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Exploring the Mystery of Pulse in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Part 2)

Writer's picture: Hongji MedicalHongji Medical

As an ancient traditional medicine, Chinese medicine has a wealth of diagnostic methods, among which pulse diagnosis is one of the most important techniques. By feeling the pulse, doctors can understand the patient's overall health, the flow of qi and blood, and the function of the internal organs. Therefore, understanding the meaning of pulse can help us better understand our bodies and prevent and adjust health problems early. This article will explore several common pulse patterns and the health conditions they represent to help everyone better understand the essence of Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis.


Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis
中醫脈診

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse: Long pulse


In traditional Chinese medicine, a long pulse refers to a pulse that feels like it beats for a long time, usually manifested as a strong continuity of the pulse. A long pulse usually symbolizes sufficient Qi and blood, and therefore better health. The smooth flow of Qi and blood in the human body can maintain the normal functions of various organs and water metabolism. People with long pulses are usually energetic, have a rosy complexion, and good physical functions.


Long veins are often associated with the following health conditions:

  1. Fullness of Qi and Blood : Usually indicates that the body has sufficient Qi and Blood, which may be related to a healthy lifestyle or good eating habits.

  2. Emotional fluctuations : In some cases, long pulses may also be associated with emotional fluctuations, such as anxiety or tension, which may cause changes in pulse pattern.

  3. Strong spleen and stomach function : Long pulse may also indicate that the spleen and stomach function well and can effectively transport nutrients in food and convert them into qi and blood.


However, if a long pulse is accompanied by other abnormal pulse signs or symptoms, it should be carefully evaluated and it is recommended to seek the advice of a professional Chinese medicine practitioner for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. It should be noted that the interpretation of the pulse needs to be combined with the patient's specific condition, medical history and other diagnostic methods for comprehensive analysis.


2. Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse: short pulse


In traditional Chinese medicine, short pulse refers to a pulse that feels short and quick and does not last long. Short pulse usually indicates the following health conditions:

  1. Qi and blood deficiency : It may indicate that the body's Qi and blood are deficient, resulting in insufficient energy and prone to feeling tired or weak.

  2. Kidney deficiency : Especially when the pulse is short and weak, the short pulse may be related to kidney function, indicating kidney deficiency or insufficient vital energy.

  3. Yang deficiency : If accompanied by a weak pulse, it may be related to insufficient Yang Qi, with the body feeling cold and the complexion pale.

The occurrence of short pulse is often related to kidney deficiency, which broadly refers to the weakening of kidney function or insufficient kidney yin. People with kidney deficiency are often prone to fatigue, lack of energy, and even back pain.


Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis
中醫脈診

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse: Flooding


A throbbing pulse is a pulse that feels strong, full, and usually relatively fast. A throbbing pulse usually indicates the following health conditions:

  1. Excessive Yang : A swollen pulse is often associated with excessive Yang in the body and may occur in cases of fever, emotional agitation, or inflammation.

  2. Symptoms of excess heat : The appearance of a surging pulse may also be related to excess heat, which is common in fever caused by a cold or other infection, or gastrointestinal discomfort caused by eating too much hot food.

  3. Heart problems : In some cases, a strong pulse may reflect that the heart is under a lot of pressure, especially in people with heart disease or high blood pressure.


Although a swollen pulse may indicate physical strength in some cases, if it persists, especially without obvious external factors, you should seek treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.


4. Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse: Thin pulse


A thin pulse is a relatively small and gentle pulse that feels thin and weak to the touch and usually requires a slight force to feel. The presence of a thin pulse usually indicates the following health conditions:

  1. Deficiency of Qi and Blood : Thin pulse is often associated with deficiency of Qi and Blood in the body, which may indicate that the body is lacking energy and nutrients, or is in a state of fatigue.

  2. Yin deficiency : If thin pulses are accompanied by other symptoms (such as dry mouth, insomnia, etc.), it may indicate insufficient Yin fluid and reduced internal body moisture.

  3. Spleen deficiency : In some cases, thin pulses may also reflect a weak spleen and stomach function that is unable to effectively metabolize food, resulting in insufficient Qi and blood production.


A thin pulse usually reflects a weak state of the body. If a thin pulse is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, it is recommended to seek diagnosis and advice from a Chinese medicine practitioner in order to regulate your health as soon as possible.


5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse: Weak pulse


A weak pulse is a very subtle pulse that is almost untraceable and may even require careful searching. A weak pulse usually indicates the following health conditions:

  1. Qi deficiency : Weak pulses are often associated with Qi deficiency, which means that the Qi in the body is not flowing smoothly, the body lacks energy, and it is easy to feel tired.

  2. Blood deficiency : A weak pulse may also indicate insufficient blood, usually accompanied by symptoms such as pale complexion and palpitations, reflecting that the body's nutrient supply is insufficient.

  3. Cold syndrome : In some cases, micropulses are also related to coldness in the body. The body may feel cold or have other cold symptoms, such as cold limbs.


Weak pulse is usually considered a sign of extreme weakness in the body. If it persists and is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, it is recommended to seek diagnosis and treatment from a professional Chinese medicine practitioner as soon as possible so as to regulate your health in a timely manner.


6. Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse: Stringy pulse


A stringy pulse is a pulse that feels tight and stringy, feels elastic and slightly tense, and usually has a high pressure sensation, like a stretched string. A stringy pulse usually indicates the following health conditions:

  1. Liver Qi stagnation : Stringy pulse is often related to liver Qi stagnation, which may manifest as emotional tension, stress, chest tightness and other symptoms.

  2. Pain : A stringy pulse may also occur in cases of pain or illness, especially in liver-related diseases, where the pulse at the painful area often manifests as a stringy pulse.

  3. Pathological changes in the body : The presence of a stringy pulse may also indicate some abnormal pathological changes in the body, such as stagnation or phlegm.


In general, a stringy pulse usually indicates that the internal Qi and blood are tense. If accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, it is recommended to seek evaluation and treatment from a Chinese medicine practitioner to regulate the body's health.


Conclusion


Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis is a profound and exquisite technique. Through the changes in the pulse, doctors can gain insight into the patient's health condition and formulate corresponding treatment plans. Understanding the meaning of the pulse not only helps us better understand our own bodies, but also prevents and adjusts health problems early. I hope this article can help everyone better understand the essence of Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis, so as to better maintain their own health.

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