1、Fú (Floating)
Fú mài (Floating pulse) is characterized by a strong presence when lifted and a weak presence when pressed down (from Mài jīng). It resembles the light touch of a breeze on a bird’s feathers, appearing light and floating, like the movement of elm seeds (from Sù wèn), like wood floating on water (from Cuī shì), or like twisting scallion leaves (from Lí shì). (The floating pulse indicates a light and clear presence above, represented by the Qián hexagram, associated with autumn, and linked to the lungs, also referred to as máo. If excessive, it feels firm and hollow on the sides, indicating an external condition. If deficient, the qi feels weak and the condition is internal. Mài jué states that if it feels like an excess, it is a combination of floating and flooding, not merely a floating pulse.)『Body Condition Poem』The floating pulse travels only above the flesh, like the light touch of elm seeds. In autumn, it indicates no illness; if found in a long-term illness, it can be alarming.『Similar Condition Poem』Floating like wood on water, large and hollow indicates kāo (hollow pulse). It floats lightly and evenly like twisting scallions. If weak, it feels large and empty. Floating and soft indicates rú (soft pulse), scattered like willow fluff with no fixed trace. (Floating and strong indicates hóng (flooding), floating and slow indicates xū (deficient), very deficient indicates sàn (scattered), floating and weak indicates kāo (hollow), floating and soft indicates rú (soft).)『Main Disease Poem』The floating pulse indicates exterior diseases, with slow wind, rapid heat, and tight cold. A strong floating pulse suggests wind-heat, while a weak floating pulse indicates blood deficiency. A floating pulse at the inch indicates headaches and dizziness from wind, or phlegm obstructing the chest. A weak pulse at the guān indicates earth deficiency and wood excess, while a weak pulse at the chǐ indicates urinary obstruction.(The floating pulse indicates exterior conditions; a strong pulse indicates excess, a weak pulse indicates deficiency, floating and slow indicates wind, floating and rapid indicates wind-heat, floating and tight indicates wind-cold, floating and slow indicates wind-damp, floating and deficient indicates heat from summer heat, floating and hollow indicates blood loss, floating and flooding indicates deficient heat, floating and scattered indicates exhaustion.)
2、Chén (Deep)
Chén mài (Deep pulse) is felt with a heavy hand until reaching the tendons and bones (from Mài jīng). It feels like sand wrapped in cotton, firm inside and soft outside (from Yáng shì). Like a stone thrown into water, it must reach the bottom. The deep pulse indicates a hidden spring below, represented by the Kǎn hexagram, associated with winter, and linked to the kidneys. Also referred to as shí (stone) or yíng (nourishing). If excessive, it feels like a bouncing stone, becoming firmer when pressed, indicating an external condition. If deficient, the qi feels weak and the pulse is faint, indicating an internal condition.Mài jué states that a slow pulse at the three positions resembles soft cotton, which is not a deep pulse. The deep pulse can be slow or rapid, and soft cotton is a weak pulse, not a deep pulse.『Body Condition Poem』Water flows and moistens, the pulse comes deep, smooth and even between the tendons and bones. For women, it is at the inch; for men, it is at the chǐ; this is the norm for all seasons.『Similar Condition Poem』The deep pulse adjusts between tendons and bones, pressing down feels like touching the bones. A deep pulse that is fine like cotton indicates a weak pulse, while a strong and large pulse indicates a firm shape. (The deep pulse travels between tendons, while the floating pulse travels above the bones; a firm and large pulse is strong, while a weak and fine pulse is weak.)『Main Disease Poem』The deep pulse indicates internal diseases, with rapid heat, slow cold, and slippery phlegm. A weak and deep pulse indicates deficiency of qi, while a deep pulse with qi indicates accumulation and cold. A deep pulse at the inch indicates phlegm accumulation and water retention in the chest, while a weak pulse at the guān indicates internal cold pain and obstruction. A weak pulse at the chǐ indicates turbid discharge and diarrhea, while a weak pulse indicates kidney deficiency and lower back weakness.(The deep pulse indicates internal conditions; a strong pulse indicates excess, a weak pulse indicates deficiency. A deep pulse indicates qi, and also indicates water retention; a slow deep pulse indicates chronic cold, a rapid deep pulse indicates internal heat, a slippery deep pulse indicates phlegm and food, a rough deep pulse indicates qi stagnation, a weak deep pulse indicates cold and heat, a slow deep pulse indicates cold dampness, a tight deep pulse indicates cold pain, and a firm deep pulse indicates cold accumulation.)
