Floating pulse

The floating pulse is pronounced at the superficial level but vacuous at the deep level. Described as being like wood floating on water, it is felt as soon as the fingers touch the skin, but it becomes markedly less perceptible when further pressure is applied, as a piece of floating wood escapes from the finger when pressed down in water. Although classically associated with exterior patterns, the floating pulse may be indistinct in patients of heavy build, with weak constitutions, or those suffering from severe water swelling, even when an exterior pattern is present. A floating pulse may also occur in enduring illnesses or after a major loss of blood, indicating a critical insufficiency of right qì rather than an exterior pattern. In these cases, it differs slightly from the floating pulse occurring in externally contracted disease. Being slightly less pronounced at the superficial level, and markedly less pronounced at the deep level, it is sometimes referred to as a vacuous floating pulse.

Similar pulses: A large floating pulse without foundation is known as a scattered pulse (also called dispersed pulse) which is large at the superficial level, but because of its lack of force, ceases to be felt as soon as the slightest pressure is applied. It indicates the dispersion of qì and blood, and the impending expiration of the essential qì of the organs. It is usually attended by other critical signs. A floating pulse that is empty in the middle is known as a scallion-stalk pulse, which is mostly seen in patients suffering from heavy blood loss.