[Body Condition Poem]The slippery pulse is like pearls rolling, flowing smoothly back and forth.
[Similar Pulse Poem]Do not confuse the slippery pulse with the rapid pulse; the rapid pulse is only about the number of beats.
[Main Disease Poem]The slippery pulse indicates a deficiency of Yang Qi, leading to phlegm and various diseases caused by food accumulation.It can cause vomiting above and blood accumulation below; in women, a regular pulse indicates pregnancy.
[Segmented Disease Poem]A slippery pulse at the cun position indicates vomiting, sour regurgitation, or coughing.At the guan position, it suggests food stagnation and heat in the liver and spleen; thirst, dysentery, and painful urination can be seen at the chi position.
[Notes] ① Back and forth: refers to the pulse’s continuous flow. ② Smooth and flowing: indicates the slippery pulse’s continuous and unbroken nature. ③ Like pearls rolling: the slippery pulse is likened to pearls rolling on a jade plate, continuous and smooth. ④ Dripping like water: the pulse’s movement resembles water droplets seeping out. ⑤ Slippery pulse like pearls rolling: metaphorically describes the slippery pulse as pearls rolling in a jade plate, continuous and unbroken. ⑥ Flowing smoothly back and forth: the slippery pulse should be smooth and flowing, continuous in both directions.
⑦ Do not confuse the slippery pulse with the rapid pulse: the slippery pulse and rapid pulse should not be mixed. The rapid pulse is characterized by a fast beat, while the slippery pulse, although it may also be fast, has a smooth and flowing quality. ⑧ The rapid pulse is only about the number of beats: emphasizes that the rapid pulse’s characteristic is the number of beats per breath. ⑨ The slippery pulse indicates a deficiency of Yang Qi: the slippery pulse is generally considered a sign of phlegm and food accumulation, but why is it also referred to as a deficiency of original Qi? There are various interpretations, such as in “Pulse Studies for Truth” stating: “Sometimes due to Qi deficiency unable to control Yin fire, a slippery pulse may be observed.” Others believe it is due to the deficiency of original Qi, unable to contain the fire of the liver and kidneys, leading to heat in the blood, resulting in a slippery pulse. This is recorded for reference. 10. Phlegm causes various diseases and food causes disasters: phlegm and food accumulation can lead to internal stagnation, causing Qi and blood to surge, thus presenting a slippery pulse. 11. Vomiting above and blood accumulation below: the slippery pulse indicates phlegm that can lead to the stomach losing its ability to descend, causing vomiting, and can also indicate blood accumulation in the lower jiao due to poor Qi and blood circulation. 12. In women, a regular pulse indicates pregnancy: the slippery pulse should not be entirely viewed as a pathological pulse. For women during pregnancy, due to abundant Qi and blood, a slippery pulse is often palpable.