Pulse Examination

 

 PULSE

 EXAMINATION 

Pulse examination is carried out with the help of the radial artery. The index, middle and ring-fingers of the right hand are used in pulse examination.

The index finger is placed about the width of the index of the patient below the root of the thumb, the other two fingers are placed next to the index.

The following rules have to be observed in pulse examination:

1. Examination is perfectly carried out early in the morning after ablutions, when the patient's stomach is empty. Don't examine the pulse immediately after bath or oil massage, nor when the patient is hungry or thirsty. Examination can also be carried out in the afternoon, but the patient must not have taken food for three hours.

2. The right pulse of men and the left pulse of women are examined.

3. The mind of the examiner has to be in a state of concentration.

4. The examination of the pulse is repeated at least three times. Each time the pulse is gently and evenly pressed, then pressure is released. It is important that you feel the pulse of the patient, make sure that you don't feel the capillaries of your fingers.

5. Pressure of the three examining fingers has to be uniform.

6. Pulse examination needs constant practice and much experience.

The state of VAYU is indicated by the pulse felt with the INDEX.

The state of PITTA is indicated by the pulse felt with the MIDDLE FINGER.

The state of KAPHA is indicated by the pulse felt with the RING FINGER.

Vayu-movement of a snake or a leech

Pitta-movement of a crow, sparrow or frog

Kapha-movement of a swan or a peacock

The basic character of the pulses:

In a state of sannipata (aggravation of all three dosas) the pulse movement resembles a wood pecker:

A healthy person's pulse is "like an elephant"-slow, steady and regular.

Regular pulse for 30 times always indicates good prognosis. A pulse beating like this: indicates bad prognosis. 1

While examining the pulse the following factors must also be taken into consideration:

Vayu (there is more vāyu) in: old age,

late afternoon, late night, 2 hours after food, during summer or beginning of rainy season.

Pitta (there is more pitta) in: youth and middle age, at noon, at midnight,

during digestion of food,

in the autumn.

Kapha (there is more kapha) in: children,

the morning, the evening (1st part of the night), immediately after taking food, the spring. 

During pregnancy (bi-cardiac stage) there is a kind of double pulse:

Wash your hands each time you have examined a pulse to avoid