The evaluation of the pulse at the radial artery is a tool well known to students and practitioners of traditional Chinese or Japanese medicine. This ancient technique, requiring only a slight pressure on the wrist, is part of the "palpation" stage of the 4 steps of our patient's examination (with questioning, observation and examination).

There are many systems for the assessment of the pulse, the best known being that of Lǐ Shí Zhēn, a practitioner of the 16th century AD, who described 27 types of observable pulses.  

The great classics such as the Yellow Emperor Classic, which are much older (2000 to 3000 years old), mention a type of pulse palpation that may seem less accessible, directly related to the principles of the 5 elementary movements or the 4 seasons, or the relationship between Heaven-Man-Earth.

Nowadays it is common and understandable to feel lost in the intricacies of these descriptions with their rich language full of metaphors and images of nature.  Many people end up only taking the pulse in a succinct way, without realising that the Chinese pulse is full of information, literally accessible at the tip of their fingers.

This course aims to bridge the gap between the old descriptions and the most recent ones, so as to be equipped and prepared to meet a large number of different pulses in the office, and to approach them in a serene and methodical way. The instructor has thus brought together a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience to present a simple method that you just have to follow step by step.

The system presented here requires to match the reading of the pulse with the signs and symptoms of the patient, obtained during the interrogation, or with the observation of the tongue for example. It is part of the person's bigger picture, and helps to clarify the diagnosis and the treatment strategy. The practitioner is then free to choose his or her own treatment method (acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu, tuina, Qi Gong, herbal medicine, etc.).

A simple and effective method

The training presented here on the art of pulse diagnosis is inspired from contemporary practitioners styles (such as Jimmy Cheng, Robert Doane, Dr Hammer, William Morris), and in addition is greatly influenced by teachings from the ancient classical texts such as the Huang Di Nei Jing, the Nan Jing, the Mai Jing, or the Bin Hu Mai Xue from Li Shi Zhen.

It is not a question here of debating the validity of this or that system, ancient or from modern TCM, but instead of highlighting what is useful in the clinic or practice through the light of ancient texts.

The contemporary system taught aims to provide a clear, visual and simple method for practitioners to develop effective diagnosis and treatment strategies.

I'd like to thank you for this pulsology course, which went beyond my expectations.

It was an intense course, rich in knowledge, practical cases and applications with feedback from you, all in a progressive way. The evolution over the three days was optimal, always challenging, never too complex and never too easy. Many thanks!

I'm still going to have to practise a lot to master this art, but at least it's no longer a great unknown and I know what to look for, observe and feel.

Yohann

The pedagogical quality of the training: very progressive, very structured, very rich and in-depth and at the same time easily digestible and accessible to everyone. Whatever your level in TCM (there were 4 of us shiatsu practitioners = less advanced in pure TCM, TCM students of all levels and more experienced TCM practitioners), everyone had something to eat.

The trainer had a great command of her subject.

The very subtle and complex classical content of pulsology was perfectly digested by Julie Birraux, and she translated it into a language that we Westerners could understand.

that we are. She gave us very practical, contemporary tools that are immediately

immediately usable in the practice.

The training materials are very comprehensive and the notation tool for keeping track of pulses is very relevant and easy to use.

The time between theory and practice was also very well managed.

We were able to experiment a great deal (and therefore ask questions) thanks to the many exchanges between us and the last day, which was a ‘dispensary’ type of day, with 9 volunteers.

Last but not least, Julie Birraux' approach was extremely caring, welcoming and humanistic.

A.M.

Thank you so much for this great course.

I've found my feet again with pulses!

I've really enjoyed these two days and I'm grateful to you for all your input and your approach.

Danièle B

Thank you so much for this course and for the method that you have given us to get started and gain confidence through pulse diagnosis. An extraordinary tool that's easy to put into practice. Objective achieved and even surpassed. Thank you a thousand times over Julie and that's still not enough, patience and pedagogy: well done.

Sabrina S.

Thank you so much for this moment of sharing. Julie for your kindness and the generosity of your knowledge.

JF

Many thanks for yesterday's very clear and interesting webinar, which can also be applied directly from tomorrow... !

Lionel D

Thanks, it was great!

Olivier B.