Chinese Pulse Diagnosis (Mai Zhen)
Chinese pulse diagnosis is the refined art of palpating radial pulses to identify up to 28 pulse qualities revealing organ status, imbalance nature and therapeutic direction.
Presentation
Pulse diagnosis (脉诊) is considered the 'royal pillar' of TCM diagnosis. Practiced for over 2,000 years, it involves palpating radial arteries at three positions and three depths to evaluate the functional state of twelve main organs.
Core Principles
- Three positions: Cun (upper burner), Guan (middle burner), Chi (lower burner).
- Three depths: Superficial (Wei Qi), Middle (Qi and Blood), Deep (Zang organs).
- 28 pulse qualities: Floating = exterior; Deep = interior; Rapid = Heat; Slow = Cold; Slippery = Dampness; Wiry = Liver/Pain; Thin = Blood/Yin deficiency.
Diagnostic Applications
- Identifying imbalance nature
- Evaluating Zang-Fu organ states
- Monitoring treatment progress
- Early detection of imbalances
- Pregnancy detection
Technique
Patient seated or lying, palm up. Practitioner places three fingers on radial artery positions. Examination: 1–5 minutes per wrist. Ideally performed morning, at rest.
Limitations
- Inherent subjectivity
- Does not replace conventional examinations
- Pulse modified by medications, exercise, meals
- Requires years of training
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.