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THE SIX PATHOLOGICAL PULSES: LIU BING MAI
TYPE I: EXPANDING PULSE

By Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang, L.Ac., Mark Brinkman, L.Ac.

The Six Pathological Pulse perspective is an extension of the dialectical inspection; hence, this perspective identifies whole pulse configurations in accordance to a Yin and Yang framework. The Yin and Yang perspectives act as a kind of net, which encompass both Five Organ and Six Qi evaluations. Its perspective has no boundaries, it contains both Heavenly and Earthly influences.

While Five Organ and Six Qi perspectives identify whole pulse configurations, the Six Pathological inspection is capable of identifying the whole, its parts and the spaces in between. Accordingly, through the Six Pathological Pulses it is possible to understand the pathological significance of any other whole pulse manifestation (Six Qi or Five Phases).

THE SIX PATHOLOGICAL PULSES: APPEARANCE, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREAMENT

Tactile Appearance is the first heading within this section. Its contents are descriptive of the palpable jump and shape sensations associated with each of the Six Pathological Pulses.

Following Appearance is the Shape and Jump Summary. This category briefly summarizes all the Shape and Jump components that coalesce to form each of the Six Pathological Pulses.

Next, there is reference to three levels of palpation depth (floating, middle and deep). They are stated in brief and direct terms so as to give the clinician immediate intellective impressions from which to begin.

Following the three levels are Nature and Image. Nature attempts to give the clinician a broad view of a pulse's energetic demeanor, while Image is meant to provide associative links with naturally occurring earthly phenomenon in order to enhance one’s intuitive understanding of the pulse.

Finally, are the categories Diagnosis and Treatment. Their contents have been established according to traditional Chinese medical theories. In addition, as this book desires to be as comprehensive as possible, in certain cases, bio-medical descriptions and analysis have been included, especially when they may be aligned in accordance to the principles of Chinese medicine.

TYPE I: THE EXPANDING PULSE

Tactile Appearance: This pulse has an abundant and full feel, as if the vessel is expanding with each pulsation. It is firm and thick; thus, it is apparent upon very light touch. Upon heavier pressure its jump increases in strength. Its strength is equally apparent at both surface and deep levels. This pulse may be found on the left and right radial vessels, but clinically it does not often manifest bilaterally.

Jump and Shape Summary: Thick, Floating, Deep, Hard, Strong and Fast
Middle Level: Firm
Deep Level: Struggling to emerge
Nature: Expansion
Image: Raging Fire

Diagnosis: Expanding indicates a state of excess heat of both the exterior and interior; excitation of Qi and Blood. This pulse is representative of Qi in a state of expansion. Fire Qi is abundant.

Clinically this pulse often appears in patients with hypertension before the onset of cerebrovascular stroke, before the blood vessels of the brain burst. Similarly the expanding pulse appears in patients who have previously suffered from a stroke and resulting paralysis and who are continuing to experience high blood pressure. This pulse may thus indicate another stroke may soon follow. If the expanding pulse appears in the vessel of a Qi Gong practitioner, it may not be demonstrative of abnormality.

Treatment: Traditional treatment is to let blood at several appropriate acupuncture locations in order to temporarily relieve the acute repletion. My favorite combination of herbal formulas to treat an expanding pulse include Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver), Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron, and Rehmannia Pill) and single herbs such as He Zi (Fructus Chebulae), Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis), Bai Wei (Radix et Rhizoma Cynanchi Atrati), Ma Chi Xian (Herba Portulacae) and Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang, L.Ac.

Master Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang has over 25 years of concentrated clinical experience applying his expertise in differential diagnosis and herbal prescription. The author of a pulse diagnosis manual, Pulsynergy, Master Chang currently pursues his specialties in private practice in Hacienda Heights, California, and is widely recognized for his skills in correlating expert pulse taking and herbal prescription.

To learn more about pulses and herbs, Jimmy Chang is speaking on the following topics for Lotus Institute. All classes are approved for 8 CEUs/PDAs by the California Acupuncture Board and NCCAOM.

CLASSES BY THE AUTHOR

Women’s Health & Infertility

6/1/08 Denver, CO

Fang Jia Fang – The Art and Science of Herbal Combinations (Part I)

3/16/08 San Francisco, CA

Fang Jia Fang – The Art and Science of Herbal Combinations (Part II)

7/27/08 Oakland, CA

Revolutionary Pulse Diagnosis (Part I) (30 attendees max.)

10/5/08 Rowland Heights, CA

Revolutionary Pulse Diagnosis (Part II) (30 attendees max.)

11/23/08 Rowland Heights, CA