Precedence of pulse over signs

A principle that applies when an apparent contradiction exists between the pulse and other signs, and the pulse should be taken as the truer indicator of the condition. For example, in an internal heat block with a rapid sunken pulse and reversal cold of the limbs, the pulse faithfully represents the true condition. The signs only reflect the misleading presence of cold due to the confinement of heat in the interior. In some cases, pulse and signs represent different aspects of the condition. Where, for example, drum distension (ascites) is accompanied by a weak, faint pulse, the signs truly reflect the repletion of evil qì, whereas the pulse truly reflects the vacuity of right qì. In such cases, giving precedence to the pulse or to the signs would involve a decision about treatment priorities (supplementation followed by attack or attack followed by supplementation).