Training in Shen-Hammer Pulse Diagnosis

Intensive  Modern Training

Over the course of many years of study and teaching, the seminar material has been developed and shaped to meet the needs of a modern learning setting.

The limited number of participants (maximum 16) ensures an optimal individual learning environment. The participants work in rotating and changing pairs with one palpating the pulse of the other with repeated feedback from one of the instructors or assistants.

On Day 2 and/or 3 of each seminar level, there will be volunteer patients to work with – again with constant feedback from the instructors.

This method has proven to be highly effective in truly developing and enhancing one’s palpation skills.

Level A (3-4 Days)

Focus:

  • Introduction to the Shen-Hammer Pulse System
  • Palpating the Entire Pulse and the Three Depths
  • Hands-on partner exercises with continuous Feedback
  • Identification of the most common Shen-Hammer pulse qualities
  • On day 2 or 3, the seminar participants have a chance to invite patients or act as volunteers themselves. The instructors palpate the pulse of the patients/volunteers and write down their findings. The findings are made available to the participants who have a chance to feel the pulse right afterwards while receiving constant hands-on feedback. This enables the seminar participant to sharpen and deepen their palpation skills under constant supervision while working with patients right away.
  • Interpretation of the pulse qualities – also in the context of a patient’s history, discussion of their clinical relevance, differential diagnosis and clinical application.

Level B (3-4 Days)

Focus:

  • Selected theoretical and practical aspects from level A will be revisited and developed further through hands-on exercises as well as lectures.
  • Introduction to the 6 Principal Positions
  • Partner exercises as well as hands-on work with direct patient contact as in level A – this time taking into considerations the additional information provided by palpating the main positions.
  • The pulse record of the patients will be interpreted in a comprehensive manner, taking into consideration the etiology, the history, the complaints and the request of the patients. Individual attention will be given to formulating a treatment strategy for the patient.

Level C (3-4 Days)

Focus:

  • Selected theoretical and practical aspects from Levels A + B will be revisited and developed further through hands-on exercises as well as lectures.
  • Introduction to some of the 22 Complementary Positions.
  • Partner exercises as well as hands-on work with patients as in level A + B.  Learning how to interpret a pulse picture independantly by starting to work up a case interpretation in small groups in preparation for plenary discussion.
  • Different ways of evaluating the pulse will be explored taking into consideration which perspective might be most useful in any particular case. In this context, we will introduce the System’s Model according to Dr. Shen and also look through the lense of the Liu Jing (Six Divisions). Other perspectives include the Zang Fu, Substances, San Jiao as well as a more salutogenic approach: “resources & construction sights”. 

Further Study

  • For those who want to continue their study, there will be oportunities for “practice days” as well as further follow-up classes.

Timing

  • Parts A and B are usually separated by 6 – 8 weeks.  The break between parts B and C can be 2 - 4 months, and between parts C and D, 2 - 6 months

Course Objectives:

  • Learning new palpation skills
  • Developing the ability to clearly differentiate pulse qualities
  • Gaining the self-confidence to interpret a pulse picture
  • Immediate integration into clinical practice
  • The seminar participant will receive a Dragon Rises Seminars Certificate

Requirements

Certified practitioners of East Asian Healing Arts/Chinese Medicine or students in their last year of training to become a practitioner. Pulse palpation abilities are not mandatory for level A. Since the classes are consequitive and build on each other, the prerequisite for participation in Level B + C demands awareness, skills and knowledge of the course content of previous levels or participation in other seminars.