Introduction to Pulse Diagnosis 🩺

Overview

• Evaluating the pulse systematically using R, D, S, Q
• R: Rate
• D: Depth
• S: Strength
• Q: Quality
• Diagnostic information derived from pulse characteristics

Importance of Pulse Diagnosis

• Frequently requested skill among students
• Practice by taking many pulses (e.g., 10/day for 1000+ pulses)
• Structured approach more beneficial than vague experiences

Systematic Pulse Evaluation: RDSQ

R: Rate

• Measures fast or slow pulse rate
• Traditional method: Beats per practitioner's breath
• Modern method: Beats per minute (BPM)
  • Slow pulse: < 60 BPM
  • Rapid pulse: > 90 BPM
• Diagnostic: Indicates heat or cold
  • Slow: Cold
  • Rapid: Heat

D: Depth

• Measures if the pulse is superficial or deep
• Light pressure: Superficial or floating
• Heavy pressure: Deep
• Diagnostic: Indicates external/internal condition
  • Superficial: Exterior pattern
  • Deep: Interior pattern

S: Strength

• Measures forcefulness of the pulse
• Criteria: How hard the pulse pushes back
  • Forceful: Stronger push, Excess condition
  • Forceless: Weaker push, Deficiency condition

Q: Quality

• Complex; involves multiple aspects
  • Diameter of the vessel (thin/fine vs. large/wide)
  • Distinct edge of the vessel (wiry vs. soft)
  • Blood flow through the vessel (smooth/slippery vs. rough/choppy)
• Various diagnostic implications
  • Thin vessel: Not enough substance (blood or Yin deficiency)
  • Large vessel: Various (excess dampness, deficiency, etc.)
  • Distinct edge: Liver constraint, pain, obstruction
  • Slippery/Choppy: Flow of blood, heat, Qi deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation

Combining Attributes

• Combining R, D, S, Q can identify specific pulse images:
  • Soggy pulse: Superficial, Forceless, Fine
  • Weak pulse: Deep, Fine, Forceless
  • Faint pulse: Very thin, Very forceless
  • Wiry pulse: Hard edge, Thin
  • Tight pulse: Hard edge, Large

Diagnostic Relevance

Rate

• Heat vs. Cold

Depth

• Exterior vs. Interior

Strength

• Excess vs. Deficiency

Quality

• More complex; multiple dimensions and patterns

Advanced Topics: Pulse Positions

• Three positions: Cun, Guan, Chi (different body/jowl zones)
• Different interpretations vary by practice

Practical Tips

• Focus on rate, depth, strength first
• Positions: Which is strongest or weakest

Recommended Books

• Secrets of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis by Bob Flaws
• Pulse Studies: An Illustrated Guide by Li Shi Zhen and William Morris

Conclusion

• Start with basic attributes for a solid foundation
• Use RDSQ to get good diagnostic information

Supporting the Channel

• Various options: Patreon, Super Thanks, merchandise