3、Chí (Slow)
Chí mài (Slow pulse) is characterized by three beats per breath, coming and going extremely slowly (from Mài jīng). The slow pulse indicates that yang cannot overcome yin, hence the pulse is delayed. Mài jué states that a heavy hand is required to feel it, indicating a deep pulse without a floating pulse. Three beats per breath are very easy to observe. However, if it feels hidden or difficult to discern, it is a rough pulse, which is a clear error.『Body Condition Poem』The slow pulse comes with three beats, indicating that yang cannot overcome the cold yin. One must distinguish between floating and deep to eliminate yin, and one must nourish the fire source.『Similar Condition Poem』The pulse comes with three beats, indicating a slow pulse; a slightly faster pulse is called a relaxed pulse. A slow and fine pulse is difficult to discern, while a floating and slow pulse indicates deficiency. (Three beats indicate a slow pulse; a strong pulse indicates a relaxed pulse, while a weak pulse indicates a rough pulse; a pulse that stops indicates a tight pulse, while a very slow pulse indicates a failure; a floating and large pulse indicates deficiency.)『Main Disease Poem』The slow pulse indicates organ diseases or phlegm accumulation; slow and chronic conditions should be examined carefully. A strong and slow pulse indicates cold pain, while a weak and slow pulse indicates deficiency and cold. A slow pulse at the inch indicates upper jiao cold, while a pulse at the guān indicates internal cold pain. A pulse at the chǐ indicates kidney deficiency and heaviness in the lower back, while a pulse at the chǐ indicates urinary obstruction and hernia pain.(The slow pulse indicates organ conditions; a strong pulse indicates cold pain, while a weak pulse indicates deficiency and cold. A floating slow pulse indicates exterior cold, while a deep slow pulse indicates internal cold.)
4、Shuò (Rapid)
Shuò mài (Rapid pulse) is characterized by six beats per breath (from Mài jīng).
The pulse flows thin and fast (from Sù wèn). The rapid pulse indicates that yin cannot overcome yang, hence the pulse comes too strong. Floating, deep, slow, and rapid are the main categories of pulses. Both Sù wèn and Mài jīng describe the normal pulse. Mài jué states that there are seven exterior pulses and eight interior pulses, but neglects the rapid pulse, which is only mentioned in relation to the heart, which is a serious error.
『Body Condition Poem』The rapid pulse has six beats per breath; with weak yin and strong yang, it must be agitated. Floating and deep indicate the distinction between exterior and interior, while only children exhibit auspicious signs.『Similar Condition Poem』The rapid pulse has one more beat than a normal pulse; it feels tight like a string. A rapid pulse that stops is called a hurried pulse, while a rapid pulse that is strong indicates heat, while a rapid pulse that is smooth indicates fluidity. A rapid pulse that stops is called a hurried pulse, while a rapid pulse that is very strong indicates extreme heat, while a rapid pulse that is smooth indicates fluidity.『Main Disease Poem』The rapid pulse indicates yang heat; one must use the fire of the lord to treat it. It is appropriate to cool and drain excess heat, while warming and tonifying deficiency. A rapid pulse at the inch indicates throat and tongue sores, while a rapid pulse at the guān indicates stomach and liver heat. A rapid pulse at the chǐ indicates yin deficiency and fire, while a rapid pulse at the chǐ indicates heat in the stomach.(The rapid pulse indicates conditions of the bowels; a strong pulse indicates real fire, while a weak pulse indicates false fire. A floating rapid pulse indicates exterior heat, while a deep rapid pulse indicates internal heat; a rapid pulse at the qi indicates real lung abscess, while a rapid pulse at the chǐ indicates lung deficiency.)
5、Huá (Slippery)
Huá mài (Slippery pulse) is characterized by a smooth and flowing pulse, like pearls rolling (from Mài jīng). It feels like it is about to slip away. The slippery pulse indicates an excess of yin qi, hence the pulse flows smoothly like water. The pulse is the vessel of blood; when blood is abundant, the pulse is slippery, hence the kidney pulse is suitable; when qi is abundant, the pulse is rough, hence the lung pulse is suitable. Mài jué states that pressing it down causes it to sink; the three positions feel like pearls, not moving in or out, which does not distinguish between floating slippery, deep slippery, and inch slippery; this is the correct interpretation.『Body Condition Poem』The slippery pulse feels like pearls rolling, coming and going smoothly. Do not confuse slippery with rapid; the rapid pulse is only observed in the number of beats.(The slippery pulse feels like pearls, while the rapid pulse has six beats.)『Main Disease Poem』The slippery pulse indicates a decline in yang qi; phlegm causes numerous diseases, and food causes disasters. It can lead to vomiting and blood accumulation, while women’s pulses indicate pregnancy. A slippery pulse at the inch indicates phlegm causing vomiting, while a slippery pulse at the guān indicates food heat in the liver and spleen. A slippery pulse at the chǐ indicates thirst, diarrhea, and urination.(The slippery pulse indicates phlegm and fluid; a floating slippery pulse indicates wind phlegm, while a deep slippery pulse indicates food phlegm; a slippery rapid pulse indicates phlegm fire, while a slippery short pulse indicates food accumulation.)
