1. Characteristics of the Pulse
According to the “Pulse Classic”: “Fine pulse is smaller than minute, often present, but fine.”
In “The Correct Eye of Diagnosis”: “Fine, straight, and soft, winding and coiling, resembling fine silk, more evident in minute.”
As stated in “Seeking Truth in Pulse Theory”: “Fine pulses come and go like hair, clearly felt under the fingers.”
In “Pulse Theory”: “Fine pulse is extremely thin, with three phases continuously dispersing.”
The sensation of a fine pulse under the fingers is that the pulse body is relatively thin, like touching a fine thread, though the pulse body is fine, it is still easy to discern.
2. Main Symptoms
The fundamental reason for the formation of a fine pulse is: insufficient blood. Due to insufficient blood, it cannot fill the pulse channels, thus the pulse becomes fine, similar to a river’s flow, where a decrease in flow leads to a narrower river surface, as stated in “Pulse Secrets Explained”: “Fine pulse indicates the pulse is thin and cannot be thick; a river’s fine flow is due to reduced water. When the body’s blood is low, naturally the pulse is fine.”
Of course, the presence of a fine pulse does not necessarily indicate it is a pathological pulse; this must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Some individuals naturally have fine pulse characteristics, just as some rivers naturally flow gently without grand waves. “Pulse Secrets Explained” points out: “Some people are born with fine pulses; it should not be hastily deemed weak. One must observe all six positions together.”This means that some individuals naturally exhibit fine pulses without any discomfort in their bodies, which is a characteristic of their constitution. Naturally, those with such a constitution also indicate certain innate qualities. If a fine pulse is present at the cun (寸) position, and one of the six positions has a pulse pattern that differs from the others, either larger or stronger, then that is where the issue lies.
Another reason for the formation of a fine pulse is: Yang Qi cannot invigorate the blood vessels (weak Yang Qi). As stated in “Classifications of Pulse Patterns”: “All fine pulses indicate insufficient original Qi, lack of strength, cold both internally and externally, weakness, leakage, accumulation, and pain.” Furthermore, “Seeking Truth in Pulse Theory” states: “If the pulse is as fine as hair, it belongs to Qi deficiency; even with internal heat, one must also stabilize the middle Qi, and cannot solely use cooling methods, as this will exacerbate the fineness.” Li Shicai said: “I have seen patients with fine pulses and body heat; if the physician does not investigate the source and uses cooling herbs, it causes true Yang to disperse, leading to loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, which hastens their demise.” Clinically, fine pulses seem to more often indicate a deficiency of ‘water’, which is why we emphasize the need for comprehensive diagnosis in clinical practice.
This article is selected from Liu Jianli’s “Essentials of Pulse Theory”. Copyright belongs to the relevant rights holders. This public account uses it for academic exchange only. If there is any infringement, please contact the editor for deletion.
