Pulse Examination
From times immemorial the practitioners of Ayurveda have correctly diagnosed and treated ailments without the help of any tests except that of the pulse. The radial pulse is usually chosen as the site to examine the pulse. It reveals the characteristics of imbalances, the nature of the disease and expected prognosis.
Characteristics of Pulse
The distinctly different pulse movements (gati) for each dosha type are:
VATA PULSE |
PITTA PULSE |
KAPHA PULSE |
|
Characteristics |
Fast, feeble, cold,light, thin, disappears on pressure |
Prominent, strong, high amplitude, hot, forceful, lifts up the palpating fingers. |
Deep, slow, broad wavy, thick, cool, warm, regular |
Location |
Best felt under the index finger |
Best felt under the middle finger |
Best felt under the ring finger |
Gati |
Moves like a cobra |
Moves like a frog |
Moves like a swimming swan |
1) Fast, Narrow, Feeble, Cool, Irregular
Rate is 80-100 beats per minute The placement of the index finger denotes the pulse of vata. When this pulse predominates, the index finger feels the throbbing more strongly. And the pulse feels like the movement of a snake, quick and slithery.
2) Jumping, Excite, Prominent, Hot, Moderate, Regular Rate is 70-80 beats per minute The placement of the middle finger denotes the pulse of pitta. When this pulse predominates, the middle finger gets a stronger feel, it is active and jumpy like the movement of a frog.
3) Slow, Strong, Steady, Soft, Broad, Regular, Warm
Rate is 60 -70 beats per minute. The placement of the ring finger denotes the pulse of kapha. When this pulse predominates, the ring finger feels the strongest effect. This pulse is slow and resembles the floating of a swan.
Examination of Movement (Gati) and Their Conditions
MOVEMENT LIKE |
CONDITION DENOTED |
Cobra |
Normal vata pulse |
Frog |
Normal pitta pulse |
Swan |
Normal kapha pulse |
Leech |
Arthritis, gout |
Worm |
Parasites, worms |
Ant |
Terminal illness |
Peacock |
Arterial hypertension, high cholesterol |
Partridge |
Gastric ulcer, enteritis |
Quail |
Prostatitis, cystitis |
Crow |
Aortic regurgitation |
Pigeon |
Bronchial asthma |
Clock |
Diabetes, albuminuria |
Camel |
Aortic stenosis, rheumatic valvular heart condition |
Elephant |
Lymphatic obstruction solid edema, Lymphosarcoma, elephantitis |
Mountain |
Heart block, bundle branch block |
Irregular |
Atrial fibrillation |
Vibrating drum |
Fatal illness, renal failure, shock |
Lotus |
Perfect health, enlightenment |
The point to be remembered here being although early morning is the ideal time for pulse examination specially on an empty stomach, in case of an emergency, it can be examined at any time of the day or night for proper diagnosis.
The Biological Clock and the Pulse : A Symbolic Representation