Pulse: Part 2
Significance of Pulse
In modern science, the pulse is generally understood only as indicator of functioning of the heart whereas practitioners of ancient healing systems describe it as mirror of the whole body. Many books in different languages have been written on diagnosis through pulse and different techniques have been mentioned.
Reading the pulse is a specialization by itself and cannot be learnt only through book reading. This wonderful art requires many years of practical experience to learn and master. Some herbal practitioners called "Hakeem" in Pakistan and "Ved" in India use pulse as the main tool for diagnoses and can pinpoint various diseases without any laboratory tests. Most of the times, such diagnosis is unbelievably accurate.
The pulse is checked mainly for count, location, rhythm, strength, length, width and depth. These aspects make up about twenty-eight different combinations. According to another concept, there are lesser number of combinations. Whatever be the number of combinations of pulse, each has its own diagnostic significance.
The purpose of this article is to indicate some of the abnormalities of the pulse not to teach diagnosis through pulse. The information given below is meant for general knowledge only. Using this information, you may check your pulse and draw your own conclusions but for proper diagnosis, you should consider talking to your doctor. Checking the pulse on regular basis may give you an early warning of some troubles brewing underneath.
Normal Pulse
Frequency of the pulse varies with age. Normal pulse of a healthy person should be smooth, balanced, constantly regular, rhythmic with easily readable beats. The pulse should be found easily, not by exerting undue pressure but at the same time, it should not be too strong.Example according to location of pulse
If the pulse is found only under the first finger and that too without exerting much pressure, it may indicate following symptoms and conditions that will vary according to strength and regularity of the beat:- General deficiency of vital heat
- Usually low blood pressure. Under certain conditions, it might not be low
- Usually subnormal body temperature
- Predisposition to bad throat, tonsillitis, flu, common fever, diarrhea and vomiting
- Predisposition to sleep for long hours
- Predisposition to diabetes type-1
- Predisposition to excessive and frequent urination specially after drinking water and in cold weather
- Usually sensitive to cold
- Deficient thirst
- Tendency to obesity
- Predisposed to get frightened easily
- General sexual weakness in men
- Most of the symptoms tend to aggravate during wet weather
and a lot more.
So keep a watch on your pulse. It would help you.
What is Pulse?
Guidelines to check the Pulse