Eighth Difficulty

If the inch-mouth pulse is calm and harmonious, yet the person dies, what is the principle behind this?

Answer: All twelve channels are connected to the root of the vital qi. What is called the root of the vital qi is the root of the twelve channels, which is the moving qi between the two kidneys. This is the root of the five viscera and six bowels, the source of the twelve channels, the gateway of respiration, the origin of the triple burner, and is also called the spirit that guards against evil qi. Therefore, it is said that qi is the root of a person; if the root is severed, the branches and leaves will wither. The inch-mouth pulse is calm and harmonious, yet the person dies, because the vital qi alone has been severed internally.