏动称为命尽，六次搏动称为死。患脾病时脉来坚实盛大，像鸡抬脚一样，称为脾病。死脾脉来，坚硬锐利像鸟啄食，像鸟爪，像屋顶漏水，像水流滴漏，称为脾绝脉。真脾脉弱而忽快忽慢，面色无光泽，毫毛脱落就会死亡。
（肺脏脉病虚实）
肺在五行中属金，旺于秋季，其脉象如毛且浮，外候于鼻子，发声为哭，气味为腥，味道为辛，体液为涕，功能为滋养皮毛，主宰气，颜色为白，主宰魄，手太阴肺经是其经脉。肺与大肠相合，大肠为腑主表，肺为脏主里。肺气旺盛，导致气有余，则出现喘咳气逆、肩背痛、出汗、尾闾阴部股膝胫足皆痛，这是肺气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。肺气不足，则出现气短不能深吸气、耳聋咽干，这是肺气虚证，应当采用补法治疗。禁止食用寒凉饮食和穿着寒凉衣物，肺喜欢收敛，急需食用酸味食物以收敛它，用辛味食物来泻它。肺的脉部位于右手关前寸口。肺脉微短涩如羽毛，名为平脉。秋季以胃气为本底，脉来上下如同抚摸鸡羽，称为病肺脉。面色白，身体只冷无热，时时想咳嗽，脉象微迟，为可治。秋季金肺旺盛，脉象浮涩而短，这是平脉。如果反而得到浮大而洪大的脉象，是心火乘袭肺金，火克金，为大逆之症，难以治愈。如果反而得到沉濡而滑的脉象，是肾水乘袭肺金，子乘母，不治也会痊愈。如果反而得到缓大而长，安适的样子，是脾土乘袭肺金，母归子，虽然生病但会痊愈。如果反而得到弦而长的脉象，是肝木乘袭肺金，木凌金，为微邪，虽然生病但会痊愈。肺脉来势泛泛轻浮，像微风吹鸟背上的毛，两次搏动称为平脉，三次搏动称为离经，四次搏动称为夺精，五次搏动称为死，六次搏动称为命尽。肺脉来势像物体漂浮，像风吹毛，称为肺死脉。秋季胃气微毛称为平；胃气少毛多称为肺病；只有毛没有胃气称为死；毛中带弦称为春病；弦甚称为金病。真肺脉出现时，脉象大而虚，如羽毛中人皮肤，面色青白无光泽，毫毛脱落就会死亡。
（肾脏脉病虚实）
肾在五行中属水，旺于冬季，其脉象如石且沉，外候于耳朵，发声为呻，气味为腐，味道为咸，体液为唾，功能为滋养骨骼，颜色为黑，主宰志，足少阴肾经是其经脉。肾与膀胱相合，膀胱为腑主表，肾为脏主里。肾气旺盛，导致肾有余，则出现腹胀飧泄、身体浮肿喘咳、出汗怕风、面目黑色、小便黄，这是肾气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。肾气不足，则出现手足厥冷、腰背冷痛、胸内痛、耳鸣严重耳聋，这是肾气虚证，应当采用补法治疗。不要沾染尘垢，不要穿烤热的衣服，肾喜欢坚固，急需食用苦味食物以坚固它，用咸味食物来泻它，用苦味食物来补它。肾的脉部位于左手关后尺中。肾脉来势如同牵引葛藤，按下去更加坚实，称为肾病。肾属水，脉象大紧，身体无痛，形体不瘦，但不能进食，容易惊悸，因心气萎顿而死。冬季肾水旺盛，脉象沉濡而滑，名为平脉。如果反而得到浮大而缓的脉象，是脾土乘袭肾水，土克水，为大逆之症，难以治愈。如果反而得到浮涩而短的脉象，是肺金乘袭肾水，母归子，为虚邪，虽然生病可以治愈。如果反而得到弦细而长的脉象，是肝木乘袭肾水，子乘母，为实邪，虽然生病会自愈。如果反而得到浮大而洪大的脉象，是心火乘袭肾水，火凌水，虽然生病不会死亡。肾死脉来，发散而争夺绳索状，辟辟像弹石声，称为肾死脉。冬季胃气微石称为平；胃气少石多称为肾病；只有石没有胃气者死；石中带钩称为夏病；钩甚称为今病；脏真之气下行于肾，藏骨髓之气。真肾脉出现时，搏动断绝，像弹石辟辟然，面色黄黑无光泽，毫毛脱落就会死亡。
所有真脏脉出现的，都难以治愈。
（胆经虚实病候）
胆在五行中属木，旺于春季，足少阳胆经是其经脉。胆是肝的腑，谋虑由此产生，诸脏腑的决定权都取决于胆。胆气旺盛，导致有余，则出现腹部闷乱不安、身躯颤动，这是胆气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。胆气不足，胆气上逆至咽喉而口苦，经常叹气，呕吐隔夜汁液，心下悸动好像有人要抓捕自己，咽喉梗塞介介不适频繁吐唾沫，这是胆气虚证，应当采用补法治疗。
（小肠虚实病候）
小肠在五行中属火，旺于夏季，手太阳小肠经是其经脉。小肠是心的腑，水液向下流动成为溲便，流入小肠。小肠气旺盛，导致有余，则出现小肠热，津液枯竭干燥涩滞，小腹胀满，这是小肠气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。小肠气不足，寒气客居其中，肠道病变出现惊跳不语，症状乍来乍去，这是小肠气虚证，应当采用补法治疗。
（胃经虚实病候）
胃在五行中属土，旺于长夏，足阳明胃经是其经脉。胃是脾的腑，是水谷之海，诸脏腑都从胃接受水谷之气。胃气旺盛，导致有余，则出现腹部胀满气壅，这是胃气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。胃虚不足，则饥饿但不能受纳水谷，出现飧泄呕吐逆气，这是胃气虚证，应当采用补法治疗。胃脉实则胀，虚则泄，关脉沉说明胃中有寒，脉滑说明胃中有实，气满不想吃东西，关脉浮说明积热在胃内。
（大肠虚实病候）
大肠在五行中属金，旺于秋季，手阳明大肠经是其经脉。大肠是肺的腑，是传导之官，变化糟粕排出体外。大肠气旺盛导致有余，则出现肠内剧烈疼痛，像锥刀刺入没有休息，腰背寒冷痹痛挛急，这是大肠气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。大肠气不足，寒气客居其中容易腹泻，这是大肠气虚证，应当采用补法治疗。诊察右手寸口脉，是手阳明经，脉浮则为阳，阳实者，是大肠实证。
（膀胱经虚实病候）
膀胱在五行中属水，旺于冬季，足太阳膀胱经是其经脉。膀胱是肾的腑，五谷五味的津液，都归于膀胱气化，分别进入血脉，形成骨髓，而多余的津液，进入胞宫就成为小便。膀胱气旺盛，导致有余，则出现热邪导致胞涩，小便不通，小便偏侧肿痛，这是膀胱气实证，应当采用泻法治疗。膀胱气不足，寒气客居其中，胞滑导致小便频数且多，面色黑，这是膀胱气虚证，应当采用补法治疗。
（三焦虚实病候）
三焦，就是上焦、中焦、下焦。上焦之气出于上口，通过咽喉贯穿膈肌布散于胸内，走向腋下，沿着手太阴肺经的分野而行，上至舌，下至足阳明胃经，应当与营卫之气一起运行，主纳而不出的功能。中焦之气也汇聚于胃口，出于上焦之后，这里是受气的地方，泌别糟粕，承接津液，化为精微，上注于肺脉，进而化生为血，主不上不下的功能。下焦之气别回肠，注入膀胱并渗入其中，主出而不纳的功能，所以水谷常共同居于胃，变成糟粕，一起下传到大肠。称这三种气，焦干水谷，分别清浊，所以叫三焦。