6、Sè (Rough)
Sè mài (Rough pulse) is characterized by a fine and slow pulse, difficult to come and go, short and scattered, sometimes stopping and then returning (from Mài jīng). It is unbalanced (from Sù wèn). It feels like a light knife scraping bamboo (from Mài jué). It feels like rain touching sand (from Tōng zhēn zǐ). It resembles a sick silkworm eating leaves. The rough pulse indicates an excess of yang qi; when qi is abundant, blood is scarce, hence the pulse comes slowly and is suitable for the lungs. Mài jué states that it feels like there is something beneath the fingers, but when lifted, it is completely absent. This is unrelated to what Mài jīng states.『Body Condition Poem』The rough pulse is fine and slow, difficult to come and go, scattered and occasionally stopping. It feels like rain touching sand, easily dispersing, like a sick silkworm eating leaves.『Similar Condition Poem』Unbalanced and uncoordinated is called rough; it feels like a light knife scraping bamboo, short and difficult. It resembles a fine blade, soft and weak, while a floating and deep pulse indicates a lack of distinction.『Main Disease Poem』The rough pulse indicates blood deficiency or damage to essence; it can lead to reverse stomach and loss of yang, with sweating and rain. Cold dampness enters the blood, causing blood stasis; for women, it indicates pregnancy or absence of menstruation. A rough pulse at the inch indicates heart deficiency and chest pain, while a rough pulse at the guān indicates stomach deficiency and abdominal distension.(The rough pulse indicates blood deficiency and damage to essence; for women, it indicates pregnancy, while for men, it indicates loss of essence. Dù Guāngtíng states that the rough pulse is only seen at the chǐ, resembling a dead pulse.)
7、Xū (Weak)
Xū mài (Weak pulse) is characterized by a large and soft pulse, with no strength when pressed, and feels empty when lifted (from Mài jīng). It is said that it is large and weak, indicating its deficiency. Mài jué states that it feels insufficient when searched for, but feels strong when lifted. The floating pulse does not show weakness. Yáng Rénzhāi states that it resembles willow fluff, scattered and slow. Huá shì states that it is scattered and large, all of which are scattered pulses, not weak pulses.『Body Condition Poem』When lifted, it feels large and soft, while pressing down feels loose; the pulse feels boundless, resembling an empty valley. Do not confuse kāo (hollow pulse) with weakness; the hollow pulse feels large and floating like a scallion.Weak pulses feel large and slow, with no strength when pressed.『Main Disease Poem』The weak pulse indicates body heat from summer heat, with spontaneous sweating, palpitations, and anxiety. Fever from yin deficiency must be treated early; nourishing the blood and tonifying qi should not be delayed. Blood does not nourish the heart, leading to a weak pulse at the inch, while a pulse at the guān indicates abdominal distension and difficulty in digestion. Bone steaming and weakness indicate damage to essence and blood, which reside in the spirit gate.Jīng states: blood deficiency leads to a weak pulse. It states: qi comes weakly, indicating internal disease. It states: a long-term weak pulse indicates death.
8、Shí (Full)
Shí mài (Full pulse) can be felt both floating and deep, with a large and long pulse that feels tight (from Mài jīng). It appears firm. Mài jué states that it feels like a rope when pressed, indicating a tight pulse, not a full pulse.『Body Condition Poem』Both floating and deep can be large and long, with no emptiness when pressed. Heat accumulates in the three jiaos, forming strong fire; sweating and purging the intestines leads to health.『Similar Condition Poem』The full pulse can be both floating and deep, strong and tight like a bowstring. One must know that a firm pulse supports the tendons and bones; a full and long pulse feels tight and strong. Both floating and deep pulses indicate fullness, while a tight pulse indicates tension.『Main Disease Poem』The full pulse indicates yang fire accumulation, leading to mania, delirium, and frequent vomiting. It may indicate yang toxicity or food injury, with constipation or abdominal pain. A full pulse at the inch indicates heat in the face, while a full pulse at the guān indicates stomach heat and fullness. Jīng states: a full pulse indicates blood fullness. It states: a full pulse indicates water and grain diseases. It states: a strong pulse indicates excess qi. Mài jué states that a full pulse at the chǐ indicates urinary obstruction, which contradicts Mài jīng’s statement about abdominal pain and difficulty urinating.
9、Cháng (Long)
Cháng mài (Long pulse) is neither small nor large, but extends evenly (from Zhū shì). It feels like following a long pole; it feels like pulling a rope, like following a long pole, indicating illness (from Sù wèn). The long pulse has three sections; one section is associated with spring, while the other is linked to the liver; the heart pulse is long, indicating strong spirit and qi; the kidney pulse is long, indicating a firm root. Jīng states: a long pulse indicates qi regulation, and all refer to a normal pulse.『Body Condition Poem』The long pulse extends evenly, indicating a balanced condition; if it is abnormal, it indicates illness. When the pulse is tight, it is not long; a skilled practitioner can measure it accurately.(Full, firm, tight, and strong pulses can all be long pulses.)『Main Disease Poem』The long pulse is even and balanced; if it is abnormal, it indicates illness. If it is not due to yang toxicity or epilepsy, it indicates deep heat.(The long pulse indicates excess conditions.)
