by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

The TCM Art of Pulse Diagnosis

Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis is a foundational diagnostic technique that involves assessing the quality, rhythm, and characteristics of the pulse at various points along the radial artery. This method provides practitioners with valuable insights into the patient’s overall health, the state of their internal organs, and the balance of qi and blood within the body. In this blog, we will discuss the history and significance of pulse diagnosis, along with the art of pulse reading and its techniques and methods.

The Significance of TCM Pulse Diagnosis

By carefully analyzing subtle nuances such as depth, rate, width, and strength of the pulse, TCM practitioners can detect imbalances and disharmonies long before physical symptoms manifest. Pulse diagnosis holds immense significance in TCM as it offers a non-invasive, yet highly accurate means of diagnosis, allowing practitioners to tailor treatment strategies that address the root cause of illness and promote holistic healing.

Additionally, pulse diagnosis serves as a dynamic tool for monitoring the progress of treatment and adjusting therapeutic approaches accordingly, making it an indispensable aspect of traditional Chinese medical practice.

Pulse Diagnosis Historical Origins

Pulse diagnosis traces its origins back to ancient China. The earliest records of pulse examination can be found in texts dating as far back as the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). During this time, pulse diagnosis was rudimentary, focusing mainly on assessing the pulse rate and its relation to health. However, as medical knowledge advanced, so too did the sophistication of pulse diagnosis techniques.

Over centuries of practice and refinement, pulse diagnosis techniques in TCM evolved into a comprehensive system capable of discerning subtle imbalances within the body. Various schools of thought emerged, each contributing to the development of unique pulse examination methods.

Several historical texts stand out as foundational works in the development of pulse diagnosis within TCM. Among these, the “Mai Jing” or “Pulse Classic” is perhaps the most renowned. Compiled during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), the “Mai Jing” provides detailed descriptions of pulse patterns, their clinical significance, and their relationship to various health conditions.

Another seminal text is the “Huang Di Nei Jing” or “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic,” a compendium of medical knowledge attributed to the mythical Yellow Emperor. Within this text, pulse diagnosis is elucidated alongside other fundamental principles of TCM, offering insights into the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.

Additionally, the “Shang Han Lun” or “Treatise on Cold Damage” by Zhang Zhongjing contains valuable information on pulse diagnosis techniques, particularly in the context of febrile diseases and their treatment strategies.

TCM Pulse Diagnosis Basics

Qi maintains the body’s functions and sustains life, whereas blood nourishes and moistens the tissues. The balance and harmonious circulation of qi and blood are crucial for optimal health. The Meridian System, consisting of a network of channels through which qi flows, connects various organs and tissues.

Pulse diagnosis in TCM is intimately tied to the Meridian System, as each pulse corresponds to specific meridians and reflects the state of qi and blood within them. Different types of pulses manifest based on the quality and quantity of qi and blood, indicating various patterns of disharmony. These pulses include:

Floating pulse: suggests superficial energy or exterior conditions
Sinking pulse: indicative of deeper pathologies or internal imbalances
Empty pulse: signals deficiency or depletion of qi and blood
Full pulse: denotes excess or stagnation
Rapid pulse: often associated with heat or hyperactivity
Slow pulse: reflective of cold or sluggish circulation.

According to the third installment of a 2018 series on the history of the pulse, pulse reading is highly valuable in medical assessments, especially pertaining to heart issues. This article outlines various types of irregular pulses and their related conditions:

Low-volume and amplitude pulse – suggests low cardiac output in conditions like shock or myocardial infarction.
Small peripheral pulses – indicate conditions like idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular stenosis, pericardial tamponade, or constrictive pericarditis.
Large amplitude and strong pulse (hyperkinetic) – considered normal and can be caused by anxiety, exercise, fever, hyperthyroidism, and anemia. Can also occur in conditions like patent ductus arteriosus, large arterial venous fistulas, and severe aortic regurgitation.
Water-hammer and collapsing pulses – suggests severe aortic regurgitation.
Pulsus alternans (alternating strong and weak beats) – associated with severe left ventricular failure.
Pulsus paradoxus – involves a significant decrease in stroke volume, systolic blood pressure, and pulse wave amplitude during inspiration.
Unilateral absence of a pulse can indicate a dissected aortic aneurysm.

Similarly, a 2024 study delved into the realm of pulse harmonic analysis, a quantitative approach in TCM used to assess pulse characteristics. Conducted through a systematic review of clinical research reports from 1990 to 2021, the investigation identifies 50 relevant reports.

Notable findings include associations between harmonic patterns and physiological conditions; for instance, cardiovascular patients exhibit elevated first harmonics linked to the liver meridian. Moreover, this study highlights the potential of harmonic analysis for TCM disease diagnosis and organ assessment.

Through skilled palpation of these pulses, TCM practitioners gain valuable insights into the nature of illness and guide personalized treatment strategies aimed at restoring balance and promoting well-being.

