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Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S)
Table of Contents [hide]
1. Introduction
2. Dr. John Douilliard
3. Dr. Vasant Lad
4. Levels of the Pulse
5. 1 st and 7 th Level Organ Pulses
6. 3 rd Level Subdoshas
7. 4 th Level Subtle energies
8. 5 th Level Dhatus (Tissues)
9. Second and Sixth Level Manas Prakriti (Flow of Consciousness)
10. Dr. Smita Naram
11. Vikriti Dosha/ Prakriti Dosha
12. Agni and Ama
13. Vata pushing Ama and Doshas
14. Dhatus (tissues) and Ojas (most refined tissue)
15. Comparison and Contrast
16. References
Introduction
Ayurvedic Medicine has been using the pulse as a form of diagnosis since it was created 5000 years ago. Those who are familiar with modern
Ayurvedic medicine think of the scenario where an Indian doctor takes your pulse and looks at your tongue and then can tell you what you've
eaten for dinner the night before. Although many intuitive doctors have this capability this paper is more concerned with the methodology of
the pulse. What are these doctors looking for? How do they interpret their findings? What can the pulse offer us as health care practitioners?
What can be identified as fact by being repeatable with adequate practice? This will become more clear to us as we begin to understand what
the pulse is and what it has to teach us. To do this we will look at the methodology and lineages of Dr. John Douilliard, Dr. Vasant Lad, and
Dr. Smita Naram. Then we will compare and contrast these doctors' methods and ideas. The goal of this analysis is not to determine the
efficacy of the pulse as a diagnosis method, but to understand the methodology of the pulse more clearly as a diagnostic tool. In Ayurvedic
medicine the pulse is used in conjunction with Darshana (pure observation and inspection), and Prashna (questioning). It is all three of these
that must be employed to reach a complete diagnosis. Pulse diagnosis is best understood through the teachings of those who have been
practicing and teaching it the longest. We will begin the journey of understanding the pulse through the three most revered methods in the
West. An assessment of their similarities and differences will follow. Concluding with the relevance pulse diagnosis has to emerging
practitioners here in the west. Let us begin by holding the threads that weave Ayurveda and the pulse together. The overall method of taking
the pulse begins with the placement of the fingers. The index finger is placed below the radial styloid. The radial styloid is the protruding wrist
bone on the thumb side of the hand of the pulse recipient. The middle finger and ring finger are placed next to the index finger. The pulse
taking fingers are adjusted along the underside of the arm to find where the pulse is the strongest.
Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S) | CA College of Ayurveda
VATA
PITTA
KAPHA
thin, disappears on
pressure
regular
Location
Index
Middle
Ring
Gati
Sarpa (Cobra)
Manduka (Frog)
Vega (Rate)
80-95
70-80
50-60
Tala (Rhythm)
Irregular
Regular
Regular
Characteristics
Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S) | CA College of Ayurveda
Bala (Force)
Low +
High +++
Moderate ++
Low
High
Moderate
Hot
Warm to cool
Rough, hard
Elastic, flexible
Soft thickening
(Lad, 14)
Volume)
Anyone can recognize that there are differences between their pulse and that of others. What these differences mean is what Ayurveda has
refined over its 5000 year existence. The Pulse can be read like a book, and the categories and qualities mentioned above are the alphabet
that we will use to learn from this book. Understanding movement, rate, and rhythm of the pulse can be a tool for understanding the body.
The beauty of this is that the symptoms of disease manifest in the pulse long before they do in the body. An example of this is when a
chemical imbalance occurs in the blood before their aggregate affects produce symptoms in the body. The characteristics and the movement of
the pulse are symptoms of the functioning of the body. Interpreting the meaning behind what is felt in the pulse has been done by many
generations of masters. It is their knowledge, expressed through the refined methodology of their technique that will guide us through the great
river of the pulse, following the current looking for the continuity and conflict between methods. We will explore the ways of ancient wisdom
and compare the differences and similarities between these time- tested-methods of pulse diagnosis. When the Doshas are found in the pulse,
how can they be seen in the body? Are the different methods consistent in assessing the link between the pulse and the body? Ayurvedic
knowledge shows the myriad of ways that the Doshas are responsible for imbalances. One can feel the Doshas in the pulse and thereby also
determine the imbalance. Are pulse methods consistent in determining Doshic aggravation in the body? Each method will be looked at and then
assessed in combination with the other methods to illuminate what the pulse shows on its own, and what each method uniquely brings to the
pulse. Let's take a journey with Dr. John Douilliard, Dr. Vasant Lad, and Dr. Smita Naram to find the ways in which the pulse can teach us
about our way back to optimal health.
Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S) | CA College of Ayurveda
disease in the body can be felt. The Gap pulse as it is called is very important in this method. The pulse is influenced by our external
environment. By taking the pulse at different times of the day and in different seasons V,P,K can be found. The seasons where each Dosha is
provoked are: Vata in the fall and early winter, Pitta in the summer, and Kapha in late winter and early spring. See below
Provoked
Accumulating Alleviated
Feb.1-June 1 Kapha
Pitta
Vata
Vata
Kapha
Oct 1- Feb 1
Kapha
Pitta
Vata
The Doshas also relate to the times of the day. Vata is the most prominent from 3 until sunset (7), Pitta rules the hours from 11- 3, and Kapha
is in charge from sunrise/sunset until 11. See the chart below
Provoked
Accumulating
Alleviated
7am-11am / 7pm-11pm
Kapha
Vata
Pitta
11am-3pm / 11pm-3am
Pitta
Kapha
Vata
3pm-7pm / 3am-7am
Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Another technique used to familiarize oneself with how the pulse changes and what the presence of the Doshas feels like in the pulse is to take
the pulse at meal time. As Fire is used to digest food, Pitta peaks as you are eating your meal and for approximately 15 minutes after the
meal. Kapha takes over as the food is assimilated and the steady qualities of earth and water are needed. When Vata returns to the pulse
approximately 4 hours later, the food has been completely assimilated and it is time for another meal. The pulse can also be used in a
therapeutic way. When one takes their own pulse the fingers give feedback to the entire system of where there is a site of weakness or
imbalance. Even when the intellect cannot seize the wisdom of the pulse our body and mind adapt to remedy the vitiation felt in the pulse.
Douilliard has many testimonials that account for his understanding of the pulse as a therapeutic technique. Determining a balanced and
imbalanced pulse is the key link to using pulse diagnosis. Using all the previous methods to familiarize ourselves with the qualities of the pulse
and levels of the pulse, we can begin to use this information to determine whether the pulse is balanced or imbalanced. We begin by becoming
familiar with the deep pulse as we move from the deep pulse to the superficial pulse. If the overall quality is consistent from the deep to the
superficial and there are no spikes at any level then the pulse is considered balanced. The deep and superficial levels have different qualities
themselves, so the practitioner must know the qualities of each level to know if the pulse is balanced all the way through. The pulse is taken
for a 2-3 day period to establish if the pulse is truly consistent and to rule out any variations that may be based on seasons, meal times, or
other external factors. The same is true for imbalance. If a definite spike or variation in the overall character of the pulse can be determined
over a 2-3 day period of time than treatment will be based on that variation. Once we know if the pulse is balanced or not we can begin to
use our sensitivity to find where in the body there is weakness or Doshic aggravation. In this method each finger tip is broken down into five
parts, four distinct quadrants (1-4) and the entire length of the finger tip (5). These relate to different Subdoshas . A Subdosha is the
subdivision of the three Doshas. Each Subdosha has locations and functions that are related to the predominant qualities of the Doshas within
the body.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 The figures above are the finger tips and the numbers correspond to
the quadrants of each Subdosha . Douilliard sets out in his Pulse course from LifeSpa the Subdoshas and their relationship to the parts of the
fingers. The four parts of the finger tip, with the 5 th being the entire circumference of the finger tip, are broken down below into their
different Subdoshic functions. Number 1 is always closest to the radial styloid of the pulse recipients hand and 4 is closest to their heart. VATA
V-1 Prana Mental, Respiratory, Neurological
V-2 Udana Ears, Nose, Throat, Neck, and Speech
V-3 Samana Digestion, improper formation of tissues, anorexia, diarrhea
-4 Apana Excretion, Constipation, Menstrual, Sexual
V-5 Vyana Circulatory, Systemic disease PITTA P-1 Pachaka Digestion, jaundice, acid stomach, jaundice
P-2 Ranjaka Blood disorders, liver
Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S) | CA College of Ayurveda
P-3 Sadhaka Decisiveness, Memory, Intelligence, Spiritual inclination, Emotions
P-4 Alochaka Vision, Eyes
P-5 Brajaka Skin disease KAPHA K-1 Kledaka Digestion, mucous, the root of all other Kapha's
K-2 Avalambaka Back, Heart, Lungs
K-3 Bodhaka Taste, Smell
K-4 Tarpaka Senses, Cough, Nasal Congestion, Cerebral spinal fluid, headache
K-5 Shleshaka Joint pain, congestion (Douilliard, 29-30) These are the main points of Douilliard's technique. His methodology is very experiential
and he believes that the experience of the pulse must come first. The technique builds on the previous lessons and ends with the specificity of
determining where in the body an imbalance is based on its Subdoshic correspondence in the finger tip and the characteristic amplitude and
quality.
