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The pulse manifestations are difficult to differentiate, and apart from this,
there is the conflusing problem that several different kinds of pulse images
may appear simultaneously,while several different categories of disease may
exhibit the same type of pulse. Relying merely on the feeling under the finger
cannot flully expose that which is covert and hidden [in the body]... Cross-
referencing all of these [i.e., the interrelationships between sound, color,
form, and pulse] in order to determine life and death unfailingly leads to
correct diagnosis without a single mista
This underscores the fact that pulse images should only be interpreted
within .the context of other signs and symptoms gathered by other of the
four examinations. Therefore, the following list discusses the typical
corroborating signs and symptoms for various indications of the main pulse
images. If one assigns a certain meaning to a particular pulse image but
then cannot substantiate that hypothesis by the presence of the typical
corroborating signs and symptoms, then the practitioner knows they need
to think again about their interpretation of the pulse.
I . F BMai9
~ Floating P u k e
Gao Bao-heng, "Preface", Mai Jing (Pulse Classic), People's Health & ItIygiene Press,
Beijing, i982, p. I
body pain, stiff neck, stuffed nose, cough, wheezing, thin, white tongue fur,
etc.
2. &%7jMai,Slow Pulse
When a slow pulse indicates a cold pattern, the corroborating symptoms are
dislike of cold, a somber, white facial complexion, loose stools, clear, long
urination, a pale tongue with a white, moist fur, etc.
3. ShuMai,b p i d Pulse
4. Xu Mai, Vacuous Pulse; Xi Mai, Fine Pulse; Xuan Mai, Soft Pulse;
Ruo Mai,Weak Pulse
All these pulses indicate vacuity patterns. Vacuity is corroborated by
lassitude of the spirit, lack of strength, bodily fatigue, a faded, white facial
color, an emaciated body, weak breathing and disinclination to speak, heart
palpitations, sl~ortiiess of breath, loss of sleep, impaired memory,
spontaneous sweating, night sweats, seminal emission, urinary incon-
tinence, aching and pain which desires pressure, a pale tongue with no or
scant fur, etc.
5. ShiMai,Replete Pulse
A deep, slow pulse indicates interior cold patterns. Corroborating signs and
symptoms include bodily cold, chilled extremities, a somber, white facial
complexion, no thirst or thirst with a desire for hot drinks, thin, watery
phlegm, loose stools, long, clear urination, a pale tongue with white, glossy
fur, etc.
-- - - - -
1 0. Chen -9w Mail Beep, Rapid Pulse
--.--a
A deep, rapid pulse indicates interior heat patterns. Corroborating signs and
symptoms include a flushed red face, heart vexation, thirst, yellow, sticky
phlegm, constipation, short, scant, reddish yellow urination, a red tongue
with yellow fur, etc.
A fine, rapid pulse indicates .yin vacuity patterns. Corroborating signs and
symptoms include afternoon tidal fever, both cheeks flushed red, heat in the
centers of the hands and feet (or heat in the hands, feet, and heart), heart
vexation and loss of sleep, dizziness and vertigo, a dry mouth and throat,
night sweats, dry, bound stools, short, yellow urination, a red tongue with
scant fur, etc.
three heaters
I I
Viscera 8. Bowel Pattern Discrimination a3, the Pulse