Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Oriental Diagnosis > Pulse Diagnosis > Flashcards

Pulse Diagnosis Flashcards

1
Q

Cun Kou

A

Current predominant method for taking pulse from radial artery to gauge information on all 12 channels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Cun

A

Distal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Guan

A

Middle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Chi

A

Proximal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Touching

A

Palpating with slight pressure; finger rests on the skin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Pressing

A

Palpating with heavy pressure; finger presses down to the bones and tendons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Seeking

A

Palpating with moderate pressure; finger presses into the middle area

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Superficial Depth

A

When the skin is lightly touched; skin level; level of heaven

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Middle Depth

A

When a moderate amount of pressure is applied; level of man; muscle level

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Deep Depth

A

When a heavy pressure is applied; level of earth; tendon and bone level

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Characteristics of a Healthy Pulse

A

60- 90 beats per minute (4-5 beats per breath)
Even and gentle pulsation in all three positions
Neither wide nor thin; neither superficial nor deep
Full of Stomach Qi (Wei Qi)
Full of Spirit (Shen)
Rooted (Gen)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Wei Qi

A

Stomach Qi

It is the motive or force for the generation of nutritive substances in the body (forms the basis of the pulse)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Shen

A

Spirit
Vitality and phenomenon of life. Spirit in the pulse refers to a complex reflection of normal functions of the zang fu organs and sufficient blood and qi

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Gen

A

Root

The source of life; kidney qi forms the root of the pulse because the kidney is the congenital root of human life

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Seasons Affect on Pulse:

Spring

A

Wiry

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Seasons Affect on Pulse:

Summer

A

Flooding

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Seasons Affect on Pulse:

Autumn

A

Floating

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Seasons Affect on Pulse:

Winter

A

Deep

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Components of a Normal Pulse

A 
Size (Width)
Depth
Strength
Length
Rate
Rhythm
Tension
Shape
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Mental State/Emotional Affect on Pulse:

Anger

A

Wiry or rapid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Mental State/Emotional Affect on Pulse:

Melancholy

A

Moderate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Mental State/Emotional Affect on Pulse:

Fear

A

Deep (Submerged)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Mental State/Emotional Affect on Pulse:

Joy

A

Slow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Mental State/Emotional Affect on Pulse:

Grief

A

Short

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Mental State/Emotional Affect on Pulse:

Fright

A

Moving

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Blood Vessel Diameter

Thin

A

Blood and/or yin insufficient to fill the vessels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Blood Vessel Diameter

Wide

A

Excessive qi or blood overfills the vessels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Blood Vessel Depth

Deep Level

A

Qi obstructed or to weak to push outward

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Blood Vessel Depth

Superficial Level

A

Yang qi pushes blood outwards

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Pulse Rate

Slow

A

Blood moves slow because yang qi is obstructed or deficient

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Pulse Rate

Rapid

A

Blood moves fast due to excessive yang qi

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Length

Short

A

Qi and blood obstructed or deficient, not arrive to the area

33
Q

Length

Long

A

Excessive qi and blood filling in the vessels

34
Q

Rhythm

A

Largely determined by heart qi. Rhythm becomes irregular when yang qi is deficient or when pathogenic factors obstruct the movement

35
Q

Pulse Size (determined by)

A

Blood and Qi

36
Q

Pulse Depth (determined by)

A

Yang qi

37
Q

Pulse Strength (determined by)

A

Qi

38
Q

Pulse Rate (determined by)

A

Yang Qi

39
Q

Pulse Length (determined by)

A

Qi and blood (mainly qi)

40
Q

Pulse Rate (determined by)

A

Heart Qi

41
Q

Pulse Tension (determined by)

A

Qi and blood

42
Q

Tension

Slack

A

Qi and blood deficiencies fail to fill the vessel

43
Q

Tension

Taut

A

Qi stagnated or contraction of the vessels

44
Q

Pulse Shape (determined by)

A

Qi and blood

45
Q

Classification of Pathological Pulses
Yin and Yang

Yin

A

Weak strength, deep location, slow speed, short length

46
Q

Classification of Pathological Pulses
Yin and Yang

Yang

A

Forceful strength, superficial location, rapid speed, long length

47
Q

Classification of Pathological Pulses
Component Change

Simple Pulse

A

Only one factor in a pathological state

48
Q

Classification of Pathological Pulses
Component Change

Complex Pulse

A

Pulses composed of more than one factor in a pathological state

49
Q

Categories of Key Pathological Change

A 
Deep
Superficial
Slow
Rapid
Deficiency
Excess
50
Q

Superficial Pulse (Floating Pulse)

Character:

Indications:

A

Superficial Pulse (Floating Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is distinctly felt on the superficial level. The strength decreases slightly in the deeper levels but without feeling empty.

