pulse diagnosis basics

Question 1

a Rapid pulse is over how many beats per minute?

Answer 1

over 90 beats per minute

Question 2

is a Rapid pulse a sign of heat or cold?

Answer 2

heat

Question 3

a Slow pulse is under how many beats per minute?

Answer 3

under 60 beats per minute

Question 4

is a Slow pulse a sign of heat or cold?

Answer 4

cold

Question 5

at which level can you feel a Floating pulse?

Answer 5

superficial level

Question 6

is a Floating pulse felt on more than one level?

Answer 6

no, only felt at the superficial level

Question 7

what condition can a Floating pulse reflect?

Answer 7

wind invasion

floating & rapid if it’s wind heat; floating & slow if it’s wind cold

Question 8

at which level can you feel a Deep pulse?

Answer 8

deep level

Question 9

is a Deep pulse felt on more than one level?

Answer 9

no, only felt at the deep level

Question 10

is a Deep pulse a sign of excess or deficiency?

Answer 10

deficiency

Question 11

how can you describe a Wiry pulse?

Answer 11

• when you press down, it feels like you’re pressing on a guitar or violin string
• this pulse lacks contour

Question 12

what condition can a Wiry pulse reflect?

Answer 12

• Liver qi stagnation

- cold or pain

Question 13

how can you describe a Slippery pulse?

Answer 13

• feels smooth, like “pearls rolling on a dish”
• has a rolling quality (when you press down, it feels like it wants to slide out from under your fingertips)
• has a regular rhythm

Question 14

what condition can a Slippery pulse reflect?

Answer 14

dampness

Question 15

what type of pulse is often felt in a pregnant woman?

Answer 15

Slippery pulse

Question 16

what organs are reflected on the right-hand pulse?

Answer 16

cun: LU
guan: SP
chi: KD Yang

Question 17

what organs are reflected on the left-hand pulse?

Answer 17

cun: HT
guan: LV
chi: KD Yin

Question 18

what do the 3 levels of pulse reflect in the body?

Answer 18

superficial - Qi
deeper - Blood
bone level - Organs