According to Australian Chinese medical practitioner Waveny Holland, size, texture, colour and shape of tongue can show signs of disease and any imbalance in the body. The tip of the tongue reflects the lungs and heart, the middle represents liver and gallbladder on the sides and the stomach in the center, the back reflects intestines, bladder, and kidneys.
A healthy tongue is usually a pinkish, light red, with a slight white coating and is neither too thick or thin and not flabby or overlapping the teeth. A pale tongue is a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiency and is common among those suffering from anaemia. A red tongue (depending on which area of the body this corresponds to on the tongue) represents heat. This could indicate fever or a rise in body temperature.

A puffy tongue can suggest a lack of nutrients and moisture, while a thin tongue could suggest dehydration. If the tongue has a thin, white coating this is considered healthy and normal, however, if there is no coating this may signal dehydration. A yellow and dry tongue indicates “heat” in the body. The deeper the colour, the higher the level of body ‘heat’. This can indicate an infection or bacterial build-up or other imbalances.
A tongue with a grey and black appearance indicates ‘stagnation’. Stagnation refers to the flow of energy, blood and fluid in the body. A tongue which has bumps or protuberances or cracks can also reveal a range of health potential problems. Bumps on the tongue are diagnosed depending where they are and what they look like.
A scalloped tongue (one with ridges on the outside edge) indicates fluid retention. A bump on the top of the tongue may be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection or even a possible allergic reaction to medication. Deep cracks in the center indicate that a patient is prone to digestive issues while sores (ulcers) can indicate a deficiency. A patchy tongue can reflect heat in the stomach which may manifest as acid reflux. A scalloped tongue (one with ridges on the outside edge) indicates fluid retention.
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