There are many descriptive qualities associated with what we find. Words we used to quantify what we are feel can take the form of slippery, soggy, fine, deep, superficial, floating, wiry, surging, or replete. These terms are used and associated to different patterns that maybe manifesting in the patient. A slippery pulse can designate that there is a slippery substance in the body from that lack of correct fluid metabolism. A soggy pulse can come from there not being enough fluids in the body, which causes a lack of fluid to fill the veins. These are a few examples of what we are looking for.

The pulse is one of many different diagnostic tools that we use to arrive at a specific pattern for our patients. Other tools are tongue diagnosis, visual observations, standard questioning about the person, and physical inspection our problematic areas. All these items must be taken into account as a whole, without relying on one specific piece to diagnosis the patient with.