8

GES 8. THE THEE ~ O S I ~ O N S

So far we have only been talking about the meanings of pulse images in
general, irrespective of where these images appear in the pulse. As stated
above, the pulse is divided into three sections, in terms of length, which
correspond in general to the three burners: cun = upper burner, gum =
middle burner, chi = lower burner. Further, each of these three positions
corresponds especially to certain of the viscera and bowels located in each
of those three burners, for example: right cun = lungs, left cun = heart. It
is possible and even common that different pulse images may be felt in
different of these three positions on the two hands.

For instance, there are 27-29 main pulse images. These pulse images often
combine to create complicated pulse images. Further, many of these pulse
images may appear at different levels of any of six basic positions. This
means that there are a very large number of possible different pulse
readings. It is this very large number of possible combined pulse images
which enables Chinese pulse examination to account for the wide
variability of disease mechanisms and patterns in individual human beings.

When interpreting the pulse, it is important to identify not only the main
overall pulse image or images but also to examine each pulse position on
both hands. If there are different pulse images in different positions, their
meaning or indications should be interpreted in the light of these positions'
anatomical and visceral correspondences. Below are both premodern and
contemporary indications for the main pulse images when they occur in the
three positions on the two hands. The premodern indications come from the
Bin Hu Mai Xue (The Lakeside Master's Study of the Pulse). The main
pulse images which are not discussed below in either premodern or
contemporary sources are not discussed because they are images which do
not manifest only on a single position, such as the interrupted pulses and
the racing pulse.

1. Fu Mai9Floating Pulse
 PULSEIWLACES 8, THE THREE
~sI'TIoNs

2. Chen Mai, Deep Pulse

mE SECRET
OF CHINESE
PULSE DIAGNOSIS

3. ChiMaisSlow Pulse
 PULSE AGES 8. THE THREE
POSITIONS

4. Sho Ma/,Rapid Pulse

THESECRET PULSEDIAGNOSIS
OFCHINESE

5.Hoa Mai, Slippery Pulse

 PULSE~VIAGES8. THE THREEPOSIT~ONS

6.Se Mai, Choppy Pulse

chest & rib-side

THESECRET
OFCHINESE DIAGNOSIS
PULSE

7. Xu Ma; Vacuous Pulse

seminal emission
 PULSEIIWAGES 8. WETHREE
POSITIONS

8.ShiMai, Replete Pulse

intestines with