Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Volume II on the Body

If the pulse is slippery and stringy, the waist and legs feel heavy; if deep and tight, pain is likewise present.

A pulse that is slippery A pulse that feels like pearls rolling in a basin, often associated with dampness or phlegm. and stringy original: "弦" (xián). Also translated as "wiry"; a pulse that feels taut like a musical string, often associated with tension or pain. indicates an affliction of Wind-Dampness A traditional category of illness caused by environmental factors, leading to swelling, heaviness, and joint pain.. A pulse that is deep A pulse that can only be felt by pressing heavily near the bone. and tight A pulse that feels forceful and vibrating like a stretched rope, indicating cold or pain. indicates Wind-Cold. Wind-Dampness causes swelling, which is why there is a feeling of heaviness; Wind-Cold affects the blood,
causing an ailment original: "疢" (chèn). A classical term for a feverish or aching illness. that produces pain. Both of these conditions are "likewise present" in the waist and legs.

If the pulse is singular and even, there is no exhaustion from illness.

The healthy Kidney pulse should naturally be deep, soft, and slippery. If one finds the Kidney pulse appearing on its own, and it is even and level Meaning the pulse has a steady rhythm and moderate force, indicating "Stomach Qi" or healthy vitality., it is called a "favorable sign." In such a case, there is no disease.

If the pulse is floating and tight, the ears will be deaf.

This indicates that the Kidney organ is being affected by Wind In this context, "Wind" refers to an external pathogen that enters the body and disrupts its functions.. The pulse appears floating A pulse that is easily felt with a light touch, like a piece of wood floating on water. and tight. Since the Kidney Qi The essential energy of the Kidney system, which traditional theory says "opens into the ears." connects to the ears, when Wind-evil causes an affliction there, the patient will be unable to hear.