Tongue diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tongue diagnosis in Traditional Chinese medicine is one of many tools used to assess a person’s health.

Practitioners examine the color, coating, shape, and moisture of the tongue to gather information about the body’s balance and potential imbalances in Qi (energy) and blood.

The body color of the tongue relates to conditions of blood, nutritive Qi and Yin organs. Reflecting patterns of heat or cold and yin or yang.

The coating suggests to us if there is heat or cold depending on the color.

Excess moisture or dryness of the tongue could show yang or yin deficiency in the body fluids.

The tongue is like a map, with certain areas representing the different Zang Fu organ systems.

The tip of the tongue relates to the heart, behind it the lungs, the middle of the tongue represents the spleen and stomach. While the sides of the tongue give indications about the Liver and Gall bladder. The very back of the tongue will show insights about the Kidney and Urinary bladder systems.

The practitioner can also gauge the general level of functioning in the upper, middle and lower Jiao. (A system often referred to as the triple burners)

For example a red or pale tongue, the thickness and location of coating, and other characteristics are considered in the diagnosis according to where we notice changes relative to the suggested Zang Fu areas on the tongue.

In Chinese medicine, a thin tongue can indicate a deficiency of Qi or blood. This might suggest an imbalance in the body’s energy or nutrient levels.

A peeled or “geographic” tongue coating in Chinese medicine may suggest a deficiency or imbalance in the body, particularly related to the digestive system. It could indicate issues with digestion, absorption of nutrients, or a potential deficiency in Qi or Yin.

Remember, tongue diagnosis is complex, and various factors are considered together for a comprehensive analysis.

Consulting with a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner will help you understand your individual pathology and receive appropriate guidance.

No two tongues are alike and even your own tongue can change throughout the day !

Other methods of diagnosis include observation, palpation, questioning and pulse diagnosis.

Tongue diagnosis is a very reliable means to identify and confirm the patients underlying pattern according to TCM.