Pulse Diagnosis

Sciencebehind Pulse diagnosis

As per Bharathiya shastras (IndianSciences) the concept of Pancha Kosha translates the knowledge of the five layers of our existence. Vedanta delves into the human individuality through these five layers or sheaths (koshas), providing a framework that explains both the macrocosm and the microcosm. This philosophy explores the mechanism of body, mind, and spirit, from the physical elements that constitute the body to the more subtle aspects of mind and consciousness. It identifies each element, elaborates on its function, and illustrates the interrelation of all elements. Essentially, this concept can be understood as a model or conceptualization of the human being, known as Pancha-kosha-vignana (knowledge) which is explained in detail as in Taittiriya Upanishad.

The Pancha Kosha Theory

Annamaya Kosha

Annamaya Kosha is composed of five elements (Pancha Bhutas): earth (Prithvi), water (Jala or Apa), fire (Agni or Tejas), wind (Vayu), and space (Akash). It is sustained by the physical food we consume. Modern science aligns with this understanding, having successfully elucidated the intricacies of this kosha. Scientists began their quest for the fundamental unit of reality with the tangible world of solid matter, which is straightforward to observe, divide, and experiment with. This journey led to the discovery of elements, molecules, atoms, protons, neutrons, and electrons, revealing that these are essentially packets of energy. These atoms combine to form chemicals, and our body is thus a complex arrangement of various chemicals (energy packets in different configurations). These combine to create molecules, cells, tissues, and organs, all governed by natural laws and regulated by nervous (electrical) and chemical (hormonal) mechanisms, leading to movement and action in each cell. Therefore, Annamaya Kosha represents the physical framework, the grossest of the five koshas

Pranamaya Kosha

Prana, the vital energy discussed here, differs from the material electromagnetic energy spectrum known to modern science. While the physical body may exist, it is inert without the presence of Prana. This Prana is the fundamental essence of the universe, both within and outside our body. A harmonious flow of Prana to each cell of Annamaya Kosha is crucial for maintaining vitality and health. Prana can move to different areas of the body as needed; for instance, more Prana flows to the head during intense mental work and to the lower limbs when walking. An uncontrolled increase in Prana flow to any organ can result in dysfunction at the Annamaya Kosha level. There are 5 types of Vayus, which are known as Pancha Prana.Panch Prana constitutes of Apana (responsible for downward functions like defecation and menstruation), Prana (responsible for breathing), Udana (responsible for upward activities like vomiting), Samana (responsible for digestion and balancing Prana and Apana), and Vyana (responsible for peripheral activities like nerve impulses and blood circulation). Prana flows through subtle channels called Nadis. The obstruction in the flow of prana through the Nadis leads to various illness.Health is achieved when these five Pranas are balanced, whereas imbalances lead to disease.The harmonious balance between the Pranamaya Kosha and Annamaya Kosha results in optimal physical well-being.

Manomaya Kosha

Manomaya Kosha pertains to the mind’s functions, including perception (manah), memory (chittah), and ego (ahankara). Manah is the active part that receives sensations from the five senses of cognition (jnanendriyas). Chittah stores these perceptions as impressions, acting as the repository for karma and samskaras (impressions). Ahamkara is the sense of self or identity that claims these impressions as personal knowledge, linking our identity to the body (Dehatma Bhava). The mind is essentially a collection of thoughts responding to sensory input. For example, seeing a red flower leads to perceptions and memories that can trigger emotional responses and desires. The process of rapid thought recycling within Manomaya Kosha, leading to emotions such as likes or dislikes, governs actions and may cause stress (Adhi) if it contradicts cosmic laws. Persistent stress can penetrate into Pranamaya and Annamaya Koshas, causing disease (Vyadhis). Manomaya Kosha represents our mental and emotional framework, where “you are what you think you are.”

Vijnanamaya Kosha

Vijnanamaya Kosha is the fourth layer of our reality. We possess two minds; for example, if Manomaya Kosha desires to pick a flower, the inner mind might prevent the action based on ethical considerations. This inner voice, guiding our actions, is part of Vijnanamaya Kosha. This layer encompasses rationality and discriminative wisdom, distinguishing humans from animals. While basic instincts like hunger, sleep, and fear are shared with animals, Buddhi (discriminating faculty) is unique to humans. Vijnanamaya Kosha continuously guides Manomaya Kosha in mastering these basic instincts, reflecting the psychological nature of even the most fundamental desires.

Anandamaya Kosha

Anandamaya Kosha represents the bliss layer of existence, embodying the fundamental essence of the universe from which everything originates. It is the most subtle layer, characterized by a state of total silence, harmony, and perfect health. While Manomaya Kosha is driven by creativity and Vijananamaya Kosha by rationality, Anandamaya Kosha represents the ultimate stage of evolution and bliss.

