Classical Pulse Diagnosis:

Energy moves from each of the 12 organs in your torso to specific positions on the radial artery, on the wrist below your thumb. The function and strength of each organ is evaluated by the quality and strength of the blood flow in those specific positions. The acupuncturist will place his/her fingers over the pulse on your wrist.

• A normal, healthy pulse has moderate speed and strength and feels just like blood [of course!].
• It is not fast or slow.
• It is not excessive [pushing the fingers off the pulse] or deficient [difficult to feel].
• Most importantly, the pulse does not have a quality other than that of blood.

Normal and healthy blood is viscous; it¹s thicker than water, but not as thick as motor oil, for example.

In Oriental Medicine, there are 28 pulse qualities. One is normal, and 27 indicate problems.