Pulse Diagnosis Part One: Calibrating Fingers with an Experienced Teacher in Pulse Diagnosis

In the next few blog posts, I will be discussing pulse diagnosis.

There are three complementary methods for learning pulse diagnosis. Each of them is necessary for becoming proficient. Pursuing one method makes the other methods more enlightening, so the study of pulse gains momentum as we engage in each one.

1. Didactic study: This includes classes and reading. We all must learn the basics regarding pulse positions, types, and indications. In addition to this, we can read discussions and cases from experienced practitioners to add depth and nuance to our studies. 
2. Clinical practice: If we feel confident in our intake and diagnostic methods outside of pulse palpation, we can listen to the pulse through the lens of what we already know. For example, suppose I know my patient has water accumulation in the lower Jiao and a Shaoyang block. Then, I feel a wiry, strong pulse in both the right Chi and left Guan positions. In that case, I can consider whether or not the water in the lower Jiao could cause the wiry Chi and whether the Shaoyang block could give rise to the wiry left Guan. Over time, I will see that this pulse pattern happens repeatedly in this scenario. I will see that a Shaoyang block almost always comes with a wiry left Guan, and water accumulation anywhere in the body often causes the pulse to be wiry as the water constrains the Qi. In other words, my clinical practice is teaching me pulse. For this to work, we must have a solid foundation in diagnosis.  
3. Calibrating our fingers with an experienced practitioner: Nothing can replace the value of sitting with a deeply experienced practitioner. These practitioners have all used these three complementary methods for learning pulse diagnosis over a long period. They have committed to this endeavor until their confidence in using the pulse for diagnosis is solid.  

In my Graduate Mentorship Program, most of my students have not had the opportunity to study pulse using these three methods. They have primarily had didactic study, which alone will never give them confidence in pulses. Since the program focuses on developing strong and grounded intake and diagnostic abilities, I encourage them to avoid using the pulse to come to diagnostic conclusions and instead to let their precise diagnosis begin to teach them about the pulse. This method relieves many as they have previously been confused and lacked confidence in their ability to feel and interpret the pulse. Suddenly, the question changes from What is the pulse telling me? How does this pulse make sense, given my diagnosis? The pressure to know what they are feeling and what it means is relieved, and they become open to learning. Over time, the pulse adds details and nuance to our foundational diagnosis, helping us refine our formula and herbal choices.

However, there is no replacement for learning from and calibrating your fingers with a master. That is why I’ve cultivated relationships with teachers who have experience and who have taken deep dives into the world of the pulse.

With this in mind, I am so happy that Claus Sørenson is returning to White Pine to work with a small group of practitioners on their pulse-taking abilities. If you have not already taken his didactic course, I strongly encourage everyone to take this and then enroll in his two-day class at White Pine Healing Arts in Amherst, MA.  Personally, Claus advanced my pulse diagnostic abilities drastically.  

I also encourage everyone to take Nadine Zäch’s Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue pulse diagnosis courses. Nadine will soon teach a new Women’s Health and Pulse course, followed by another of her famous pulse retreats. Stay tuned!