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According to Chinese Medicine, the tongue tells a story of your body and health.
Chinese tongue diagnosis, also known as tongue analysis or tongue diagnosis, is a traditional diagnostic method used in Chinese medicine. Practitioners examine the appearance and characteristics of the tongue to gain insights into a person's health condition. Here are some key aspects of Chinese tongue diagnosis:
1. Color: The color of the tongue provides valuable information about the individual's overall health. In Chinese medicine, different colors correspond to various organ systems and imbalances. Common tongue colors include pale, red, purple, and yellow. Each color can indicate specific conditions or deficiencies.
2. Shape and Size: The shape and size of the tongue can offer insights into the state of an individual's organs and body systems. For example, a swollen or enlarged tongue may suggest fluid retention or digestive issues, while a thin or small tongue might indicate deficiencies or weakness.
3. Coating: The coating on the tongue refers to a thin layer that may appear on its surface. The thickness, color, and distribution of the coating are significant factors. A thin white coating is considered normal, while a thick or discolored coating could indicate imbalances, heat, or dampness in the body.
4. Moisture: The moisture level of the tongue can reflect the body's fluid balance. A healthy tongue is typically moist but not excessively wet or dry. An excessively dry or moist tongue may indicate imbalances in fluid metabolism or the presence of certain health conditions.
5. Texture: The texture of the tongue's surface can provide additional diagnostic information. A normal tongue is smooth and supple. However, a rough, cracked, or swollen tongue may indicate issues related to digestion, circulation, or the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
It's important to note that Chinese tongue diagnosis is just one aspect of a comprehensive assessment in traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners consider tongue diagnosis along with other diagnostic methods, such as pulse analysis, questioning, and observation of other physical signs. A qualified and experienced practitioner of Chinese medicine is best suited to interpret and apply tongue diagnosis accurately. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional or a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine for a thorough evaluation and personalized advice.
Peruse through the below tongues and see if a type matches YOURS! If you did find your tongue type, please consider reviewing our source, Giovanni Maciocia Also, consider a tea that may help you based on your tongue type!
Yin Deficiency with Empty-Heat, Blood stasis and Phlegm in the Upper Burner:
Body colour: Reddish-Purple.
Body shape: Swollen and cracked.
Coating: peeled
Source: Giovanni Maciocia
Consider Mint, chamomile, lemon balm, hibiscus, rose hip and chrysanthemum teas, hot or cooled. Green and white tea are also helpful and cooling, avoid these if you experience anxiety or insomnia since they may contain caffeine.
Click here to purchase Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum Tea can improve blood flow by reducing stress and anxiety, thus reducing the purpleness in the tongue returning the tongue to a pale color.
Click here to purchase Moroccan Mint Tea
Mint leaves contain menthol, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking mint tea may help reduce inflammation in the mouth, including the tongue.
Stomach-Yin Deficiency:
Body colour: Reddish-Purple, Bluish-Purple in the chest area on the right.
Body shape: Stiff, slightly Swollen.
Coating: sticky coating without root.
Source: Giovanni Maciocia
When selecting teas to support Stomach Yin deficiency, it's important to choose ones that have cooling and moistening properties. Consider honey bush tea, marshmallow root tea, dandelion root tea, and chrysanthemum teas for maximum healing properties.
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Honeybush tea contains various antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a role in overall oral health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can impact the tongue.
Click here to purchase Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum flowers have cooling properties and are believed to help generate fluids and moisten dryness. Chrysanthemum tea is a popular choice to help alleviate symptoms of Stomach Yin deficiency, such as dry mouth and thirst.
Yin Deficiency of the Stomach & Yang Deficiency of the Spleen:
Body colour: Slightly Red but Pale on the sides.
Body shape: Swelling in the Spleen area on the sides, Stomach cracks.
Coating: Peeled.
Source: Giovanni Maciocia
When one has yin deficiency of the stomach and yang deficiency of the spleen, the goal is to nourish and tonify both Yin and Yang energies. Consider Licorice Root and/or Licorice Extract, ginger tea, and ginseng tea to nourish your body.
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Licorice root tea is sweet and it can help relieve inflammation and support digestion.
Click here to purchase Chamomile Ginger Tea
Ginger has warming properties and is known to stimulate digestion. It can help alleviate symptoms of Yang deficiency, such as cold limbs and poor appetite. Drinking ginger tea can aid in warming the Spleen and Stomach, promoting better digestion.
Damp-Phlegm, in the Lungs:
Body colour: slightly Red.
Body shape: Swollen, especially in the chest area with a Heart crack.
Coating: sticky coating.
Source: Giovanni Maciocia
Damp conditions are heavy, slow, and sticky. Green tea can improve dampness in the body by breaking fats. In addition, the astringent flavor of Green tea can also help to eliminate dampness. Consider Green Sunrise Tea, Green Rooibos Tea, and/or Green Tea Extract.
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Click here to purchase Ganesha Green Tea
Blood Stasis:
Body colour: slightly Red.
Body shape: Swollen, especially in the chest area with a Heart crack.
Coating: sticky coating.
Source: Giovanni Maciocia
Blood stasis improves from movement. Pungent spices, turmeric, peppermint, coriander and pepper help to move blood. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables can also help to move blood. Consider Turmeric Chai and/or Peppermint Teas.
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Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is thought that turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, thus preventing or resolving blood stasis.
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Black pepper contains a compound called piperine, which is known for its bioactive properties. Piperine has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help improve blood flow by reducing inflammation and promoting widening of blood vessels. By enhancing circulation, black pepper may help prevent or alleviate blood stasis.
Spleen-Yang Deficiency & Phlegm:
Body colour: pale.
Body shape: swollen, central Heart crack, transverse Spleen cracks on the sides.
Coating: thin-white (normal), slightly yellow in the centre.
Source: Giovanni Maciocia
Foods and teas that are tonifying and warming can improve yang deficiency. Turmeric and ginger can be warming. Consider Turmeric Ginger Tea, Ginger Peach Tea, Ginger Extract, and/or Licorice Root Tea.
These herbal teas can be consumed regularly as part of a holistic approach to support the body in addressing Spleen-Yang Deficiency and phlegm.
Click here to purchase Golden Turmeric Ginger Tea
Ginger is considered a warming herb and is often used to invigorate the Spleen-Yang and promote digestion. It can help warm the body, improve circulation, and reduce phlegm production.
Click here to purchase Marmalade Pu-Erh Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root is often used to tonify the Spleen and Qi energy, while also harmonizing the digestive system. It is believed to have expectorant properties that can help reduce phlegm.
Consider a Phoenix Crystal Water Bottle for your tea or extract
Click here to purchase a Phoenix Crystal Water Bottle
Phoenix Crystal Water Bottle has a loose leaf tea Infuser with a double wall glass for hot and cold drinks. The water bottle contains Rose Quartz Crystal and Amethyst Stone.
Amethyst has healing properties, including assisting immune system; endocrine function; skin appearance; digestive health and reducing headaches. Rose Quartz helps heal emotions and aids with self-care
Consider an Osana Crystal Water Bottle with 3 Changeable Healing Crystals for your tea or extract