10、Duǎn (Short)
Duǎn mài (Short pulse) does not reach the normal position (from Mài jué). It comes and goes, unable to fill the entire section (from Mài jīng). Dài Tóngfù states: a short pulse is only seen at the inch; if it is short at the guān, it indicates that the upper does not connect to the inch, and the lower does not connect to the chǐ, indicating a severed pulse, which is fatal. Therefore, the guān should not be diagnosed as short.Lí jū shì states: there is no fixed body for long and short; all pulses are measured, and those that exceed the normal position are long, while those that do not reach the normal position are short. Long pulses belong to the liver and are suitable for spring, while short pulses belong to the lungs and are suitable for autumn. However, when diagnosing the liver and lungs, long and short pulses are self-evident.『Body Condition Poem』Both ends are shortened, indicating a short pulse; it feels short and slow, fine and difficult. A short and rough pulse is seen in autumn, while a long pulse indicates an evil influence in spring.(Rough, fine, moving, and tight pulses can all be short pulses.)『Main Disease Poem』The short pulse is only found at the inch; a short and slippery pulse indicates alcohol injury to the spirit. A floating pulse indicates blood stasis, while a deep pulse indicates abdominal pain.(Jīng states: a short pulse indicates qi disease; a short pulse indicates a lack of qi.)
11、Hóng (Flooding)
Hóng mài (Flooding pulse) is characterized by a very large pulse (from Mài jīng). It comes strong and goes weak (from Sù wèn). It comes large and goes long (from Tōng zhēn zǐ). The flooding pulse is represented by the Lí hexagram, associated with summer, and linked to the heart. Sù wèn refers to it as large, also known as gōu (hook). Huá shì states: it comes strong and goes weak, like a hook that curves up and then down. It represents the flow of blood, resembling the appearance of all things hanging down. Zhān Yánjù states that it feels like a pearl necklace, which is incorrect. Mài jué states that it is suitable for late summer; in autumn and winter, sweating and purging the intestines are not suitable for the flooding pulse, which is a mistake.『Body Condition Poem』The pulse comes strong and goes weak, filling the fingers and feeling heavy in summer. If it is found in spring, autumn, or winter, it indicates rising yang and dispersing fire, so do not hesitate.『Similar Condition Poem』The flooding pulse comes strong and goes weak, resembling waves. To know the difference between a full pulse and a scattered pulse, one must press down and feel the tightness.(A strong flooding pulse indicates fullness, while a weak pulse indicates flooding.)『Main Disease Poem』The flooding pulse indicates yang excess and blood deficiency; the fire of the heart is burning hot. Stomach fullness must be treated early, while yin deficiency can lead to diarrhea. A flooding pulse at the inch indicates heart fire in the upper jiao, while a flooding pulse at the guān indicates flooding in the stomach. The flooding pulse indicates yang excess and yin deficiency; diarrhea, blood loss, and chronic cough are contraindicated. Jīng states: a thin body with a large pulse often indicates death. It states: a large pulse indicates a worsening condition.
12、Wēi (Fine)
Wēi mài (Fine pulse) is extremely fine and soft, pressing down feels like it is about to disappear, and it feels like it is there and not there (from Mài jīng). It is fine and slightly long (from Dài shì). Sù wèn refers to it as small. When qi and blood are weak, the pulse is weak.『Body Condition Poem』The fine pulse is light and delicate, pressing down feels like it is about to disappear. It is like a floating cloud, and when pressed down, it feels like it is about to disappear. 『Similar Condition Poem』The fine pulse is light and delicate, while the floating pulse is fine and weak. When the pulse is fine, it indicates weakness; when it is floating, it indicates weakness.『Main Disease Poem』The fine pulse indicates weak qi and blood, with chills, fever, and profuse sweating. For men, it indicates extreme fatigue and various deficiencies; for women, it indicates bleeding and discharge. A fine pulse at the inch indicates shortness of breath or anxiety, while a fine pulse at the guān indicates abdominal distension and weakness. A fine pulse at the chǐ indicates cold and pain, while a fine pulse indicates blood deficiency and weakness.Jīng states: a fine pulse indicates blood deficiency and weakness. If this condition persists, it may lead to death.
13、Jǐn (Tight)
Jǐn mài (Tight pulse) is characterized by a strong pulse that comes and goes with force, like a taut rope (from Sù wèn). It feels like a tight string, with a rapid and tight pulse (from Zhōng jīng), like cutting a rope (from Mài jīng), or like a thread (from Dàn xī). The tight pulse indicates that heat is binding cold, hence it feels rapid and tight. Sù wèn refers to it as urgent. Mài jué states that it feels like a taut string. Cuī shì states that floating tight pulses are like strings, while deep tight pulses are like firm pulses, which are also similar.『Body Condition Poem』When pressed, it feels like a taut string, indicating a tight pulse. It is caused by cold evil invading, leading to abdominal pain and external body pain.『Similar Condition Poem』It resembles a tight pulse, indicating tension and pain. It indicates that cold causes pain, while the tight pulse indicates tension and pain.『Main Disease Poem』The tight pulse indicates pain caused by cold, with coughing, wheezing, and vomiting of cold phlegm. A floating tight pulse indicates exterior cold, while a deep tight pulse indicates internal warmth. A tight pulse at the inch indicates pain in the heart and abdomen, while a tight pulse at the guān indicates abdominal pain and cold. All tight pulses indicate cold and pain; a tight pulse at the yīng indicates cold and pain, while a tight pulse at the qi indicates food and pain. In cases of abdominal pain, a tight pulse indicates death.
