Small Pulse / Xiao Mai
Updated 2026-08-04
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
In Chinese pulse diagnosis, the small pulse, closely related to the thin pulse, describes a vessel that is narrow and yields little resistance under the finger. It points to blood deficiency, dampness obstructing the vessels, or insufficient qi and blood, and is a common finding in deficiency patterns. Because the vessel is narrowed and underpowered, the finding warns of depleted reserves rather than a passing fluctuation.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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- Thin stream model: read a narrow pulse as restricted flow under low pressure. - Weak-signal watch: treat persistently small amplitude in a key metric as early warning. - Early intervention: replenish before the system reaches collapse rather than after it.
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Deficient blood and qi leave the vessels underfilled and the pulse narrow, while dampness adds physical obstruction that further constricts flow. The result is a weak, thin signal that registers a genuine shortfall in the underlying supply rather than noise.
MINIMUM ACTION
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- baike.baidu.comhttps://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%B0%8F%E8%84%89verified
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