Which quality is NOT associated with a scattered pulse (san mai)?

• A. Floating
• B. Big
• C. Slow
• D. Weak

Answer: (C)

A scattered pulse (san mai) is characterized by certain qualities that indicate a deficiency in the body's overall vitality and the inability of Qi and blood to properly circulate. The qualities typically associated with a scattered pulse include being floating, big, and weak.

The reason "slow" is not associated with a scattered pulse is that a slow pulse often indicates a different set of conditions, such as excess cold or deficiency. A slow pulse tends to reflect a more substantial, stable quality of the body's energy and can be indicative of a more robust condition, unlike a scattered pulse, which often conveys weakness and instability.

In summary, a scattered pulse is usually floating, big, and weak, reflecting a general disorganization in the body’s energetic state, while a slow pulse represents a different diagnostic picture, focusing more on deficiency or the presence of cold.