05.03.08
Tongue Diagnosis
The tongue is an internal organ that we can see externally. Fortunately for us, because we can see it, under examination, this important organ reveals what is happening with the organs we can not see. We can use the tongues indication to help us nurture the organs back into a healthy state. Although there are different styles to make a tongue diagnosis, I have listed the Ayurveda way here.
Look at your tongue in the mirror. Observe the size, shape, contour, surface, margins, and color.
A healthy tongue is red, not too wet, not too dry, smooth, and not too thick or not too thin.
If the color is pale – something is making the blood weak – anemia, poor circulation, etc
If the color is yellowish – there’s too much bile in the gallbladder or a liver disorder.
If the color is blue – there is some defect in the heart.
Looking at your tongue, imagine it split into three vertical sections. The Right Side, the Middle, and the Left Side. Now imagine it also split into three horizontal sections. The Tip, the Center, and the Back. This now forms a grid of nine separate sections.
Different parts of the tongue are related to different organs in the body.
Right Side Middle Left Side
Back right kidney intestines left kidney
Center liver pancreas & stomach spleen
Tip right lung heart left lung
If there are discolorations, indentations, or elevations on certain areas of the tongue, the respective organs are in need of attention.
Vertical area Horizontal area Condition
middle back “U” shaped = sensitive colon
left/ right back kidney disorder
middle tip delicate heart
left/right tip delicate lungs
left/right tip froth = bronchitis
left/right tip brown = pneumonia
middle back white = toxins in colon
middle back/center white or red = toxins in GI tract
If you see the impressions of the teeth along the sides of the tongue, this indicates poor intestinal absorption.
A coating covering the tongue indicates toxins in the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. If only the back of the tongue is coated, toxins are present in the large intestine. If the middle of the tongue is coated, toxins are present in the stomach and small intestine.
A line down the middle of the tongue indicates depression. If the line is curved at any section, it indicates back problems.
If the tongue has cracks or lines all over, it indicates chronic colon problems.
If the tongue is too wet, it indicates an alkaline condition.
If the tongue is too dry, it indicates an acidic condition.
If the tongue is too thick, it indicates an inflammatory condition.
If the tongue is too thin, it indicates an emotional condition.
Use the tongue diagnoses as a guideline to your internal health as you make healthy lifestyle changes. This is a very broad definition of tongue diagnoses and for a better understanding, you’re encouraged to consult a holistic practitioner.
Susan said,
May 4, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Dear Alexandra
I found this site very interesting. After following a fast and detox I have again checked my tongue and found impressions made by my teeth on the sides of my tongue indicating poor intestinal absorption. How can I change my current practices to ensure that I can improve this area of my health?
Many thanks for your comments, advice and helpt.
Susan
Alexandra Teagan said,
May 5, 2008 at 8:46 am
Dear Susan,
The impressions made by your teeth on the sides of your tongue are from your tongue being swollen. The swollen tongue is from an inflammatory condition directly related to your intestinal tract. You are not absorbing nutrients. A fast and a detox may have been overwhelming for you since you are most likely in a weakened state. I commend you for finishing them because it wasn’t easy for you.
If you have recently finished these and changed your diet then it may just be a matter of time before you notice your tongue impressions disappear.
The absorption of nutrients is being hindered in your intestinal tract, if doing a cleanse has not helped then there are a few other things you should look into.
Your elimination should be regular and you should include plenty of fiber in your diet to keep your intestinal tract clean. You will be able to tell if your intestinal tract is clean by the way your elimination looks. (There should be no smell, it should float, and there should be a substance to it.) If you’re intestinal tract is not clean then continue to make the changes in your lifestyle and in a month or so do another cleanse if you’d like but it’s probably not necessary. Remember, the intestinal tract didn’t get dirty overnight- it will take some time to get it back into shape. It is a muscle and muscles have a tendency to get soft and lazy when we don’t use them. Getting into a regular routine will help get it back into shape.
