Hindi Ayurvedic Yoga & The Pulse

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that has been practiced in India since 1500 B.C. Yoga is one of India's six orthodox philosophies. Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences of the Indian Vedic tradition known as Sanatana Dharma, or paths to the eternal truths. Examination of the pulse is a method used to diagnose disease in Ayurveda. Before practicing alternative methods of medicine, consult your doctor.

In Ayurveda, daily observation of the pulse, tongue, lips, nails, eyes and face provide subtle indicators of early symptoms of imbalance in the body of the three life energies: vata, which means air, pitta, which correlates to fire and kapha, or water. Observing the signals your body is trying to give you will assist you in preventing imbalances from turning into diseases. When observing the pulse, the pace, intensity and temperature of the heart beat will determine your imbalance. You may try self-diagnosis, but it is best to see a professional Ayurvedic practitioner.

Pulse Points

To observe the pulse in Ayurvedic medicine, you may try one or more of the following locations on the body: the temporal artery that is located above the temple on the side of the head, the carotid artery that is on the side of the neck above the clavicle, the brachial artery located on the inside of the arm above the elbow, the radial artery that is at the outer part of the wrist closest to the thumb, the femoral artery located on the inside front of the thigh where the leg meets the pelvis, the posterior tibial artery on the foot just behind the ankle and the dorsalis pedis artery located on the top of the foot.

Technique

To perform a proper pulse read, take your first three fingers and place them at the pulse point of your choice. Slightly loosen your fingers to feel the difference in each finger. For accuracy, perform on opposing sides as well.

Possible diagnoses

If the pulse in the index finger feels the strongest and has a quick and slithery movement, you are likely to have what is called a vata imbalance. If the middle finger is strongest and jumpy like a frog, you are most likely experiencing a pitta imbalance. Lastly, if the ring finger is feeling strong and slow, you have a kapha imbalance. Once you have determined your imbalance, lifestyle and dietary changes are recommended depending on your specific imbalance.