Here’s a beginner’s guide to interpreting the messages your tongue could be sending you.
What a normal tongue looks like.
Take a look at your tongue in the mirror and see if it fits this description.
Really notice the details: Is it puffy or thin?
Is it reddish, purplish, or pinkish?
Are there deep cracks, small cracks, or no cracks at all?
Is there a coating on it?
Is the coating white or yellow?
attempt to scrape off the coating; does it go away or stay in place?
According to TCM, all of this means something.
Common tongue signs and what they say about you.
Here are a few things your tongue reading can tell you about yourself.
Trembling tongue: Your energy levels could be off.
A quivering tongue can also bea symptom of stress3, or a side effect of medication.
Greasy coating on tongue: Your diet could be causing problems.
The coating on the tongue indicates the body’s level of hydration.
When the body isn’t hydrated, the tongue immediately looks and feels dry.
It could be a sign you are consuming too many greasy foods that aren’t right for you.
An uneven coating indicates an issue with hydration in your stomach and liver.
Discolored tongue: You could have problems with blood flow.
If a tongue is really red, it could indicate that your body is holding onto excess heat.
This may lead to a lack of energy, shortness of breath, or sluggish bowel movement.
Some diseases or illnesses leave a permanent effect on the tongue.
If a tongue is a darker red or crimson color it can indicate internal injury, for example.
Thinner people tend more towards redder tongues.
