Difference in the location of finger placement on the radial artery for pulse diagnosis in the Orient; and, 15th to 18th century Occidental rare books on pulse diagnosis

Acupunct Electrother Res. 1985;10(4):309-24. doi: 10.3727/036012985816714342.

Abstract

Present day finger placement on the radial artery for pulse diagnosis to determine the relationship between organs and general condition vary according to widely used Chinese or Tibetan method. Variations exist between different historical Chinese periods on finger organ representation points and vary to minimum extent among Tibetan historical and current writers. By photographing lesser known Occidental 15th to 18th century rare books on pulse readings from the New York Academy of Medicine and the Philadelphia College of Physicians and Surgeons, a clearer understanding of Oriental influences to Occidental cardio-vascular understanding is apparent. The Chinese pulse meridian influenced European scales for measurement in pulse speed (or rhythm), vessel size, and organ condition.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Arm / blood supply
  • Arteries / physiology
  • China
  • Fingers
  • History, 15th Century
  • History, 16th Century
  • History, 17th Century
  • History, 18th Century
  • Humans
  • Physiology / history
  • Pulse*
  • Rare Books*