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Chapter 1 of 13
脉经
Mai Jing is a monograph on pulse diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine, compiled by the Western Jin dynasty physician Wang Shuhe around 280 AD. It is the earliest extant monograph on pulse studies in China. The work consists of ten volumes and ninety-eight chapters.
The book consolidates the achievements in pulse studies from before the Han dynasty, drawing primarily from the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), Nanjing (Classic of Difficult Issues), as well as related discussions by Zhang Zhongjing, Hua Tuo, and others, organized into classified categories. On the basis of elucidating pulse principles, it is closely integrated with clinical practice.
The original text included an appendix called "Hand Examination Diagram in Thirty-one Sections," which has been lost.
The book's two greatest contributions are:
First, it was the first to categorize pulse patterns into float (fu), hollow (kou), surging (hong), rolling (hua), rapid (shu), hastening (cu), wiry (xian), tight (jin), deep (chen), hidden (fu), drum-skin (ge), replete (shi), faint (wei), choppy (se), thin (xi), soft (ruan), weak (ruo), deficient (xu), scattered (san), slow (huan), retarded (chi), knotted (jie), intermittent (dai), and moving (dong) — twenty-four in total — and provides a specific description of each pulse pattern.
Second, it preserved important historical literature on diagnostic methods before the Jin dynasty, the pathological changes reflected by pulse patterns, and the clinical significance of pulse diagnosis.
The core value of Mai Jing lies in the systematization and standardization of pulse diagnosis. Prior to it, pulse pattern names were inconsistent and descriptions were scattered; physicians relied on personal experience, making it difficult to establish a unified system for learning and transmission. Wang Shuhe named and described each of the twenty-four pulses, providing later generations with a standardized framework for repeated study.
At a deeper level, it emphasizes combined reference of pulse and syndrome: pulse patterns must not be viewed in isolation but must be integrated with the zang-fu organs, channels and collaterals, yin-yang deficiency-excess, and specific physical presentations before they can serve as the basis for treatment. This approach of "inferring the syndrome through the pulse and cross-referencing pulse with syndrome" is a fundamental cornerstone of diagnostic methodology in traditional Chinese medicine.
From a documentary perspective, Mai Jing, as the earliest extant monograph on pulse studies in China, preserves a wealth of precious materials from before the Jin dynasty, holding significant historical and academic value. The categorization of the twenty-four pulses also laid the foundation for later works such as Bin Hu Mai Xue (Binhu's Pulse Studies).
From a modern scientific perspective, however, pulse pattern assessment relies heavily on the physician's tactile sensation and personal experience, and carries a considerable degree of subjectivity, making it difficult to fully and objectively quantify. In recent years, there have been some studies on objective pulse diagnosis, such as pressure sensors and pulse waveform analysis, but no universally recognized standardized system has yet been established. The ancient content regarding using the pulse to predict disease or determine life and death should be approached with caution and should not be used independently without modern medical examination. 🩺
Mai Jing reminds people to pay attention to the regularity and holistic nature of the body's condition. General readers can derive practical life guidance: aligning daily routines with the four seasons, maintaining emotional stability, and exercising moderation in diet all contribute to maintaining bodily balance. However, pulse patterns belong to the domain of professional diagnostic examination and should not be used by individuals to self-assess health or illness; if unwell, one should seek proper medical care.
Related Concepts:
Further Reading:
This content is based on classical Chinese medical texts and is provided solely for traditional cultural study and research. It does not constitute any medical diagnosis, medication, or treatment advice. If you are unwell, please seek timely medical attention.