Learning Pulse Diagnosis at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medical Diagnosis
At this time of year, second year students start learning Pulse Diagnosis at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ICTCM). Did you know that there are four distinctive ways of gathering diagnostically useful information in Chinese Medicine? These are referred to as Asking, Listening, Looking and Palpating. Pulse Diagnosis is part of Palpating (feeling).
Learning Pulse Diagnosis
Chinese Medical Pulse Diagnosis looks similar to, but is not the same as, “taking the pulse” in Western Medicine. It is one of the pillars of TCM Diagnosis and has been used in China for thousands of years. Chinese Medicine understands that the pulse, which is usually palpated at the radial artery on the wrist, can reveal important information about the internal state of the person’s Body, Mind and Spirit. It can assess the quality and quantity of their Five Vital Substances and the healthy functioning of their Zangfu. The TCM student is learning Pulse Diagnosis so that they can use it to assess a person’s health and diagnose imbalances. It provides a holistic insight into a client’s health.
Taking the pulse effectively requires plenty of practice. It is something students need to do repeatedly and which they will always be refining. When students are learning pulse diagnosis at the ICTCM they are encouraged to take as many pulses as possible whenever they can, to build up the sensitivity needed and discernment required to take the pulse effectively. Of course, in conjunction with refining their pulse-taking skills, they also have to learn and absorb a great deal of theoretical information about the significance of different types of pulse quality.
This diagnostic tool is invaluable in cases where a client cannot describe their medical problem clearly, does not speak the same language as the pratitioner or, for whatever reason, is unable to articulate or explain their situation. However, although Pulse Diagnosis is highly prized, the practitioner of Chinese Medicine will still use all the diagnostic methods available to them to build up a full picture before making a TCM diagnosis and carrying out a treatment – often using TCM Acupuncture.
Learning Pulse Diagnosis on the Lic.TCM Course
This is just one of many fascinating aspects of Chinese Medical Diagnosis that students learn at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine as part of the Licentiate in TCM. If you are thinking of studying TCM or TCM Acupuncture you should ensure that the course you choose includes Pulse Diagnosis.
If you would like to view our course syllabus you can find it at this link as well as general information about the Lic.TCM .
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Treatment
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture is part of TCM which is a rich and sophisticated system of health and wellness that has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture stands out as one of the most widely recognised and practiced treatment methods of TCM. Rooted in a holistic understanding of the human body and its interconnectedness with the environment, it offers a unique approach to healing and wellness.
The Philosophy behind Acupuncture
At the heart of TCM is the concept of Qi (pronounced “chi”). Qi flows through the body along pathways. According to TCM, illness and pain occur when the flow of Qi is disrupted or imbalanced. Acupuncture seeks to restore the harmonious flow of Qi by stimulating specific points on the body’s surface, known as acupuncture points.
By inserting thin needles into the Acupuncture points, Acupuncturists aim to unblock and balance the flow of Qi, thereby promoting natural healing and overall well-being.
The practice of Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine, pre-sterilised, stainless steel needles at predetermined acupuncture points on the body surface to restore internal health. Many of the most commonly selected points are on the arms and legs.
TCM Acupuncture can be used alone or combined with other treatment methods of TCM such as Moxibustion, Medical Qigong or Herbal Medicine.
Special features
One of the most outstanding features of TCM is that treatments can be tailored to fit the individual. Treatments are always unique, even if the medical conditions seem to be similar.
TCM is compatible with other systems of medicine, including Western Medicine and is frequently used alongside it.
In the hands of a fully qualified professional practitioner the use of acupuncture is entirely safe and free from harmful side effects.
If Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture is something that interests you, you can learn more about the three year part time Professional Acupuncture Training programme. The Irish College of TCM has been running this course for over 40 years and starts a new group each year. Applications are still being taken for this year’s early October start date.
