Chinese/Japanese Pulse Image chart: Wiry Pulse (xianmai)

Illustration of Wiry Pulse (xianmai) from Renyuan maiying guizhi tushuo (Pictorial Handbook of Pulse Images Based on the Person). This is a specialist text on pulse diagnosis attributed to the third-century master Shuhe, edited and revised by Shen Jifen in the Ming period (1368-1644). It discusses various pulse images and the medical conditions to which they relate, and contains 48 pulse image diagrams. This undated edition was engraved and published in Japan.

The text states: The pulse image of Wiry Pulse is straight and long, and like a bowstring to the touch. It feels abundant when palpated lightly (ju, lit. raised), and does not shift when pressed firmly. Wiry Pulse relates to muscular stiffness and tightness. When present at the cun (Inch) pulse sector of the wrist, it relates to chest pain; at the guan (Pass) pulse sector of the wrist, it relates to abdominal pain; and at the chi (Foot) pulse sector of the wrist, it relates to pain below the navel.