Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda described multiple levels of the radial pulse that could be used to interpret the status of the organs and systems of the body as well as the mental and physical constitutions of the individual. As the first text on pulse diagnosis for the Western student, this book provides a method by which anyone can learn to read his own pulse. Imbalances and potential disease states can be detected in their early stages, giving one the opportunity to correct them before they affect the quality of life. With practice and guidance, one can acquire the proficiency to use this knowledge to heal self and others. This book will give guidelines to think about various ways of feeling, reading and gathering information through the pulse. It is quite difficult to put subjective experience into words. It is an attempt to express these simple ways of feeling the pulse. Review This book is an excellent attempt in the right direction and is written in a well organized manner aided by several useful illustrations. The author has done justice to Ayurvedic terminologies by not translating them into their closest English equivalents, thereby retaining the originality. --C. K. Katiyar Herbal Drug Research Ranbaxy Research Labs, Gurgaon, HaryanaThis book based on the principle mentioned in the ancient texts of Ayurveda is an asset to physicians, students and teachers of Ayurveda. A thorough reading of the book will give various ways of feeling, reading and gathering information through the pulse. This book will prove a milestone in the development of Ayurveda. --Dr. Anup Kumar GakkharThis book describes an assessment method that enhances a practitioner's awareness to perceive fundamental issues affecting the body. --B. Cook, Instructor, Wellpark College of Natural Therapies About the Author Dr. Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc, brings a wealth of classroom and practical experience to the United States. He received the degree of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pune, in Pune, India in 1968 and a master of Ayurvedic science from Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya in Pune, India in 1980. He served for three years as medical director of the Ayurveda Hospital in Pune, India. He also held the position of professor of clinical medicine for seven years at the Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine, where he was an instructor for many years. Dr. Lad's academic and practical training includes the study of allopathic medicine (Western medicine) and surgery as well as traditional Ayurveda. In 1979, he began traveling throughout the United States sharing his knowledge of Ayurveda, and in 1981, he returned to New Mexico to teach Ayurveda. In 1984, he founded and began his position as principal instructor and director of The Ayurvedic Institute.