In the general practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the four diagnostic methods of “observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation” are emphasized to differentiate syndromes, followed by the application of appropriate medications based on the identified syndrome. Have you heard of correlating pulse patterns with Chinese herbs to directly guide the prescription of medicine? Today, we will explore the theory of ‘Using Medicine According to Pulse’ by the renowned Qing Dynasty physician Long Bai.
Floating Pulse【Original Text】Floating pulse is due to wind; for exterior symptoms, it is advisable to disperse. Common herbs include Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), Gan Cao (Licorice), Gao Ben (Ligusticum), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia), Xi Xin (Asarum), Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), and Bo He (Mint), along with fresh ginger and scallions, adjusting according to the cold and heat conditions.【Translation】The appearance of a floating pulse is often due to an external wind invasion, which is classified as an exterior syndrome. Treatment should employ methods to disperse and open the channels, commonly using herbs such as Qiang Huo, Gan Cao, Gao Ben, Fang Feng, Xi Xin, Bai Zhi, Cang Zhu, Chuan Xiong, Huang Qin, and Bo He, supplemented with fresh ginger and scallions. The rational application of these herbs should be carefully considered based on the nature and location of the disease during clinical practice.【Analysis】The herbs listed correspond to Zhang Yuan’s Qiang Huo Chong He Decoction, which removes Di Huang (Rehmannia) and adds Gao Ben and Bo He. If the patient presents with headache, fever, floating pulse, and normal rhythm, this indicates an exterior wind syndrome. If a Yangming pulse is large, with nasal congestion, pain in the brow ridge, and a white tongue coating, one may add Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) and Ge Gen (Pueraria). If a Taiyang pulse is large, with lower back pain, one may add Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twig) and Xing Ren (Apricot kernel). If a Shaoyang pulse is large, with pain in the sides and temple, one may add Chai Hu (Bupleurum). If there is heaviness at the vertex, Tian Ma (Gastrodia) may be added. If there is stiffness in the neck, Qin Jiao (Gentiana) may be added. If there is phlegm in the upper body, one may add Qian Hu (Peucedanum), Dan Nan Xing (Arisaema), Zhi Ban Xia (Pinellia), and Chen Pi (Aged tangerine peel) to resolve phlegm. If there is aversion to cold, Su Ye (Perilla) may be added. The dosage of the herbs can be adjusted according to the condition.Deep Pulse【Original Text】Deep pulse indicates interior conditions, either Qi stagnation or accumulation; Qi stagnation presents as a soft pulse, while accumulation is firm. For accumulation, one should use purging methods; for Qi stagnation, one should regulate and tonify. Herbs for purging accumulation include Da Huang (Rhubarb), Zhi Shi (Bitter orange), Hou Po (Magnolia bark), and Mang Xiao (Glauber’s salt), which can clear internal stagnation; Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Bing Lang (Areca), San Leng (Sparganium), and E Zhu (Curcuma) can clear heat and drain dampness.For patients with a soft deep pulse, treatment should focus on regulating Qi and dispersing stagnation, using herbs such as Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Shen Qu (Malt), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Chuan Xiong, Shan Zha (Hawthorn), Mai Ya (Barley), Chen Xiang (Aquilaria), and Wu Yao (Lindera), along with Ren Shen (Ginseng) to tonify Qi, which can relieve abdominal and lateral distension.【Translation】A deep pulse indicates an interior syndrome, which may be due to Qi stagnation or internal accumulation. A soft pulse indicates Qi stagnation, while a firm pulse indicates accumulation. For treating accumulation, purging methods are preferred, while for Qi stagnation, regulation and tonification are necessary.Herbs for purging accumulation include Da Huang, Zhi Shi, Hou Po, and Mang Xiao, which can eliminate internal stagnation; Mu Xiang, Bing Lang, San Leng, and E Zhu can clear heat and drain dampness.For patients with a soft deep pulse, treatment should focus on regulating Qi and dispersing stagnation, using herbs such as Xiang Fu, Shen Qu, Zhi Zi, Chuan Xiong, Shan Zha, Mai Ya, Chen Xiang, and Wu Yao, along with Ren Shen to tonify Qi, which can alleviate abdominal and lateral distension.