Pulse Diagnosis in Thai Traditional Medicine: Comparing Tri-Dhātu Characteristics in Each Innate Body Element Between Experts and Device

Abstract

Background: Pulse diagnosis in Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) evaluates the balance of the Tri-DhātudVata, Pitta, and Semhadand their interaction with innate body elements (Dhātu Chao Ruean; DCR). Despite its clinical significance, scientific evidence and quantitative tools remain limited. This study aimed to compare Tri-Dhātu pulse characteristics across different DCR types using expert assessment and the DMP-Life™ pulse diagnostic device. Method: One-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis was applied to data from 159 participants, each evaluated at six pulse positions for shape, depth, power, and rhythm by Applied Thai Traditional Medicine (ATM) experts and the DMP-Life™ device. Results: There were no significant differences in characteristics among the DCR groups (p > 0.05). Expert assessments revealed a significant difference only in pulse depth at the Left Vata: LV (p = 0.018). Conversely, the device identified significant differences in pulse shape at Right Pitta: RP (p = 0.031), Right Semha: RS (p = 0.018), and Left Pitta: LP (p = 0.008). No significant variations were found in the power or rhythm dimensions in either method. Conclusion: This study provides the first comparative data on Tri-Dhātu pulse characteristics across DCR types using expert assessment and the DMP-Life™ device. The device detected subtle variations, particularly at RP and LP positions, aligning with Thai traditional concepts and suggesting its potential to support clinical practice, education, and TTM diagnostics, especially in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and facilitating learning.