Previously, we discussed the five steps of tongue observation. The second step is to examine the tongue quality. What characteristics does the tongue quality have, and how do we analyze it? 
First, we understand that a healthy tongue quality is light red, clear but not overly bright, without spots or prickles, normal taste sensation, and the tongue body does not have pain or numbness. Why is it light red? We know that there are many capillaries under the tongue papillae. When the essence and blood are sufficient, and the Qi and blood flow smoothly, the tongue will be plump, and the tongue quality will show the color of red blood cells. If there is deficiency of essence and blood, or if there is dampness, cold, heat, or stasis, it will present an abnormal tongue appearance. 
The first type of abnormal tongue quality is a pale white tongue. A pale white tongue is lighter in color than a healthy light red tongue, sometimes even completely devoid of color, giving the entire tongue a pale and semi-transparent appearance. A pale white tongue indicates deficiency syndromes and cold syndromes, which means deficiency of essence and blood, insufficient Qi and blood, and heavy internal dampness and cold. 
The second type of abnormal tongue quality is a red tongue, which is a general term for a category of red tongues. When subdivided, it can be classified into bright red, crimson, and dark red. Why does the tongue become red? It is because there is too much heat in the body. Why is there too much heat? It is because the substances or energy entering the body cannot be utilized and accumulate more and more. Bright red indicates heat syndrome, crimson indicates excessive heat, and dark red indicates extreme heat, meaning the heat is increasing. 
The third type is a blue-purple tongue. The formation of a blue-purple tongue usually has two situations: one is due to excessive heat damaging body fluids and Qi and blood stagnation, where the surface of the purple tongue appears dry and lacking moisture. Simply put, it is like a fire that is too strong and burns everything, leading to stasis; the other is due to cold congealing blood stasis, where cold accumulates in the body for a long time, causing the body temperature to drop, ultimately freezing the blood. This type of tongue appearance is generally moist, and the tongue surface is not very dry.
Small Benefit:
Thank you for liking and following. Our public account conducts a limited number of public welfare activities daily, including tongue analysis and health consultations. Interested friends can click the blue link to join.
Observing the Tongue for Health: What is a Healthy Tongue Appearance?
Observing the Tongue for Health: Five Steps of Tongue Observation
The tongue appearance is like a living ultrasound
It accurately reflects the essence, blood, and Qi dynamics of the organs
Manage your Qi well, and good luck will follow!