Indications:
Exterior Syndrome
Deficiency Syndrome

51
Q

Deep Pulse

Character:

Indications:

A

Deep Pulse

Character: Located deep next to the bone, it can barely be felt by light touching or moderate force, it is distinct only by pressing down to the bones and tendons.

Indications: Interior syndrome

52
Q

Slow Pulse

Character:

Indications:

A

Slow Pulse

Character:
The pulse beat less than three times per breath, about 40 - 60 bpm, but with a regular rhythm.

Indications:
Cold syndrome
Qi deficiency

53
Q

Fast Pulse (Rapid Pulse)

Character:

Indications:

A

Fast Pulse (Rapid Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is rapid and beats over five times per breath (90 - 140 bpm), with a regular rhythm.

Indications:
Heat syndrome

54
Q

Excess Pulse

Character:

Indications:

A

Excess Pulse

Character:
The pulse can be felt in all the three positions at all three levels. It is long, large and forceful, giving a feeling of fullness. It is also the general term for all the forceful pulses felt on the three regions and the three levels of pressure.

Indications:
Excess syndrome

55
Q

Deficient Pulse

Character:

Indications:

A

Deficient Pulse

Character:
The pulse size is wide but without strength (forceless) and slack in tension. The pulse is forceless at all three positions with either light or heavy pressure. It is also the general term for all the forceless pulses felt on the three regions and the three levels of pressure.

Indications:
Deficiency syndrome

56
Q

Large Pulse (Big Pulse)

Character:

Indications:

A

Large Pulse (Big Pulse)

Character:
The vessel is wide

Indications:
Deficiency

57
Q

Thready Pulse (Thin Pulse or Small Pulse)

Character:

Indications:

A

Thready Pulse (Thin Pulse or Small Pulse)

Character:
Pulse width is very thin and feels like a fine thread but is very distinct and clear without interruption of rhythm when pushing on the pulse. (Blood vessel’s diameter decreased)

Indications:
Deficiency- qi, blood or/and yin
Excess- dampness

58
Q

Long Pulse (Overflowing Pulse)

Character:

Indications:

A

Long Pulse (Overflowing Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is smooth and straight. The pulse can be felt to extend distally and proximal to the usual three positions.

Indications:
Liver Yang rising
Excessive interior heat
Normal

59
Q

Short Pulse

Character:

Indications:

A

Short Pulse

Character:
The pulse cannot be felt in all three position. The pulse is absent in the Cun and or/Chi positions.

Indications:
Qi disorder (stagnation, or deficient)
60
Q

Rolling Pulse (Slippery Pulse)

Character:

Indications:

A

Rolling Pulse (Slippery Pulse)

Character:
The pulse moves quickly, smoothly, and slippery inside the vessel. The vessel is plump. Like a pearl rolling on a plate.

Indications:
Food stagnation
Phlegm or dampness
Excess heat

61
Q

Hesitant Pulse (Sluggish or Choppy Pulse)

Character:

Indications:

A

Hesitant Pulse (Sluggish or Choppy Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is: (1) slow and wave shape not smooth, (2) or the rhythm is irregular, (3) or irregular in strength and fullness.

Indications:
Excess- stagnation of Qi and Blood, food, phlegm
Deficiency- Blood or essence, or threatened abortion

62
Q

Surging Pulse

Character:

Indications:

A

Surging Pulse

Character:
Pulse is wide and forceful though it fades gently. Like a wave in the ocean. The vessel is wide and thick.

Indications:
Excess heat in the qi level

63
Q

Abrupt Pulse (Running or Hasty Pulse)

Character:

Indications:

A

Abrupt Pulse (Running or Hasty Pulse)

Character:
The pulse beats are rapid with irregular pauses.

Indications:
Excess syndrome- excessive heat; stagnation (qi, blood, phlegm or food)
Deficiency of Zang Fu

64
Q

Knotted Pulse

Character:

Indications:

A

Knotted Pulse

Character:
The pulse beats are slow with irregularly
missed beats, the pulse continues immediately.

