Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experts assert that the tongue's role extends beyond speech and taste; it serves as a mirror reflecting the body's overall health.
According to the German Society for Classical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, several health problems can be inferred by observing the tongue's shape, color, and surface coating.
What does a healthy tongue look like?
The society explained that a healthy tongue is firm, with a thin, white coating covering its smooth upper surface, free of pits or fissures, and without prominent papillae—small red bumps that appear in certain conditions.
The veins under the tongue are thin and slightly bulging, while the mucous membrane in this area has a healthy pink color.
Changes in the tongue can be indicative of various health problems, including:
Swelling and redness of the tongue papillae, also known as "berry tongue" or "strawberry tongue," may indicate a high fever or fever, and in some cases, infectious diseases like scarlet fever.
Paleness of the tongue may indicate anemia, hypothermia (low blood pressure), or low energy.
A thick, swollen tongue with tooth marks along the edges may suggest a metabolic disorder and excess fluid in the body, which can be linked to unbalanced dietary habits, such as consuming too many raw foods, cold drinks, dairy products, white flour, and sugars, while lacking fresh vegetables and whole grains.
A thick coating on the tongue may be a sign of malnutrition or poor metabolic efficiency. If this coating has a yellowish tint, it may also reflect a high fever.
Extreme redness of the tongue may indicate a high fever and is often accompanied by prominent red papillae. Cracks in the tongue may indicate dehydration due to fever.
Tongue tremors may be a sign of low energy or general fatigue.
When should you see a doctor?
The association emphasized that these indicators are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, stressing the importance of consulting a doctor or specialist if any abnormal changes in the tongue are noticed, in order to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.