Pulse Diagnosis & Assessment Flashcards

When assessing the pulse of a Kapha-dominant patient, which finger position detects the Kapha sub-pulse at the radial site?

Answer: Ring finger

The ring finger (anamika), positioned farthest from the wrist crease, assesses the Kapha pulse.

In nadi pariksha, the depth of pressure applied to feel the 'suksma' (subtle) pulse is described as:

Answer: Light superficial touch

The suksma or subtle pulse is assessed with very light, superficial finger pressure to detect the finest constitutional qualities.

Which of the following is NOT one of the eight classical parameters (ashta sthana pariksha) that include pulse examination?

Answer: Agni (digestive fire)

The eight examination sites include nadi, mutra, mala, jihva, shabda, sparsha, drik, and akriti — agni assessment is separate.

A pulse that is 'arrhythmic with occasional pauses' is documented in Ayurveda as indicating serious pathology of which organ system?

Answer: Heart (hridaya)

Irregular pauses in the pulse rhythm (vishama nadi) are classical indicators of hridaya (cardiac) pathology in Ayurvedic assessment.

During nadi pariksha, assessing the pulse on which wrist is preferred for male patients according to classical tradition?

Answer: Right wrist

Classical Ayurvedic tradition recommends assessing the right wrist for male patients and the left wrist for female patients.

The term 'nadi' in the context of pulse diagnosis literally translates to:

Answer: Vessel or channel

Nadi means channel or tube and refers both to the radial artery palpated in diagnosis and to the subtle energy channels of the body.

Which pulse characteristic suggests that Pitta dosha is aggravated due to emotional anger rather than heat from diet or environment?

Answer: Strong bounding pulse with a jumping quality

Emotional anger aggravates Pitta and manifests as a forceful, jumping (darduragati-variant) bounding quality distinct from dietary heat.