Traditional Chinese Medicine/Pulse Positions


Pulse Positions | Basic Pulse Axioms | Methodology Of Taking The Pulse | Classification And Nomenclature Of Pulse Qualities | Rhythm And Stability Of The Pulse | Rate Of The Pulse | Our RSP | Volume Of The Pulse | Depth Of The Pulse | Size: Width And Length Of The Pulse | Shape Of The Pulse | Individual Positions Of The Pulse | Pulse Qualities As Signs Of Psychological Disharmony | Prognosis And Prevention | Pulse Interpretation


(1) In the Pulse Classic (written in the late 2nd century), by Wang Shu-He, the correlations between pulse positions and organs are as follows:

At the LEFT WRIST POSITION-

  • Distal Superficial: Small Intestine
    • Distal Deep: Heart
  • Middle Superficial: Gallbladder
    • Middle Deep: Liver
  • Proximal Superficial: Bladder
    • Proximal Deep: Kidney


At the RIGHT WRIST POSITION-

  • Distal Superficial: Large Intestine
    • Distal Deep: Lungs
  • Middle Superficial: Stomach
    • Middle Deep: Spleen
  • Proximal Superficial: Triple Burner
    • Proximal Deep: Kidney (Life Gate)

The distal position is known as the cun (inch, 寸) position, the middle/second position is the guan (gate, 关) position, and the proximal/third pulse position (furthest away from the wrist) is the chi (foot, 尺) position.

The strengths and weaknesses of the these positions are assessed at 3 depths each, namely fu (floating, 浮), zhong (middle, 中) and chen (deep, 沉). [1].

(2) In the Nan Ching (Classic of Difficulties, written in about 200 AD), the correlations between pulse positions and organs are as follows:

At the LEFT WRIST POSITION-

  • Distal Superficial: Arm Tai Yang
    • Distal Deep: Arm Shao Yin
  • Middle Superficial: Leg Shao Yang
    • Middle Deep: Leg Jue Yin
  • Proximal Superficial: Leg Tai Yang
    • Proximal Deep: Leg Shao Yin


At the RIGHT WRIST POSITION-

  • Distal Superficial: Arm Yang Ming
    • Distal Deep: Arm Tai Yin
  • Middle Superficial: Leg Yang Ming
    • Middle Deep: Leg Tai Yin

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  1. Hammer, Leon. Handbook of Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis. Copyright 2012.