Did you know the shape, colour and condition of your tongue can tell you a lot about your health? In fact, in acupuncture, it is one of the key diagnostic tools used to reveal the state of your internal organ systems.

Have a look at your tongue. Ideally, it should be a pale red colour, slightly moist with a smooth surface and a thin white coat. Not quite what you’re seeing? Don’t worry. Here are a few features you might have noticed in your tongue as well as what they can mean.

Cracks

It’s quite common to find cracks in the surface of your tongue. If those cracks are along the centre of your tongue, it can indicate inflammation in your digestion and may explain why you have unwanted digestive symptoms such as reflux, bloating or pain. The deeper the cracks, the more extensive and chronic the inflammation.

Red tip

The tip of your tongue indicates the state of your nervous system, according to Chinese medicine. If the tip of your tongue is red, it indicates your nervous system is overstimulated and you’re probably tired and wired, having a hard time switching off your mind and relaxing.

Red edges

Do the edges of your tongue look red compared to the rest of the tongue? The edges of your tongue indicate the health of your liver and gall bladder. Typically, you’d also be experiencing high levels of tension, feeling easily annoyed, and possibly suffering from headaches, stiff necks, and insomnia.

Scalloped edges

This feature arises when your tongue swells slightly, enough to make it press up against your teeth causing the bumpy edges. If you see this feature, it’s also likely the tongue will be pale. This combination of features suggests you may be experiencing fatigue and are likely to be struggling with memory and focus.

Coating

As mentioned above, a thin white coat is ideal. This coating is very subtle and almost imperceptible but just enough to make the surface of your tongue moist rather than dry. Your tongue coating can change quickly depending on what you eat, for example just after you have a milk coffee, you’ll have a yellow/brown coating. First thing in the morning, you’ll often see a thickish white coat so it’s a good idea to observe it at a few stages throughout the day.

To an acupuncturist, your tongue provides indications that are woven together along with a myriad of other signs to build an understanding of your individual pattern of symptoms. They’re not just interested in what is happening but why it’s happening. From that understanding of your unique needs, they can tailor a treatment plan to suit.  

Editor’s note: This wellbeing column provides information that is general in nature. Please always refer to your preferred health professional for advice suited to your personal healthcare requirements.