Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis, or Nadi Pariksha, has a long historical tradition. During traditional pulse examination, the index, middle and ring fingers are placed over the radial artery to observe different qualities of the pulse.

The article investigates why traditional practice examines the female pulse primarily at the left radial artery and the male pulse at the right radial artery.

It explores this question through concepts involving masculine and feminine energies, the hemispheres of the brain, Ida, Pingala and Sushumna Nadis, and the traditional understanding of left and right sides of the body.

Keywords

Shiv-Shakti, Right and Left Hemispheres of Brain, Ida, Pingala, Sushumna Nadi, Masculine and Feminine Energies and Pulse Diagnosis.

Introduction

Pulse diagnosis is used in Ayurveda to understand aspects of physical and psychological condition.

Three fingers are traditionally placed over the radial artery. Different qualities of the pulse are then observed and interpreted within the Ayurvedic diagnostic framework.

A central question explored by this research is why the female pulse is traditionally examined on the left hand while the male pulse is examined on the right.

Examination Process in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic examination involves observation, questioning and tactile examination.

Darshana Pariksha involves observing physical characteristics and signs.

Prashna Pariksha involves questioning the patient about health, history, habits and other relevant factors.

Sparshana Pariksha involves examination through touch, including Nadi Pariksha.

Pulse Diagnosis – Nadi Pariksha

In pulse diagnosis, the physician places the index, middle and ring fingers on the radial artery.

The pulse is traditionally interpreted in relation to Vata, Pitta and Kapha, along with other characteristics observed during examination.

The research treats pulse as carrying information related to both physiological and psychological functioning.

Objective of the Research

The objective is to explore the traditional reasoning behind examining the female pulse on the left radial artery and the male pulse on the right.

The article considers several traditional and conceptual systems in developing its explanation.

Law of Duality and Polarity

The research discusses the idea that complementary forces occur throughout nature.

This concept is related to masculine and feminine energies and is used by the authors as part of their explanation of left-right differences.

Shiva and Shakti

Shiva and Shakti are discussed symbolically as complementary aspects of consciousness and energy.

The article uses this traditional framework to explore masculine and feminine characteristics rather than treating the two sides as completely independent.

Ida, Pingala and Sushumna

Ida Nadi is associated with the left side and qualities traditionally described as cooling, receptive and lunar.

Pingala Nadi is associated with the right side and qualities described as active, heating and solar.

Sushumna Nadi occupies a central position and is described as a pathway associated with balance and harmony.

The article relates Ida to parasympathetic functions and Pingala to sympathetic functions as part of its interpretive framework, while Sushumna is described as representing harmony.

Brain and Nervous System

The research also discusses the right and left hemispheres of the brain and the crossing of neural control between the brain and opposite sides of the body.

This is combined with the traditional Nadi framework to develop the article’s proposed explanation for the left-right pulse distinction.

Observations and Discussion

According to the authors’ interpretation, Ida and Pingala represent complementary pathways while Sushumna represents balance between them.

The article discusses Nadis as channels through which different forms of energy and information are distributed within the traditional subtle-body framework.

The authors then relate these concepts to nervous activity and vibrations perceived through blood flow at the radial artery.

Conclusion

The research proposes that functions associated by the authors with the right brain and feminine characteristics are expressed through the left side of the body, while functions associated with the left brain and masculine characteristics are expressed through the right side.

On this basis, the authors explain the traditional practice of feeling the female pulse at the left radial artery and the male pulse at the right radial artery.

This explanation represents the conceptual interpretation presented in the research article.