TCM Tongue Diagnosis is a vital diagnostic tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). By examining the tongue coating, TCM practitioners can gain valuable insights into a person’s overall health. The tongue coating refers to the layer of substance that forms on the surface of the tongue. A healthy tongue coating is typically white, evenly distributed, and of moderate thickness and moisture, with the middle and root of the tongue being slightly thicker and the rest thinner. The changes in the tongue coating are closely linked to the state of the digestive system and the energy flow in the body, making it an important indicator of the condition of the stomach and spleen. Examining the Tongue Coating In TCM Tongue Diagnosis, observing the tongue coating is a crucial step in the diagnostic process. The texture and appearance of the coating, known as the “tongue coating quality,” provides critical information. Key characteristics…
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tongue diagnosis is one of the key methods for assessing overall health. By observing the color, shape, and coating of the tongue, practitioners can gain insights into internal imbalances and disease patterns. A crucial aspect of TCM tongue diagnosis is “looking at the coating color,” which refers to the color of the tongue coating. The color of the coating can reflect different pathological conditions in the body. The primary coating colors observed are white, yellow, gray, and black—these are common indicators used in TCM to understand a person’s health. Table of Contents 一. White Coating When the tongue coating appears white, it is referred to as “white coating.” In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, white coating can vary in thickness, and is commonly associated with exterior or cold conditions. It is frequently observed in conditions like wind-cold or wind-damp invasion, as well as yang…
Tongue diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an important component of TCM diagnostics. By observing changes in the tongue’s shape, color, texture, and other features, it is possible to assess a person’s health condition. The tongue state, which refers to the condition of the tongue during movement, is a key observation point in TCM tongue diagnosis. A normal tongue exhibits flexible, smooth, and unrestricted movements, indicating sufficient qi and blood, smooth meridians, and vigorous organ functions. Common pathological tongue states include a stiff tongue, a flaccid tongue, a tremulous tongue, a tilted tongue, a shortened tongue, and a tongue with a protruding or rolling motion. This article will provide a detailed description of these tongue states and their associated health issues, helping you understand your health status through TCM tongue diagnosis. 一. Stiff Tongue: A Warning for Heat Pathogens and Stroke A stiff tongue is often associated with heat…
Tongue color refers to the color of the tongue body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis theory, tongue color is generally categorized into pale, light red, red, deep red (crimson), purple, and blue. Essentially, it can be divided into two main groups: This classification method serves as the most fundamental and intuitive basis for observation in TCM tongue diagnosis. Why Can Tongue Color Indicate Disease? A normal tongue color is typically light red, as the tongue is a muscular organ containing myoglobin in its cytoplasm. Additionally, its connective tissue is rich in capillaries, ensuring an abundant blood supply. As revealed by TCM tongue diagnosis, the blood color is seen through the white, translucent mucous membrane of the tongue, appearing as a light red shade. When a person falls ill, changes occur in blood composition or concentration, or the tongue mucosal epithelium may thicken, proliferate, or atrophy, leading to…
Tongue diagnosis, an ancient and effective diagnostic tool, helps identify a person’s health condition by observing changes in the taste and sensations of the tongue. This method holds a significant place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and even in modern medicine, where Eastern and Western practices combine, it remains widely used. In this article, we will explore how TCM uses different tongue manifestations to infer the state of one’s health. 一. The Importance of Assessing Tongue Sensations Abnormal tongue sensations primarily involve self-reported changes in how the tongue feels. Assessing these sensations relies on asking the patient about unusual experiences with their tongue and analyzing these reports to better understand and predict their condition. Changes in tongue sensations not only help in detecting diseases but also indicate their severity. Mild changes in sensation typically suggest a less serious illness, while more pronounced changes often point to a more severe condition….
TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) tongue diagnosis is a crucial component of the TCM inspection method. It holds that the tongue is not only a part of the digestive system but also a direct reflection of the functional status of internal organs, qi, blood, and body fluids. Since the tongue’s shape is determined by muscle—an aspect governed by the spleen—observing its form can offer insights into the health of the spleen and, by extension, the entire body. This article, from the perspective of TCM tongue diagnosis, provides a detailed explanation of the various tongue shapes and the corresponding internal pathological changes, serving as a valuable reference for clinical diagnosis and syndrome differentiation. 一. Enlarged Tongue (TCM Tongue Diagnosis Observation) An enlarged tongue is one that appears noticeably wider than normal; when extended, it fills the oral cavity. TCM tongue diagnosis considers this phenomenon primarily as a result of the accumulation of…