Coca's Pulse Test

Todd Caldecott

CLINICAL HERBALIST
AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

Coca's Pulse Test

There are a number of methods to determine potentially allergenic foods in your diet. One method we use is based on the research of Dr. Arthur F. Coca, called the Pulse Test, which you can do at home:

Step 1. Take your radial (wrist) pulse with your finger (not thumb) before each meal, immediately after each meal, and at 15, 30 and 60 minute intervals, and record the results. Do this for three days in a row.

Step 2. On the fourth day, eliminate the suspected food allergen from your diet and repeat Step 1 for three days.

Step 3. On day seven, reintroduce that food back into your diet, and record your pulse before meals, immediately after each meal, and at 15, 30 and 60 minute intervals, and record the results.

Results: An average increase in your pulse rate of >8 points when the food is reintroduced back into your diet suggests an allergy.

To keep track of your findings, please download this form to keep track of what you are eating at each meal, and your pulse rate immediately before after eating. If you did not eat a meal simply leave that section blank. Bring this form back to clinic when you are done.