When you see a doctor sometimes they look at your tongue.  The reason they do this is because the tongue just like any other part of your body will show signs of health, stress or illness.  

Facts about the tongue:
This is the only muscle in our body that is not covered with skin.  When you see an acupuncturist, they will take your pulse and look at your tongue.  When looking at the tongue, they look at the length, examine to see if it is swollen, cracks, tooth marks, color, amount of saliva.  

It can give clues on how the lymphatic system is operating, blood circulation, neurological behavior and yeast issues. 

So what is a normal tongue?

Our tongue should be pink with low amounts of saliva.  Our saliva should also be clear. There should be no cracks, swelling, sores and a white coating on the top.  

When checking to see if your tongue looks healthy, the best time to do so is right when you wake up in the morning before brushing your teeth or eating or drinking anything.  

If you notice a change in your tongue it could mean that something is going on.  It may even help you determine a problem before it becomes serious.  

Examples of tongues that are telling you that something is wrong:

1. Pale tongue with red spots:
This can show what is called in Acupuncture "QI Deficiency", this is an indicator of poor nutrition or bad digestion.  Symptoms are normally fatigue, poor appetite, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, anxiety or worrying.

2. Yellow coating with red tongue:
This means heat is located in the stomach.  Symptoms are feeling hot, sweating easily, thirsty, constipation, irritable, bad tempered and skin problems. 

3. White greasy coating and swollen tongue:
Damp Retention: bloating, fullness in the chest and abdomen, heavy or lethargic feeling

4. Purple tongue with black spots:
Circulatory issues, cold limbs, varicose veins, painful legs, headaches, chest pain, liver issues

5. White coating with red tip:
This is what acupuncturists call "QI Stagnation".  Caused by acute or chronic stress, symptoms are stress, tendency to be depressed and upset, unstable emotional state.  

6. Yellow greasy coating with red tongue:

Damp Heat or Lung heat tongue.  This can manifest as skin issues, urinary infections, clammy skin, anger and uncomfortableness. 

7. Thick white coating and pale swollen tongue:

Digestive and circulation issues.  Symptoms feel cold easily, pale complexion, back pain, panic easily, infertility

8. No coating, cracks and red tongue:

Yin deficiency: Symptoms can be hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, ringing in the ears, menopause.  Foods to help with this are artichokes, black beans, eggs, honey, kidney beans, mango, pork, watermelon or zucchini.  No alcohol, caffeine or sugar. 

9. No coating and pale tongue:

This is again a circulatory issue.  Symptoms can be dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitations, poor concentration or memory, sleeping issues

Our body always lets us know what is going on.  We just have to listen.  If you are aware of what is normal with your body and what has changed, it can really help you to guide your doctor to what is needed for you and your health.  

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health.  She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between.  

Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today and we can help you reach your health goals!