Jīngmài Diagnostics of the Huángdì Nèijīng Língshū: Rényíng/Cùnkou Pulse Methodology

Pulse palpation is the cornerstone of the classical medicine of the Huángdì Nèijīng (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic), and forms the majority of the text’s approach to diagnostics and subsequent needling of the primary channels (jīngmài). Rényíng/cùnkou pulse diagnosis is a ratio-based palpation method dependent on the strength of two pulses felt simultaneously at the wrist and neck, in order to determine a state of excess or insufficiency in the six pairings of the twelve primary channels. Considered a central diagnostic method of the Hàn dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) era of Chinese medicine, this paper will discuss the theory behind this unique diagnostic method and the basic principles of practice and application based on primary source and clinical research of the Huángdì Nèijīng.