Dosha
Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Finger
Index
Middle
Ring
Superficial
Colon
Gallbladder
Pericardium
Deep
Lung
Liver
Circulation
Dosha
Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Finger
Index
Middle
Ring
Superficial
Small Intestine
Stomach
Bladder
Deep
Heart
Spleen
Kidney
Left Side
Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S) | CA College of Ayurveda
(Lad, 47)
3 rd Level Subdoshas
The third level down are the Subdoshic pulses, unlike Douilliard, Lad separates the tip of the pulse feeling finger tips into 5 segments. On Vata
finger beginning from the most distal point from the heart the Vayus or winds go in order from Prana, Udana, Vyana, Samana, Apana . On the
Pitta finger from thumb to heart is Pachaka, Ranjaka, Bhrajaka, Alochaka, Sadhaka. On the Kapha finger moving towards the heart is Kledaka,
Avalambaka, Sleshaka, Bodhaka, Tarpaka . See the table below. Like Douilliard, spikes on one of these places on the finger indicate an
imbalance in that Subdosha . The Subdoshas actions and functions are always the same. (Lad, 85)
Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S) | CA College of Ayurveda
third in the center to P and the third towards the thumb to V. Vata felt on the distal edge of each finger, Pitta in the middle and Kapha
proximal to the midline of the recipient. Each of these Doshas is influenced by a Guna (quality of the mind) this is how the characteristics of
the Dosha will manifest in the mind. In the second level of the pulse the qualities of the mind are Sattva , Rajas , and Tamas . Sattva is the
underlying energy of peace and truth. Sattva has an inward and upward movement bringing us towards our true nature. It is the true state of
consciousness: light, stable, harmonic, and virtuous. Rajas are the qualities of passion, turbulence, activity, distraction, assertion, motivation,
and movement. Its action is outward, egoistic, self-seeking, and self-motivated. Tamas is cloudy, dull, sticky, cold, and stagnant. It is the
inertia of downward motion causing decay, degeneration, and death. The second level pulse is connected moment to moment to our minds
eye. (Lad, 135) The sixth level of the pulse relates to the seven Chakras . The seven Chakras are the energy centers of the subtle body. There
are many of them, but the pulse identifies the seven that lie along the spine. They show how the life force directs and guides the physical body
through the nervous system. The crown center Chakra can be felt as a spike at the center part of all the pulse taking fingers if it is blocked.
On the ring finger the root Chakra is felt in the distal position (close to the thumb, far from the heart) and the navel Chakra is felt on a
proximal position. On the middle finger a spike on the edge closest to the thumb is the will Chakra and towards the heart is the heart Chakra .
The Index finger can feel the throat Chakra on its distal edge and the third eye Chakra on its proximal edge. Manas Prakriti does not change
unless the Chakras are open and one becomes enlightened. A spike indicates an imbalance or blockage in these subtle energy centers. (Lad,
132) The chakras in the table below are related to the elements and organs for further clarification of their physical manifestation.
