Ayurveda: Examination of pulse
In the West, the term diagnosis generally refers to identification of the disease after it has manifested. However, in Ayurveda, the concept of diagnosis implies a moment-to-moment monitoring of the interactions between order (health) and disorder (disease) in the body. The disease process is a reaction between the bodily humors and the tissues. The symptoms of disease are always related to derangement of the balance of the tridosha. Once we understand the nature of the imbalance, balance may be reestablished through treatment.
Ayurveda teaches very precise methods for understanding the disease process before any overt signs of the disease have manifested. By detecting early symptoms of imbalance and disease reaction in the body, one can determine the nature of future bodily reactions. Day-to-day observation of the pulse, tongue, face, eyes, nails and lips provide subtle indicators. Through these, the student of Ayurveda can learn what pathological processes are occurring in the body, which organs are impaired and where dosha and toxins have accumulated. Thus, by checking the body's indicators regularly, pathological symptoms can be detected early and preventative measures taken. Ayurveda teaches that the patient is a living book and, for understanding and physical well-being, he or she must be read daily.
EXAMINATION OF THE RADIAL PULSE
As the diagram shows, the radial pulse is felt with the first three fingers: the index, middle and ring fingers. To make a complete examination of the pulse, the doctor faces the patient and takes the pulse of each of his patient's wrists. The indicators of the pulse vary from the left to right side, so it is best to check the pulse on both sides of the body. The pulse should not be taken after exertion, massage, eating, bathing or sex. The pulse will also be affected by sitting near heat or by taking strenuous exercise. The pulse may be taken
at other points on the body as well. To check your own pulse, keep your arm and
wrist slightly flexed. Place your three fingers lightly on the wrist just below
the radial bone (wrist bone) and feel the throbbing of the pulse. Then decrease
the pressure of your fingers slightly to sense varying movements of the pulse.
Not only the constitution, but also the status of the body's organs can be
determined by examination of the superficial and deep pulsations. The beats of
the pulse not only correspond to the heartbeat, but they also reveal something
about the important meridians that are connecting prank currents of energy in
the body. These currents circulate through the blood, passing through the vital
organs such as the liver, kidney, heart and brain. By feeling the superficial
and deep pulsations, the sensitive examiner can detect the conditions of these
various organs. Each finger rests on a meridian of the element associated with
the dosha of that place. For
example, the index finger which rests on the vata-dosha
detects bodily air; the middle finger which touches on pitta detects fire; and the
ring finger which feels the kapha pulse, water.
The position of the index finger denotes the place of the vata-dosha.
When vata is predominant in the
constitution, the index finger will feel the pulse strongly. It will be
irregular and thin, moving in waves like the motion of a serpent. This type of
pulse is therefore called the ''snake" pulse and it indicates aggravated vata in the body.
The resting place of the middle finger denotes the pulse of the pitta
dosha. When pitta is predominant in the constitution, the pulse will be stronger under the
middle finger. It will feel active and excited and win move like the jumping of
a frog. Hence, it is called the "frog" pulse. This pulse denotes
aggravated pitta.
When kapha is predominant, the throbbing of the pulse
under the ring finger is most noticeable. The pulse feels strong and its
movement resembles the floating of a swan. It is called the "swan"
pulse.
The index finger rests on the patient's right wrist at the
site for feeling the activity of the large intestine with a superficial touch; when firmer, deeper pressure is applied, the activity of the lungs may be sensed. If very prominent throbbing is felt when the index finger on the right side is applied superficially, then vata is aggravated in the large intestine; if the deep pulse is strong and throbbing, there is
congestion in the lungs. The middle finger resting on the right wrist can
detect the status of the gallbladder with superficial touch and the liver with
deeper pressure. The ring finger senses the pericardium (outer covering of the
heart) when applied superficially; and. with a deep touch, the harmonious relationship
of vala-pitta-kapha is detected.
The index finger
resting superficially on the patient's left wrist monitors the activity of the
small intestine, while the heart is monitored by deep pressure. With
superficial pressure of the middle finger, the activity of the stomach is
observed: and deep pressure reveals the status of the spleen. The ring finger
applied superficially reveals the condition of the bladder while deep pressure
checks the functioning of the kidneys. To learn this technique of examination
of the pulse requires attention and day-to-day practice.
You can feel the variations in your pulse at different times of the day.
You can also note changes in the pulse after urination, when you are hungry or
when you feel anger. Observing such changes, you will begin to learn how to
read the pulse.
I) The placement of the index finger denotes the pulse of Vata. When this pulse predominates, the index finger feels the throbbing more strongly. Also, the pulse feels like the movement of a snake, quick and slithery.
2) The placement of the middle finger denotes the pulse of Pitta. When this pulse predominates, the middle finger is strongest. It is active and jumpy like the movement of a frog.
3) The placement of the ring finger denotes the pulse of Kapha. When this pulse predominates, the ring finger feels strongest. This pulse is slow and resembles the floating of a swan.
THE PULSE MAY BE CHECKED:
1) At the temporal artery, just above the temple on the side of the head.
2) At the carotid artery, on the side of the neck above the clavicle.
3) At the bronchial artery, on the inside of the arm above the elbow.
4) At the radial artery, on the wrist.
5) At the femoral artery, on the Inside front of the leg where It joins the pelvis
6) At the posterior tibial artery, on the foot behind the ankle
7) At the dorsalis-pedis artery, on the top of the foot.
PULSE SHOULD NOT BE CHECKED:
1) After Massage,
2) After Taking Food or Alcohol,
3) After Sunbathing,
4) After Sitting Close to a Fire,
5) After Hard Physical Labor.
6) After Sex,
7) While Hungry,
8) While Taking a Bath
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