2. On the Chong Pulse

2. On the Chong Pulse

Tang Rongchuan elaborated in detail on the critical importance of the Chong pulse in the pathogenesis of human diseases, injecting new and broader content into this traditional TCM concept. The Chong pulse originates in the uterus, runs upward along the navel, and terminates at the chest level, with one on each side. Through extensive clinical observation, Tang Rongchuan believed that the Chong pulse is the key determinant of blood reflux and disease occurrence throughout the body: “The ultimate destination of blood is the Sea of Blood, and the Chong pulse is the gateway to the Sea of Blood. Its meridians extend to the Yangming channel. Without the Chong pulse, blood reflux does not occur; and when blood reflux does occur, it is invariably caused by the Chong pulse... Therefore, treating blood requires addressing the Chong pulse first.” Since the Chong pulse originates in the uterus and extends to the Yangming channel, its qi flows downward naturally. Consequently, all cases of hematemesis, vomiting, and hemoptysis are closely linked to the upward reflux of Chong pulse qi. Only by promptly driving the Chong pulse downward can qi flow smoothly, vomiting cease, and blood not rush out uncontrollably. In formulas aimed at suppressing Chong pulse qi and stopping bleeding, Tang Rongchuan highly praised the outstanding efficacy of Xie Xin Tang; he also believed that rhubarb alone is the primary herb for suppressing reverse flow and stabilizing the Chong pulse, capable of not only “bringing down qi in the stomach”—that is, “all qi-related issues in the meridians, skin, and body—must submit”—but also “suppressing qi in the lungs and other parts of the body.” When Chong pulse qi reverses upward, it carries kidney-related phlegm and cough; when it carries liver-related qi to the lungs, it causes choking cough; and when it carries stomach-related excess fire upward, it leads to flushed cheeks and shortness of breath. All these manifestations can be treated using methods that suppress reverse flow and stabilize the Chong pulse. Tang Rongchuan believed that both Mai Men Dong Tang from the “Jinkui Yao Lu” and Gui Ling Gan Cao Wu Wei Tang from the “Shanghan Lun” have the effect of suppressing reverse flow and stabilizing the Chong pulse, thus being able to treat the aforementioned syndromes.