14、Huǎn (Relaxed)Huǎn mài (Relaxed pulse) is characterized by a slightly faster pulse than a slow pulse (from Mài jīng). It has four beats per breath (from Dài shì), like silk in a thread, not rolling on its axis, feeling smooth and even (from Zhāng Tàisù), like the willows dancing in the spring breeze (from Yáng Xuáncāo), or like a gentle breeze on the willow tips (from Huá Bórén). The relaxed pulse is represented by the Kūn hexagram, associated with the four seasons, and linked to the spleen. The upper inch and lower chǐ are equal; it feels floating and large, with no dominance, indicating a normal pulse.If it is not at the right time, it indicates illness. A relaxed and even pulse, neither floating nor deep, neither rapid nor slow, neither fine nor weak, indicates stomach qi. Dù Guāngtíng states: to know the time of death, one must consider the five types of soil. Yang soil must not encounter yin, while yin soil must encounter yin to be counted. Refer to Yù hán jīng.『Body Condition Poem』The relaxed pulse is smooth and even, like willows swaying in the breeze. To seek the spirit and qi from the pulse, one must be calm and relaxed.『Similar Condition Poem』It resembles a slow pulse.『Main Disease Poem』The relaxed pulse indicates weak qi and excess wei, possibly due to wind, dampness, or spleen deficiency. It indicates stiffness in the neck and weakness in the lower body, distinguishing between floating and deep, large and small. A relaxed pulse at the inch indicates wind evil in the neck and back, while a relaxed pulse at the guān indicates dizziness and stomach deficiency. A relaxed pulse at the shénmén indicates fluid retention or wind secretions, while a relaxed pulse indicates weakness in the legs.Floating relaxed pulses indicate wind, while deep relaxed pulses indicate dampness; relaxed large pulses indicate wind deficiency, while relaxed fine pulses indicate dampness and stasis.Mài jué states: the relaxed pulse indicates spleen heat, bad breath, reverse stomach, tooth pain, and nightmares. This is fabricated and unrelated to relaxation.
15、Kāo (Hollow)Kāo mài (Hollow pulse) is characterized by a large and soft pulse, with a hollow center and solid sides (from Mài jīng). It is hollow in the center and solid on the sides, resembling a scallion. Kāo refers to scallions. Sù wèn does not mention the hollow pulse. Liú Sān diǎn states: what does the hollow pulse resemble? It resembles a scallion, with a hollow center and solid sides. Dài Tóngfù states: the pulse flows through the blood, and the hollow pulse indicates blood loss.Mài jīng states: the three sections of the pulse indicate a hollow pulse; a long-term illness indicates life, while a sudden illness indicates death. Mài jué states: the two ends are solid, while the center is hollow, indicating a severed pulse. It also indicates dripping, with qi entering the small intestine. This is contrary to the symptoms of blood loss, which is a serious error.
『Body Condition Poem』
The hollow pulse is large and soft like a scallion, with solid sides and a hollow center. Fire invades the yang channels, causing blood to overflow, while heat invades the yin channels, causing red flow. 『Similar Condition Poem』The hollow pulse has a hollow center and solid sides, indicating a large and weak pulse. A hollow pulse with a tight pulse is called a leather pulse; blood loss indicates a hollow pulse, while blood deficiency indicates a weak pulse.『Main Disease Poem』A hollow pulse at the inch indicates blood accumulation in the chest, while a hollow pulse at the guān indicates intestinal abscess. A hollow pulse at the chǐ indicates significant blood loss, while a hollow pulse indicates red flow and bleeding.
16、Xián (String)Xián mài (String pulse) is characterized by a straight and long pulse (from Sù wèn), resembling a taut bowstring (from Mài jīng), pressing down does not move, and it feels like pressing a zither string (from Cháo shì), resembling a zither string (from Mài jué), passing straight through, feeling firm beneath the fingers (from Kān wù). The string pulse is represented by the Zhèn hexagram, associated with spring, and linked to the liver. A light and slippery pulse is normal, while a firm and slippery pulse indicates illness; a tight and urgent pulse indicates death. Chí shì states: a tight and rapid pulse indicates excess, while a tight and fine pulse indicates deficiency. Dài Tóngfù states: a string pulse that is soft indicates a mild condition, while a string pulse that is hard indicates a severe condition. Mài jué states: it is often accompanied by rapid beats, and it is said that the pulse feels tight like a rope. This is not the appearance of a string pulse, and it should be corrected.『Body Condition Poem』The string pulse is long and straight, indicating that the liver is strong and the earth is weak. Anger fills the chest, causing a desire to shout, while tears flow from the eyes.『Similar Condition Poem』The string pulse is straight and long, while a tight pulse feels like a rope. The tight pulse indicates strength, while the string pulse indicates appearance; a firm pulse is long and deep.『Main Disease Poem』The string pulse corresponds to the liver and gallbladder, indicating phlegm, cold, heat, and malaria. Floating and deep pulses must be distinguished, while large and small pulses indicate severity. A string pulse at the inch indicates headaches and phlegm accumulation, while a string pulse at the guān indicates stomach cold and abdominal pain. A string pulse at the chǐ indicates kidney deficiency and leg cramps.The string pulse indicates excess conditions; a floating string pulse indicates phlegm overflow, while a deep string pulse indicates internal pain. Malaria pulses are string-like, while a string pulse with rapid beats indicates heat, while a string pulse with slow beats indicates cold. If not treated, it may lead to death.
