What can be seen by traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis

Traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis can reveal health information such as qi and blood circulation, organ function, and disease nature. Pulse diagnosis is one of the four diagnostic methods in traditional Chinese medicine, which mainly judges the body's condition based on the characteristics of radial artery pulsation. Common pulse patterns include chordal pulse, smooth pulse, sinking pulse, multiple pulse, and fine pulse, corresponding to different physiological and pathological changes.

1. The strength of the pulse can directly reflect the degree of Qi and blood filling. Those with sufficient Qi and blood have a gentle and strong pulse, as usual; People with Qi and blood deficiency often have weak and delicate veins, which are commonly seen in anemia or chronic wasting diseases. If there is a pulse (floating, large, and hollow), it may indicate acute blood loss, and a comprehensive judgment should be made based on symptoms such as pale complexion and palpitations. This type of situation can be treated with nourishing formulas such as Bazhen Tang.

2. Organ Function

Specific pulse patterns are closely related to the organs. Liver depression and qi stagnation often manifest as a string pulse, with straight and tight ends like pressing a string. Patients often experience bloating and emotional depression; Kidney yang deficiency is commonly characterized by deep and slow pulse, accompanied by soreness and coldness in the waist and knees, and frequent nocturia. Chaihu Shugan San is commonly used in clinical practice to regulate liver depression, while Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan warms and tonifies kidney yang.

III. Disease Nature

Pulse can assist in identifying the pathogenic properties of diseases. Smooth pulse is mainly associated with phlegm dampness or food accumulation, and the pulse is as smooth as a bead running through the disc. It is more common in hyperlipidemia or pregnancy; Pulse count (pulse rate exceeding 90 beats per minute) often indicates heat syndrome, which can be seen in fever and hyperthyroidism. For phlegm dampness syndrome, Er Chen Tang can be modified, while for solid heat syndrome, Bai Hu Tang is commonly used to clear heat.

4. Depth of Disease Location

Changes in pulse location reflect the depth of disease pathogens. The floating pulse can be obtained by light touch, and the main manifestation is similar to the early stage of a cold; The appearance of heavy pressure on the sinking pulse often belongs to the internal syndrome such as chronic gastritis. The surface syndrome can be treated with Guizhi Tang to relieve muscle, while the internal syndrome should be treated with formulas such as Banxia Xiexin Tang according to the specific syndrome type. The pulse changing from floating to sinking often indicates the invasion of pathogenic factors.

V. Prognostic outcome

Dynamic changes in pulse can predict disease progression. Long term illness with bird pecking on the pulse (rhythm disorder) indicates a decline in heart qi; In critically ill patients, if there is a leaking pulse (slow weakness), it is often due to the loss of yang energy. At this time, it is necessary to urgently use Shenfu Tang to restore yang and promote detoxification, and cooperate with modern medical rescue measures. The sudden change of pulse from sinking to floating may indicate a return of positive energy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine pulse diagnosis should be combined with the comprehensive judgment of observation, hearing, questioning, and diagnosis. It is not possible to diagnose diseases solely based on pulse diagnosis. It is recommended to provide a detailed description of the symptoms when seeking medical attention, and to cooperate with tongue and questioning to improve diagnostic accuracy. Daily practice of sitting quietly and regulating breath can help stabilize the pulse, avoiding intense exercise and immediate palpation after emotional excitement. If obvious abnormal pulse is found, modern medical examination should be carried out in a timely manner to clarify the cause.