三焦是水谷的道路，气终结和起始的地方。三焦气旺盛，导致有余，则胀气充满皮肤之内，轻轻然而不牢固，或者小便涩滞，或者大便困难，这是三焦实证，应当采用泻法治疗。三焦气不足，寒气客居其中，出现遗尿，或者腹泻痢疾，或者胸满，或者食物不消化，这是三焦气虚证，应当采用补法治疗。诊察寸口脉迟，说明上焦有寒；尺脉迟，说明下焦有寒；尺脉浮，说明客阳在下焦。
(Real and Deficient Patterns of Liver Meridian Pulse and Disease)
The Liver corresponds to Wood, prospers in Spring, its pulse is Xian (Wiry), it governs Hun (Ethereal Soul), its external manifestation is the eyes, its luster appears in the nails, it nourishes the sinews; its vocalization is shouting, its odor is fishy, its taste is sour, its fluid is tears, its color is green, its function is storing Blood, and the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian is its channel. It combines with the Gallbladder to form a Fu organ, where the Gallbladder governs the exterior, while the Liver, as a Zang organ, governs the interior. Excess Liver Qi leads to surplus Blood, resulting in red eyes, pain in both hypochondriac regions radiating to the lower abdomen, and irritability; if Liver Qi rebels upward, it causes dizziness, deafness and poor hearing, and forehead swelling. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Liver Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Liver Qi leads to blurred vision, stiffness and spasm in both hypochondriac regions, tendon cramps preventing deep breathing, dry and bluish nails, irritability, and fear as if being hunted. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Liver Qi, which should be treated by tonifying, and one must avoid exposure to wind. The Liver pulse region is located at the Guan position on the left hand. When the Guan pulse comes leisurely, like pressing the strings of a zither or holding up a long pole, it indicates health. In Spring, when Liver Wood is prosperous, a pulse that is Xian (wiry), thin, and long is considered a Normal Pulse (Ping Mai). If instead a faint, choppy, and short pulse is obtained, it indicates Lung Metal overcoming Liver Wood (Metal overcoming Wood), termed "Thief Qi," which is a major reversal and difficult to treat. If instead a floating, large, and surging pulse is obtained, it indicates Heart Fire overcoming Liver Wood (Child overcoming Mother), representing Excess Evil; although ill, recovery is expected. If instead a deep, soft, and slippery pulse is obtained, it indicates Kidney Water overcoming Liver Wood (Mother overcoming Child), representing Deficient Evil; although ill, recovery is expected. If instead a moderate and large pulse is obtained, it indicates Spleen Earth overcoming Liver Wood (Earth suppressing Wood), representing Minor Evil; although ill, death will not occur. A Liver pulse that is full, solid, and slippery, like tracing a long pole, is Normal. A Liver disease pulse that is urgent and strong, like a newly strung bowstring, indicates Liver Death. When the True Liver Pulse appears, it is tense inside and out, like touching a knife edge making a 'ze ze' sound, or like a newly strung bowstring; with a greenish-white complexion lacking luster, death occurs upon the falling of hair.