【Analysis】A deep pulse indicates that Qi and blood are not adequately filling and moving through the vessels. The underlying causes may include Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, or the presence of tangible accumulations that obstruct the flow of Qi and blood. Tangible accumulations may include phlegm, dampness, food stagnation, blood stasis, or heat toxins.If the cause is Qi deficiency, treatment should focus on tonifying Qi and regulating it, using Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) with modifications. If the cause is blood deficiency, treatment should nourish blood and invigorate blood circulation while regulating Qi, using Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) with Xiang Fu and Mu Xiang. For those with blood heat, one should add Sheng Di (Rehmannia), Chi Shao (Red peony), Dan Pi (Moutan), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), and Huang Bai (Phellodendron).If the issue is due to accumulation obstructing the body, treatment should regulate Qi and resolve stagnation, but the specific treatment method should be based on the type of accumulation. If it is due to heat toxins, one should clear heat and detoxify, using Huang Qin, Huang Lian (Coptis), Zhi Zi, and Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal). If it is due to phlegm, one should resolve phlegm, adding Ban Xia, Chen Pi, Tian Nan Xing, and Xian Zhu Li (Bamboo sap). If it is due to dampness, one should strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, transform dampness, and promote urination, using Cang Zhu, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Mu Guo (Papaya), Yi Yi Ren (Coix), Che Qian Zi (Plantago), Ze Xie (Alisma), and Zhu Ling (Polyporus). If it is due to constipation in the Yangming channel, one should use purgative methods or moistening methods, using Cheng Qi Tang (Purgative Decoction) or Ma Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill), with herbs such as Da Huang, Mang Xiao, Zhi Shi, Hou Po, Dang Gui, Huo Ma Ren (Hemp seed), Guo Zi Ren (Melon seed), and Tao Ren (Peach kernel).If it is due to food stagnation, one should resolve the accumulation, using Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pill), with herbs such as Shen Qu, Mai Ya, and Shan Zha. If it is due to blood stasis, one should invigorate blood and resolve stasis, selecting from Wang Qingren’s Zhi Yu Tang (Stasis Resolving Decoction) based on the specific condition.Slow Pulse【Original Text】Slow pulse indicates cold, with blood congealed and Qi deficient; the Ren pulse is floating. Use Fu Zi (Aconite) and Gui Xin (Cinnamon heart), Qi and Bai Zhu, ginger and jujube, Xiong Gui (Cinnamon) and Fu Ling (Poria), and Shu Di (Rehmannia) is better. Use Fang Feng heavily to sweep away exterior cold. For headache, add Bai Zhi, and use Ai Ye (Mugwort) to disperse, along with Cang Zhu and Wu Yao, and add Ren Shen and fried Hu Jiao (Pepper). Adjust according to the condition, using skill and wisdom.【Translation】A slow pulse indicates a cold syndrome, with insufficient Yang Qi and blood cold congealed. The Ren pulse is floating, indicating cold evil at the surface. The herbs used may include Fu Zi, Gui Xin, Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Zhu, ginger, jujube, Chuan Xiong, and Fu Ling, with the addition of Shu Di for better effect, and heavy use of Fang Feng to eliminate exterior cold.Combining these herbs can help eliminate the cold evil at the surface. If there is a headache, one may add Bai Zhi and Ai Ye to disperse the meridians, along with Cang Zhu, Wu Yao, Ren Shen, and fried Hu Jiao. Adjustments should be made according to the condition, requiring careful consideration by the physician.