Diagram of the Kidney Pulse Appearing in the Three Positions

In traditional Chinese medicine, the pulse is read at three distinct positions on the wrist: the "Cun" (Inch), "Guan" (Gate), and "Chi" (Foot/Cubit). Each position corresponds to different internal organs.

Inch Gate Foot

A slow pulse arises from cold within the Kidney organ

original: "遲由腎臟寒" (chi you shen zang han). A "slow" pulse (fewer than four beats per breath) typically indicates an "Internal Cold" condition, suggesting the body's metabolic fire or Yang energy is insufficient.

The skin becomes dry and rough, and the hair becomes parched

Waking to find the spirit and will lack vitality Dreaming of ghosts and spirits, or frequently entering water

original: "入水" (ru shui). Because the Kidney is associated with the Water element, a deficiency or imbalance in this system often manifests in the subconscious as dreams involving water, such as drowning or floods.

Note: When the Kidney Qi is deficient, it manifests its original elemental nature The Kidney belongs to the Water element.; therefore, one may dream of drowning at the water's edge.

Weighing just over one catty and two taels, they hang opposite each other beneath the ribs

There are two kidneys, weighing a total of one catty and two taels original: "一斤二兩" (yi jin er liang). In traditional Chinese measurements, a 'catty' (jin) is roughly 600 grams, and a 'tael' (liang) is approximately 37.5 grams. These specific weights are derived from the Classic of Difficult Issues (Nan Jing), an ancient medical text., hanging symmetrically on the left and right sides of the body.

Technical Terms: * Kidney 腎 (shen): In Chinese medicine, this refers to a functional system governing growth, reproduction, and water metabolism, rather than just the anatomical organ. * Beneath the ribs 脇下 (xiexia): The flank area along the sides of the torso. * Kidney Qi Deficiency 腎氣虛 (shenqi xu): A state of depleted energy in the kidney system, often leading to fatigue or cold sensations.