Pulse Diagnosis In Ayurveda

One of the key diagnostic tools in Ayurveda is pulse diagnosis. Through the use of this diagnostic method, Ayurvedic practitioners can gain information about the physical constitution and health of their patient. This information is used to form the basis for a sensitive and personalized therapy in accordance with Ayurvedic principles of treatment.

Pulse diagnosis is among the most fascinating ways of monitoring interactions in the body. This precise Ayurvedic method can recognise the disease process before symptoms are overtly visible. Nadi is the Sanskrit word for "channel/pipe/tube“, through which cell intelligence vibrates, and Pariksa means “diagnosis”. 

Through the use of pulse diagnosis, the Ayurvedic practitioner can determine: 

• The original mental and physical constitution of the patient and their Doshas 
• Any imbalance in the Doshas
• The movement and state of the Doshas. 
• The movement of the sub-Doshas. 
• The strength of Agni (digestive fire, metabolic activity). 
• The movement of toxins and the existence of any tissue degeneration
• Any abnormal mental or physical activity

The Ayurvedic practitioner places three fingers on the right hand below the wrist when taking the client's pulse. This way he can feel the blood flowing in squirts during the expansion and contraction of the heart. This so-called “radial pulse” (Hasta Nadi) is the ideal pulse for complex pulse measurements. 

Ayurveda has determined that there are three types of pulse.  The Vata pulse is felt under the index finger. The Pitta pulse is taken under the middle finger, and the Kapha pulse is located under the ring finger. The Vata pulse can be determined by a thin, fast and irregular rhythm under the skin. In comparison, the Pitta pulse, which is stronger and more voluminous, and it may have either a regular or irregular rhythm. You can locate the Kapha pulse deeper down (under fatty tissue) and moves slowly and regularly. The Ayurvedic practitioner can take the pulse at other parts of the body as well, thereby gaining a very complete picture of the state of health of any patient. 

In the early morning is the best time to take a patient's pulse, but not right after the patient has just awakened. In addition, a patient's pulse should also not be taken right after a meal, after physical exercise, after showering or bathing, after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, after smoking or after sexual intercourse. The patient should also not be hungry, thirsty, angry or in a traumatised state of shock. 

The use of a pulse diagnosis should always be a fundamental part of any serious Ayurvedic examination.