Shen-Hammer Courses on Pulse Diagnosis
Course Description
This course provides instruction on the Shen-Hammer pulse diagnostic system, drawing on the lineage of Dr. John H. F. Shen and Dr. Leon Hammer’s contemporary approach to classical Chinese pulse practice. Participants will learn to palpate and interpret fundamental pulse qualities, develop sensitivity to subtle energetic patterns, and begin integrating pulse findings into holistic assessments. Emphasis is placed on hands-on practice, mindful observation, and experiential learning, offering a solid foundation for deeper study in pulse diagnosis and clinical practice.
Taught By
Dr. Yedidya Tabanpour LAc, DSOM, Certified Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis Instructor
Focus and Intention
The intention of this course is to cultivate intentional presence, body awareness, and palpation sensitivity. Together, we will explore the relationships between pulse qualities and physiological, emotional, and constitutional patterns, fostering a deeper appreciation for pulse diagnosis as a classical and highly individualized method of health assessment.
Outcomes
These classes are a learning journey. I hold the intention that we travel together toward greater familiarity, nuance, and depth in pulse perception. Our time together is self-paced, and the following outcomes are all accessible within the scope of this course:
• Learn mindful, sensitive, and respectful hands-on pulse taking techniques
• Accurately identify wrist anatomy and palpate primary and complementary pulse positions
• Become familiar with and interpret the basic parameters of the pulse (rate, rhythm, stability, depth, etc.)
• Sense and interpret pulse qualities (thin, tense, full/overflowing, smooth, rough, vibratory, etc.)
• Begin understanding physiological dynamics as they communicate through the pulse and relate to functional and constitutional health
• Integrate pulse observation into foundational clinical reasoning
• Explore treatment formulation using acupuncture, bodywork, exercise, nutrition, and classical herbal prescriptions
Prerequisites
None. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you practice East Asian medicine. A sincere interest in learning through touch and presence is all that is required. I trust that each participant’s presence and engagement will be meaningful and beneficial to the collective learning experience.
Materials
An introductory handbook on contemporary pulse diagnosis will be provided. Participants may also choose to purchase the more comprehensive text, Handbook of Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis by Leon Hammer and Karen Bilton.
Offering Dates and Times
These classes and seminars are flexible and offered upon request.
Please contact me by email to join an ongoing course or to create a private course offering.
Session Details
Duration: 2 hours
Frequency: Ongoing (drop-in or regular attendance encouraged)
Group size: Limited to 8 participants This is an intimate group with limited participants.
Format: Experiential, embodied, relational work with grounding, breath, movement, partner exercises, and group reflection
Investment
Payment is due per session. The sustaining rate for this group is $65 per class.
A sliding scale of $50–$75 is available to support accessibility and collective reciprocity.
$50 — Community Rate: For those with limited financial flexibility
$65 — Sustaining Rate: The true cost of the group and supports its ongoing viability
$75 — Supporter Rate: For those with greater financial resources who wish to make the space accessible for others