What Types of Pulse Patterns Exist?
Pulse condition is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine, referring to the speed, strength, and depth of the pulse, which can be used to diagnose and treat diseases. It includes four aspects: position, rate, shape, and force. There are generally 28 types of pulse conditions, with the most common being floating pulse, deep pulse, slow pulse, and rapid pulse. Different pulse conditions have different characteristics and play an important role in the syndrome differentiation and treatment system of traditional Chinese medicine.
1. Floating pulse often appears in patients with long-term illnesses that are difficult to cure. It is due to the invasion of wind pathogens that cannot be cured, leading to illness and blood deficiency. Therefore, the pulse is relatively light. Generally, the pulse can be felt when the fingertip lightly touches the artery, but there is no pulse when pressed firmly.
2. Deep pulse is generally caused by blockage of blood vessels or other organs. It is the opposite of floating pulse. When pressed lightly, the pulse cannot be felt, but it can be felt when pressed firmly. This is a sign of blood and qi obstruction.
3. Slow pulse is consistent with its name, meaning slow. A normal pulse rate is 70 to 80 times per minute, but this pulse is relatively slow, with fewer than 60 beats per minute. It is usually due to cold symptoms in the body, causing slow blood and qi circulation.
4. Rapid pulse is the opposite of slow pulse, with a more rapid beat. It generally occurs at a rate of over 90 beats per minute. The cause of this pulse is also related to heat symptoms.
5. Weak pulse generally indicates a deficiency of the body, with insufficient blood and qi. The pulse feels weak and floating. In this case, it is recommended that patients supplement their bodies scientifically by eating more nutritious foods and fresh fruits to recover as soon as possible and replenish blood and qi.
