Introduction: How can we distinguish between Qiao Mai (Floating Pulse), Hong Mai (Surging Pulse), Xu Mai (Weak Pulse), Ru Mai (Soft Pulse), San Mai (Scattered Pulse), and Wei Mai (Minute Pulse), which are all types of floating pulses?
The Floating Pulse is characterized by a light and clear upward floating sensation, akin to the pure Yang energy in the sky. When palpating the pulse, one can feel its beating with just a light touch of the fingers on the skin, resembling wood floating on water, gently rising to the surface of the body. A firmer press will slightly diminish the sensation, but it does not present as empty or weak. There are six types of pulses that are similar to the floating pulse: Hong Mai, Xu Mai, San Mai, Qiao Mai, Ru Mai, and Wei Mai. The pulse is floating and strong, with a large pulse body that comes and goes robustly; this is the Hong Mai. If the pulse is floating but weak, although the pulse body is larger, it feels soft and slow upon pressing; this is the Xu Mai. A floating and scattered pulse that feels indistinct, lightly pressing reveals a scattered and disordered sensation, moderately pressing feels empty, and a heavy press yields nothing, accompanied by irregular pulsations that vary in speed but do not stop; if it is softer than the Xu Mai, and with slight pressure it disperses in all directions, this is called San Mai. If the pulse body is floating, large, and soft, resembling pressing on a scallion tube, with a hollow center and solid sides, and when pressed heavily the center yields while the sides remain firm, this is Qiao Mai. If the pulse body is floating and soft, lightly pressing feels like cotton floating on water, this is Ru Mai. If it is finer and softer than Ru Mai, with slight pressure it feels as if it is there and not there, unable to withstand a heavy press, this is Wei Mai.
Comparison chart of Floating Pulse and similar pulses
Qiao Mai, Hong Mai, Xu Mai, Ru Mai, San Mai, and Wei Mai are all types of floating pulses, and their commonality lies in their floating nature. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish between them.
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Note: Please follow medical advice for specific treatments and medications! This article is excerpted from Li Shizhen’s Teachings on Pulse Diagnosis, Wang Jiran, Zhang Li interpretation, Chongqing Publishing House, 2010.2. This public account is used solely for academic exchange; if there is any infringement, please contact for deletion, and please indicate the source when reprinting.
Cover image source: Shetu Network.
Cover image source: Shetu Network.Previous Recommendations: What exactly is the Xi Mai (Joyful Pulse)? How to identify it?
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