Palpation of the pulse requires a quiet place. The therapist's breathing should be regular in order to properly assess the speed of the pulse. The patient's arm (sitting or lying down) should be at the level of the heart. A cushion can be placed under the wrist so that the hand remains extended and relaxed.
Location of the Radial Pulse
We measure it on the radial artery, using the index, middle, and ring fingers. Using the Lung channel as a reference, approximately at points 9, 8, and 7 LU.
- Cun Position: The index finger in the thumb position, the closest to the wrist crease.
- Guan Position: The middle finger in the barrier position (LU-8).
- Chi Position: The ring finger in the foot zone, furthest from the wrist crease.
There are three levels of depth:
- Superficial, at the level of the skin.
- Deep, at the level of bone.
- Median, in between.
General Perception of the Pulse
The first aspects to feel in the pulse is whether at a global level:
- It is strong or weak
- It is rapid or slow
- It is superficial or deep
- Shape and other characteristics: fine, wide, slippery, wiry...
This gives you a first impression about whether you are facing a case of fullness or deficiency, heat or cold, Yang or Yin.
Then, we proceed to inspect each of the finger positions, related to the Zang-Fu.