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Introduction
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diagnosing diseases involves the four diagnostic methods: observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation. The first step is observation, which includes assessing a person’s complexion, shape, emotions, as well as the condition of the five senses and limbs, leading to a preliminary judgment and establishing a general treatment strategy. A crucial part of observation is examining the tongue, including the tongue coating, tongue body, tongue shape, and tongue color, which helps determine the coldness or heat of the five organs and the amount of stomach qi. (Author: Ma Chunyang)
The Tongue Body Represents Heart Function
During tongue observation, one can generally identify issues with the five organs, but the primary focus is on heart function, as TCM believes that “the tongue is the sprout of the heart.” If there are problems with the tongue, it often indicates heart issues. For instance, many tongue diseases in children, such as tongue thrusting, are typically due to heart fire rising, which can be alleviated by using Huang Lian (Coptis) to clear the heart fire.
The Tongue Coating Represents the Amount of Stomach Qi
In TCM theory, it is believed that the tongue coating must be present but not excessive. The ancient physician Xue Shengbai made an analogy, stating that the tongue is like land, and the tongue coating is like grass. If there is no tongue coating, it is like land without grass, indicating a lack of stomach qi and a deficiency of stomach yin. This condition is referred to as mirror tongue, which is a sign of a severe condition.
If the tongue coating is too thick, meaning the grass is too abundant and the land is too polluted, this indicates what TCM refers to as excess dampness. At this time, it generally reflects a weakness of the spleen and stomach, indicating insufficient yang qi.
How Tongue Quality Indicates Heart Disease
Clinically, a cracked tongue often suggests heart disease, with most cases being associated with arrhythmia, palpitations, and pulse irregularities. The larger the cracks in the tongue body, the more significant the heart issue. Therefore, even a slight crack should prompt early prevention and treatment to minimize medical burdens and risks.
Prevention Methods
For common gastritis, we can directly use Huang Lian for treatment. If Huang Lian is not tolerable, one can purchase the TCM patent medicine Huang Lian Su, which is also very effective for gastritis. However, when taking Huang Lian, it is essential to avoid eating pork, as it may exacerbate the condition.
Preventive Medication
Generally, those with a cracked tongue often have insufficient stomach yin and a thin tongue coating. Therefore, for prevention, one can use the TCM formula specifically for treating heart discomfort, known as Zhi Gan Cao Tang (Honey-Fried Licorice Decoction). The simplest method is to brew honey-fried licorice in water, or for a more complex approach, use Fu Mai Tang (Pulse Restoration Decoction):
【Fu Mai Tang】 12g honey-fried licorice, 10g cinnamon twig, 10g ginseng, 24g raw rehmannia, 10g donkey-hide gelatin (melted), 9g fresh ginger, 10g ophiopogon, 9g hemp seed, 10 dates, and a small amount of white liquor.
Image: Ophiopogon
Add an appropriate amount of water to decoct, taking it three times a day. Note: First, put all the herbs except for the donkey-hide gelatin into the pot to decoct, then add the melted donkey-hide gelatin while hot. In this formula, white liquor or yellow wine is essential; otherwise, the efficacy will be reduced.
Generally, as soon as heart rhythm issues arise, they will manifest as TCM’s “palpitations and pulse irregularities,” and this formula can be used for treatment, but it is best to use it under a doctor’s guidance to ensure safety.
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This book is a compilation of daily articles by Ma Chunyang, the owner of Qingyu Pavilion, mostly written in response to numerous inquiries from netizens, reflecting the public’s common concerns about disease prevention and treatment. Although this book consists of small articles, it is cohesive, with the author weaving the essence of classical TCM throughout, teaching readers specific knowledge for disease prevention and treatment while presenting the profound and intricate thoughts of classical TCM in a concise manner, providing readers with a new way of thinking and substantial benefits.
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