125 Camino Alto, Ste B, Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 383-9900
www.Acupuncture-Marin.com Chris@Acupuncture-Marin.com
In a simplistic
way, the art and science of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the ability of the
practitioner to gather clues from the patient and formulate a picture of disharmony
based on those signs. One of the primary tools utilized to perform this detective
work is the ancient diagnostic tool of Pulse Diagnosis. A trained practitioner
feels the client’s pulse, assesses the state of balance of physiology,
and suggests remedial action for restoring balance.
Pulse Diagnosis gives a barometric reading on the individual’s state of
energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”). It is used as a diagnostic tool
for discovering imbalances in physiology. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there
is no separation between emotions and physiology; it’s one and the same.
To this extent, an individual’s emotional state directly impacts the movement
of Qi. For example, anger causes the Qi to rise up; joy causes it to slow down;
sadness consumes it and burns it out; fear causes it to go down; and excessive
thinking and worrying causes it to get knotted up.
Pulse
Diagnosis is significant because it bridges the gap between what the person
is feeling on the inside and what the person is feeling on the outside. In a
clinical setting, this tool is invaluable because it allows the practitioner
to measure the extent of the damage in which the distressed emotions has caused
the internal organs. With the help of this “cause and effect” relationship,
the practitioner begins to gain an understanding of the “root cause”
of the pathology. This “inside-out” view of the mind-body connection
is the unique gift of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The panoramic view of the
individual is indispensable in the treatment of any pathology.
When feeling the pulse, there are different signals which are broadcasted to
the trained practitioner. On the superficial level, he can detect the presence
of pathogenic factors such as cold, heat, wind, and damp. As well, he can scan
the efficiency of the digestive system. Moreover, emotional state of the person
can be identified.
The deeper levels of the pulse are a kind of biographical record of past stresses
and natal information like physical and mental constitutions. Stress stored
in deep tissue suggests long term chronic exposure to some negative influence.
Constitutional assessment is extremely important because this information gives
understanding why certain foods, herbs, activities, emotions, etc. can have
either a favorable or negative effect upon a given individual. It helps predict
what kind of imbalances or diseases that particular person is most susceptible
to.
In essence, Pulse Diagnosis is a unique technique which opens the window into
the heart and soul of the individual. It yields the fundamental understanding
of cause and effect. It helps explain the past, present, and even suggests something
about the future. Because Pulse Diagnosis operates on an energetic level, this
tool promotes self-awareness on the part of the patient; thus putting the person
on the true path of healing and wellness.
For more information on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Marin County and other healing therapeutic services and introductory classes offered in Acupuncture and T.C.M. (Traditional Chinese Medicine), please contact:
Acupuncture of Marin - Across Bitter Sea Healing Center
Chris Veiga, L.Ac.
www.Acupuncture-Marin.com Chris@Acupuncture-Marin.com
Marin
County Acupuncture Chinese Herbal Medicine Clinic:
125 Camino Alto, Suite B
Mill Valley, California 94941 USA
(415) 383-9900 FAX: (415) 383-2428
Click here for a map to our Marin County North Bay Acupuncture Center