What is Pulse Reading?

Pulse Reading is an ancient Indian and Chinese way of diagnosing health to determine the cause of illness or disease. Pulse reading plays a very important role in the Indian (traditional) medical science called “Ayurveda” which means “Science of Life”.

According to Ayurveda, the functioning of every individual’s body is controlled by five universal elements viz Ether (Space), Air, Fire, Water & Earth. These five universal elements are present in every individual in different combinations eg.

Ether + Air = Vata
Fire +Air + Water = Pitta
Water + Earth = Kapha

These five elements work as three pillars that sustain our health, at a gross and subtle level. If these elements are in proper balance, they create harmony within us, and if their balance is disturbed i.e. any of these three becomes weak or becomes aggravated, then it causes health problems.

By reading one’s pulse, it can be detected whether the person’s elements are in balance or otherwise. If they are not in balance, then a personal programme consisting of a specific diet, exercises and other natural methods could be drawn up (based on a daily and seasonal routine) to re-establish a balance of these three pillars, and thus create harmony in one’s system, at a gross and subtle level.

By checking the pulse, we can know the proportion of different elements, and this information helps us determine which exercises will be helpful to maintain good health and even to treat some health problems. For example, if it is determined by pulse reading that an individual’s Vata element is quite aggravated, then such a person could be advised to refrain from doing vigorous exercises. Instead, he/she should do some light exercises or Yoga to keep fit and increase the energy level. This is because vigorous exercises may further aggravate the Vata element , with the result that the person would feel more exhausted and weak.

In conclusion, we can say that pulse reading works as a window to our health. This ancient technique facilitates a complete and holistic healing process addressing the diet, behaviour, psychology, emotional well being and lifestyle of an individual.