Anybody can learn pulse diagnosis; the only prerequisite is to take it step by step and to offer maximum hands-on-practice time. In that case, learning the skills to feel the pulse is like learning a new language: It only takes a few words and a little bit of grammar to get started and then one needs to start speaking the language in order to gradually expand the vocabulary. Since many years, we have been working on an easily “digestible” concept for learning pulse diagnosis. We are convinced that the way to comprehend pulse diagnosis is by repeatedly palpating the pulse while consistently receiving feedback in order to develop an actual sensory memory of how a particular pulse quality feels like.

This gives class participants the opportunity to apply what they have learned with their fingertips relatively quickly into clinical practice. To know how a particular pulse quality feels like is the most solid foundation to enable a deeper theoretical understanding of its interpretation. Our intent is to stay close to the old tradition of transferring knowledge from master to student in the sense of allowing for maximum supervision time within a small group of participants. It is our hearts desire to meet the individual learning needs of each participant – regardless of their level of experience. Above all, we insist that learning must be enjoyable!

The amount of hands-on practice time combined with the individualized attention and the limited number of participants (16-18) allows for an almost personalized learning experience.

During the hands-on part of class, the participants always work in pairs with changing constellations. One of the two is constantly palpating the pulse of their partner while receiving continuous feedback from one of the instructors. On the second or third day, a couple of the participants will get a chance to volunteer and have their pulse taken and recorded by the teachers. Their pulses will then be felt by their classmates while being directly coached by one of the teachers – afterwards, the volunteers will also have a chance to palpate the pulse of another volunteer with direct feedback. This method ensures that participants can deepen and evolve their palpatory skills on the spot and it enables them to transfer their freshly acquired skills effortlessly into clinical practice.

Module A cornerstones

Historical overview of pulse diagnosis within East Asian Medicine, a bird’s eye view of different systems of pulse diagnosis throughout the centuries, ancient and contemporary perspectives on the role of the heart and its interconnectivity, introduction to Shen-Hammer-Pulse-Diagnosis (CCPD) in theory and practice, palpation of the Entire Pulse in all three depths at the radial artery, identification of the most common Shen-Hammer pulse qualities, introduction to different approaches of the interpretation of pulse findings within the context of real life cases, discussion of diagnostic and clinical relevance.

Module A learning goals

• Waking up ones fingertips and learning / deepening different palpatory skills
• Developing confidence in navigating the three depth
• Identifying and differentiating the main CCPD pulse qualities
• Cultivating interpretation skills about the emerging pulse findings
• Integration of palpatory skills in the framework of the curriculum
• Incorporating new palpation & interpretation skills into clinical practice

Selected theoretical and practical aspects from Module A will be revisited and developed further through hands-on exercises and lectures. Partner exercises as well as hands-on work as in Module A. On day 2 or 3, the seminar participants have a chance to invite their own patients. The instructors palpate the pulse of the patients and write down their findings. The findings are being made available to the participants who have a chance to feel the pulse right afterwards while receiving constant hands-on feedback. This enables the seminar participant to sharpen and deepen their palpation skills under constant supervision while working with patients right away. The pulse record of the patients will be interpreted together in small groups in preparation for plenary discussion in order to facilitate case interpretation skills independently. Every group is coached by an instructor. Individual attention will be given to formulating a treatment strategy for the patient.

Module B cornerstones

Deepening and refining of the palpation skills acquired in Module A about the most common pulse qualities found on the Entire Pulse in all three depths at the radial artery. Identification of additional Shen-Hammer pulse qualities in practice and in theory, phasing-in of the Six Main Positions. Introduction to different interpretation approaches of the pulse findings within the context of real-life cases, discussion of diagnostic and clinical relevance.

Module B learning goals

• Training fingertips and learning / deepening new palpatory skills
• Deepening confidence in navigating the three depths on the entire pulse and learning to locate the six main positions
• Identifying and differentiating common CCPD pulse qualities from Module A
• Learning to palpate and recognize additional CCPD pulse qualities
• Cultivating interpretation skills about the emerging pulse findings
• Integration of pulse findings on the entire pulse with the six main positions
• Incorporating new palpation & interpretation skills into clinical practice

The Basic Module A & B open the doors to further learning opportunities in the realm of Shen-Hammer-Pulse-Diagnosis: The additional Basic Modules (Intermediate C & D) gradually offer more insight into a broader variety of pulse qualities and their application. Individual pulse positions and their interplay with the entire pulse lead to a deeper understanding of the patient’s reality and their trajectory from past to present. Supervision and coaching days are another opportunity to gradually develop one’s pulse taking and interpretation skills.