I've been asked about what is happening when I am taking pulses during treatment. Several things are happening. I take pulses to get information about what is going on in my patient's body. There are many different qualities that may be felt on the pulses, slippery, choppy, wiry or knotted to name a few. Each gives a clue as to how the patient is. For example, if a pulse is 'wiry' it has a taut feel to it, like a guitar string. This often is a sign of disharmony in the Liver and Gallbladder when felt in the pulse position corresponding to these organs - or it may indicate Phlegm or pain when felt on other pulse positions. The quality of the pulse may guide my treatment planning. There are six pulse positions on the wrists - three on the right and three on the left and each can be felt either deeply or superficially. Each position corresponds to one of the organs of the body.

I also use the pulse to give me feedback during my treatment. I take the pulses at the beginning of the session. In my mind I have a idea of what I think an ideal pulse would be for my patient and I plan my treatment to move the pulse in that direction. I often think of what a child's pulse feels like. All the positions are equal in strength relative to each other, are not too big or too small, they are elastic and calm and regular and rooted. Such a pulse indicates good health. It is often called the Normal pulse. I needle and take the pulse again. I hope to find a pulse change that takes the patient nearer to this ideal , Normal pulse. The pulse tells me if I am going in the right direction.

I record the pulses from one treatment to the next because I can then see if the pulses changes achieved in one treatment are lasting and carrying on into the next. If I change the pulse for the better but it reverts after an hour then I must try to find points that make the change more permanent.

When I needle a point the pulses can change quite dramatically. It still fills me with wonder sometimes - I'm sure my patients can see my jaw drop from time to time.