I. Introduction

Wang Shuhe’s The Pulse Classic, also known as “Mai Jing” in Chinese, is an outstanding and fundamental work in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. It was written by the renowned physician Wang Shuhe during the Western Jin Dynasty. This classic has played an irreplaceable and significant role in the development and inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine. It systematically summarizes the knowledge and experience of pulse diagnosis, providing detailed classifications and descriptions of different pulse conditions, which has served as an essential guide for subsequent generations of medical practitioners to understand patients’ physical conditions, diagnose diseases, and formulate treatment plans. Its influence has endured for thousands of years, not only deeply rooting in China but also gradually spreading its wisdom to the international medical community, arousing widespread interest and research enthusiasm.

II. Author Wang Shuhe

Wang Shuhe, whose courtesy name was Wang Zhiyuan, lived during the Western Jin Dynasty. He dedicated his life to the study and practice of medicine, making remarkable contributions to the field. Born into a family with a certain cultural background, he showed an extraordinary interest in medical knowledge from a young age. Under the guidance of renowned physicians and through years of painstaking learning and clinical practice, he gradually mastered the essence of traditional Chinese medicine.

Wang Shuhe was extremely diligent and had a strong thirst for knowledge. He traveled around, communicating with other medical experts, and collecting a wealth of clinical cases. In his medical career, he treated a large number of patients, accumulating extensive practical experience. It was precisely based on these precious experiences and his in-depth thinking that he decided to write “Wang Shuhe’s Pulse Classic”. He hoped to summarize the knowledge and skills of pulse diagnosis in a systematic way, providing a reliable reference for future generations of medical practitioners, and thus promoting the development and inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine. His efforts not only had a profound impact on the medical community of his time but also left an indelible mark in the long history of Chinese medicine.

III. Core Content of the Classic

A. The Concept of Pulse Diagnosis

In Wang Shuhe’s Pulse Classic, the theory of pulse diagnosis is based on the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine. It holds that the pulse is closely related to the internal organs, qi, and blood. The human body is regarded as an organic whole, and any changes in the internal organs and the state of qi and blood will be reflected in the pulse. For example, a strong and forceful pulse may indicate sufficient qi and blood, as well as a healthy condition of the corresponding organs. Conversely, a weak, thready, or irregular pulse might suggest deficiencies, stagnation, or disorders in the body. The book emphasizes that by carefully feeling and analyzing the pulse at specific positions and depths, physicians can detect subtle changes in the body, understand the nature and location of diseases, and even predict the development and prognosis of illnesses. This concept provides a unique and profound perspective for understanding the human body and diagnosing diseases, highlighting the importance of pulse diagnosis as a key diagnostic method in traditional Chinese medicine.

B. Classification and Characteristics of Pulses

The classic meticulously records a rich variety of pulse types. The floating pulse is characterized by being easily felt on the surface, like a buoyant object floating on water. It often indicates exterior syndromes, such as when the body is invaded by external pathogenic factors. In contrast, the sinking pulse requires deeper palpation to detect and is usually associated with interior disorders, suggesting that the pathogenic factors have penetrated deeper into the body. The rapid pulse, as the name implies, beats at a faster rate than normal, typically signifying heat syndromes, whether caused by exogenous heat pathogens or internal heat accumulation. On the other hand, the slow pulse beats more slowly and may reflect cold syndromes, which could be due to exposure to cold, deficiency of yang qi, or other factors. There are also compound pulses, such as the wiry and slippery pulse. The wiry pulse feels taut and resilient, like a stretched string, and is often related to liver disorders or emotional stress. The slippery pulse is smooth and flowing, similar to a pearl rolling, which can indicate phlegm dampness or excessive heat in the body. These detailed classifications and vivid descriptions of pulse characteristics enable physicians to make more accurate judgments about patients’ conditions, providing a solid foundation for formulating appropriate treatment strategies.

