The Nan Jing describes several methods for taking the pulse of the radial artery. One of them consists of dividing each wrist into three positions (Cun, Guan and Chi) and these into two levels of depth (Yin and Yang), so that each position and depth is linked to one of the 12 Zang-Fu organs and acupuncture channels. These radial pulse positions are also known as Cun Kou.
Left Hand
- Thumb zone (Cun position): Heart - Small Intestine
- Barrier zone (Guan position): Liver - Gall Bladder
- Foot zone (Chi position): Yin of Kidney - Bladder
Right Hand
- Thumb zone (Cun position): Lungs - Large Intestine
- Barrier zone (Guan position): Spleen - Stomach
- Foot zone (Chi position): Yang of Kidney (Ming Men) - Triple Burner
Return to pulse