The Relationship Between Koshas and Pulse Diagnosis in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, health is not just about the physical body but is deeply interconnected with energy layers known as Koshas. These five layers or sheaths include the Annamaya Kosha (physical body), Pranamaya Kosha (vital energy), Manomaya Kosha (mind), Vijnanamaya Kosha (wisdom), and Anandamaya Kosha (bliss). Each of these sheaths plays a role in maintaining health and well-being. The Pranamaya Kosha, which governs the flow of life energy (prana) through the body, is especially crucial in diagnosing and treating physical ailments through Pulse Diagnosis.

Pulse Diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) in Ayurveda

Pulse diagnosis, or Nadi Pariksha, is an ancient Ayurvedic diagnostic tool used to assess the health and balance of the body’s vital organs and doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). By examining the pulse at specific points on both wrists, an experienced practitioner can detect the functional status of key organs and identify any doshic imbalances, which are precursors to disease.

Right Hand Pulse: Organ Health Assessment

The pulse on the right wrist reflects the performance and balance of six major organs:
1. Large Intestine: Issues like gas accumulation (due to Vata imbalance), optimal digestion (Pitta dominance), or constipation and hemorrhoids (Kapha imbalance) can be identified.
2. Lungs: Respiratory efficiency and lung capacity can be monitored through changes in pulse patterns.
3. Stomach: Digestion strength and potential imbalances, such as acidity or sluggish digestion, are reflected here.
4. Spleen: The spleen’s role in blood purification is also tracked.
5. Brain: The nervous system’s health and brain function are mirrored in the right-hand pulse.
6. Backbone: Spinal health and energy flow through the nervous system are assessed through specific pulse characteristics.

Left Hand Pulse: Organ Health Assessment
The pulse on the left wrist offers insight into six other vital organs:
1. Small Intestine: Absorption and digestion of nutrients can be assessed based on the pulse strength and rhythm.
2. Heart: Cardiovascular health, including blood circulation and heart function, can be detected.
3. Gall Bladder: The ability to store and release bile is examined through the pulse in this section.
4. Liver: Metabolic activities, detoxification processes, and liver health are closely tied to the left-hand pulse.
5. Urinary Bladder: Any imbalances in urine retention or the urinary system can be identified.
6. Kidney: The kidney’s role in detoxification, fluid regulation, and energy distribution is closely monitored here.

Dosha and Organ Imbalances

In Ayurveda, health is sustained by the harmonious flow of three doshas—Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water)—throughout the body. When these doshas are out of balance, disease can manifest in the organs associated with them. Through pulse diagnosis, an expert practitioner can detect which dosha is dominant or imbalanced in a specific organ, and whether intervention is required.
For example:
• Vata Imbalance in the Large Intestine: Causes gas accumulation and discomfort.
• Pitta Balance in the Large Intestine: Indicates good digestion and healthy bowel function.
• Kapha Imbalance in the Large Intestine: Leads to constipation, bloating, and possibly hemorrhoids.
This analysis is done across all the 12 major organs of the body, offering an in-depth view of internal health and the root cause of potential diseases.

Connection Between Koshas and Pulse Diagnosis

According to Ayurveda, imbalances in the Pranamaya Kosha (the energy body) lead to issues in the Annamaya Kosha (the physical body). Pulse diagnosis helps track the flow of prana (vital energy) in the Pranamaya Kosha to detect problems in the physical organs. If the nadi gathi (pulse rhythm or spikes) is weaker or irregular for a particular organ, it reflects insufficient prana reaching that organ, which may lead to malfunction or disease.
For instance:
• If a specific organ’s pulse indicates sluggishness or irregularity, it suggests a disruption in the energy flow to that organ, causing it to underperform. This could be due to an imbalance in the Pranamaya Kosha, which if left untreated, can manifest as physical illness.

Healing the Body by Correcting the Pranamaya Kosha

By addressing imbalances in the Pranamaya Kosha, practitioners can restore the proper flow of prana to the affected organ and, in turn, prevent or treat physical illnesses in the Annamaya Kosha (the physical body). When the flow of prana is optimized, it enhances the body’s self-healing abilities, helping to restore balance to the doshas and promoting overall health.
In conclusion, pulse diagnosis is a powerful tool that not only detects current health issues but can also foresee potential future ailments by tracking the flow of prana in the Pranamaya Kosha. Treating these energetic imbalances ensures that the physical body is fully supported, resulting in complete healing and long-term health.