Did Ancient Chinese Medicine Practitioners Really Use Red Threads to Take Pulses?

Written By: Melody, TCM Practitioner.

No, ancient Chinese medicine practitioners did not use red threads to take pulses.

This misconception likely stems from artistic embellishments in historical dramas. To enhance the mysterious aura of TCM, directors might create exaggerated scenes, such as using a red thread for pulse diagnosis. However, in reality, pulse diagnosis in TCM is a very rigorous diagnostic method that does not require any special tools.

The Correct Method of Pulse Diagnosis

TCM pulse diagnosis primarily involves using the fingertips to feel the pulsation of the radial artery at the wrist. This allows the practitioner to understand internal imbalances and conditions within the body.

Specifically, the practitioner uses the pads of their index, middle, and ring fingers to gently press on the radial artery at the wrist. By sensing subtle changes in the pulse's depth (floating/sinking), speed (rapid/slow), tension (tense/relaxed), and strength (strong/weak), they can determine the excess or deficiency, coldness or heat, and other conditions of the internal organs.

Why Not Use a Red Thread?

👉🏻 Unnecessary: 

The pulsation of the human artery can be directly felt with the fingers; no other tools are needed.

👉🏻 Inaccurate: 

A red thread cannot accurately perceive the subtle changes in the pulse.

👉🏻 Unhygienic: 

Reusing a red thread could pose hygiene issues.

How Did Male TCM Practitioners Treat Female Patients in Ancient Society Where Gender Segregation Was Strict?

In ancient times, when direct physical contact between men and women was restricted, male TCM practitioners used several methods to diagnose female patients:

🔸Diagnosis from Behind a Curtain (隔帘诊病): 

The practitioner and the patient would be separated by a curtain. The patient would extend her hand from behind the curtain, and the practitioner would diagnose by taking her pulse and observing her. This method protected the female patient's privacy while still allowing the doctor to perform basic diagnosis.

🔸Female Practitioners (女医诊治): 

In ancient times, there were indeed female physicians. They could provide more private and professional medical services for female patients. Female physicians often received protection and support from their families to better serve women.

🔸Family Member's Account (家人代述): 

If no female physician was available, a female patient's condition could be described by a family member. The doctor would then diagnose and prescribe based on this description. While less accurate, this was sometimes the only option.

🔸Textual Descriptions (文字描述): 

Some medical texts contained detailed descriptions of women's diseases. Doctors could diagnose by comparing the patient's symptoms with these medical records.

Dramatized vs. Real TCM: A Comparison

The portrayal of TCM practitioners in television dramas is often highly artistic and dramatized, differing significantly from reality. Here's a comparison:

🔹Diagnostic Methods

[Dramas] 

Doctors are often seen rapidly diagnosing illnesses through inspection, listening, inquiry, and palpation (望闻问切), sometimes even pinpointing the root cause with just a glance.

[Reality] 

TCM diagnosis is a comprehensive process. Besides the four diagnostic methods, it requires integrating information from the patient's tongue coating, pulse, medical history, and more for thorough analysis. The diagnostic process demands patience and experience and is not instantaneous.

🔹Treatment Modalities

[Dramas] 

Often feature miraculous treatments, such as a single silver needle curing all ailments or one dose of herbal medicine instantly resolving a persistent illness.

[Reality] 

TCM treatment emphasizes differential diagnosis and individualized treatment. Different conditions call for different therapeutic methods. Besides acupuncture, there are cupping, Tui Na massage, internal herbal medicine, and external herbal applications. Treatment effects vary from person to person and usually require a course of therapy.

🔹Efficacy

[Dramas] 

The efficacy of TCM treatment is often exaggerated, with a single dose of medicine curing complex and difficult diseases.

[Reality] 

TCM treatment emphasizes a holistic approach and focuses on conditioning the body. Efficacy is gradual and progressive. For many chronic conditions, long-term treatment is needed to achieve ideal results.

🔹Doctor-Patient Relationship

[Dramas] 

The doctor-patient relationship is often idealized, with doctors portrayed as revered figures and patients always compliant.

[Reality] 

The doctor-patient relationship is built on mutual respect. Doctors provide professional advice based on the patient's condition, and patients are expected to actively cooperate with the treatment.

TCM pulse diagnosis is a very refined diagnostic method that requires extensive clinical experience and acute tactile sensitivity from the practitioner. Using a red thread for pulse diagnosis is merely an artistic embellishment in TV dramas and does not reflect actual medical practice. While the portrayal of TCM in dramas can be appealing, it differs from reality. Real TCM treatment is more scientific and rigorous, requiring the collaborative effort of both doctor and patient.

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness or wish to receive more personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation.