learning pulses

[Guest guest]

In teaching pulses, I've found that it is almost impossible to visually

represent aspects of the pulse using static 2-dimensional diagrams, as

pulses are 3-dimensional moving phenomena. So textbooks will always leave

the reader uncertain about the relationship between the diagram and the

sensation one would feel at the fingertips.

 

My colleague, Curt Kruse, and I developed video simulation software for TCM

pulse study that you may also be interested in. We have a series of 5

sample screen shots with explanations starting at:

 

http://www.rmhiherbal.org/tchs-cd/pu-01.html

 

(Please keep in mind that these are all snapshots of moving images.)

 

 

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TCM Pulse Simulator is interactive video-animation software for exploring

and learning all of the possible combinations of parameters possible when

palpating the radial pulse. Using graphs and animations, this software can

display the traditional pulse types as well as over 900 million variations

in order to represent the range of real pulses. (The problem with rote

memorization of the 28 classical pulses is that these do not begin to

reflect the complex combinations of qualities that are possible in real

pulses.) Interaction among pulse parameters has been mathematically modeled

based on circulatory biophysics and fluid flow. This software allows you to

change pulse parameters individually in order to see the combined effects

of various parameters. Pulses are described in terms of 12 fundamental

parameters that can be modified independently:

 

Rate

Rhythm

Strength

Depth

Depth Spread

Length

Width

Boundary

Choppiness

Slipperiness

Tidal-ness

Elasticity

 

 

There are 3 different displays for visualizing pulses:

 

Pulse Profile Animation - Shows an animation of the pulse profile

relative to the finger position and palpation depth.

 

Time Profiles Animation - Shows the pulse as a function of time

for 3 different palpation depths in a strip-chart-style (i.e, EKG) or

oscilloscope-type display.

 

Width Profile Snapshot - Shows the pulse profile for 3 different

palpation depths (superficial, middle, deep).

 

 

The animations can be modified to examine various details about the pulses.

 

Palpation Depth: The palpation depth can be changed to see what a

pulse would be like at the various palpation depths (superficial, middle,

deep).

 

Zoom: The Pulse Profile Animation can be zoomed to various

magnifications to examine details in the pulse profile.

 

Time Span: The time span for the Time Profiles Animation can be

set short time spans to examine details of the time profile, or can be set

to long time spans to examine irregularities in the rhythm or profile.

 

Animation Speed: The animation speed can be slowed to examine the

pulse in slow motion.

 

 

Here are some comments from one of our students, Pauline Vaughan, MA, DAc:

 

Roger has created a learning tool that goes far and above anything else

I've seen in interactive learning for TCM. Working with the Herbal

Tutor and games, the material almost " learns itself " -- that is, I

learn it faster and easier than I ever would have thought possible

without the effort or tedium of memorizing long lists of material.

 

The Pulse Simulator is the star of the show. The animation grabs me

viscerally, and somehow Roger has created a visual image that I

actually feel in my fingertips, anchoring the pulse characteristics in

my mind in a way I hadn't imagined possible without an actual patient

there. All TCM schools should be considering this CD as a standard text

for their herbology and acupuncture programs.

 

 

---Roger Wicke, PhD, TCM Clinical Herbalist

contact: www.rmhiherbal.org/contact/

Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute, Hot Springs, Montana USA

Clinical herbology training programs - www.rmhiherbal.org

 

 

 

> " rossrosen " <rossrosen

>Re: pulse seminar

>

>Mike,

>The book is great, very thorough, with excellent pictures,

>descriptions, theory, etc. It is in no way a substitute for the

>seminar, however. To really reap the benefits of the book, one

>needs hands on demonstration and practice. The book is not meant to

>substitute the seminars. Seminars are set up in small groups,

>usually limited to 12 people and heavily hands on in presentation

>(70%)with about 30% theory, lecture, etc. The depths need to be

>calibrated as they are a key to understanding the qualities. Where

>a quality or combination of qualities is found can lead to different

>interpretations. Likewise, there are 22 complementary positions,

>some of which are difficult to find without some instruction.

>Typically, there are many stages to the seminars, Intro, Beginning,

>Intermediate, Advanced, Masters, Instructor.

>

>I would definitely recommend buying the book, though.

>

>Ross

>

>

> , Mike Liaw <mikeliaw>

>wrote:

>> Ross,

>>

>> In your view, what do you think of Dr. Hammer's Book, Chinese

>Pulse Diagnosis, as a substitute for the seminar?

>>

>> Mike L.

>>

 

 

 

---Roger Wicke, PhD, TCM Clinical Herbalist

contact: www.rmhiherbal.org/contact/

Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute, Hot Springs, Montana USA

Clinical herbology training programs - www.rmhiherbal.org