kidney-bladder-hormonal network
what traditional chinese medicine has to say
Because it contains water, electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes, the tongue’s appearance is said to change with many physical changes in the body.1
deepening
lightening
yellow
peeling
prickles
stomach-spleenpancreas network
respiratory-immune network
heart/small intestine network
tongue color › deepening: A deviation from normal pink to a darker red or purple is thought to indicate increasing heat in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, heat may mean inflammation, infection, hyperactivity of the organ network, or blood stasis. The color of the tongue may appear darker in different parts of the tongue relating to various organs in the body. For example, deep colored spots in the liver zone are thought to point to stagnation in the liver network, most commonly a serious issue of liver cirrhosis or cancer.1 › lightening: A deviation from normal pink to a pale or paper white indicates what traditional Chinese medicine calls a “cold symptom,” which can mean anemia, a sign of infection, or low energy and can give information as to the function of the corresponding organ network.1 tongue coating › A coating that is too thick is believed to be a sign of imbalance in the digestive system and decreased immune system function. › A yellow coating is thought to be a sign of a pathogen or inflammation in the body. › A peeling coat is thought to be a sign of damage or weakening to certain systems of the body. › The appearance of numerous distinctly red prickles on the tip of the tongue coupled with a red tongue and thick yellow/ white coating has been found to indicate appendicitis.2
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total wellness ▪ winter 2014
thick
ork liver netw
1) the tip: fire element, which corresponds to the heart/small intestine network 2) behind the tip: metal element, which corresponds to the respiratory-immune network 3) the sides: wood element, which corresponds to the liver network 4) the center: earth element, which corresponds to the stomach-spleen-pancreas network 5) the back: water element, which corresponds to the kidneybladder-hormonal network
liver netw ork
In traditional Chinese medicine, the tongue is a very indicative organ. It is seen as a “map” of the internal body. Its surface is divided into five-element zones: fire, wood, metal, earth, and water that correspond to one’s internal organ networks.