PULSE DIAGNOSIS

By gently resting 3 fingers on each wrist, the health and vitality of your internal organs can be assessed based on the strength and quality of their pulse-beat.

Of the diagnostic tools in Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis is one of the more important tools used. The pulse can give a practitioner information on the quality of qi and blood flow, the state of organs, and if a condition is acute or chronic. The information from the pulse may also indicate whether heat, cold, wind or dampness is involved, as well as whether a condition is at the exterior or interior level. It can also be used to gauge the progression of an imbalance.

The pulse can be felt in 3 positions at the location of the radial pulse on the wrist. Each of the 3 positions corresponds to a particular organ. On the left side the radial pulse can give information about the heart, the liver and the Kidney (yin). The right radial pulse gives us information about the Lung, the liver and the Kidney (yang). In addition to the three pulse positions there are also three levels to each position. The level to which a pulse is felt at the different positions also gives relevant information to the practitioner. A practitioner will feel for the width, the strength, speed and depth of the pulse. The pulse may also have certain characteristics such as slippery, or wiry that also gives the practitioner additional details for a diagnosis. From these three positions the pulse indicates the strength and quality of functioning of the 12 organs in the body as well as the overall quality of the bodyÃÔ qi and blood. The pulse can give information as to our nutrition, quality of sleep and emotions thus making the pulse and indispensable tool for a Chinese medicine practitioner.