17、Gé (Leather)
Gé mài (Leather pulse) is characterized by a string-like appearance (from Zhōng jīng), resembling a drum skin (from Dàn xī).
Zhōng jīng states: a string pulse indicates cold, while a hollow pulse indicates deficiency; deficiency and cold combine, leading to the leather pulse. For men, it indicates blood loss and loss of essence, while for women, it indicates postpartum bleeding.
Mài jīng states: the three sections of the pulse indicate a leather pulse; a long-term illness indicates death, while a sudden illness indicates life.Shí zhēn states: this is the combination of hollow and string pulses, hence it indicates blood loss. Various pulse texts consider it a firm pulse, leading to confusion between leather and firm pulses, as they are distinct.Furthermore, Jiǎ yǐ jīng states: the leather pulse is mixed and rapid, like a spring, indicating danger; a rough pulse is like a bowstring, indicating a lack of return. This indicates that the pulse is mixed and rapid, indicating a lack of return.『Body Condition Poem』The leather pulse resembles a drum skin, with a combination of hollow and string pulses indicating cold and deficiency. For women, it indicates postpartum bleeding, while for men, it indicates deficiency and loss of essence.『Similar Condition Poem』It resembles hollow and firm pulses.
18、Láo (Firm)
Láo mài (Firm pulse) resembles a deep and floating pulse, appearing large and long, with a fine string (from Mài jīng). Biàn Qióng states: a firm and long pulse indicates the liver. Zhōng jīng states: cold leads to a firm pulse, indicating firmness.Shěn shì states: it resembles a deep and floating pulse, indicating a firm position; it feels large and fine, indicating a firm body. Mài jué does not mention the appearance, but states that it is difficult to find when searching, while it is present when pressed. The pulse enters the skin, making it difficult to discern; it is also considered a dead pulse, which is a serious error.
『Body Condition Poem』The firm pulse is long and large, indicating a firm position. The leather pulse and hollow pulse rise together, while the firm pulse indicates a firm condition.『Main Disease Poem』The firm pulse indicates cold and firmness, with abdominal pain and cold in the heart. Hernias and phlegm accumulation are not to be worried about, while blood loss and yin deficiency are contraindicated.The firm pulse indicates cold and fullness; if the liver is firm, it indicates pain.Biàn Qióng states: softness indicates deficiency, while firmness indicates fullness. In cases of blood loss, the pulse should be deep and fine; if it is floating and large, it indicates death, while deficiency indicates a firm pulse.
19、Rú (Soft)
Rú mài (Soft pulse) is extremely soft and floating, like silk in water, requiring a light touch to feel, and pressing down feels empty (from Mài jīng). It resembles floating foam. The soft pulse indicates a lack of blood. Mài jué states that pressing down feels like it is about to disappear, indicating a weak pulse, not a soft pulse.
『Body Condition Poem』
The soft pulse is extremely soft and floating, requiring a light touch to feel. It resembles floating foam, and pressing down feels like it is about to disappear.
『Similar Condition Poem』
The soft pulse is floating and fine, indicating weakness, while the deep pulse is fine and weak.
『Main Disease Poem』The soft pulse indicates blood deficiency and yin deficiency, with a lack of essence and qi. For men, it indicates extreme fatigue and various deficiencies; for women, it indicates bleeding and discharge. A soft pulse at the inch indicates shortness of breath or anxiety, while a soft pulse at the guān indicates abdominal distension and weakness. A soft pulse at the chǐ indicates cold and pain, while a soft pulse indicates blood deficiency and weakness.
20、Ruò (Weak)Ruò mài (Weak pulse) is extremely soft and deep, requiring pressure to feel, while lifting feels empty (from Mài jīng). The weak pulse is a dry pulse. Mài jué states that it feels weak when pressed, while it feels strong when lifted. The floating pulse does not show weakness. Yáng Rénzhāi states that it resembles willow fluff, scattered and slow. Huá shì states that it is scattered and large, all of which are scattered pulses, not weak pulses.『Body Condition Poem』When lifted, it feels large and soft, while pressing down feels loose; the pulse feels boundless, resembling an empty valley. Do not confuse kāo (hollow pulse) with weakness; the hollow pulse feels large and floating like a scallion.Weak pulses feel large and slow, with no strength when pressed.『Main Disease Poem』The weak pulse indicates body heat from summer heat, with spontaneous sweating, palpitations, and anxiety. Fever from yin deficiency must be treated early; nourishing the blood and tonifying qi should not be delayed. Blood does not nourish the heart, leading to a weak pulse at the inch, while a pulse at the guān indicates abdominal distension and difficulty in digestion. Bone steaming and weakness indicate damage to essence and blood, which reside in the spirit gate.Jīng states: blood deficiency leads to a weak pulse. It states: qi comes weakly, indicating internal disease. It states: a long-term weak pulse indicates death.
