diagnosis consists of about 29 different pulse types, which includes, slow pulse, moderate pulse, weak pulse, faint pulse, scattered pulse, hollow pulse, irregular pulse, swift pulse, long pulse, deep pulse, and more (Lan, Litscher, & Hung, 2020). Some pulse types describe one element of a pulse, while other pulse types describe more than one element of a pulse (Tang, 2012). The characteristics and qualities of each pulse type give the practitioner a clear understanding of certain diseases and their symptoms.

          Moreover, it guides the practitioner in choosing the proper treatment modality and Chinese herb teas for the individual. Descriptions of pulse conditions are usually either qualitative or quantitative. However, most pulse conditions are described as qualitative. For instance, one of the qualitative descriptions, such as slippery pulse, is described as an illustration of beads rolling (Tang, 2012). On the other hand, one of the quantitative descriptions, such as rapid pulse, is described as the number of beats per breath (Tang, 2012).

Additionally, the pulse diagnosis is based on six locations and eight elements in TCM. Acupuncturists use the six locations, such as left and right Cun, Guan, and Chi, and the eight elements, such as depth, rate, regularity, width, length, smoothness, stiffness, and strength, to assess the pulse (Tang, Chung, & Wong, 2011). In TCM, it is believed that there must be a balance between each element to achieve optimal health. It means that there has to be an equal balance of Qi and Yin & Yang to keep one’s health status high.