Sliding Pulse (Hua Mai) is characterized by a smooth and flowing sensation, akin to beads rolling on a surface. This is described in the Pulse Classic (Mai Jing).
Throughout history, physicians have clearly defined the sliding pulse as resembling beads rolling. This rolling occurs with each heartbeat, but it is distinct from the counting of pulses; the sliding pulse refers to the shape of the pulse, while counting refers to the number of beats. These are two entirely different concepts.
The comprehensive description of the sliding pulse indicates that it lacks a rough texture, flowing smoothly like beads on a plate, neither advancing nor retreating. Its shape resembles beads on a plate or dew rolling on a lotus leaf, which does not disappear or disperse quickly. The sliding pulse describes the smooth flow of blood, contrasting sharply with the rough pulse.
In fact, the principle behind the sliding pulse is related to an excess of Yin, indicating that a solid substance is obstructing the flow of Qi, resulting in a sensation akin to a round bead.
The sliding pulse is characterized by smoothness and roundness, resembling beads rolling on a plate. The textbook states that the sliding pulse is associated with conditions such as phlegm-dampness, food stagnation, excess heat, and is commonly found in young adults and pregnant women.
Overview of Conditions Associated with Sliding Pulse:
According to the Essentials of Diagnosis: It is associated with vomiting, phlegm reversal, food stagnation, and amenorrhea. It can indicate upper vomiting or lower Qi stagnation. A sliding pulse in the left cun position suggests heart heat; a large and sliding pulse indicates heart agitation and a strong tongue. A sliding pulse in the left guan position indicates liver heat affecting the head and eyes. A sliding pulse in the left chi position suggests painful urination with red urine. A sliding pulse in the right cun position indicates phlegm and fluid reversal; a sliding and large pulse indicates lung heat, dry throat, phlegm dizziness, blurred vision, and sticky nasal discharge. A sliding pulse in the right guan position indicates spleen heat, bad breath, and undigested food; a sliding and solid pulse indicates stomach heat. A sliding pulse in the right chi position may indicate excessive fire leading to increased thirst, cold abdomen, or diarrhea; in women, it may indicate blood stagnation and menstrual irregularities, especially if sliding, indicating pregnancy.
Additional Notes:
Poem on Main Conditions:
The sliding pulse indicates declining Yang Qi, phlegm causes numerous diseases, food leads to disasters. Upper vomiting and lower blood accumulation, a woman’s pulse indicates pregnancy.
Segmented Poem:
Sliding pulse in the cun indicates phlegm causing vomiting, sour swallowing, strong tongue, or coughing; at the guan, food stagnation with liver and spleen heat, thirst, and diarrhea at the chi.
According to Bo Ren, the three pulse positions should be balanced; if there are no other diseases and the pulse is sliding, it indicates pregnancy. Thus, a smooth and harmonious pulse is a sign of blood nourishing the fetus. The pulse is the vessel of blood; when blood is abundant, the pulse is sliding, hence the pregnancy pulse is appropriate.
Associated Conditions:
Floating sliding pulse indicates wind-phlegm; sinking sliding pulse indicates phlegm-food; sliding and rapid pulse indicates phlegm-heat; sliding and short pulse indicates Qi obstruction. A floating and large pulse indicates painful urination; a floating and scattered pulse indicates stroke paralysis.
Segmented Associated Conditions:
A sliding pulse in the left cun indicates heart phlegm-heat. A sliding pulse in the left guan indicates head and eye issues; a sliding pulse in the left chi indicates painful urination with red urine. A sliding pulse in the right cun indicates phlegm and fluid reversal. A sliding pulse in the right guan indicates undigested food; a sliding pulse in the right chi indicates blood in urine and Qi stagnation.