21、Sàn (Scattered)Sàn mài (Scattered pulse) is large and scattered, with an exterior without an interior (from Mài jīng). It is loose and unrestrained (from Cuī shì), lacking structure and restraint, with an irregular rhythm, sometimes coming in abundance and sometimes in scarcity. It is scattered and unrestrained, resembling willow fluff (from Liú shì). Dài Tóngfù states: the heart pulse is floating and large, while the lung pulse is short and scattered, indicating a normal pulse. The heart pulse is soft and scattered, indicating anxiety; the lung pulse is soft and scattered, indicating sweating; the liver pulse is soft and scattered, indicating overflow; the spleen pulse is soft and scattered, indicating swelling, which indicates illness. The kidney pulse is soft and scattered, indicating various diseases.Nán jīng states: a scattered pulse indicates danger. Liú shì states: a scattered pulse indicates both qi and blood deficiency, indicating a severed pulse; for women, it indicates childbirth, while for pregnant women, it indicates miscarriage.『Body Condition Poem』The scattered pulse resembles willow fluff, coming and going without a fixed rhythm. Childbirth indicates a sign of life, while pregnancy indicates a sign of miscarriage; if found in a long-term illness, it indicates no need for treatment.『Similar Condition Poem』The scattered pulse is unrestrained and loose, while the soft pulse is fine and floating. A floating and slow pulse indicates deficiency, while a hollow pulse indicates emptiness.『Main Disease Poem』A scattered pulse at the left inch indicates anxiety, while a scattered pulse at the right inch indicates sweating. A scattered pulse at the left guān indicates overflow, while a scattered pulse at the right guān indicates swelling. A scattered pulse at the chǐ indicates a severed pulse, indicating death.
22、Xì (Fine)Xì mài (Fine pulse) is smaller than a weak pulse and always present, fine and straight, like a thread (from Mài jīng). Sù wèn refers to it as small. Wáng Qǐxuán states that it resembles a weed, indicating its softness and fineness. Mài jué states: the pulse is extremely fine, indicating a fine pulse.『Body Condition Poem』The fine pulse is fine and delicate, like a thread, with a heavy feeling when pressed. In spring and summer, it is not beneficial for the young, while in autumn and winter, it is suitable for the elderly and weak.『Similar Condition Poem』The fine pulse resembles weak and soft pulses.『Main Disease Poem』The fine pulse indicates weak qi and blood, with chills, fever, and profuse sweating. For men, it indicates extreme fatigue and various deficiencies; for women, it indicates bleeding and discharge. A fine pulse at the inch indicates shortness of breath or anxiety, while a fine pulse at the guān indicates abdominal distension and weakness. A fine pulse at the chǐ indicates cold and pain, while a fine pulse indicates blood deficiency and weakness.
23、Fú (Hidden)Fú mài (Hidden pulse) is characterized by a heavy pulse that is felt deep in the bones, with movement beneath the fingers (from Mài jīng). The pulse travels beneath the tendons (from Kān wù). Mài jué states: it feels like it is there, but when lifted, it is completely absent, which is a serious error.『Body Condition Poem』The hidden pulse presses down on the tendons, with movement beneath the fingers. In cases of cold damage, it indicates a desire to sweat, while in cases of cold pain, it indicates a hidden condition.『Similar Condition Poem』It resembles a deep pulse.『Main Disease Poem』The hidden pulse indicates frequent vomiting due to cholera, with abdominal pain often caused by food stagnation. Fluid retention and old phlegm can accumulate, while scattered cold and internal warmth should not be neglected. Food stagnation in the chest leads to a hidden pulse, indicating a desire to vomit but unable to do so, often leading to pain. In cases of cold damage, a single hidden pulse indicates a single hidden condition, while a double hidden pulse indicates a double hidden condition, which should not be diagnosed as a yang condition. It indicates that fire evil is trapped internally, unable to be released; when yang is extreme, it resembles yin, hence the pulse is hidden, indicating a need for significant sweating to resolve. It is like a long drought before rain, where the world becomes dark and all things revive.There may also be hidden cold damage, where a hidden pulse is present internally, while externally, it is cold; this indicates that yin is strong and yang is weak, leading to four pulses being reversed, with six pulses being deep and hidden. One must use ginger and moxibustion to restore the pulse. If the Tàixī and Chōngyáng pulses are absent, it indicates death. Mài jué states: the hidden pulse should not be treated with sweating.
24、Dòng (Moving)
Dòng mài (Moving pulse) is characterized by a rapid pulse, seen at the guān and above, with no head or tail, resembling a bean, moving and shaking.
Zhōng jīng states: the movement of yin and yang is called movement; when yang moves, it causes sweating, while when yin moves, it causes heat, leading to cold and chills, indicating damage to the three jiaos.
Chéng Wújǐ states: when yin and yang collide, the weak pulse moves; hence, when yang is weak, it moves, while when yin is weak, it moves.
