Tongue diagnosis is one of the important methods of diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), akin to a mirror reflecting the internal health status of the body.
A normal tongue should be pale red with a thin white coating. The color of the tongue can reflect the rise and fall of Qi and blood. If the tongue is overly red, it may indicate the presence of internal heat evil, such as irritability and insomnia accompanied by a red tongue, which often signifies an exuberance of heart fire. Conversely, a pale tongue may suggest insufficient Qi and blood, commonly seen in individuals with anemia or physical weakness.
The tongue coating is also an important observation target. A thick coating often indicates internal stagnation, which may be due to food accumulation or phlegm-dampness retention. For instance, if a child’s tongue coating is thick and greasy, accompanied by bad breath and abdominal distension, it is mostly a sign of indigestion. A thin coating is relatively healthy, but if a thin coating suddenly becomes thick, it may signal an underlying health issue.
The shape of the tongue also holds significance. A swollen tongue with tooth marks on the edges is often due to spleen deficiency and excessive dampness. Such individuals tend to experience fatigue and loose stools. A thin and small tongue may indicate internal heat due to Yin deficiency, often accompanied by symptoms such as five hearts heat (palms and soles feeling hot).
By observing these characteristics of the tongue, TCM practitioners can make preliminary judgments about the health status of the body and provide a basis for further diagnosis and treatment. In our daily lives, we can also observe changes in our tongues to timely detect minor abnormalities in our bodies and make necessary adjustments.