with a purple colour on the sides of the tongue towards the root.
Pulse Signs
The Intestines are reflected in both Rear positions of the pulse. Although the left Rear position
corresponds to the Small Intestine and the right one to the Large Intestine (some doctors reverse
this), a pathology of the Intestines (whether Small or Large) is often reflected in both Rear
positions having the same quality. If it is of gynaecological origin, one side or the other (more
often the left) presents an abnormal quality. This may also be a useful sign to distinguish pain of
intestinal origin from that of gynaecological origin in women.
Thus, if both Rear positions are Tight and the pulse is Slow, it indicates Cold in the Intestines.
If both Rear positions are Wiry, it indicates stagnation of Qi or stasis of Blood in the Intestines.
If, besides being Wiry on these positions, the pulse is also Rapid and Slippery, it indicates
Damp-Heat in the Intestines and possibly bleeding from the intestinal mucosa. This pulse finding
is often seen in Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
If both Rear positions are Wiry and Hollow it indicates prolonged bleeding from the gut. If the
pulse is Rapid and both Rear positions are only slightly Hollow, it may indicate a forthcoming
bleeding from the gut.
If both Rear positions are Slippery and Wiry, it indicates Damp-Heat and stagnation of Qi or
Blood in the Intestines.
Differentiation and Treatment
The patterns to be discussed are:
EXCESS TYPE
Cold in the Intestines
Damp-Heat in the Intestines
Retention of Food
Stagnation of Qi
Stasis of Blood