TCM pulse types

Identification of Twenty-Seven Pulse Types and Their Characteristics

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Identification of Twenty-Seven Pulse Types and Their Characteristics

Floating Pulse (Fu Mai): When lightly pressed, the pulse feels strong; with slightly heavier pressure, it appears weak. It should be differentiated from: Empty Pulse (Kao Mai) – floating and large, with a feeling of emptiness upon deeper pressure. Surging Pulse (Hong Mai) – floating and forceful. Weak Pulse (Xu Mai) – slow and slightly … Read more

The Floating Pulse in Li Shizhen’s ‘Binhulu Pulse Studies’ and Wang’s 43 Pulses in ‘Pulse Diagnosis’

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The Floating Pulse in Li Shizhen's 'Binhulu Pulse Studies' and Wang's 43 Pulses in 'Pulse Diagnosis'

Floating (Yang) The floating pulse (fu mai), when lifted, is abundant, but when pressed, it is insufficient (from the “Pulse Classic”). It resembles the feathers on a bird’s back being lightly blown by a breeze, appearing light and floating (qīng fàn mào), like following the elm pods (from the “Suwen”), like wood floating on water … Read more