(Real and Deficient Patterns of Heart Meridian Pulse and Disease)
The Heart corresponds to Fire, prospers in Summer, its pulse is like a hook and is Hong (Surging/Large), its external manifestation is the tongue, its vocalization is speech, its odor is scorched, its taste is bitter, its fluid is sweat, its function is nourishing Blood, its color is red, it governs Shen (Spirit), and the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian is its channel. It combines with the Small Intestine to form a Fu organ, where the Small Intestine governs the exterior. Excess Heart Qi leads to surplus Spirit, resulting in pain in the chest interior, fullness and distension in the hypochondrium, pain under the ribs, pain in the chest, back, shoulders, thighs, and inner arms, and incessant laughter. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Heart Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Heart Qi leads to abdominal distension, pain radiating between the hypochondrium and lower back, palpitations, confusion, pallor, stiffness of the tongue root, and frequent sorrow and grief. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Heart Qi, which should be treated by tonifying, and one must avoid warm clothing and hot food. The Heart pulse region is located at the Cun Kou position on the left hand. When the Cun Kou pulse comes continuously like linked pearls, like tracing fine jade, it indicates health. The Heart relies on Stomach Qi; in Summer, when Heart Fire is prosperous, a pulse that is floating, large, and scattered is named a Normal Pulse. If instead a deep, soft, and slippery pulse is obtained, it indicates Kidney Water overcoming Heart Fire (Water overcoming Fire), a major reversal difficult to treat. If instead a wiry and long pulse is obtained, it indicates Liver Wood overcoming Heart Fire (Mother overcoming Child); although ill, recovery is expected. If instead a moderate and large pulse is obtained, it indicates Spleen Earth overcoming Heart Fire (Child overcoming Mother); although ill, recovery is expected. If instead a faint, choppy, and short pulse is obtained, it indicates Lung Metal overcoming Heart Fire (Metal suppressing Fire), representing Minor Evil; although ill, death will not occur. A Heart pulse that is rapid and connected, slightly curved in the middle, indicates Heart Disease. A dying Heart pulse is curved at the front and rigid at the back, like holding a hooked belt, indicating Heart Death. When the True Heart Pulse appears, it is firm and beating, like tracing multiple Job's tears seeds; with a reddish-black complexion lacking luster, death occurs upon the falling of hair.
