What does a superficial, large, and weak pulse signify?

A superficial, large, and weak pulse typically signifies prolonged illness or a chronic condition where the body has been struggling to maintain its vitality. This pulse presentation suggests that the body is in a state of depletion, particularly regarding its energy reserves (Qi) and potentially its blood quality.

In Chinese medicine, when a pulse is both superficial and large, it indicates that the body's superficial layers, which are often connected to external pathogens, are not functioning effectively, leading to a weakened state. The weakness of the pulse suggests that the body's internal systems are unable to respond adequately, often due to a prolonged endogenous disease that has drained the body's resources over time.

This situation is different from other pulse types seen in conditions like exterior excess, where the body's Yang Qi may be strongly reacting to an external influence. In the case of blood deficiency, one might find a thin pulse rather than a large one, indicating a lack of blood volume or quality rather than the depletion associated with prolonged internal disturbances.