Tsawwassen Acupuncture Clinic
5666 12th avenue, Suite 5. V4L 1C4 Delta, BC, Canada

The Importance of Pulse Reading Upon their initial visit, patients are always curious about the reading of the pulse. When I read the pulse, both the left and right wrists are accessed and I am often asked, Why do you read both the left and right side? Are the pulses different from one side to the other? ... Allow me to give you all a brief explanation on the pulse and its’ significance. The pulse reading is a bit more elaborate than only beats per minute and its’ rhythm. To put it simply, the pulse is an important tool used to ascertain a multitude of information as it relates to Traditional Chinese Medical theory. Findings from the pulse can be helpful in identifying affected anatomical regions of the body, meridian involvement, the level and stage of an imbalance and even physiological substance and function in accord with the science of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). When the pulse is read, three fingers are used at the wrist. The length of pulse is divided into 3 sections at the wrist and is read with a separate finger placed at each of these positions. Each of those positions is then divided into 3 more divisions’ of depth by pressing the finger from the level of the skin surface towards the bone. This applies to both wrists and as you can see the number of sections to consider has increased dramatically. Now that the pulse regions are known, the next considerations when reading the pulse are the numerous variations in the quality or texture of the vessel beneath the fingers and the vigour of the pulse itself. The pulse rate and rhythm will be the same for all regions left and right, yet the qualities and texture can differ at each one of these positions, depths and sides. Each of these pulse textures and strengths combined with the various positions are reflective of the body’s reactions to a whole host of influences’. Everything from dietary intake, physical and mental strain, weakness, congestion, circulation as well as environmental influences and traumatic injury can influence the feel of the pulse at the wrist. So even though a person may come in for an injury or pain related concern, it is still vital to know that the underlying condition of the body systems’ is able to support the healing process. The pulse is an important part of gaining that information. Learning the pulse takes years of training and practice. Without the knowledge base of TCM in mind, the person taking the pulse will only recognize the rate and rhythm. When seen through the framework of TCM, the picture of the pulse comes alive and takes on an entirely different importance.

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