(Real and Deficient Patterns of Spleen Meridian Pulse and Disease)
The Spleen corresponds to Earth, prospers in Late Summer, its pulse is Huan (Moderate/Relaxed), its external manifestation is the mouth, its vocalization is singing, its odor is fragrant, its taste is sweet, its fluid is saliva, its function is nourishing flesh and muscle, its color is yellow, it governs Yi (Intellect), and the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian is its channel. It combines with the Stomach to form a Fu organ, where the Stomach governs the exterior, while the Spleen, as a Zang organ, governs the interior. Excess Spleen Qi leads to surplus Form, resulting in abdominal distension, difficulty in urination, heaviness of the body despite hunger, foot weakness and inability to walk, and frequent pain in the soles. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Spleen Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Spleen Qi leads to paralysis of the four limbs, diarrhea with undigested food, vomiting and regurgitation, abdominal distension, and borborygmus. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Spleen Qi, which should be treated by tonifying, and one must avoid warm/greasy meals, damp places, and wet clothes. The Spleen pulse region is located at the Guan position on the right hand. In the sixth month, when Spleen Earth is prosperous, a pulse that is grand and relaxed is named a Normal Pulse. Late Summer relies on Stomach Qi. If instead a wiry and urgent pulse is obtained, it indicates Liver Wood overcoming Spleen Earth (Wood overcoming Earth), a major reversal difficult to treat. If instead a faint, choppy, and short pulse is obtained, it indicates Lung Metal overcoming Spleen Earth (Child overcoming Mother); it will heal without treatment. If instead a floating and surging pulse is obtained, it indicates Heart Fire overcoming Spleen Earth (Mother returning to Child); recovery is expected without death. If instead a deep, soft, and slippery pulse is obtained, it indicates Kidney Water overcoming Spleen Earth (Water suppressing Earth), representing Minor Evil; recovery is expected. A Spleen pulse that is long and weak, coming slowly and departing frequently, with two beats per respiration is Normal, three beats is Li Jing (Departing from the Channel), four beats is Duo Jing (Loss of Essence), five beats is Ming Jin (End of Life), and six beats is Death. A diseased Spleen pulse is solid and vigorous, like a chicken lifting its foot, indicating Spleen Disease. A dying Spleen pulse is hard and sharp like a bird pecking, like a bird's claw, like water leaking from a roof, or dripping water, indicating Spleen Exhaustion. The True Spleen Pulse is weak and intermittent; with a complexion lacking luster, death occurs upon the falling of hair.
(Real and Deficient Patterns of Lung Meridian Pulse and Disease)
The Lung corresponds to Metal, prospers in Autumn, its pulse is like down and floating, its external manifestation is the nose, its vocalization is weeping, its odor is raw/fishy, its taste is pungent, its fluid is nasal mucus, its function is nourishing skin and hair, it governs Qi, its color is white, it governs Po (Corporeal Soul), and the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian is its channel. It combines with the Large Intestine, where the Large Intestine is a Fu organ governing the exterior, and the Lung is a Zang organ governing the interior. Excess Lung Qi leads to surplus Qi, resulting in wheezing, coughing, rebellious Qi, shoulder and back pain, sweating, and pain in the coccyx, yin region, thighs, knees, shins, and feet. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Lung Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Lung Qi leads to shortness of breath and inability to complete inhalation, deafness, and dry throat. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Lung Qi, which should be treated by tonifying. One must avoid cold food and clothing. The Lung desires consolidation; urgently consume sour flavors to consolidate it, and use pungent flavors to drain it. The Lung pulse region is located at the Cun Kou position anterior to the Guan on the right hand. A Lung pulse that is faint, short, and choppy like down is named a Normal Pulse. Autumn relies on Stomach Qi. A pulse coming up and down like tracing chicken feathers indicates Diseased Lung Pulse. With a white complexion, body cold without fever, frequent desire to cough, and a faint and slow pulse, the condition is treatable. In Autumn, when Metal and Lung are prosperous, a pulse that is floating, choppy, and short is a Normal Pulse. If instead a floating, large, and surging pulse is obtained, it indicates Heart Fire overcoming Lung Metal (Fire overcoming Metal), a major reversal difficult to treat. If instead a deep, soft, and slippery pulse is obtained, it indicates Kidney Water overcoming Lung Metal (Child overcoming Mother); it will heal without treatment. If instead a moderate, large, and long pulse, appearing comfortable, is obtained, it indicates Spleen Earth overcoming Lung Metal (Mother returning to Child); although ill, recovery is expected. If instead a wiry and long pulse is obtained, it indicates Liver Wood overcoming Lung Metal (Wood suppressing Metal), representing Minor Evil; although ill, recovery is expected. A Lung pulse that is abundant and light, like a breeze blowing feathers on a bird's back, with two beats per respiration is Normal, three beats is Li Jing, four beats is Duo Jing, five beats is Death, and six beats is End of Life. A Lung pulse that floats like an object or blows like wind indicates Lung Death. In Autumn, slight down with Stomach Qi is Normal; less Stomach Qi and more down indicates Lung Disease; only down without Stomach Qi indicates Death; down with Wiry indicates Spring Disease; excessive Wiry indicates Metal Disease. The True Lung Pulse is large and deficient, like feathers penetrating human skin; with a greenish-white complexion lacking luster, death occurs upon the falling of hair.
