AP Pulse Diagnosis & Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Ayurvedic nadi pariksha, which finger is used to assess Vata dosha at the radial pulse?
- Index finger (Correct answer)
- Middle finger
- Ring finger
- Thumb
Correct answer: Index finger
The index finger (tarjani) placed closest to the wrist detects the Vata pulse at the radial artery.
Question 2: A pulse described as 'manduka gati' (frog-like movement) is associated with which dosha?
- Vata
- Pitta
- Kapha (Correct answer)
- Tridosha
Correct answer: Kapha
Manduka gati, a slow hopping frog-like pulse, is characteristic of Kapha dosha dominance.
Question 3: At what time of day is the Vata pulse most prominent and easiest to assess accurately?
- Dawn (2–6 AM) (Correct answer)
- Midday (10 AM–2 PM)
- Late afternoon (2–6 PM)
- Evening (6–10 PM)
Correct answer: Dawn (2–6 AM)
Vata dosha predominates during the dawn period (2–6 AM), making its pulse most detectable then.
Question 4: Which pulse quality in nadi pariksha indicates ama (toxin) accumulation in the body?
- Thin and rapid
- Sticky and sluggish (Correct answer)
- Bounding and forceful
- Wiry and tense
Correct answer: Sticky and sluggish
A sticky, sluggish, or coated pulse quality strongly suggests the presence of ama obstructing the channels.
Question 5: In classical nadi pariksha, the pulse is typically assessed after the patient has been at rest for at least how long?
- 5 minutes (Correct answer)
- 15 minutes
- 30 minutes
- 1 hour
Correct answer: 5 minutes
A rest period of at least 5 minutes before pulse reading helps ensure the reading reflects constitutional dosha rather than transient activity.
Question 6: Which classical Ayurvedic text most comprehensively describes nadi pariksha as a diagnostic tool?
- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Sharngadhara Samhita (Correct answer)
- Ashtanga Hridayam
Correct answer: Sharngadhara Samhita
Sharngadhara Samhita (13th century) provides the most detailed systematic description of nadi pariksha among classical texts.
Question 7: A patient presents with a pulse that feels like a 'leech moving' (jaluka gati). This indicates imbalance in which dosha?
- Vata
- Pitta (Correct answer)
- Kapha
- Sama (balanced)
Correct answer: Pitta
Jaluka gati (leech-like movement) — smooth, active, and pointed — is characteristic of Pitta dosha.
AP Pulse Diagnosis & Assessment 2
In Ayurvedic nadi pariksha, which finger is used to assess Vata dosha at the radial pulse?