Why do licensed acupuncturists look at your tongue? Well, the condition of your health can be instantly summed up with this indispensable diagnostic tool. Things like poor digestion, insomnia, edema and internal organ dysfunction can be quickly detected. Chinese tongue diagnosis has been employed as far back as 1066 B.C.
Tongue Color
The tongue color reflects the condition of a person. A healthy tongue should look pink, not too red and not too pale. In Chinese medicine we diagnose in climatic terms, so is a person hot, cold, dry or damp? Redness would indicate heat or inflammation. A pale tongue could indicate cold, or Qi (vital life energy) deficiency or blood deficiency. Tongue diagnosis is used to determine the best Chinese herbs suitable for a patient to improve their health probems.
Organ Zones On the Tongue
There are also certain zones on the tongue that correspond to major organs. The tip corresponds to heart, the sides are associated with liver, the middle is stomach and spleen. The rear of the tongue is intestines and kidneys. Often in our clinic we will see redness in the heart area which may indicate insomnia. Or redness on the sides show a problem with the liver. This pattern is seen often with people under a great deal of stress, headaches and neck and shoulder tension.
Moisture of the Tongue
We also look for the wetness or dryness of the tongue. If a pale tongue is also dry, it is blood deficiency. This is more common in women. Symptoms may manifest as dizziness, poor memory, insomnia and scanty periods. If the tongue is pale and wet, it is deficient yang which manifests as feeling cold, poor appetite, bloating, loose stools and/or fatigue.
If the area around the edges of the tongue are swollen and the body of the tongue is puffy with teeth marks on the sides, then the person is retaining water.
Online Herbal Consultation Now Available
We now offer online herbal and telemedicine nutritional consultations with Steven Sonmore, Board Certified Acupuncturist, Master Herbalist, certified Life Coach. Right in the safety and comfort of your home. And the Chinese tongue diagnosis in included in this. After the telehealth consultation you will receive a treatment plan. This would include recommended Chinese herbal formulas, nutritional supplements and/or dietary recommendations. Up your immune system and protect yourself now. Herbs and supplements can be mailed to you. Schedule your consultation 👉 here.
P.S. If you haven’t already, you’ll definitely want get our free-book “Acupuncture for Cynics, A Guide to Chinese Medicine.” Learn why Chinese medicine has the solution to your health problems and how acupuncture works. Looking forward to connecting with you! 😊