Páng Āncháng states: the first third of the guān is yang, while the last third is yin; the guān is half yin and half yang, hence movement is seen in weakness.
Mài jué states: it feels like it is there, but when lifted, it is completely absent, which is a serious error.
『Body Condition Poem』
The moving pulse shakes and moves at the guān, with no head or tail, resembling a bean.
Its origin is the collision of yin and yang; the weak pulse moves, while the strong pulse remains stable.
『Main Disease Poem』The moving pulse indicates pain and anxiety, with sweating due to yang movement and heat due to yin movement. It may indicate diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of essence for men, while for women, it indicates bleeding and discharge.Zhōng jīng states: movement indicates pain and anxiety. Sù wèn states: when yin is weak and yang collides, it indicates bleeding.
25、Cù (Urgent)
Cù mài (Urgent pulse) is characterized by a rapid pulse that comes and goes, sometimes stopping and returning (from Mài jīng).
It resembles a sudden urge, with a rapid and irregular rhythm (from Lí shì). Mài jīng states that it is rapid and stops, indicating urgency, while Mài jué states that it is located at the inch, not mentioning the stopping rhythm, which is incorrect. A rapid pulse that stops is called an urgent pulse, while a relaxed pulse that stops is called a tied pulse; why is it only at the inch?
『Body Condition Poem』The urgent pulse is rapid and sometimes stops, indicating that yang is extreme and desires to escape from yin. Heat in the three jiaos is intense, leading to a lack of vitality and a need for urgent treatment.『Similar Condition Poem』It resembles a tied pulse.『Main Disease Poem』The urgent pulse indicates fire diseases; its causes can be classified into five categories. It may indicate coughing and phlegm accumulation, or it may indicate mania and toxicity.The urgent pulse indicates conditions of yang excess. The urgent and tied pulses indicate the presence of qi, blood, phlegm, fluid, and food, and any stagnation will lead to a pulse that stops.
26、Jié (Tied)
Jié mài (Tied pulse) is characterized by a slow pulse that sometimes stops and returns (from Mài jīng).
Mài jué states: it comes and goes, gathering and returning. This is unrelated to the tied pulse. Zhōng jīng states that a tied pulse resembles a long pole, while a tied pulse resembles a car cover. Mài jīng states that a tied pulse resembles a pulse that shakes like a sesame seed, moving and returning, indicating a tied condition, which indicates death. These three pulses have the same name but different meanings.
『Body Condition Poem』The tied pulse is slow and sometimes stops, indicating that yin is excessively strong and desires to escape from yang. Floating indicates qi stagnation, while deep indicates accumulation; sweating and purging are clear indicators of the main pulse.『Similar Condition Poem』It resembles a tied pulse.『Main Disease Poem』The tied pulse indicates qi and blood stagnation, with old phlegm accumulation causing pain and heaviness. It may indicate internal accumulation or external swelling, while hernias and stasis indicate a tied condition.The tied pulse indicates conditions of excess yin. Yuè rén states: the tied pulse indicates excess conditions, while the tied pulse indicates excess conditions.
27、Dài (代脉)
Dài mài (代脉) is characterized by movement and then stopping, unable to return, and then moving again (from Zhōng jīng).
The pulse has five beats per breath, with the qi of the lungs, heart, spleen, liver, and kidneys all contributing to the five movements, indicating a normal pulse. If it is not present, it indicates a stop. If the kidney qi cannot reach the pulse, it indicates that the pulse moves forty times and then stops; if the liver qi cannot reach the pulse, it indicates that the pulse moves thirty times and then stops. This indicates that one organ’s qi is weak, while the other organs’ qi is strong.
Mài jīng states: the pulse indicates qi deficiency. Huá shì states: if there is no illness, a thin pulse indicates danger. If there is an illness and the qi and blood are suddenly lost, it indicates a pulse that cannot be sustained. In cases of cold damage, the pulse indicates a pulse that cannot be sustained, while in cases of pregnancy, it indicates a pulse that cannot be sustained. The pulse indicates life and death, which must be distinguished.『Body Condition Poem』
The pulse moves and then stops, unable to return, indicating a pulse that moves and then stops.
In cases of illness, it can still be treated; in healthy individuals, it indicates a connection to longevity.
『Similar Condition Poem』The rapid pulse indicates a stop, while the slow pulse indicates a tied pulse.Stopping indicates a return, while the tied pulse indicates a return.
『Main Disease Poem』The pulse indicates a decline in organ qi, with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and deficiency in the lower jiao. It may indicate vomiting and diarrhea in the middle jiao, while for women, it indicates pregnancy at three months.Mài jīng states: a scattered pulse indicates death. It indicates diarrhea and blood in the stool. If the pulse moves fifty times and does not stop, it indicates no illness; if it moves forty times and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function. If it moves thirty times and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function. If it moves twenty times and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function. If it moves ten times and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function. If it moves five times and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function. If it moves four times and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function. If it moves three times and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function. If it moves two times and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function. If it moves one time and stops, it indicates a decline in organ function.
Source: Bànxià Jiànkāng. Please indicate the source when reprinting.
High-definition tongue diagnosis atlas (for collection)