[andrzejplacek@yahoo.se]

I wonder about how Qi flow disorder-whatever it calls-blockade,discommunication,stagnation can generally be felt?
Some authors describe trauma as a coldness in pulse, other say about dampness when one can not get rid of emotions.
Is this worthwhile to discrminate pulse character in this way?
Are there any pointers of how differentiate quality and quantity?
I found in a german text that touch sense/faculty
comprises 3 elementary perceptions quality
difference-resonance-evidence.
I am looking forward to some comments

[Tae Hunn]

Dear Andrzej,

Thank you for your questions.

Let’s start with quality and quantity. It is good to start every your Pulse Diagnosis on a patient by assessing the quantity of Qi and Blood/Fluids first. The amplitude of the Pulse on each position shows you the quantity of Qi whereas the width of the Pulse is related to the amount of Blood and Fluids.
Of course, certain qualities will also affect the amplitude and the width of the Pulse, i.e. coldness can lead to a decreased amplitude and tightness (less width) and it is difficult to explain how to differentiate between quality and quantity in theoretical concepts and words. It is best shown in practice. For this, practical training in Pulse Diagnosis and clinical work alongside an experienced practitioner who can show you this on an actual pulse is necessary. This is the reason why we, alongside the teaching of the theoretical aspects of Constitutional Stems & Branches Acupuncture, offer practical seminars and retreats in Pulse Diagnosis and small group teachings where we will treat patients together. Most of the teachers also offer the possibility to attend their clinics as an observer where there will also be plenty of opportunity to feel Pulses alongside them.

After assessing the quantity of Qi and Blood/Fluids, we would then assess the qualities of the Pulse. When talking about trauma and how we can recognise this on the Pulse, I will try to do so without using a too technical language of Pulse qualities.
Trauma is a result of a past experience that we were not able to “digest” at the time and that therefore is being hidden and “locked” away in our body so we can continue our lives. It is possible to feel this on the Pulse, but it needs great stillness and openness to be able to do so. Usually we will encounter a kind of “muddy, cotton-like’ quality first and it will be difficult to distinguish what it is. When we manage to stay with this quality with a real listening quality and an open heart without wanting, the underlying trauma can reveal itself to us. The important quality to feel here is that it is not moving, which sometimes might be described and cold or frozen. It feels locked and is not moving as a survival mechanism for the above reasons.

I am not familiar with the concepts you mention from the German text and therefore won’t eb able to comment on those.

I hope this helps you.
Hunn

[Author]

Posts