Pulse Position: Refers to the depth of the pulse manifestation. A superficial pulse is termed floating pulse (fu mai); a deep pulse is termed sinking pulse (chen mai).
(1) Floating Pulse (fu mai)
The pulse is superficial. It can be felt lightly, but pressing harder causes it to diminish. This pulse often indicates an exterior syndrome, suggesting that the disease is located on the surface. A floating tight pulse indicates exterior cold, a floating rapid pulse indicates exterior heat, a floating strong pulse indicates excess on the surface, and a floating weak pulse indicates deficiency. It is commonly seen in the early stages of colds, flu, and various infectious diseases. However, it can also appear as a floating weak pulse in cases of chronic illness with deficiency or in cases of yin deficiency where yang is unable to anchor, leading to the manifestation of floating yang.
(2) Sinking Pulse (chen mai) (also known as fù fú pulse)
The pulse is deep. It is not felt lightly, but can be detected with firm pressure. This pulse indicates an interior syndrome; a sinking strong pulse indicates excess in the interior, a sinking weak pulse indicates deficiency in the interior, a sinking slow pulse indicates interior cold, a sinking rapid pulse indicates interior heat, and a sinking choppy pulse indicates qi stagnation and blood stasis. It is commonly seen in conditions such as edema, abdominal pain, chronic illness, and various weakness-related diseases.
Fù Pulse: This pulse is even deeper than the sinking pulse, only detectable with firm pressure that reaches the bone. It indicates internal obstruction of pathogenic factors or severe pain or syncope.
This issue was edited by Yang Tingrui.
Source: Zhongyi Ren (Traditional Chinese Medicine People)
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