Indications:
Excess Yin- stagnation (qi, phlegm, and blood); cold; tumor mass
Vital qi deficiency

65
Q

Intermittent Pulse

Character:

Indication:

A

Intermittent Pulse

Character:
Pauses at regular intervals. After the pause, the pulse will wait a moment and then continue beating.

Indication:
Deficiency- declining Zang Fu Qi
Excess- wind syndrome; pain; disorders due to emotional fear and fright

66
Q

Soft Pulse (Soggy Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Soft Pulse (Soggy Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is superficial, thin and hits the fingers without strength.

Indication:
Dampness
Deficiency of Qi, Blood and Yin

67
Q

Weak Pulse (Feeble or Frail Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Weak Pulse (Feeble or Frail Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is deep and thin, and hits the fingers without strength.

Indication:
Qi and blood deficiency

68
Q

Hollow Pulse (Scallion Stalk)

Character:

Indication:

A

Hollow Pulse (Scallion Stalk)

Character:
The pulse is wide and slack when touched lightly and hollow when seeking. On pressing, the edges of the vessel are clearly felt but he center is obscure.

Indication:
Loss of blood
Yin depletion

69
Q

Leather Pulse (Drum-skin or Tympanic Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Leather Pulse (Drum-skin or Tympanic Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is large (thick and wide), superficial, string-like, taut when touch lightly, and hollow when pressing deeply.

Indication:
Blood loss, Essence exhaustion.
Abortion, and metrorrhagia & metrostaxis

70
Q

Scattered Pulse

Character:

Indication:

A

Scattered Pulse

Character:
The pulse is feels wide, superficial, weak and loose without force when touching lightly. It is an indistinct and unclear feeling. The boundary of the vessel is vague. When seeking or pressing the pulse disappears, so that the rate is hard to count.

Indication:
Exhaustion of Qi, Zang Fu organs failure

71
Q

Hidden Pulse

Character:

Indication:

A

Hidden Pulse

Character:
The pulse is not felt when touching, seeking or pressing. Only by pressing very heavily to the bone can the pulse be felt. The pulse beats seem to come from beneath the bone and tendons.

Indication:
Pathogens obstruct interior
Syncope

72
Q

Firm Pulse (Confined Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Firm Pulse (Confined Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is deep, taut, long, wide, fixed and forceful. Deeply located, it cannot be felt by light or moderate pressure.

Indication:
Interior excess cold syndrome (hernia, lumps and masses)

73
Q

Minute Pulse (Faint Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Minute Pulse (Faint Pulse)

Character:
The vessel is extremely thin and forceless. It seems to be felt and then not felt. When pressing deeply, the vessel and pulse become vague. It is like a fine thread.

Indication:
Deficiency syndrome- Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang

74
Q

Wiry Pulse (String Taut Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Wiry Pulse (String Taut Pulse)

Character:
The pulsefeels taut, long and forceful whether under pressure of fingers or not, and maintains a straight line beneath the finger.

Indication:
Liver/GB diseases
Pain
Phlegm or malaria

75
Q

Tense Pulse (Tight Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Tense Pulse (Tight Pulse)

Character:
The pulse rises and falls with strength and vibrates to the left and right. Its strength is like a tightly twisted rope, unevenly stretched, and snapping back and forth.

Indication:
Cold syndrome
Pain
Food stagnation

76
Q

Moderate Pulse (Retarded, Leisurely or Slowed-down Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Moderate Pulse (Retarded, Leisurely or Slowed-down Pulse)

Character:
It beats four times per breath.
A) the pulse moves smoothly
B) the movement has a sensation of slowness

Indication:
A) Normal (physiological) pulse
B) Pathological pulse- dampness; spleen and stomach deficiency

77
Q

Moving Pulse (Bouncing or Spinning Bean Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Moving Pulse (Bouncing or Spinning Bean Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is rapid and slippery. At Guan portion, the pulsation is forceful. It is like a bean bouncing in vessels, with well defined peaks, but without head or tail

Indication:
Severe pain
Fright

78
Q

Swift Pulse (Racing or Hurried Pulse)

Character:

Indication:

A

Swift Pulse (Racing or Hurried Pulse)

Character:
The pulse is more rapid and beats more than 7 times per breath (> 140 - 180 beat/minutes). It is the extreme condition of the rapid pulse. Its rhythm being generally regular

Indication:
Hyperactivity of Yang and excessive heat
Yin exhaustion and Vital Qi collapse

Oriental Diagnosis (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions