The invention of pulse is attributed to the sages, who refined and distilled knowledge through rigorous study, making it as clear as a mirror. This article simplifies the complex, allowing mastery of pulse diagnosis. The method of pulse taking has a true transmission, with twenty-eight pulses that are not the same. The floating, sinking, slow, and rapid pulses are the four essential categories that require in-depth study.Floating pulses must be clearly understood (Rú, Gé, Hóng, Wēi, Sàn), while sinking pulses are identified by their heaviness (Fú, Xì, Láo, Ruò). The floating and sinking pulses are further divided into four types (Xū, Shí, Kē, Cháng). Floating pulse: The floating pulse is light and easily felt, like wood floating on water. A strong floating pulse indicates wind-heat, while a weak floating pulse suggests blood deficiency. Sinking pulse: The sinking pulse is heavy and requires firm pressure to be felt, akin to a stone sinking in water. A strong sinking pulse indicates cold pain, while a weak sinking pulse suggests deficiency-cold. Slow pulse: A slow pulse comes at a rate of three beats per breath, indicating a very slow pulse that should be noted. A slow pulse often indicates organ disease or excess cold, requiring careful analysis between deficiency and excess. Rapid pulse: A rapid pulse comes at a rate of six beats per breath, indicating a fast pulse that should be noted. The floating and sinking pulses must be distinguished, as the fire of the monarch and minister differs in treatment. Deficient pulse: The deficient pulse is weak and lacks strength, appearing large and soft without a solid base. A deficient pulse with body heat indicates heat stroke, while a deficiency of qi suggests weakness. Excess pulse: The excess pulse is large and long, with a strong presence. It is most prominent in new illnesses with excess pathogenic qi, while in chronic illnesses, it indicates a poor prognosis. Slippery pulse: The slippery pulse is smooth and requires interpretation, like beads rolling on a plate. It may indicate food stagnation or heat in the chest, and in women, it may indicate pregnancy. Choppy pulse: The choppy pulse is rough and thin, resembling bamboo scraping. It indicates blood deficiency and dryness, and in women, it may indicate absence of menstruation unless pregnant. Surging pulse: The surging pulse is full and wave-like, appearing strong upon arrival but fading away smoothly. It indicates a progression of disease with excess pathogenic qi, making treatment difficult. Thin pulse: The thin pulse is as fine as a thread, requiring careful examination to avoid missing it. It often indicates excessive worry leading to qi and blood deficiency, and dampness may also be present. Hidden pulse: The hidden pulse requires careful searching, as it is felt deep within. It indicates qi stagnation, cold accumulation, or food stagnation, leading to a desire to vomit without success. Moving pulse: The moving pulse is rapid and irregular, with no clear beginning or end, resembling a bean shape. It indicates pain and shock, and in severe cases, it may indicate pregnancy complications. Leather pulse: The leather pulse is tense and urgent, resembling a taut drum skin. It may indicate postpartum complications or excessive bleeding in women, and in men, it may indicate deficiency or nocturnal emissions. Firm pulse: The firm pulse is strong and solid, indicating internal accumulation of cold or pain, and may suggest conditions like hernia or qi stagnation. Rapid pulse: The rapid pulse is quick and stops intermittently, resembling a horse galloping. It indicates excess heat and may lead to severe dehydration, cough, or toxic conditions. Knotted pulse: The knotted pulse is irregular and stops intermittently, indicating stagnation of cold qi or emotional distress. Intermittent pulse: The intermittent pulse stops and starts, indicating a long-standing condition that is difficult to treat, especially in pregnant women or those with epilepsy. Fast pulse: The fast pulse is rapid and agitated, with a rate of seven to eight beats per breath, indicating excessive yang without control and severe deficiency of true yin, leading to critical conditions. Transmission exchange learning sharing: Please contact us at Email: [email protected], Learning website: www.baiguojiayi.com
