How many different types of pulses do Chinese medical beliefs recognize?

Chinese medical beliefs recognize a total of 28 different pulse qualities, which are crucial to diagnosing and understanding a person's health condition. However, in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), specific systems categorize pulses differently. The common categorization that might be referenced in the context of this question divides pulse qualities into various types based on criteria such as strength, rhythm, and quality.

While the answer you provided mentions 15, it may be that the source refers to a commonly recognized subset of pulses associated with specific patterns or conditions, as practitioners may typically describe a range of 9 to 12 distinct pulses that form the foundation of diagnostic practice. Each pulse type reflects different aspects of a person's health, such as vitality, energy flow, and balance among the body's systems.

Understanding these pulse types is essential for practitioners in TCM, as each unique pulse characteristic can indicate different underlying health issues or imbalances. Thus, familiarity with the classification helps practitioners provide more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.