Traditional Chinese Medicine's Tongue Diagnosis

Ever wonder what the doctor is looking for when she asks you to stick out your tongue? In conventional medical practices here in the U.S., it could be to help the doctor get a better look at your throat. But in traditional Chinese medicine, a quick examination of the tongue could hold the key to many internal conditions plaguing the body.

Tongue diagnosis has a long history that dates back to the Shang Dynasty in 1600 B.C. A visit to an acupuncturist or herbalist might begin with such an analysis. This diagnostic tool aids the specialist in identifying internal imbalances.

Signs they may look for include cracks, lacerations or teeth marks along the side of the tongue. They will also be examining the tongue’s pigmentation and any film that may be coating it. These symptoms can unlock the mysteries of certain symptoms because in traditional Chinese medicine, different regions of the tongue correspond with those regional organs within the body.

Blood deficiencies, problems with the qi in the spleen, heat in the heart or in the liver, and kidney dysfunction are all assessments that can be determined with a tongue diagnosis.

Check this site for a fun, albeit unscientific, online tool to perform your own tongue diagnosis.