Another thing to consider is a food allergy or intolerance. Most people have a food allergy or intolerance and don’t realize it. This will also cause you to have the swollen tongue and impressions from your teeth because food allergies or intolerance disrupt your digestion.
Sometimes you will not have a full blown allergy but have an intolerance to a certain food. If you don’t want to go though the expense of testing, here’s a quick and easy way to figure it out:
Eliminate a certain food: (most of the time it’s from: dairy, wheat, or corn – try those first one at a time, in that order – there are also other foods but these are the most common) for three days:
Don’t eat any of that food for three days and on the fourth day- eat that food nonstop. Then look for a reaction.
Reactions will be something like: a headache, diarrhea, constipation, achy feeling, sinus congestion or cold, etc.
When I say eat that food non-stop I mean go overboard: Eat and/or drink it like there’s no tomorrow. (Here’s a tip – usually when there’s an allergy or intolerance to food – the person will crave it and object to giving it up for three days).
After you find the culprit- there are enzymes that could help digest that food but the best advice I can give you is to avoid it. If you have a food allergy or intolerance then follow your bodies lead- if it doesn’t like it for some reason then there’s probably a reason.
Alexandra
mila said,
May 25, 2008 at 2:31 pm
hi..i noticed maybe a few days ago that my tounge was very red and yellowish on the sides..but not a yellow coating..i cannot brush it off!! yesterday i was eaxamining it in the mirror and noticed that when i lift it up to look underneath my tounge ,then when i put it back down the middle of my tounge is white!..more like a pale i would say.and it goes away whithin seconds of me putting my tounge back down..this is really concerning me..can you please help me??? from what ive read can that mean that im anemic? or can it be something worse?
Alexandra Teagan said,
May 25, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Mila,
It is very hard to diagnose via blog and it is important that you understand that this is just a guess. Please see a qualified herbalist in your area to help you any further and for a full examination.
The sides of the tongue are a good indication as to how you’re liver is doing. Being that it is yellowish, I would be concerned about your liver. Not having examined you, I would guess that the pale tongue is from the overload the liver has on it and is now affecting the spleen. If this is the only symptom you have, you have caught whatever is going on early. There is an aricle written on the liver and it’s health and how to strengthen it. (see Liver: Gerenral understanding and Maintenance/ http://alexandrateagan.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/liver-general-understanding-and-maintenance/).
adell said,
May 29, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Dear alexandra
My friend is realy suffering from problems with her tongue.In the last three years she has had ulcers covering her tongue every where even her throat and cheeks.
Right now she has between 10-12 ulcers.This is so cruel because eating is painfull as is talking.She has been like this continously with only 4 weeks in 3 years without any soares.There is no change in color, obviously when there are a clusters of them then it looks red raw.
She has tried everything the doctor has sugested with no sucess.Changing her diet ect it seems its not allergys.
The only relief if you can call it that is at night she uses adcortyl in orabase for mouth ulcers but this is not practical as it works best in a dry enviroment.I am becoming more concerned about this as it is just gettng worse.The doctor doesnt have a clue and im desperate for help please if you have any ideas i would be most grateful.We have searched online but with little help.Thankyou for your time.
Alexandra Teagan said,
May 29, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Dear Adell,
As I have said before… it’s really hard to help via blog so please understand that this is just information to help you find a path but there is no way for me to know what is really going on without an examination.
Tongue ulcers have different causes: biting, chewing, or burning of the tongue. They may also stem from Type 1 herpes simplex virus, tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and cancer of the tongue. However, they could also be from an improper way of brushing and cleaning of the mouth, drinking access coffee or tea, eating too many spicy foods, drinking alcohol, smoking, or using toothpastes or mouthwashes that contain corrosive substances. You did not mention anything about stomach ulcers but if your friend has stomach ulcers – that will lead to tongue ulcers. You did mention that you have ruled out food allergies but food could still be causing the ulcers. If food is not taken regularly, that will cause them too.
As you can see the causes are plenty and to give a proper treatment would depend on the cause. Since she has been to the doctor, I hope most of these have been ruled out. It’s best to keep a journal of everything and anything going in the mouth so you will be able to look it over and find the culprit. Meanwhile, here are some things to try (but still continue to find the cause so they will not reappear): Take a B-complex and multivitamin, clean mouth with a mixture of salt and hot water, and apply vegetable glycerin (found at your local health store) to the affected area. I have also heard of eating papaya, drinking coconut water (or sipping coconut oil), and applying butter to the area also helps. It would be wise to see a qualified practitioner to help you find the cause and then getting rid of them for good.
sonia said,
July 20, 2008 at 10:25 am
I have had ulcerative colitis for two years. I no longer have the dieorhea but still have bleeding every day in the stool, sometimes it is quite bad and has pus and mucous, the blood is very dark.
Have taken conventional medicine to no effect. Can you suggest anyhing?
I am a vegetarian , but have also found that dairy foods aggrevate my condition so i keep them to a minimum, i eat nuts to get the protien.
Alexandra Teagan said,
July 21, 2008 at 10:48 am
Sonia,
Holistic medicine works on the cause of symptoms – not on symptoms (that’s for allopathic medicine). The approach to healing colitis has three key factors: herbal treatment, dietary changes, and consideration of the factors that are causes.
It is highly recommened that you do not try these without consulting a qualified practioner. Especially, if you are taking conventional medicine and have a medical condition (colitis counts towards this). You need to be monitored and a patient cannot possibly monitor themselves – without proper training (there are a lot of things to consider when monitoring a condition). Please consult a qualified practitioner. Via blog it is almost impossible to help without a thorough examination but this should get you started (with a qualified practitioners help):
The key to diet in the the treatment of colitis is the avoidance of anything that will irritate the colon wall; by physical irritation, by it’s temperature, because of a chemical action or because it causes an allergic reaction.
Physical irritation can be avoided by excluding any fibrous food from the diet. Bran and wholewheat flour, raw vegetables, fruit skins, fruits with pips (raspberry, etc.) nuts and cooked fibrous vegetables (cabbage, etc) should all be avoided.
Chemical irritants should be avoided, namely alcohol, vinegar and vinegar products (pickles, etc.) spicy condiments, strong cheese and fried foods.
Foods that cause allergic reactions, such as the dairy you mentioned, should be avoided, as should coffee and pork products. Instead, goat’s milk or soya milk can be substituted. Other permissible foods include eggs, tender and light meat, fish, liver, poultry, bland soups, lightly cooked vegetables and fruit (bananas and avocadoes may be eaten raw), products of unbleached white flour, fine cereals, and slippery elm food.
Meal should be small and eaten often, rather than large and eaten three times daily. The diet shold be followed while the inflammation is acute, but once the symptoms are eased, high fiber foods should be slowly reintroduced. The chemicals and foods causing allergies should be avoided permanently.
Colitis is an inflammation of part of the colon, and is the most common complaint affecting the large intestine. The intensity and particular symptoms depend on the extent of the inflammation. While the symptoms vary to some extent from person to person, colitis is characterized by alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, by a general lowering of vitality and often depression.
This distressing condition will usually respond well to herbal medication and the use of an appropriate diet. A useful mixture is:
3 parts Wild Yam
2 parts Bayberry
1 part Agrimony
1 part Comfrey Root
1 part Golden Seal
1 part Marshmallow Root
1 part Sheperd’s Purse
1 part Echinacea
This combination of herbs has several factors going on: It helps soothe and heal the lining of the large intestine (Comfrey and Marshmallow), constricts tissues and can reduce secretions and discharges ( Bayberry, Agrimony, Comfrey, Shepard’s Purse), and inflammation (Wild Yam). There is also Echinacea added to the mix for general debility and a reduction in vitality due to toxins from the ulcer entering into the blood and lymph system.
This tea should be drunk three times a day.
It is very important to understand that some of these herbs can interact with medication and other herbs should not be taken for long periods (as to avoid damage to other organs). It is very important that you seek a qualified practioner.
Alexa
Pauline said,
August 8, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Hi Alexandra,
Your information on tongues was very interesting. My tongue is awful! It is coated from back to front (not the tip) and on both sides. There are cracks from back to front. A deeper crack from middle to tip. Tip having a very deep crack. Any suggestions on how to clear this up? A fast or detox? I would be interested in your advice and also I would appreciate any direction to take. Thanks!
Alexandra Teagan said,
August 8, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Hi Pauline,
It is highly recommened that you do not try this recommendation without consulting a qualified practioner. Especially, if you are taking conventional medicine and have a medical condition. You need to be monitored and a patient cannot possibly monitor themselves – without proper training (there are a lot of things to consider when monitoring a condition). Please consult a qualified practitioner. Via blog it is almost impossible to help without a thorough examination but this should get you started (with a qualified practitioners help):
The coating on the tongue is a good indicator of candida. I have written a post about candida here:
http://alexandrateagan.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/candida/
and a post about the use of grapefruit seed extract in the treatment of candida here:
http://alexandrateagan.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/uses-for-grapefruit-seed-extract/
The cracks on your tongue are a good indication that your digestive system is very weak and from your description it sounds as if it is chronic. This most likely is a result from the candida (but I can’t possibly know for sure via blog).
You should know that candida leads to pretty serious degenerative diseases if not addressed. Also, digestive problems are at the center of most degenerative disease. So I not only advise that you see a qualified practitioner for a proper evaluation but also to address the candida and digestive problems that your tongue is displaying.
The sides of your tongue indicate that this problem has overtaxed your digestive system enough that it is now overtaxing your liver. This indicates that you’re on the road to degenerative disease (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.). Candida can be pretty hard to address when it is this deep. However, along with the grapefruit seed extract, there are many other options. A good practitioner will also help you with foods you should avoid and lifestyle habits that are feeding the candida.
I would not advise a fast or detox at this point because I’m pretty sure the liver isn’t the only organ affected. A fast or detox would weaken your already weak state.
Alexandra
leigh said,
August 18, 2008 at 2:38 pm
hi alexandra i have been having alot of problems since christmas doctors think depressed and stressed with anxiety but looking at your site and and my tongue im not so sure you see the medication they keep trying me on none really have worked my tonge has like what i would describe as as big elavated crooked vein down the centre of it at the back like a whitish/yellowish coating and small pea sized red sores at back of tonge to and teeth marks at the sides i was admitted to hospital at christmas to felt like i was overheating all the time and my body swelling and pain in hips had an ultra sound and mri and fibroid was found in right side uterus but bloods came back normal dont know what they tested for doctor will not do intolerance as says waste of time can you suggest what could be wrong through tonge many thanks leigh
Alexandra Teagan said,
August 19, 2008 at 9:43 am
Leigh,
Via blog it is hard to tell what is going on but here’s some suggestions to get you started. The coating on the back of your tongue is common for people who smoke. The large intestine is being overworked and having trouble properly functioning – which would cause the secondary: anxiety and depression. The red dots show the toxic overload in the large intestine. Since your large intestine isn’t functioning properly, digestion and assimulation are being affected. Your tongue has swelled because of lack of nutrients (it doesn’t matter how well you eat at this point, if the digestion process can’t break it down into a useable form – you won’t get the nutrients) so you are suffering from a lack of proper nutrients(which would also contribute to the secondary: depression and anxiety).
My advice is to find a holistic practitioner to help you stop smoking (if that’s the case). If you are not a smoker – possibly a virus or bug in the large intestine. You are overloaded with toxins and need a good detox ( a good cleansing-and-nutrient-replenishing detox). You will have to go slow as going into a detox too fast can cause some pretty nasty side effects. After the detox you will have to build the system back up to a healthy state. A good practitioner will help uncover what is causing the toxic overload in the large intestine and ease withdrawal and help lesson the detox side effects. This can be overwhelming for someone to do on their own and pretty frustrating (most will give up). It is highly recommended you consult a qualified practitioner.