(Real and Deficient Patterns of Kidney Meridian Pulse and Disease)
The Kidney corresponds to Water, prospers in Winter, its pulse is like stone and deep, its external manifestation is the ears, its vocalization is groaning, its odor is putrid, its taste is salty, its fluid is saliva, its function is nourishing bones, its color is black, it governs Zhi (Willpower), and the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian is its channel. It combines with the Bladder, where the Bladder is a Fu organ governing the exterior, and the Kidney is a Zang organ governing the interior. Excess Kidney Qi leads to surplus, resulting in abdominal distension, diarrhea with undigested food, edema, wheezing and coughing, sweating, aversion to wind, dark face and eyes, and yellow urine. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Kidney Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Kidney Qi leads to cold extremities, cold lower back, chest pain, tinnitus, and severe deafness. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Kidney Qi, which should be treated by tonifying. Avoid dust and dirt, and avoid wearing heated clothes. The Kidney desires firmness; urgently consume bitter flavors to firm it, salty flavors to drain it, and bitter flavors to tonify it. The Kidney pulse region is located at the Chi position posterior to the Guan on the left hand. A Kidney pulse that comes like pulling a vine, becoming harder upon pressure, indicates Kidney Disease. The Kidney belongs to Water; if the pulse is large and tight, the body has no pain, the form is not emaciated, but the patient cannot eat and suffers from palpitations due to Heart Atrophy, death ensues. In Winter, when Kidney Water is prosperous, a pulse that is deep, soft, and slippery is named a Normal Pulse. If instead a floating, large, and moderate pulse is obtained, it indicates Spleen Earth overcoming Kidney Water (Earth overcoming Water), a major reversal difficult to treat. If instead a floating, choppy, and short pulse is obtained, it indicates Lung Metal overcoming Kidney Water (Mother returning to Child), representing Deficient Evil; although ill, it is treatable. If instead a wiry, thin, and long pulse is obtained, it indicates Liver Wood overcoming Kidney Water (Child overcoming Mother), representing Excess Evil; although ill, it will self-heal. If instead a floating, large, and surging pulse is obtained, it indicates Heart Fire overcoming Kidney Water (Fire suppressing Water); although ill, death will not occur. A dying Kidney pulse emerges and struggles like pulling a rope, sounding 'pi pi' like striking stones, indicates Kidney Death. In Winter, slight stone with Stomach Qi is Normal; less Stomach Qi and more stone indicates Kidney Disease; only stone without Stomach Qi indicates Death; stone with Hook indicates Summer Disease; excessive Hook indicates current illness. The True Organ Qi descends to the Kidney, storing the Qi of marrow and bones. The True Kidney Pulse beats and cuts off, sounding 'pi pi' like striking stones; with a yellowish-black complexion lacking luster, death occurs upon the falling of hair.
All appearances of True Zang Pulses are untreatable.
(Deficient and Excess Patterns of Gallbladder Meridian)
The Gallbladder corresponds to Wood, prospers in Spring, and the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian is its channel. It is the Fu organ of the Liver; planning and deliberation arise from it. All Zang and Fu organs rely on the Gallbladder for decision-making. Excess Gallbladder Qi leads to surplus, resulting in internal abdominal restlessness and trembling of the body. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Gallbladder Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Gallbladder Qi leads to Qi rebelling to the throat causing bitterness in the mouth, frequent sighing, vomiting of old bile, palpitations in the epigastrium as if being hunted, throat obstruction with frequent spitting. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Gallbladder Qi, which should be treated by tonifying.
