TCM pulse diagnosis

What is TCM pulse diagnosis?

Pulse diagnosis is a long-established skill in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is different from checking your heart rate or blood pressure. The practitioner feels the radial artery on the inside of both wrists and notes many qualities, not only speed. In TCM, the three finger positions on each wrist are linked to different organ systems. Together with what you tell us, the pulse helps build a picture of how stress, sleep and emotions may be affecting you.

What does an acupuncturist look for in your pulse?

Classical TCM texts describe 28 pulse qualities. Here are a few of the main things Dalibor pays attention to.

Rate

• Rapid pulse: in TCM terms, a sign of excess "heat". It is often felt with fever, inflammation or a stressed nervous system.
• Slow pulse: suggests "cold" or sluggish circulation, and that some functions may not be working as efficiently as they could.

Strength

• Strong pulse: suggests an excess pattern. It is often felt in people dealing with tension, headaches, stress, anger or high blood pressure.
• Weak pulse: suggests a deficiency pattern. It is often felt with fatigue, low blood pressure, low mood or poor sleep.

Width and shape

• Thin or thready pulse: in TCM, a sign of blood or fluid deficiency. It is often felt with tiredness, weakness, poor sleep, poor appetite or digestion.
• Rolling or slippery pulse: suggests build-up or "stagnation", often linked in TCM with sluggish digestion or phlegm, such as sinus and allergy congestion.

No single quality means much on its own. The practitioner looks at how the qualities combine, and how they fit with your history and your symptoms.

What can pulse diagnosis tell you, and what can't it?

People with these concerns often find the pulse reading a useful part of the conversation:

• Ongoing pain and tension
• Digestive complaints such as bloating or indigestion
• Stress, anxiety and poor sleep
• Sinus and breathing complaints
• Menstrual and hormonal concerns
• Low energy and fatigue

Pulse diagnosis is a TCM assessment. It guides how we choose acupuncture points and herbal formulas. It is not a medical test, and it cannot detect or rule out heart disease, liver disease or any other medical condition. It does not replace blood work, imaging or a check-up with your doctor. If you have symptoms that worry you, see your doctor, and let them know you are also seeing an acupuncturist.

How is it used at Aculosophy?

Pulse diagnosis is part of every first visit. Along with your health history, it helps Dalibor build a treatment plan with you. We check the pulse again at follow-up visits. Changes in the pulse, together with how you feel, help us see how treatment is going and when to adjust your acupuncture or your Chinese herbal formula.

How much does it cost?

Pulse diagnosis is part of the initial examination at your first visit ($110, about 60 minutes). After that, it is repeated at re-examinations ($75) so Dalibor can see what has changed. We do not offer a free stand-alone pulse check. See our fees page for details.

We are at 1550 Enterprise Rd, Unit 229, Mississauga, near Hwy 401 and Dixie Rd, about 20 minutes from Etobicoke, with free parking. Book a first visit or call 647-342-2281.

Common questions

Does pulse diagnosis hurt?

No. Dalibor rests three fingers lightly on the inside of each wrist and varies the pressure. It takes a few minutes and involves no needles or equipment.

Can pulse diagnosis replace blood tests or a medical check-up?

No. It is a TCM assessment that guides acupuncture and herbal treatment. It does not diagnose disease. Keep up with your family doctor and any tests they recommend.

Should I do anything before my appointment?

Try not to arrive straight from a workout, a large meal or several coffees, since these change the pulse. Wear sleeves that are easy to push up.