The tongue is a map of the whole body in Traditional Chinese Medicine. When we look at the tongue for diagnosis it is the closest thing we have to seeing an internal organ.
We look at the color, shape, size, and movement of the tongue to give us information. We also check out the color, consistency, and thickness of the tongue coat. Even little cracks or crevices in the tongue can tell us what type of pathology is present, where it is, and how long it’s been around.
For example, the tip of the tongue represents the upper body, and the root of the tongue represents the lower body, with the torso in between. If I see a very red tip, on a dry tongue with horizontal cracks and a super thin tongue coat, then I know this person has some heat is that is rising up and they’re burning through their body fluids. They’re probably suffering then from some sleep disturbance, anxiety, have a dry mouth and throat, and may even be experiencing night sweats or hot flashes.
In other words, the tongue reflects all that is going on inside your body. Today, I’ve made a fun little infographic to get you thinking about your tongue in a whole different way! (feel free to print out the pdf copy!)
So take a peek at your tongue each morning and note what you see. You may be surprised at what you find!
(Print the PDF for easy viewing HERE: whats your tongue say about your health)