(Deficient and Excess Patterns of Small Intestine Meridian)
The Small Intestine corresponds to Fire, prospers in Summer, and the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian is its channel. It is the Fu organ of the Heart; fluids flow downward into the Small Intestine to become urine and stool. Excess Small Intestine Qi leads to surplus, resulting in heat in the Small Intestine, exhaustion of fluids leading to dryness and astringency, and lower abdominal distension. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Small Intestine Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Small Intestine Qi allows Cold Qi to invade, causing intestinal spasms, muteness, and symptoms that come and go suddenly. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Small Intestine Qi, which should be treated by tonifying.
(Deficient and Excess Patterns of Stomach Meridian)
The Stomach corresponds to Earth, prospers in Late Summer, and the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian is its channel. It is the Fu organ of the Spleen and the Sea of Water and Grain; all Zang and Fu organs receive Qi from Water and Grain via the Stomach. Excess Stomach Qi leads to surplus, resulting in abdominal distension and fullness. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Stomach Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Stomach Qi leads to hunger but inability to accept food, diarrhea with undigested food, and vomiting/regurgitation. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Stomach Qi, which should be treated by tonifying. A Stomach pulse that is solid indicates distension; deficient indicates diarrhea. A Guan pulse that is deep indicates Cold in the Stomach; a slippery pulse indicates Excess, fullness of Qi, and loss of appetite. A Guan pulse that is floating indicates accumulated Heat in the Stomach.
(Deficient and Excess Patterns of Large Intestine Meridian)
The Large Intestine corresponds to Metal, prospers in Autumn, and the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian is its channel. It is the Fu organ of the Lung and the Official of Transmission, transforming waste products for excretion. Excess Large Intestine Qi leads to surplus, resulting in cutting pain in the intestines like stabbing with awls or knives without rest, and cold bi-syndrome with cramping in the lower back and back. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Large Intestine Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Large Intestine Qi allows Cold Qi to invade, leading to frequent diarrhea. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Large Intestine Qi, which should be treated by tonifying. Diagnosing the Cun Kou pulse on the right hand, which is the Hand-Yangming channel: a floating pulse indicates Yang; Yang Excess indicates Large Intestine Excess.
(Deficient and Excess Patterns of Bladder Meridian)
The Bladder corresponds to Water, prospers in Winter, and the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian is its channel. It is the Fu organ of the Kidney. The essences of the five grains and five flavors return to the Bladder for Qi transformation, entering the blood vessels to form marrow; the remaining fluids enter the bladder to become urine. Excess Bladder Qi leads to surplus, resulting in heat causing astringency in the bladder, urinary retention, and unilateral swelling and pain in the genitalia. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Bladder Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Bladder Qi allows Cold Qi to invade, causing bladder laxity with frequent and profuse urination, and a dark complexion. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Bladder Qi, which should be treated by tonifying.
(Deficient and Excess Patterns of Sanjiao/Triple Burner Meridian)
Sanjiao refers to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Burners. Qi of the Upper Burner originates from the upper orifice, passes through the pharynx, penetrates the diaphragm, spreads in the chest, travels to the axilla, follows the distribution of the Taiyin channel, reaches the tongue above, and the Foot-Yangming below. It should travel together with Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi, governing intake without excretion. Qi of the Middle Burner also gathers at the stomach opening, emerging after the Upper Burner. This is where Qi is received; it separates waste, receives fluids, transforms them into subtle essence, which flows up to the Lung meridian to transform into Blood, governing neither ascending nor descending exclusively. Qi of the Lower Burner separates from the ileum, pours into the Bladder, and渗 (seeps) in. It governs excretion without intake. Thus, water and grain often reside together in the Stomach, become waste, and descend together to the Large Intestine. These three Qi scorch and dry water and grain, separating clear from turbid, hence named Sanjiao.
Sanjiao is the pathway of water and grain, and the beginning and end of Qi. Excess Sanjiao Qi leads to surplus, resulting in Qi distension filling the interior of the skin, feeling light but unstable, or urinary astringency, or difficult defecation. This constitutes an Excess pattern of Sanjiao Qi, which should be treated by draining. Deficiency of Sanjiao Qi allows Cold Qi to invade, resulting in enuresis, diarrhea, chest fullness, or indigestion. This constitutes a Deficient pattern of Sanjiao Qi, which should be treated by tonifying. Diagnosing a slow pulse at Cun Kou indicates Cold in the Upper Burner; a slow pulse at Chi indicates Cold in the Lower Burner; a floating pulse at Chi indicates Guest Yang in the Lower Burner.