【Analysis】The conditions described indicate insufficient internal Yang Qi, unable to promote blood circulation, while external cold evil invades, causing stagnation of Yang Qi and leading to a slow pulse.The Ren pulse indicates the exterior; if there is an exterior evil, the Ren pulse should be floating. Treatment should focus on tonifying Yang and Qi, dispersing the exterior and resolving cold, using Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) combined with Si Jun Zi Tang and Si Wu Tang, adding Fu Zi, Cang Zhu, Wu Yao, and fried Hu Jiao to warm Yang and disperse cold, with heavy use of Fang Feng to eliminate exterior evil. In clinical practice, if a patient with Yang deficiency and weak blood is exposed to exterior cold evil, one must avoid using Ma Huang (Ephedra); if mistakenly used, it could lead to serious complications.Rapid Pulse【Original Text】Rapid pulse indicates heat, with three parts detailed: the inch indicates upper heat, the guan indicates abdominal heat, and the chi indicates urinary issues such as hematuria or prolapse. A rapid pulse on the left indicates eye diseases, while on the right indicates throat sores, possibly accompanied by restlessness, vomiting, or manic behavior, with dry, itchy skin and abscesses.The treatment is to clear heat, with the proper method being effective. Use Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Huang Lian, Chen Pi, Bo He, Niu Bang Zi (Arctium), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Chai Hu, Sheng Ma, Jie Geng (Platycodon), Ma Bo (Morus), and Jang Jiang (Silkworm), which can help clear heat and stop thirst. Use Mu Tong (Akebia) and Sheng Di, and Ban Lan Gen (Isatis) to detoxify and manage skin abscesses.Not floating or sinking, with a thick tongue coating resembling frost, this indicates the initial stage of an epidemic. Use Da Yuan Yin (Great Source Decoction) for treatment, with herbs such as Cao Guo (Tsaoko), Gan Cao, Hou Po, Bing Lang, Zhi Mu, Huang Qin, and Bai Shao, which can disperse the evil and clear heat. Additionally, add Qiang Huo, Chai Hu, and Ge Gen to disperse the three Yang channels; if the evil has transmitted internally, use Da Huang as the chief herb. This is a crucial formula for epidemics, also known as Tian Fang.【Translation】A rapid pulse indicates a heat syndrome, with details provided for the inch, guan, and chi positions. A rapid pulse in the inch indicates heat in the upper body; in the guan, it indicates abdominal heat; and in the chi, it indicates urinary issues such as hematuria or prolapse.A rapid pulse on the left suggests eye diseases, while on the right suggests throat sores, possibly accompanied by restlessness, vomiting, or manic behavior, with dry, itchy skin and abscesses.The treatment is to clear heat, with the proper method being effective. Use Xuan Shen, Huang Lian, Chen Pi, Bo He, Niu Bang Zi, Lian Qiao, Chai Hu, Sheng Ma, Jie Geng, Ma Bo, and Jang Jiang, which can help clear heat and stop thirst. Use Mu Tong and Sheng Di, and Ban Lan Gen to detoxify and manage skin abscesses.If the pulse is neither floating nor sinking, and the tongue coating is thick and greasy like frost, this indicates the initial stage of an epidemic. Use Da Yuan Yin for treatment, with herbs such as Cao Guo, Gan Cao, Hou Po, Bing Lang, Zhi Mu, Huang Qin, and Bai Shao, which can disperse the evil and clear heat. Additionally, add Qiang Huo, Chai Hu, and Ge Gen to disperse the three Yang channels; if the evil has transmitted internally, use Da Huang as the chief herb. This is a crucial formula for epidemics, also known as Tian Fang.【Analysis】A rapid pulse indicates heat, which may be either deficient or excess. Treatment should focus on dispersing wind, detoxifying, clearing heat, and nourishing Yin. Based on the location of the rapid pulse in the inch, guan, and chi positions, one should clear and drain the corresponding organs.The left hand pulse corresponds to the liver; a rapid pulse indicates heat in the liver, which opens to the eyes, hence the occurrence of eye diseases; the right hand pulse corresponds to the spleen; a rapid pulse indicates heat in the spleen, which connects to the throat, hence the occurrence of throat sores.If an epidemic is in its early stages, symptoms may include headache, fever, and a white, thick tongue coating, indicating that the evil heat is lurking. Use Da Yuan Yin to directly address the disease, clear the lurking evil, nourish Yin, and promote the flow of Qi, allowing the evil to retreat and the pulse to stabilize. If the warm evil is hidden between the exterior and interior, or if it emerges from the exterior or enters the interior, the treatment should be based on the disease symptoms.If the condition arises from the Taiyang channel, Qiang Huo is the chief herb; if from the Shaoyang, Chai Hu is the chief herb; if from the Yangming, Ge