Surging pulse

A pulse that is broad and large and is forceful at all levels, especially the superficial. The arrival is longer and more forceful than the departure, which accounts for the description, Coming forcefully, going away feebly, like tempestuous billowing waves, surging over the whole of the finger[tip]. It is characterized by a strong initial swell followed by a sharp, but calm, ebbing away. A surging pulse indicates exuberant heat and is usually a sign of repletion. Observed in enduring diseases (such as tuberculosis) or in vacuity patterns due to massive bleeding, it indicates that right qì is extremely weak and that the condition is deteriorating.

Similar pulses: A replete pulse is similar to a surging pulse, although it is as forceful when it falls as when it rises. It indicates that the body is afflicted by an exuberant evil, but that right qì is still holding firm. A large pulse in clinical practice has roughly the same significance as the surging pulse. However, it should be noted that large refers only to the breadth of the blood vessel as it feels to the touch. It bears no connotations of strength.