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Another topic explored in the painting is the process of pulse taking. The first step is to determine the "gender" of the pulse, which refers to the thickness of the radial artery and is irrespective of the gender of the patient. The second is to find out whether the patient’s pulse is hot or cold in character, a distinction based on the rate of the pulse. The third is to identify up to three of a total of forty-two pulse characteristics, among them floating, empty, halting, rapid, full, taught, sunken, weak, slow, slippery, and soft. Combinations of these characteristics correlate to every condition recorded in Tibetan medical literature. In the fourth and last step the doctor reads the specific pulses of the patient’s organs to assess their condition and the influences of the wind, bile, and phlegm forces and physical injury.
Pulse Examination I Preparations - Pule Techniques and Types - Seasonal Pulses (chapter 1)
OriginChentsa, Amdo region, Northeastern Tibet (Jianzha, Qinghai Province, China)
Artist
Hua Khar
active 1990s, Qinghai Province, China
Date1995-1996
Dimensions61 x 39 5/8 x 1/2 in. (154.9 x 100.6 x 1.3 cm)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin Private Collection
Object numberC2014.9.54
DescriptionThis painting illustrates several elements of pulse diagnosis. It first shows certain actions that should be avoided for at least one, but ideally up to three days in advance of the reading, including sexual activities and consuming strong foods and drinks, such as coffee, strong tea, and alcohol. It then outlines that the ideal time for pulse reading is early in the morning before the patient has moved much, although in practice experienced physicians can accurately read the pulse at any time. Another topic explored in the painting is the process of pulse taking. The first step is to determine the "gender" of the pulse, which refers to the thickness of the radial artery and is irrespective of the gender of the patient. The second is to find out whether the patient’s pulse is hot or cold in character, a distinction based on the rate of the pulse. The third is to identify up to three of a total of forty-two pulse characteristics, among them floating, empty, halting, rapid, full, taught, sunken, weak, slow, slippery, and soft. Combinations of these characteristics correlate to every condition recorded in Tibetan medical literature. In the fourth and last step the doctor reads the specific pulses of the patient’s organs to assess their condition and the influences of the wind, bile, and phlegm forces and physical injury.
Not on view
15th century
early to mid-14th century
18th century
14th century
19th - 20th century
14th century
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