When you come in for an acupuncture session, one of the key diagnostic tools I use is pulse diagnosis. It's not just about counting beats per minute; it's a sophisticated technique that helps me gain a deeper understanding of your overall health and well-being. Here's a glimpse into what I'm feeling for when I check your pulse during acupuncture treatments:
Understanding the Pulse Positions
On each wrist, I check three primary pulse positions (Cun, Guan, and Chi) and three levels (superficial, middle, and deep). Each of these positions and levels corresponds to different organs and functions in your body:
Cun (inch) Position: Closest to the wrist, associated with the heart and lungs on the left hand and the small intestine and large intestine on the right hand.
Guan (gate) Position: In the middle, linked to the liver and gallbladder on the left hand and the spleen and stomach on the right hand.
Chi (foot) Position: Farthest from the wrist, related to the kidneys on both hands.
Key Pulse Qualities
When I place my fingers on these positions, I'm not just counting beats. I'm assessing several key qualities of your pulse:
Rate: The speed of your pulse can indicate various health conditions. A rapid pulse might suggest heat or excess conditions, while a slow pulse can indicate cold or deficiency.
Rhythm & Frequency: A regular and steady rhythm and frequency is generally a good sign, while an irregular rhythm might point to underlying imbalances that need attention.
Strength: The strength of the pulse can reveal the state of your Qi (energy) and blood flow. A strong pulse indicates good energy and blood circulation, while a weak pulse might suggest a deficiency.
Width: The width of the pulse can help determine the condition of your blood vessels and overall circulation. A wide pulse might indicate excess, while a narrow pulse could suggest deficiency.
Depth: I feel at different levels to assess how superficial or deep the pulse is. A superficial pulse might indicate external conditions, while a deep pulse can point to internal issues.
Detecting Energetic Blocks
In addition to these qualities, I also feel for specific energetic blocks that can disrupt the flow of Qi and affect your health such as a:
Husband and Wife Block: This block occurs when there's an imbalance between the left and right sides of the body, often related to the Yin and Yang energies. It can manifest as discrepancies in pulse strength or quality between the two wrists.
Entry-Exit Block: These blocks occur at the transition points where energy moves from one meridian to another. Detecting these blocks helps me understand where Qi might be getting stuck and how to restore smooth flow throughout the body.
What the Pulse Reveals
By feeling these qualities, I can gather important information about your body's balance and health:
Qi and Blood Flow: Assessing the flow, texture, and strength of Qi and blood helps identify any blockages, deficiencies, patterns etc. that might be affecting your health.
Organ Health: Each pulse position corresponds to specific organs, so I can identify potential issues with your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, channels and more.
Emotional State: The pulse can also reflect your emotional and mental well-being. Stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil can manifest in the pulse, providing insights into your psychological state.
Personalizing Your Treatment
The information gathered from pulse diagnosis helps me tailor your acupuncture treatment to your specific needs. By understanding the underlying imbalances in your body, I can choose the most appropriate acupuncture points and techniques to promote healing and restore balance.
Conclusion
Pulse diagnosis is a vital part of the holistic approach to healing in traditional Chinese medicine. It's a powerful tool that allows me to connect with your body's subtle signals and provide personalized care. Next time you come in for an acupuncture session, you'll know that when I check your pulse, I'm gaining valuable insights into your health to help you achieve optimal well-being.
You can schedule any time via email or by using this link. If you are a current patient, be sure to sign in to your account when using the booking link: https://floraandfana.janeapp.com
Dr. Marie Najjar, DAc, LAc
Doctor of Acupuncture
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