IV. Influence on Traditional Chinese Medicine

A. Shaping the Diagnostic System

Wang Shuhe’s Pulse Classic established a more systematic and standardized pulse diagnosis method. Before its appearance, pulse diagnosis knowledge was scattered and lacked comprehensive summarization. This classic integrated the predecessors’ experiences and Wang Shuhe’s own insights, providing a detailed framework for pulse diagnosis. It precisely defined the positions on the wrist where the pulse should be felt, known as cun, guan, and chi. Each position corresponded to different internal organs, allowing physicians to detect organ-related problems more accurately. For example, the cun position was closely related to the heart and lungs, the guan position to the liver and spleen, and the chi position to the kidneys. By standardizing these positions and the corresponding organ relationships, it became easier for medical practitioners to master and apply pulse diagnosis techniques, which greatly enhanced the accuracy and reliability of diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine.

B. Guiding Clinical Practice

Later physicians widely used the principles in Wang Shuhe’s Pulse Classic in actual treatments. For instance, during the Tang Dynasty, the famous physician Sun Simiao often referred to the classic when treating patients. In a case of a patient with a persistent fever and a rapid, forceful pulse, he diagnosed it as an excessive heat syndrome based on the knowledge in the Pulse Classic. Subsequently, he prescribed cooling and heat-clearing herbs, which effectively alleviated the patient’s symptoms. In the Song Dynasty, another renowned doctor, Chen Yan, utilized the theory of pulse diagnosis to distinguish between false and true syndromes. When facing a patient with a weak appearance but a wiry and forceful pulse, instead of being misled by the outward weakness, he recognized it as a case of internal qi stagnation according to the classic’s teachings. He then adjusted the treatment plan accordingly, achieving remarkable curative effects. These are just a few examples illustrating how the Pulse Classic continuously guided clinical practice over the centuries, serving as an essential reference for physicians to diagnose diseases and formulate treatment regimens, and contributing to the development and prosperity of traditional Chinese medicine.

V. Modern Research and Significance

A. Research Findings

In modern times, scientific research related to the concepts in Wang Shuhe’s Pulse Classic has yielded some interesting findings. Some studies have focused on the relationship between pulse characteristics and physiological and pathological conditions. For example, using advanced biomedical sensing technologies, researchers have attempted to quantify the changes in pulse waveforms. They found that certain abnormal pulse patterns described in the classic, such as the intermittent pulse, do correlate with specific heart rhythm disorders. Moreover, research on the correlation between the smoothness or roughness of the pulse and blood viscosity has also provided some evidence supporting the ancient understanding. Through large-scale clinical data collection and statistical analysis, it was discovered that in patients with high blood pressure or arteriosclerosis, the pulse often exhibits characteristics similar to those of the wiry and tense pulse mentioned in the classic, suggesting potential links between traditional pulse diagnosis and modern cardiovascular disease diagnosis.

B. Value in Contemporary Healthcare

Wang Shuhe’s Pulse Classic still holds great value in contemporary healthcare. In preventive medicine, it provides a holistic view. By regularly checking the pulse, healthcare providers can detect early signs of imbalance in the body before obvious symptoms appear. For instance, a slight change in the pulse rate or strength might prompt further investigations into lifestyle factors like diet, stress levels, and sleep patterns. This early detection allows for timely interventions, such as dietary adjustments, stress management, or exercise recommendations, to prevent the development of more serious diseases. In integrative medicine, where traditional and modern medical approaches are combined, the classic serves as a valuable resource. Medical practitioners can use the knowledge of pulse diagnosis to gain a more comprehensive understanding of patients’ conditions, complementing modern diagnostic methods like blood tests and imaging. It helps in formulating more personalized treatment plans that take into account not only the physical symptoms but also the overall energetic and functional states of the body, thus enhancing the effectiveness of healthcare and promoting patients’ well-being.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, Wang Shuhe’s Pulse Classic is an invaluable treasure in the history of traditional Chinese medicine. It not only encapsulates the profound wisdom of ancient Chinese physicians in understanding the human body and diagnosing diseases through pulse diagnosis but also serves as a cornerstone for the development and dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine. Its influence has transcended time and geographical boundaries, continuously inspiring modern medical research and providing practical guidance in contemporary healthcare. As we continue to explore the mysteries of medicine, this classic will undoubtedly remain an important reference, reminding us of the rich heritage and potential of traditional medical knowledge, and inspiring further innovation and integration in the pursuit of better health for humanity.