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

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(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). .

(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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• Pulse Palpation