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Pulse waveform analysis as a bridge between pulse examination in Chinese medicine and cardiology

Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine volume 19, pages 307–314 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Pulse examination was probably the earliest attempt to distinguish between health and illnesses. Starting at the pre-Hippocratic era, Chinese medicine practitioners developed techniques for pulse examination and defined pulse images based on their perceptions of pulse waveforms at the radial artery. Pulse images were described using basic variables (frequency, rhythm, wideness, length, deepness, and qualities) developed under philosophical trends such as Taoism and Confucianism. Recent advances in biomedical instrumentation applied to cardiology opened possibilities to research on pulse examination based on ancient Chinese medical theories: the pulse wave analysis. Although strongly influenced by philosophy, some characteristics used to describe a pulse image are interpretable as parameters obtained by pulse waveform analysis such as pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. Those clinical parameters reflect concepts unique to Chinese medicine — such as yinyang — while are based on wave reflection and resonance theories of fluids mechanics. Major limitations for integration of Chinese and Western pulse examination are related to quantitative description of pulse images and pattern differentiation based on pulse examination. Recent evidence suggests that wave reflection and resonance phenomena may bridge Chinese medicine and cardiology to provide a more evidence-based medical practice.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Postgraduation Program of Rehabilitation Science, Augusto Motta University Center, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

    Arthur de Sá Ferreira & Agnaldo José Lopes

  2. Department of Physical Therapy, Salgado de Oliveira University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil

    Arthur de Sá Ferreira

  3. Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

    Agnaldo José Lopes

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  1. Arthur de Sá Ferreira
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  2. Agnaldo José Lopes
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Correspondence to Arthur de Sá Ferreira.

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de Sá Ferreira, A., Lopes, A.J. Pulse waveform analysis as a bridge between pulse examination in Chinese medicine and cardiology. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 19, 307–314 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-013-1412-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-013-1412-z

Keywords

  • blood circulation
  • palpation
  • diagnosis
  • Chinese medicine
  • pulse waveform