What pulse is described as very fine, soft, and feels like it is about to disappear?

The minute pulse is characterized by its very fine, soft quality, often described as delicate and on the verge of disappearing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the minute pulse reflects a deficiency in vital energy or blood, often indicating a weak constitution or the presence of a significant health issue. This pulse is typically felt with the lightest touch and can be difficult to detect, which underscores its ephemeral nature.

The minute pulse can indicate a range of conditions, including severe yin deficiency, exhaustion of body fluids, or chronic illness, where the body's overall vitality is waning. TCM practitioners pay close attention to this pulse as it can guide them in determining a treatment strategy, focusing on nourishing and strengthening the patient's energy and blood.

While the thin pulse also reflects a condition of deficiency, it is usually more pronounced than a minute pulse. A short pulse suggests a different issue where the pulse is lacking in breadth rather than being soft or faint. The knotted pulse indicates a more complex characteristic involving stagnation or an irregular rhythm, distinct from the fine and soft nature of the minute pulse. Each type of pulse offers different insights into the patient's health, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in TCM.