The science of observing an individual’s pulse with an intention to diagnose any underlying ailments or imbalances in the normal state of being is called -Nadi Pariksha- also called pulse diagnosis in general terms. Nadi pariksha is an ancient ayurvedic practice which aims to understand an individual’s health in its entirety by studying the patterns of pulse vibrations. The first reference of pulse diagnosis was found in ayurvedic classics like -Saarangadhara Samhita- and later in other works like -Yogaratnakara- and -Basavarajeeyam-.
The ability to diagnose an individual’s state of health through Nadi Pariksha comes through extensive practice and experience – this is, in fact, a tough skill to accomplish. It is for the same reason, learning Nadi Pariksha takes considerably longer time, and Nadi Pariksha training should be taken from an accomplished master. A master usually initiates his disciple to learn Nadi Pariksha only after coming to a conclusion that the student is fit to learn and imbibe the skill. In fact, to be skillful at pulse reading one should have utmost concentration and the ability to sense subtle differences of pulse beating.
Pulse reading of an individual is taken early in the morning and on an empty stomach. It is essential that the patient is calm and relaxed in his natural state while pulse reading. The Vaidya (doctor) and the patient should be sitting face-to-face at an equal level. Readings of the pulse are taken from the right hand of males and left hand of females. This gender bias of the hand is for the fact that Kurma, the main organ responsible for finding the pulse has different orientations in the body of males and females. While pulse reading in allopathy is just to count the number of pulse beats per minute; ayurvedic pulse reading comprehends a lot more than just beats – it gauges the whole health scenario of the patient. In ayurvedic system of medicine, it is believed that most of the illnesses or health problems are psychosomatic. So through proper Nadi Pariksha training a well trained Vaidya will be able to assess the overall health status of an individual and workout in a bottom-up approach.
According to ayurvedic system of medicine, aberrations in normal health are caused by imbalances in -Doshas-. There are three Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These three Doshas exist in their ideal states, in a normal healthy individual. Imbalances in these Doshas cause several health problems. Through ayurvedic pulse reading a skillful physician will understand the imbalances in these Doshas; each Dosha when dominant is marked by a unique pace of the pulse. Not only the imbalances in Doshas, an expert physician, will also understand the cause of the ailment; in addition to other emotional and behavioural imbalances. So learning Nadi Pariksha from an accomplished master ensures that the Nadi Pariksha training imparts all the essential skills; eventually transforming the student to an expert Vaidya.