A section from the rgyud bzhiâ, the 4th Medicine Tantra
translated by Tsering Dolma

This is from the chapter about pulse diagnosis. Pulse and the cosmo physical energies.Briefly, the cosmo-physical energeticle influences of the pulses are revealed through the solar, lunar and seasonal relationships. Before we examine these influences it is first necessary to understand the relationship between these energies themselves. This is revealed by the mother - son - friend - foe cycles. Solar and Lunar influences. Within the human body there are three main subtle channels with positive, negative and neutral energies. These channels are known resepectivly as khang-ma, ro-ma and dbu-ma. The khang-ma channel is influenced by the moon (earth and water cosmo - physical energies). The ro-ma by the sun (fire [and wind] cosmo-physical energies). The dbu-ma by Rahu (spatial cosmo-physical energies). During nightfall the lunar influence is stronger, the pulse energies are slower and cooler than normal. On the other hand the solar energies are strong during the day, and are warmer and beat more rapidly. It is for this reason that the correct time to take the pulse is when these two energies are in a dynamic state of equilibrium. This occurs just at the break of dawn when the lines on oneâs palm are clearly visable. (This also represents the start of the Tibetan day, which changes in clcck time every day.

Seasonal Influence
The Tibetan sphygmic calender has 360 days. These are divided into 20 parts consting of 18 days each. The first 72 days are spring when the wood energy is dominant and exerts a strong influence on the liver/gall bladder pulses. This period is then followed by the 18 days Îin betweenâ season, when the earth energies are much more dominant and excert a strong influence on the spleen/stomach pulse (for the influence of other seasons refer to sphygmology p. 85). Its imperative for the physician to know the exact season whilst checking the pulse or else the diagnosis may prove to be wrong. For instance, if the physician is not aware that s/he is checking the pulse during the spring, then the stronger liver/gall bladder pulsations will be diagnosed as an ailment. It is precisely for this reason that the Îrgyud bzhiâ elaborately explains how a physician can identify the reasons through the observations of the stars, birds, trees, etc.