Gen is the chief herb. If it involves all three Yang channels, use Qiang Huo, Chai Hu, and Ge Gen together. If the heat has already transmitted internally, Da Huang should be used as the chief herb. Formulas may include Dong Yuan Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, Ben Shi Huo Fu Dan, Wu Shi Da Yuan Yin, and San Xiao Yin.Appendix:Four Character Pulse SummaryThe pulse theory is subtle and difficult to measure; the seven exterior and eight interior conditions are hard to distinguish.I am neither Qi nor Huang, but I hold the four-character summary.The four characters are the outline of the pulse; floating, sinking, slow, and rapid are the joints.Floating indicates exterior, while rapid indicates heat; sinking indicates interior, while slow indicates cold.Also observe strength and weakness; between deficiency and excess, determine the distinctions.Exterior and interior, cold and heat, deficiency and excess, the four characters embrace the six family rules.Floating and strong indicate wind; weak and deficient indicate the root.Sinking and strong indicate accumulation; weak and deficient indicate Qi stagnation or obstruction.Slow and strong indicate pain that is hard to endure; weak indicates cold phlegm in the chest.Rapid and strong indicate heat; weak indicates blood deficiency, sores, and pain.1. Seven Exterior Pulses:Floating, hollow, slippery, solid, wiry, tight.Eight Interior Pulses: Weak, sinking, slow, rough, slow, hidden, soft, weak.2. Essence of Pulse TheoryThe pulse theory is as fine as a hair; few can grasp its subtleties. Understanding its main ideas is sufficient; floating, sinking, slow, and rapid are the four characters, corresponding to deficiency and excess, cold and heat, tightly interlinked. The seven exterior and eight interior are not to be disregarded; these four must be clearly analyzed to ensure accurate prescriptions.3. Floating PulseListen to my teachings on floating pulse; gently feel it. Within the floating character, distinguish slow and rapid; floating and slow indicate exterior cold, while floating and rapid often indicate excess heat. Floating and weak indicate great deficiency, while floating and strong indicate wind-cold; remember the floating character well.4. Sinking PulseLet me tell you about the sinking character; press firmly to the bottom. Sinking also contains the principles of slow and rapid; sinking and slow indicate cold like ice, while sinking and rapid indicate internal heat that does not need to be mentioned. A sinking pulse that is weak indicates Qi deficiency, while a sinking pulse that is strong indicates accumulation; remember the sinking character well.5. Pulse by LocationTo learn pulse diagnosis, one must clearly distinguish the locations: the inch, guan, and chi should be the same on both sides. The five organs and six bowels must be matched; the left corresponds to the heart, liver, gallbladder, and kidney, while the right corresponds to the lung, spleen, stomach, and life gate. The kidney and bladder correspond to each other, while the life gate pulse corresponds to the three burners. The large and small intestines are divided at the inch. In clinical practice, the pulse should be calm; do not look askance or listen carelessly. With a clear mind, observe the pulse symptoms; if the disease is in a specific organ, treat deficiency with tonics and excess with purgatives, warming for cold and clearing for heat. By clearly distinguishing deficiency and excess, one will not be ashamed to bear the title of physician.6. Observing Pulse BreathingWhen diagnosing the pulse, breathe steadily, using your breath to gauge theirs, observing the intervals and continuity. A pulse with four beats per breath is a sign of harmony; adding one more beat is also auspicious; six beats or seven rapid beats indicate an urgent pulse, while ten beats indicate impending death. Physicians must distinguish between Yin and Yang; floating and rapid indicate Yang, while sinking and slow indicate Yin. The front and back pulses should be analyzed for Yin and Yang; within Yin is Yang, and within Yang is Yin. When Yin is extreme, it resembles Yang, and when Yang is extreme, it resembles Yin; the balance is crucial for practitioners. If a physician cannot distinguish between Yin and Yang, it is no wonder they may cause life or death.7. Left Inch Floating Pulse (Heart)Left inch floating indicates heart fire deficiency, unable to generate earth; if earth is constrained, metal will surely fail, leading to cough, phlegm, palpitations, and spontaneous sweating. The main formula is Gui Pi Tang, removing Mu Xiang and replacing it with Bai Shao, using Wu Wei Zi for tonification; adjust as needed.Gui Pi Tang Poem:Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Huang Qi, and Shen,Remove Mu Xiang, add Jujube seeds,Gan Cao must be roasted, decoct with ginger and jujube.Yao Xin Tang Poem:Ren Shen, Huang Qi, and Fu Ling,Jujube, Bai Pi, and Chuan Xiong,Half of Gan Cao and Zhi Gui flavor,Blood is sufficient, and the heart will be at peace.Bu Xin Dan Poem:Ren Yuan, Ren Shen, and Fu Ling,Heavenly wheat, and Mai Men Dong,Remove Wu Wei Zi, add Chen Pi and Jujube seeds.Another poem:Add Shi Chang Pu to open the orifices,Honey pills with vermilion coating,Use Ling Cao soup,Remove Wu Wei Zi, add herbs for balance.8. Left Inch Sinking Pulse (Heart)Left inch sinking indicates heart fire excess, which can harm and transfer heat to the small intestine, causing constipation, hematuria, or turbid urination, with severe pain. Use Dao Chi San combined with Xiao Yao San; one dose of Qing Tai can also be effective.Dao Chi San Poem:Sheng Di, Mu Tong, and Gan Cao,Plus bamboo leaves to clear the upper burner,Several cooling herbs to reduce excess heat,In the south, it naturally dissipates.Xiao Yao San Poem:Xiao Yao, the ancients were not self-satisfied,Ling, Bai Shao, and Chai Hu,Sheng Di and Bo He decoct together,Shan Zhi and Dan Pi add flavor.Xie Xin Tang Poem:Xie Xin Tang contains Huang Qin and Lian,Three herbs can drain excess heat strongly,Da Huang must be steamed with wine,As for Huang and Lian, it is also acceptable.9. Left Inch Slow Pulse (Heart)Left inch slow indicates cold in the heart, causing cold sweats, pale complexion, and white urine, with a preference for hot drinks and aversion to cold water. Use Zhen Wu Tang or Li Zhong Tang, with Fu and Gui as necessary, avoiding excessive cold, and use Yang Rong Tang for safety.Li Zhong Tang and Zhen Wu Tang Poem:Bai Zhu, Ren Shen, ginger, and jujube are named Li Zhong,Fu Ling, Bai Shao, and Fu are named Zhen Wu,Returning to the root relies on Gui.Yang Rong Tang Poem:Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, and Gan Cao,Return to Gui, Bai Shao, and Wu Wei.This formula cannot be used without a pulse; warming the meridians and removing cold is greatly beneficial.10. Left Inch Rapid Pulse (Heart)Left inch rapid indicates heat in the heart, which is fire; the heart belongs to fire, and rapid indicates fire. This may lead to redness, swelling, or itching sores, all of which are due to fire. Use Gui Pi Tang to effectively drain the fire within the fire, with Liu Wei Tang adding Bai Shao to gradually reduce it.Liu Wei Tang Poem:Di Huang, Shan Yao, and Fu Ling,Plus Bai Shao to nourish Yin.Yin generates Yang naturally, so there is no fear of a rapid pulse indicating fire.11. Left Guan Floating Pulse (Liver)Left guan floating indicates liver Qi deficiency, with no fire in wood; without fire, wood cannot generate heart, leading to blood deficiency and weakness in the tendons, possibly resulting in lumps or scrofula. Use Qi Wei Yin for treatment.Qi Wei Yin Poem:Six flavors plus Gui is named Qi Wei,Moistening it with this formula is similar,Water can generate wood, and wood can grow strong,What worries about the liver’s floating pulse?12. Left Guan Sinking Pulse (Liver)Left guan sinking indicates liver Qi excess, which is stagnant and cannot extend; causing chest and rib pain, stomach pain, and red eyes, anger harms the liver, leading to weak tendons and potential bleeding. After eating, there may be sour regurgitation, like vinegar soaking the heart; for various conditions, use Xiao Yao San with Zuo Jin added.Zuo Jin Xiao Yao San Poem:Wu Yao and Lian Qiao are Zuo Jin,Xiao Yao is not extended.Disperse the fire of the liver and gallbladder,Wind disperses this formula truly,Add a pinch of rice to treat dysentery.13. Left Guan Slow Pulse (Liver)Left guan slow indicates cold in the liver, like ice hiding charcoal; it is not heat, so use cooling herbs. The whole body trembles, eyes close, hands clench; the waist bends, and legs weaken, with tightness and spasms. Use Gui Gui Yin or Ba Wei Yin, with either option being