What pulse characteristic is typically seen with Liver Qi stagnation?

The wiry pulse is commonly associated with Liver Qi stagnation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This pulse quality reflects an energy that is constrained or tense, similar to a tight string. In the context of Liver Qi stagnation, the emotion of stress or frustration can lead to this condition, causing a feeling of pressure and a sense of being “stuck.”

The wiry pulse, which is felt distinctly at all positions of the pulse, suggests that there is an imbalance in the liver function, particularly concerning the flow of Qi. This characteristic allows practitioners to identify the stagnation related to the liver, which can manifest through various symptoms like irritability, emotional instability, and physical tension.

Other pulse characteristics, like thready, soft, and floating pulses, indicate different underlying conditions or imbalances. A thready pulse might suggest deficiency, a soft pulse usually indicates weakness or dampness, and a floating pulse could signify a superficial condition or an exterior pathogen. Hence, they do not accurately represent the specific nature of Liver Qi stagnation, making the wiry pulse the most appropriate response.