The Art of Pulse Reading

Training and mastering pulse diagnosis demands rigorous study and extensive clinical practice. Practitioners undergo comprehensive education covering TCM theory, anatomy, physiology, and the principles of pulse diagnosis.

They learn to differentiate between various pulse qualities, interpret patterns of disharmony, and correlate pulse findings with other diagnostic methods. Mastery of pulse diagnosis requires keen observational skills, refined tactile sensitivity, and the ability to discern subtle nuances.

Moreover, a calm and focused practitioner is essential during pulse examination, as their state of mind can influence the accuracy of their observations. Maintaining a clear and receptive mindset allows practitioners to attune to the patient’s pulse patterns more effectively and derive meaningful insights.

While training provides a solid foundation, intuition and experience play a significant role in pulse reading. Seasoned practitioners draw upon their accumulated knowledge, clinical encounters, and intuitive insights to complement analytical reasoning, enhancing the depth and accuracy of their diagnostic assessments.

Read More: The Highest Level Physician

Techniques and Methods

During pulse diagnosis, the placement of fingers on the pulse points is crucial for accurate assessment. Practitioners typically use three fingers—index, middle, and ring—placed gently on the radial artery at the wrist. The depth of pressure applied is delicate, with practitioners adjusting it according to the patient’s constitution and the desired information sought.

A light touch enables detection of superficial pulses, while deeper pressure reveals pulses from deeper layers. Interpretation of pulse characteristics involves assessing various parameters, including rate, rhythm, strength, and width.

The rate reflects the number of heartbeats per minute, indicating the speed of qi circulation. Rhythm refers to the regularity or irregularity of pulse beats, offering insights into the balance or disharmony within the body. Strength reflects the force or vigor of the pulse, indicating the presence of excess or deficiency. Width pertains to the breadth of the pulse wave, providing information about the state of blood vessels and the quality of qi and blood circulation.

A 2018 study aimed to determine the appropriateness of selecting any measurement location for pulse diagnosis research. Thirty-seven subjects were recruited, and pulse pressure waves were measured at 18 locations on both hands. Fourier transformation and multivariate analysis of variance were applied to analyze the data, focusing on harmonics C0-C10. The results revealed significant differences in harmonics between positions and indicators, suggesting that careful selection of measurement positions is crucial for accurate information acquisition in future pulse diagnosis research.

Pulse Diagnosis in Action

There exists a profound correlation between pulse characteristics and the internal organs, providing practitioners with valuable insights into the state of health and potential imbalances within the body.

Each pulse quality corresponds to specific organ systems and reflects their functional status. For instance, the pulse felt at the left wrist relates to the heart, while the right wrist corresponds to the lungs. By carefully discerning subtle variations in pulse characteristics, TCM practitioners can identify imbalances and disharmonies within the organs and meridians.

Through pulse diagnosis, practitioners can detect patterns of excess, deficiency, stagnation, or blockage, helping to pinpoint the root cause of illness.

A 2018 scientific review proposed that heart-rate variability (HRV), specifically the time differences between heartbeats, may serve as a biomarker to assess the health effects of different foods. Reduced HRV is linked to various health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, obesity, and psychiatric disorders. Moreover, this study shows that the consistent relationship between HRV, health, and morbidity suggests that HRV has the potential to become a widely used biomarker in assessing the impact of diet on mental and physical health.

Similarly, a 2015 study compared pulse diagnosis signals in patients with fatty liver disease (FLD), cirrhosis, and healthy volunteers. They used various methods for analysis, including unsupervised learning (PCA) and supervised learning (LS and LASSO). Results showed significant differences in pulse signals between healthy individuals and those with FLD and cirrhosis, confirmed by three analysis methods. The accuracy of identifying certain components ranged from 75% with PCA to over 93% with supervised learning using seven parameters. The study suggests that combining these methods may contribute to computer-aided diagnosis through pulse diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine, providing valuable evidence for TCM clinical practice.

Furthermore, pulse diagnosis is often used in conjunction with other TCM diagnostic methods such as tongue examination, observation, questioning, and palpation. By integrating multiple diagnostic approaches, practitioners gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition, allowing for tailored treatment strategies that address the underlying imbalances and promote restoration of health and balance.

Watch: Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridians and Channels

Conclusion

Pulse diagnosis offers invaluable insights into the patient’s health status and guiding personalized treatment approaches. Its significance lies in its ability to detect subtle imbalances and disharmonies long before physical symptoms manifest, facilitating early intervention and preventive care.

For practitioners and students of TCM, mastering the art of pulse diagnosis is a journey of dedication and skill refinement. Embracing this diagnostic tool not only enhances clinical proficiency but also deepens understanding of TCM theory and principles. Practitioners are encouraged to cultivate patience, sensitivity, and intuition in pulse examination, recognizing its role as a dynamic and integral aspect of holistic healing.

By honing their pulse reading abilities, practitioners and students can enrich their clinical practice, foster therapeutic relationships with patients, and contribute to the advancement of TCM knowledge and practice.

Watch: 4 Pulse Qualities and What They Say About Your Health

Read More: Before and After Cupping Therapy