Which pulse indicates Blood Stasis and possibly Deficient Blood?

Study for the TCM Foundations Board Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with ease!

The choppy pulse, also known as se mai, is often indicative of blood stasis and can suggest deficient blood in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This type of pulse feels rough or uneven, similar to the sensation of a knife cutting through a surface, which reflects the stagnation of blood flow in the body. When blood is stagnant, it may not nourish the body adequately, leading to symptoms of blood deficiency, such as fatigue, pale complexion, or dizziness.

In contrast, while the knotted pulse may indicate various conditions, it generally correlates more directly with heart-related issues or interruptions in the flow of Qi and blood, rather than specifically pointing to blood stasis and deficiency. The thready pulse tends to indicate deficiency states, particularly Qi or Yin deficiency, but does not specifically denote stasis. The long pulse is typically associated with excess conditions or heat patterns, not with blood stasis or deficiency.

Thus, the choppy pulse is uniquely positioned as the primary pulse indicating both blood stasis and potential deficient blood, making it the correct answer to the question posed.

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