The tongue
shéTissues & Senses
Overview
The tongue (She) is a sensory organ responsible for taste, assisting in swallowing and speech, and is considered the orifice of the Heart (Xin) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It serves as a primary site for tongue diagnosis, reflecting the state of internal organs through its body and coating.
Theoretical points
- The tongue governs taste, aids in swallowing and articulation, and is the orifice of the Heart, meaning the Heart opens into the tongue.
- When Heart Qi and Blood are sufficient, the tongue body appears moist and red, taste is acute, and speech is fluent.
- The tongue is connected to multiple organs via the meridians, and changes in the tongue body and coating reflect the cold, heat, deficiency, or excess of organ Qi and Blood.
- The tongue surface is divided into regions corresponding to specific organs, allowing detailed diagnostic mapping.
Common patterns
- Heart Fire flaring upward may cause a red tip of the tongue and oral ulcers.
- Phlegm clouding the Heart orifice can lead to a stiff tongue and slurred speech.
Daily care
- Maintain emotional balance to support Heart Qi and prevent Fire from disturbing the tongue.
- Practice regular oral hygiene and avoid excessive spicy or hot foods that may aggravate Heart Fire.
Educational content on traditional medicine; not a substitute for a qualified practitioner.