Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Three Realms, Volume 2: The Body (Medicine)

Diagram of the Kidney Pulse

Kidney Pulse

Diagnostic Methods for Various Symptoms of the Kidney Pulse

This section presents a diagnostic tool where a physician identifies a specific "feel" of the pulse at the wrist and correlates it with internal conditions. In traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidney pulse is felt at the "Chi" or rear position of the wrist.

Pulse Quality	Associated Symptoms
Solid (Shi)	Difficulty urinating; heat in the genitals original: "阴热" (Yīn rè). Refers to localized feverish sensations or inflammation in the pelvic region.
Rough (Se)	Pain below the ribs; a heavy sensation in the body
Relaxed (Huan)	Pain in the abdomen and the legs
Deep (Chen)	Indicates a healthy state; no illness
Minute (Wei)	Spontaneous sweating; tinnitus original: "耳應聲" (Ěr yìng shēng). Literally "ears responding to sounds," describing a ringing or buzzing sensation.
Scattered (San)	Incontinence when the lower back is strained; frequent nocturnal emissions original: "遺滑" (Yí huá). Refers to the involuntary loss of reproductive essence.
Wiry (Xian)	Qi accumulation original: "氣聚" (Qì jù). A sensation of pressure or a physical lump caused by stagnant energy. in the abdomen; cold reversal original: "厥逆冷" (Jué nì lěng). A condition where the limbs become icy cold due to a failure of circulation.
Weak (Ruo)	Hesitant and painful urination; bone pain
Hollow (Kou)	Abdominal masses original: "廷瘕" (Tíng jiǎ). Hard growths or tumors in the lower abdomen.; painful urinary dysfunction in otherwise strong patients
Soggy (Ru)	Wasting-thirst original: "消渴" (Xiāo kě). A traditional category of illness similar to modern diabetes, characterized by intense thirst and weight loss.; edema original: "水腫" (Shuǐ zhǒng). Swelling caused by fluid retention.
Tight (Jin)	Coughing; water-illness original: "水病" (Shuǐ bìng). A general term for disorders involving the body's fluid regulation.