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 pathogens and wind-phlegm, representing acute or severe conditions. This tongue manifestation is commonly seen in cases of cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). In external febrile diseases, a stiff tongue indicates the invasion of heat pathogens, excessive heat toxins, or phlegm and dampness obstructing the mind. In internal conditions, a stiff tongue is commonly a sign of a stroke (apoplexy), and one should remain vigilant.
(Image: TCM Tongue Diagnosis – Stiff Tongue Illustration)
The tongue’s inability to move freely suggests the presence of heat or phlegm obstruction.
- Tongue Manifestation Characteristics: The tongue is inflexible and lacks smooth movement, often accompanied by difficulty speaking.
- Main Condition Indicated by Tongue Manifestation: Stroke, phlegm and dampness.
二. Flaccid Tongue: A Signal of Qi and Blood Deficiency
A flaccid tongue occurs when there is a deficiency of Yin fluids, causing the tongue to lose its nutritional support.
(Image: TCM Tongue Diagnosis – Flaccid Tongue Illustration)
The tongue is weak and lacks strength in its movements.
- Tongue Manifestation Characteristics: The tongue is weak, with poor movement or an inability to move independently.
- Main Condition Indicated by Tongue Manifestation: Qi and blood deficiency, commonly seen in cases of nerve function loss, neurological damage, and the late stages of debilitating diseases.
三. Tremulous Tongue: A Sign of Wind and Neurological Disorders
A tremulous tongue typically indicates the presence of wind, often seen in conditions like tremors, paralysis, and other neurological diseases.
(Image: TCM Tongue Diagnosis – Tremulous Tongue Illustration)
The tongue shakes involuntarily.
- Tongue Manifestation Characteristics: The tongue shakes involuntarily. In milder cases, tremors occur only when the tongue is extended; in more severe cases, tremors are visible even when the tongue is at rest.
- Main Condition Indicated by Tongue Manifestation: High fever, agitation, spasms of the limbs, and mental disorders.
四. Slanted Tongue: Manifestation of Liver Wind and Stroke
A slanted tongue is often caused by internal liver wind, combined with phlegm and blood stasis, obstructing one side of the meridians. The obstructed side of the tongue muscle becomes slack, lacking contraction, while the healthy side remains normal. Therefore, when the tongue is extended, it tilts toward the healthy side.
(Image: TCM Tongue Diagnosis – Slanted Tongue Illustration)
The tongue tilts to one side.
- Tongue Manifestation Characteristics: When extending the tongue, it tilts to one side, either left or right.
- Main Condition Indicated by Tongue Manifestation: Blood stasis, often seen in conditions like stroke, facial nerve paralysis, or brain development disorders.
五. Shortened Tongue: A Warning of Critical Conditions
A shortened tongue is a manifestation of extreme heat, pathogen penetration into the three Yin meridians, wind pathogen combined with phlegm, or obstruction at the root of the tongue. Regardless of whether the cause is deficiency or excess, this condition indicates a critical state. If the tongue is shortened with a purple-blue, moist color, it suggests cold obstructing the meridians. If the tongue is shortened with a pale, dull color, it indicates qi and blood deficiency.
(Image: TCM Tongue Diagnosis – Shortened Tongue Illustration)
The tongue is curled, shortened, and tight.
- Tongue Manifestation Characteristics: The tongue is curled, shortened, and tight, unable to extend outside the mouth, or even unable to touch the teeth.
- Main Condition Indicated by Tongue Manifestation: Critical conditions.
六. Protruding Tongue: Excessive Heart and Spleen Heat and Developmental Issues in Children
A protruding tongue is caused by excessive heat in the heart and spleen, damaging body fluids, causing liver wind, and resulting in an unsteady tongue pulse. Protruding tongue is commonly seen in cases of epidemic toxins attacking the heart, where the entire tongue appears purple. A “wiggling” tongue is often a precursor to a stroke.
(Image: TCM Tongue Diagnosis – Protruding Tongue Illustration)
The tongue extends outside the mouth.
- Tongue Manifestation Characteristics: The tongue extends outward and cannot retract immediately, known as a “protruding tongue.” A tongue that frequently extends and retracts, or moves around the mouth like a snake, is referred to as a “wiggling tongue.”
- Main Condition Indicated by Tongue Manifestation: Commonly seen in children, it indicates excessive heart and spleen heat.
Clinical Significance of Traditional Chinese Medicine Tongue Diagnosis
Through the method of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, doctors can more accurately assess a patient’s health status and develop a more appropriate treatment plan. TCM tongue diagnosis is not only a diagnostic method but also an important means of disease prevention. In daily life, we can observe the condition of our tongue to detect abnormalities in the body early and take corresponding measures to maintain good health.
How to Self-Check Tongue Status in Daily Life?
- Observe the Tongue Color and Coating: A normal tongue color is light red with a thin white coating. If the tongue color is red, purple, or pale, and the coating is thick and greasy, it may indicate health issues.
- Pay Attention to Tongue Movement: Check whether the tongue moves flexibly when extended, and if there are any tremors, slants, or shortening.
- Consider Physical Symptoms: Symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fever should be considered to determine whether medical consultation is necessary.
Conclusion
TCM tongue diagnosis is a simple and effective method for self-checking health. By observing tongue appearance, color, and coating, early signs of disease can be detected, helping to assess the balance of the body’s constitution and guide personalized health management plans. We hope this article helps you better understand the TCM tongue diagnosis method and apply it in your daily health management.
More Articles in “Identification Tongue”:
- Tongue Sensation & Taste
- Tongue Shape
- Tongue Color
- Tongue Condition
- Tongue Coating
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