Can you please stick your tongue out?
Did you know that the tongue says a lot more about your health than you might be aware of? (pun intended!) In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners recognize the tongue as a reflection of our overall health. This is one of the main tools that TCM practitioners use to formulate a diagnosis. It can generally speak (nonverbally, of course) on the state of our body’s circulation, digestion, energy, hydration, and much more. Every bit of detail broadcasts information about where the body is holding imbalance.
What are we looking for exactly?
No, we can’t see what you’ve had for breakfast.
We take into consideration the color, shape, size, texture, moisture, and overall coating.
- The color can tell us if there’s heat, cold, excess, deficiency, or stagnation in the body. Generally, a red tongue indicates heat, a pale tongue can indicate either cold or Blood deficiency, a purple tongue can indicate stagnation.
- Shape & Size– is it pointed, swollen, thin, enlarged with teethmarks? This can tell us about the state of our digestion and circulation.
- Texture & moisture– this can signify the state of the fluids in our body. Are there any cracks? Is it glossy or dry? Are there prickles in one area?
- Coating– is it thick and furry? Is there a yellow coat? This would indicate heat. Is there a white coat? This would indicate cold. Is it peeled in certain areas? The coat can signify additional valuable information, such as if the body is attempting to fight off a pathogen, or if there is an excess or deficiency that needs to be addressed.
In addition, different areas of the tongue represent specific organ systems. Our tongue is a map of our internal systems!
The Heart organ system is located at the tip of the tongue, and often times people with anxiety will present with a red tip, or red prickles concentrated in that area. The sides of the tongue are associated with the Liver/Gallbladder organ system. Sometimes people who are chronically stressed, easily frustrated and irritable, or have irregular cycles will have red sides of their tongue.
What does a “normal” tongue look like?
When the body is in harmony, the tongue should have a fresh pink/red color, a thin white coat that cannot be scraped off easily, and has a nice plump fullness that sits just right in the mouth, not feeling like it’s pushing excessively against the teeth.
An important note
If you plan on receiving acupuncture, avoid scraping/brushing your tongue that day! The tongue holds valuable information that can reflect imbalances that we’re not always aware of. It gives us clues about the root of your present condition!
Time for you to get more connected with your body!
Look in the mirror or simply open up your phone’s front camera and stick your tongue out, what do you see?
Feel free to schedule an appointment with our licensed acupuncturist Dr. Pia Franco, to dive into your health a little deeper and decipher the subtle cues that your body is constantly communicating. We look forward to seeing you!
