Pulse Diagnosis: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach

Pulse diagnosis (sphygmology) is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Practitioners palpate the radial artery at three positions on each wrist to assess the balance of qi (vital energy), yin/yang, and organ function.

Three Pulse Positions (Each Wrist)

Position	Location	Associated Organs (TCM)
Cun	Distal (near thumb)	Heart, Lung
Guan	Middle	Liver, Spleen/Stomach
Chi	Proximal (near pinky)	Kidney, Bladder/Intestines

Pulse Qualities Assessed

• Rate: Fast, slow, moderate
• Rhythm: Regular, irregular, intermittent
• Strength/Force: Strong (excess), weak (deficiency)
• Quality: Wiry, slippery, choppy, deep, superficial, etc.

Important Caveat

Pulse diagnosis is a traditional assessment tool lacking robust scientific validation for diagnosing specific biomedical conditions. It should complement, not replace, evidence-based medical evaluation. Always consult a licensed physician for health concerns.