TCM Diagnostics · Tongue Diagnosis Class Notes: Key Points for Distinguishing Tongue Body and Tongue Coating
Record the pathological levels reflected by tongue body color and coating, observe the correct sequence for tongue inspection, eliminate lighting issues and dye-induced interference, and include a reference table of common tongue signs with their diagnostic significance.
The core of this lesson is: tongue body reflects the excess or deficiency of organs, while tongue coating reveals the depth of pathogens and the strength of stomach qi. The instructor emphasized a systematic approach to tongue inspection: first examine the color and shape of the tongue body, then assess the color and texture of the coating, and finally synthesize these observations. This prevents overlooking the tongue body due to initial distraction by a thick coating.
- Lighting: Use natural diffused light to avoid misdiagnosing a pale white tongue as normal under warm lighting.
- Position: Extend the tongue naturally out of the mouth with the tip slightly downward. Avoid excessive force, as this may cause the tongue to appear overly red.
- Tongue coating exclusion: Reassess after eating, taking medication (e.g., coptis, bismuth), or consuming colored beverages.
- Sequence: Tongue body (spirit, color, shape, movement) → Tongue coating (color, texture) → Sublingual veins.
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