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Tongue Diagnosis Method and Cautions
Lighting
Sunlight will give the most accurate color of the tongue body and coat. If sunlight is not available, use a second light source such as a small flashlight to compare the tongue color to the original light source.
Position
The tongue should be extended in a relaxed manner, and should not be held out for an extended duration.
Food and Drink
Food and drink, such as coffee, green tea, and candy may alter the color of the tongue coating.
Brushed Tongue
Some patients may brush their tongue to help freshen their breath or as an Ayurvedic practice. Ask the patient not to brush their tongue, at least the day of their TCM tongue diagnosis.
Seasons of the Year
In Summer, there may be more Dampness present in the tongue coating, leaving it slightly thicker and light yellow.
In Fall or Autumn, the tongue may be thinner with a coating that is more dry.
In Winter, there may also be more moist or damp presenting in the tongue.
In Spring, the tongue should be normal.
Time of Day
The coating of the tongue usually becomes thinner as the day progresses, while the color of the tongue body becomes more red and shiny.
Patient's Age
In the elderly, Qi and Blood Deficiency is more common, so the tongue may present with dryness and cracks.
Infants tend to have white thick coating that is easily removed, peeled tongues are also common.
Overweight patients usually have more Damp and/or Phlegm and therefore their tongues may be larger and lighter in color.
Thin patients tend towards redder tongues.
Sunlight will give the most accurate color of the tongue body and coat. If sunlight is not available, use a second light source such as a small flashlight to compare the tongue color to the original light source.
Position
The tongue should be extended in a relaxed manner, and should not be held out for an extended duration.
Food and Drink
Food and drink, such as coffee, green tea, and candy may alter the color of the tongue coating.
Brushed Tongue
Some patients may brush their tongue to help freshen their breath or as an Ayurvedic practice. Ask the patient not to brush their tongue, at least the day of their TCM tongue diagnosis.
Seasons of the Year
In Summer, there may be more Dampness present in the tongue coating, leaving it slightly thicker and light yellow.
In Fall or Autumn, the tongue may be thinner with a coating that is more dry.
In Winter, there may also be more moist or damp presenting in the tongue.
In Spring, the tongue should be normal.
Time of Day
The coating of the tongue usually becomes thinner as the day progresses, while the color of the tongue body becomes more red and shiny.
Patient's Age
In the elderly, Qi and Blood Deficiency is more common, so the tongue may present with dryness and cracks.
Infants tend to have white thick coating that is easily removed, peeled tongues are also common.
Overweight patients usually have more Damp and/or Phlegm and therefore their tongues may be larger and lighter in color.
Thin patients tend towards redder tongues.
Comment made on this article doesn't stand for the position of TCMADVISORY.
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