L8 Ayurveda - Diagnostics - Pulse Flashcards
What does pulse diagnosis reveal in Ayurveda?
The state of Prana (vital force)
Pulse diagnosis complements information gained from observation and questioning.
What technique is used in pulse diagnosis?
The patient’s arm should be relaxed and three fingers (index, middle, ring) are placed on the radial artery
Each finger corresponds to a different Dosha.
Which Dosha corresponds to the index finger in pulse diagnosis?
Vata
Vata is characterized by an irregular and thin pulse.
Which Dosha corresponds to the middle finger in pulse diagnosis?
Pitta
Pitta is characterized by an active and excited pulse.
Which Dosha corresponds to the ring finger in pulse diagnosis?
Kapha
Kapha is characterized by a deep, thick, and smooth pulse.
What organ correlations are made in pulse diagnosis?
The right and left wrists correlate to different organs
This correlation is assessed during light and deep palpation.
What pulse qualities are assessed in pulse diagnosis?
Rough, smooth, fast, slow, hot, cold
These qualities relate to the Doshas.
What animal analogy represents Vata in pulse diagnosis?
Snake-like (slithering)
This analogy helps to visualize the qualities of Vata.
What animal analogy represents Pitta in pulse diagnosis?
Frog-like (jumping)
This analogy helps to visualize the qualities of Pitta.
What animal analogy represents Kapha in pulse diagnosis?
Swan-like (gliding)
This analogy helps to visualize the qualities of Kapha.
What are the Dosha-specific pulse attributes for Vata?
Rapid, weak, cold, irregular
These attributes help to identify Vata imbalances.
What are the Dosha-specific pulse attributes for Pitta?
Prominent, strong, hot, abrupt
These attributes help to identify Pitta imbalances.
What are the Dosha-specific pulse attributes for Kapha?
Deep, slow, wide, regular, smooth
These attributes help to identify Kapha imbalances.
How do pulse qualities change with life stages?
Kapha in childhood, Pitta in adulthood, Vata in old age
This reflects the natural progression of energy in life.
What is the difference between Vikruti and Prakruti in pulse diagnosis?
Vikruti reveals acquired imbalances; Prakruti reveals innate constitution
Lighter palpation reveals Vikruti, while deeper palpation reveals Prakruti.
What characterizes a healthy pulse?
Consistent qualities
Healthy pulses display stability in their characteristics.
What characterizes an unhealthy pulse?
Inconsistent qualities
Unhealthy pulses may indicate imbalances or issues.
What subtle qualities do practitioners learn to detect?
Hot, cold, dull, sharp
These qualities provide deeper insights into health conditions.
How does the speed and rhythm of a pulse vary among Doshas?
Vata is fast and irregular; Pitta is moderate and regular; Kapha is slow and regular
Each Dosha has distinct rhythmic patterns.
What do sticky or heavy qualities in a pulse indicate?
Ama (toxins)
These qualities may signify blockages in the body.
What does weakness in a pulse location indicate?
Ama blockage
This can help identify underlying health issues.
What can difficulty feeling the Kapha pulse indicate?
Ama blockage
This suggests potential health concerns related to detoxification.
What is the key takeaway regarding pulse diagnosis?
It is a complex skill that requires practice to master
Pulse diagnosis provides valuable insights into a person’s Dosha balance, organ health, and overall vitality.