Four kinds of pulse are the key criteria in examination: the Floating, Deep, Slow, and Rapid.
The floating and deep can be discerned by light and heavy pressure of the fingers (respectively).
The slow and rapid may (respectively) become the moderate and the racing. This can be identified by (counting) respirations.
If a pulse is floating but forceless, it is a vacuous one.
If it is floating and forceful, this is surging.
A pulse deep but forceless is a weak pulse. If it is slightly deep but forceful, it is a replete pulse.
A pulse slow but forceful is taken as a slippery pulse.
If it is slow and forceless, the pulse may be a moderate or choppy one.1
If a pulse is rapid and forceful, this is tight or bowstring.2
If it is rapid but forceless, it is a scallion-stalk pulse.
A floating, slow pulse indicates vacuity in the exterior.
A deep, slow pulse reveals extreme internal cold.
A floating, rapid pulse is undoubtedly an indication of exterior heat, while a deep, rapid pulse shows intense internal heat.
The above explanations are not derived from works by the ancients but a subtle knowledge attained through my heart