suitable.Poem:Six flavors and eight flavors are similar,Only Gui and Fu are different.Eight flavors lack sweet goji,Left return lacks Fu Ling.14. Left Guan Rapid Pulse (Liver)Left guan rapid indicates heat in the liver, which increases fire; it scorches metal and harms the spleen, leading to phlegm and dryness. The ruler is unclear, and the minister is strong, causing chaos; seek help from the north to eliminate the thief; use large doses of Liu Wei Tang, adding Bai Shao.15. Left Chi Floating Pulse (Kidney)Left chi floating indicates kidney Qi deficiency, leading to water overflow; water overflows, and earth cannot hold it, resulting in phlegm. Use Li Zhong Tang with Bai Dou, Mu Xiang to control half; if there is a decline in the life gate, it cannot be matched. Use Ba Wei Yin to tonify and eliminate phlegm.16. Left Chi Sinking Pulse (Kidney)Left chi sinking indicates kidney Qi excess, leading to water accumulation; if water does not flow, how can the other organs be nourished? Red eyes, dry lips, and nasal congestion; skin dryness, throat dryness, and constipation. Use Si Wu Tang or You Gui Yin, adding Liu Wei.17. Left Chi Slow Pulse (Kidney)Left chi slow indicates cold in the kidney, causing water to congeal; if water congeals in winter, it will freeze. Wear thick clothes and stay near the fire to stop the cold; with cold limbs and blue lips, abdominal cramps occur. Use ginger and Fu, adding cinnamon to the soup.Poem:Cold congeals, while heat flows; all physicians understand this.When the sun shines, ice and frost dissolve,It is just two eights and Li Zhong.18. Left Chi Rapid Pulse (Kidney)Left chi rapid indicates heat, which causes water to boil; boiling water will overflow, who can stop it? Phlegm rises and essence flows down, leading to danger. Use Yi Qi Tang and Zhi Bai Wan to clear water and nourish the earth; taking both can nourish effectively.19. Right Inch Floating Pulse (Lung)Right inch floating indicates lung Qi deficiency, unable to secure the exterior; it does not control wood, does not generate water, and is burned by fire; leading to dry cough and spontaneous sweating. Huang Qi Tang is effective; with strong wood and weak water, only the lung can be preserved; quickly use Sheng Jin Yin for both.Poem:Huang Qi Tang contains Gui, Bai Zhu, and Huang Qi,Yuan Zhi and Jujube seeds nourish the bones.Sheng Jin Yin contains Dan Pi, Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, and Bai Shao,With the addition of Chen Pi and Mu Guo.20. Right Inch Sinking Pulse (Lung)Right inch sinking indicates lung Qi excess, with internal heat and exterior cold; the cough is deep, the throat is slightly dry, and there is a lack of appetite. Qi does not disperse, leading to fullness in the chest and abdomen, which is difficult to bear. Use Si Jun Zi Tang for light cases and Yi Qi Tang for heavy cases; Ping Fei San and Sheng Mai San can also be used.Poem:Ren Shen, Ling, Chen, and Zhi Wei Tian,That is Ren Shen Ping Fei San,Sheng Mai San contains Ren Shen and Mai Wei,Ping Fei San contains Bai Shao and Gan Cao.21. Right Inch Slow Pulse (Lung)Right inch slow indicates cold in the lung, which cannot overcome wood; if wood is too strong, it will scorch metal and harm the spleen. The spleen is weak and does not generate metal, leading to suffering; the exterior is not protected, making it easy for wind to enter. Use Sheng Jin Yin, taking several doses.Poem:Metal generates water, and water generates wood; fire balances.When metal is strong, wood is restrained,Do not dare to harm the spleen.22. Right Inch Rapid Pulse (Lung)Right inch rapid indicates lung Qi heat, which leads to dryness; it harms the liver, making it difficult to store, causing phlegm and cough with blood. The nostrils are dry, and the skin is itchy, leading to constipation. Use Gan Lu Yin and Qing Jin Yin, both of which should be taken.Gan Lu Yin and Qing Jin Yin Poem:Heavenly dew descends to nourish all things,Earth’s energy does not grow without heavenly support.Two earths and two winters, with Ling and shells,Peach leaves, Yao Chen, and Shi Hu,In Mai Wei Tang, add Bai Shao to clear the disease.23. Right Guan Floating Pulse (Spleen)Right guan floating indicates spleen Qi deficiency, making it difficult to digest food; the stomach cannot accept, and the spleen cannot grind, leading to stagnation. The best treatment is Zhi Shu Wan, which