Effect of Food Intake on the Amplitude of the Radial Pulse

(2) Korean Journal of Acupuncture, Vol 28, No. 2, pp. 13–22, 2011

Effect of Food Intake on the Amplitude of the Radial Pulse

Yun-Kyoung Yim, Hee-Jung Kang, Byung-Ryul Lee, Gi-Young Yang, Hyun Lee, Kyung-Cheol Kim

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of food intake on the amplitude of the pulse.

Methods: Thirty-one healthy male subjects participated in this study. The radial pulse was measured using a 3-dimensional pulse imaging system (DMP-3000) before, right after, 40 minutes after, 80 minutes after and 120 minutes after food intake.

Results: 1. The amplitude of h1 increased significantly right after food intake compared to ‘before food intake’ at all 6 measuring points and then decreased as time passed. However, even 120 minutes later, it was still higher than ‘before food intake’.

2. The pulse energy, which is calculated from pulse waves acquired with five sensors, was increased after food intake.

Conclusion: Food intake exerts an influence on the amplitude of the radial pulse, resulting in a increased amplitude of h1 and an increased pulse energy.

Key Words: pulse diagnosis; radial pulse amplitude; food intake; pulse energy