“Can I see your tongue?”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the tongue is like a little roadmap to your internal world. Acupuncture Practitioners often ask: “Can I see your tongue?” and use this observational tool to gain insight into what’s happening beneath the surface—how your digestion’s doing, whether your body’s running hot or cold, if you're depleted or bogged down...
It’s one of the oldest diagnostic tools in the book—TCM texts dating back thousands of years describe tongue observation as a key way to understand the body. And it’s still used today because it works.. You don’t need any fancy tech—just a trained eye (and good lighting).
Here are five of the most common things TCM practitioners look for when checking your tongue, and what those signs may be trying to tell you:
1. Pale Tongue
What it looks like: Lighter than usual, maybe a little puffy.
What it means: Your Qi (energy), blood, or Yang (your warming, active energy) might be running low.
You might also feel: Cold hands and feet, low energy, dizziness, maybe a tendency to overthink.
Translation: Your body's a little underpowered right now. Think slow-cooked stews, warm socks, and rest.
2. Red Tongue
What it looks like: Bright or deep red, sometimes with a peeled coating.
What it means: Heat. Could be the fiery kind (excess) or the dried-out kind (Yin deficiency).
You might also feel: Irritability, insomnia, hot flashes, or a dry mouth.
Translation: Your system’s a little too revved up—cooling herbs, acupuncture, and backing off the spicy food might help.
3. Swollen Tongue with Teeth Marks (Scalloped Edges)
What it looks like: Puffy, with little indentations on the sides.
What it means: Your Spleen Qi may be a bit sluggish, leading to dampness or fluid retention.
You might also feel: Brain fog, bloating, fatigue, or heavy limbs.
Translation: Your digestion’s a little bogged down—support it with simple, warm foods and gentle movement.
4. Cracked or Fissured Tongue
What it looks like: Lines or grooves, especially down the center.
What it means: A sign of Yin deficiency, or sometimes just your personal constitution.
You might also feel: Dry skin, dry mouth, poor digestion, and a tendency to overheat at night.
Translation: Think hydration, inside and out—soups, teas, and restorative practices.
5. Thick or Greasy Tongue Coating
What it looks like: White or yellow, sticky-looking coating.
What it means: There may be dampness, phlegm, or food not digesting properly.
You might also feel: Nausea, sluggishness, or a coated feeling in your mouth.
Translation: Your body’s trying to tell you it needs a break—ease off heavy foods and let your system reset.
So... Should You Start Tongue-Staring in the Mirror?
Sure! It's a fun way to stay curious about your body—but self-diagnosis has limits. Your tongue changes from day to day, and it takes a trained practitioner to see the full picture and connect it with your symptoms, pulse, and constitution.
It’s a great time to book a session with Jelena Nikolajevic, Founder of Boketto—after a hiatus, she’s now accepting new clients! Jel will take a look, ask the right questions, and guide you toward vitality.