combines tonification and digestion; if necessary, use Bei Ji Dan for urgent cases; overall, Ren Shen Ling San is the best.Poem:Zhi Shu contains only two herbs,Prepare ginger and beans for urgent cases.Ren Shen Ling San is beneficial,With detailed herbal combinations.24. Right Guan Sinking Pulse (Spleen)Right guan sinking indicates spleen Qi excess, which leads to stagnation; the earth becomes stagnant and cannot digest food, leading to dampness. If dampness accumulates, it transforms into phlegm, causing persistent vomiting. Use Er Chen Tang and Liu Jun Zi Tang, which are excellent formulas; Shan Zha and Suan Zao Ren are effective.Er Chen Tang and Liu Jun Zi Tang Poem:Chen Pi and Bai Zhu are named Er Chen,Plus Ren Shen and Bai Zhu, which are Liu Jun.Shan Zha and Shen Qu are good for digestion,Warming the meridians and harmonizing the stomach with Suan Zao Ren.(Any formula can add Shan Zha, Shen Qu, and Suan Zao Ren)25. Right Guan Slow Pulse (Spleen)Right guan slow indicates cold in the spleen, with cold in the stomach; unable to eat, food cannot be digested, leading to abdominal pain and cold limbs. Observe the shape and sound; the condition is dangerous. Use Li Zhong Tang for treatment, which can ensure recovery. Poem: The spleen and stomach are located in the center; the soup is called Li Zhong. Cold in the center leads to this condition, hence the treatment is centered.26. Right Guan Rapid Pulse (Spleen)Right guan rapid indicates heat in the spleen, which is fire; fire generates earth, and earth is pleased, but it must not be too intense. If it is too intense, the spleen cannot control it, leading to blood loss; blood may flow erratically, causing throat issues. Use Gui Pi Tang with Zhi Dan for effective treatment.Poem:Gui Pi leads blood back to the spleen; if blood does not return, it must be used.For other symptoms, Mu Xiang is easy to use with Bai Shao; only blood deficiency requires Mu Xiang.27. Right Chi Floating Pulse (Life Gate)Right chi floating indicates deficiency, with life fire declining; there is a name for fire, but no real fire, leading to weak heat. This can cause heat to rise, harming the body; the symptoms are not singular and cannot be fully described. Nourish kidney water and match accordingly; the couple must be harmonious.Poem:Deficient fire leads to illness; return fire to the root.If asked what medicine to use, the eight flavors can be adjusted.28. Right Chi Sinking Pulse (Life Gate)Right chi sinking indicates excess life fire, which cannot be released; like wet grass, it is covered, seemingly extinguished; yet internally it steams, causing toxicity and hematuria. Select a formula that nourishes water, clears fire, and drains toxins; it must be used, with Du Qi Yin, adding Ze Xie to drain toxins.29. Right Chi Slow Pulse (Life Gate)Right chi slow indicates cold in the life gate, with Yang Qi dispersing; if Yang is exhausted, it can be revived, but it must be miraculous. Cautiously observe the slow pulse; a single Yang is fortunate to remain; consider a miraculous method to save the critical condition; use Fan Ben Tang, adding Ren Shen and Fu to restore Yang Qi.Fan Ben Tang Poem:Fan Ben and Hui Yang, Ren Shen and ginger,Mai Wei and Chen Cao, with strong cinnamon,Decoct with tea and jujube,Add honey to nourish the five organs.If there is no pulse, add pig bile; for vomiting, use ginger and half summer.Fan Ben Tang: Dang Shen, Fu Zi, Pao Jiang, Mai Dong, Wu Wei Zi, Chen Pi, Gan Cao, Rou Gui, and tea with ginger and jujube.30. Right Chi Rapid Pulse (Life Gate)Right chi rapid indicates heat in the life gate, with excessive Yang Qi; the right life gate and the womb are both related; if the ruler is weak and the minister is strong, chaos ensues; assist the ruler’s fire and extinguish the minister’s fire for peace and health; either use Ba Wei or Yang Rong to restore balance. The principles of the valley cannot coexist; evil and righteousness cannot stand together; all are gentlemen, and there is no place for villains.The right side has been completed, with the lung, spleen, and life gate pulses fully described. Although the formulas are written, students must look at each other. The various formulas establish the foundation; it is not the familiarity that matters, but the adaptability. If one can apply the principles of pulse diagnosis, the divine changes are boundless.