Is it accurate for a TCM practitioner to take the pulse during menstruation?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, taking the pulse in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) during menstruation may still be accurate. TCM diagnosis relies on the four pillars of inspection, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation, used together for a comprehensive assessment. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation may influence certain characteristics of the pulse, but experienced TCM practitioners can still integrate pulse diagnosis with other diagnostic methods to accurately evaluate a patient's health condition and reach an accurate diagnosis.
In general, having a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner take the pulse during menstruation may still be accurate. The specific analysis is as follows:
TCM diagnosis relies on four methods: observation, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and pulse-taking, all of which are used together. Hormonal fluctuations in women during menstruation may affect certain characteristics of the pulse, but experienced TCM practitioners can still make accurate assessments of a patient's health by comprehensively analyzing the pulse along with other diagnostic methods. Therefore, taking the pulse during menstruation is generally reliable. However, for patients with more severe conditions involving multiple organs and meridians, pulse diagnosis alone may not fully capture the complexity of the illness. In such cases, comprehensive evaluation using diagnostic frameworks such as the Eight Principles, Zang-Fu organ differentiation, and Six Meridian patterns is necessary.
When visiting a TCM practitioner during menstruation, women are advised to proactively inform the doctor about their menstrual cycle to help the practitioner interpret pulse changes accurately. Additionally, maintaining healthy eating habits and keeping the abdomen warm can help alleviate menstrual discomfort.