CHAKRA
ELEMENTS
SENSE ORGANS
ACTION ORGANS
Muladhara Root
Earth
Nose-Smell
Anus
Svadhithana Navel
Water
Tongue-Taste
Reproductive organ
Manipura Will
Fire
Eyes-Sight
Feet
Anahata Heart
Air
Skin-Touch
Hands
Vishuddha Throat
Ether
Ears-Sound
Mouth
Mind
Mind
Mind
Sahasrara Crown
Spirit
VNS
Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S) | CA College of Ayurveda
As Vata rules movement it can push Ama deeper into the tissues as well. When Ama is in the digestive system it can be removed easily. When
Vata pushes it deeper into the tissues more preparation of the body must be done to return the Ama to the digestive system for easy
elimination. When Ama or Doshas are present in excess, blockages can occur. This obstruction of natural flow ( Vata ) can be felt in the pulse.
Vata can also degenerate the tissues because of its drying nature. This creates a deficiency and weakens the amplitude of the pulse. (Naram,
s6)
Category
Levels
Dhatus
Not mentioned
Felt
Felt
Ojas
In Gap pulse
Subdosha
Quadrants
Not mentioned
Quintets
Prakriti
Deep level
Not mentioned
Deep level
Vikriti
Superficial level
On many levels
Superficial level
Manas
Deep level
Not mentioned
2 nd and 6 th level
Fingertips
Pulse Diagnosis: How do we read the heart beat? (by Noah Volz C.A.S) | CA College of Ayurveda
Therapeutic Yes
Yes
Agni
Dhatu agnis
Dhatu agnis
Pulse felt
Radial artery
8 places on body
8 places
Practice
Self first
On others
Self first
What conclusions can be drawn about the importance and efficacy of the methodology of the pulse based on this information? As we have seen
from the beginning. All methods are looking for the presence of the Doshas in the pulse. This is in line with the ancient texts of Ayurveda. As
we move further into the understanding of the pulse we find that the way the Doshas manifest in the body is interpreted differently by
different lineages. Each method has proven its worth and ability to properly assess the imbalances of an individual. The aspects of the pulse
although they have their similarities are not consistent enough to be objective. Pulse techniques rely on the basics until they develop sensitivity
to the more subtle aspects of the pulse through practice, intuition, and study. The most consistent aspect of the pulse is feeling Vata in the
index finger, Pitta in the middle finger, and Kapha in the ring finger. In each method the practitioner is looking for characteristics of the pulse
that are either forceful or weak. The variations that are sought are not always the same in each method, but it is the looking for variation that
allows the pulse to be effective. Once establishing what balance feels like in an individuals pulse, then imbalance can be differentiated. This
differentiation varies between the methods, but in each method there is a clear movement away from what is considered by that method to be
balance. The difficulty lies in the subjective nature of the methods to determine what Dosha and imbalance is actually occurring based on the
qualities of the pulse. This assessment can only shed light on the truth that the pulse varies and can be read with practice and commitment.
How the pulse is read varies widely between the methods. Every pulse has a distinguishable rate, characteristic, movement, rhythm, and
amplitude. The unique ways the Doshas speak within the pulse are understood differently in each method. This understanding is the link
between the pulse and Doshic manifestation in the body. The alphabet is the same for each method, but the words that are formed are as
different as French, English, and German.
References
Douilliard, John, Dr. John Douilliard's Ayurvedic Pulse Reading Course, 1998 Dr John Douilliard
Lad, Vasant, Secrets of the Pulse: The ancient art of Ayurvedic Pulse Diagnosis, 1996 The Ayurvedic Press
Naram, Smita, Ayushakti Slide Presentation , 2000 Ayushakti
Naram, Smita, email correspondence with Noah Volz 2005
Prolactinoma and Ayurveda By: Tesia Love
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The papers published on our website have been written by students of the California College of Ayurveda as a part of their required
work toward graduation. After reviewing each paper, Dr. Halpern selects those papers that he feels are appropriate to publish. The
information in each paper should not be construed as the final word on any subject nor should it be assumed that errors do not
exist.
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