What is the pulse like in blood deficiency?

In the context of traditional Chinese medicine, a pulse described as thready and soft indicates a state of blood deficiency. Blood deficiency is characterized by an insufficient quantity of blood to nourish the organs and tissues, leading to signs such as fatigue, dizziness, and pale complexion. This insufficiency reflects in the pulse, which tends to be thin and less robust, as the body lacks the strength and fullness that typically accompany a healthy blood supply.

A thready pulse suggests that there is minimal blood flow, resulting in a pulse that feels weak and delicate upon palpation. This aligns perfectly with the concept of blood deficiency, where the pulse lacks the vigor expected from a well-nourished system.

In contrast, a weak and soft pulse could suggest various other conditions, including Yang deficiency, which might exhibit similar but nuanced qualities. A rapid and strong pulse typically indicates an excess condition, often due to heat or some form of invasion, and a normal and soft pulse does not reflect the specific nature of blood deficiency. Thus, the thready and soft pulse accurately captures the essence of blood deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine.