【Introduction】The most significant difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine lies in their diagnostic philosophies and methods. Among the four diagnostic techniques—inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation—pulse diagnosis is particularly remarkable in TCM. With just a gentle touch of three fingers, one can discern the causes and mechanisms of diseases, showcasing the wisdom of ancient practitioners.
● When it comes to pulse diagnosis, many people might envision a royal physician diagnosing a queen, proclaiming, “Congratulations, Your Majesty, you are with child.” This portrayal of TCM pulse diagnosis is common in dramas. The term “slippery pulse” refers to a specific pulse quality in TCM. Ancient texts describe the slippery pulse as “the pulse flows smoothly, with a round and smooth sensation, resembling pearls rolling on a jade plate.” While the description is beautiful, the actual practice of pulse diagnosis can be quite challenging, requiring systematic training to discern the nuances. In simpler terms, a slippery pulse indicates a smooth and unobstructed flow, which is a skill that needs to be developed.
● In daily life, friends often joke about pulse diagnosis, pretending to check each other’s pulses and saying things like, “You have a slippery pulse; quickly tell me who the father is!” However, I want to clarify that while a slippery pulse can indicate pregnancy, it does not necessarily mean one is pregnant. There are several other conditions that can also present with a slippery pulse!
Phlegm-Dampness
● A slippery pulse is primarily associated with phlegm-dampness. If a slippery pulse is felt at the guan (关) position, one should first consider phlegm-dampness. In this case, you might tell the patient, “You have a significant amount of dampness in your body, which may cause symptoms like dizziness, stiffness in the neck, fatigue, and loose stools.”
Food Stagnation
● A slippery pulse can also indicate food stagnation. If a slippery pulse is detected at both the guan (关) and chi (尺) positions, one should consider dietary accumulation. In this scenario, you could describe the patient’s condition as follows: “You may have a poor appetite, feel bloated after eating, experience some relief after bowel movements, have a bad taste in your mouth, and feel nauseous or vomit after consuming greasy foods.”
Excess Heat
● A slippery pulse may also indicate excess heat, often accompanied by a rapid pulse. If this situation arises, you might inform the patient, “You may experience a sensation of heat, a sticky feeling in the mouth, unsatisfactory bowel movements, and a bad taste in your mouth.”
When studying pulse diagnosis, it is essential not to generalize. One should engage in continuous learning, practice, and comparison to avoid making jokes about others being pregnant simply because they have a slippery pulse!
