Which pulse is known for being distinctly felt only at the deep level?

The deep pulse is characterized by its distinct presence only when palpated at the deeper levels of the pulse. In traditional Chinese medicine, pulses are assessed at different depths—superficial, middle, and deep—each corresponding to different layers of the body's physiological state.

A deep pulse indicates that the qi (vital energy) and blood are more profoundly situated, often associated with conditions of deficiency or stagnation that may only be discernable when pressure is applied firmly enough to reach this deeper layer. This can signal underlying health issues or a stronger influence of internal factors affecting the body.

Understanding pulse diagnosis involves not just the depth but also the quality of the pulse, which can give practitioners insight into a patient's overall health and help guide treatment. Other types of pulses like the superficial pulse, for example, are felt at more superficial levels and indicate different aspects of health, thus differentiating them from the deep pulse, which is solely recognized at the deeper level.