Tongue examination provides some of the most important data for pattern identification. Pattern identification is the essential oriental medical diagnosis of the individual. Once we reach a clear pattern identification we have can determine a treatment principle. That treatment principle is applied it begins to help move a person back to health.

In Chinese Medicine the body of the tongue is of greatest significance in judging the strength of correct qi. It also provides an indication of the severity of the condition. The tongue coating is primarily an indicator of the severity of the disorder. The moistness of the tongue indicates the state of fluids in the body.

Each part of the tongue surface is thought to have a correspondence with an organ. The root of the tongue is thought to be related to the kidney. The center of the tongue is reflective of the spleen and stomach. The tip of the tongue reveals the condition of the heart and lungs. The sides of the tongue are indicative of the condition of the Liver and Gallbladder.

Other important aspects of the tongue examination would be any cracks, scalloped edges, quivering, dark veins, red speckled dots, etc. The tongue is a classical and invaluable diagnostic procedure in traditional Chinese medicine.

Pulse examination involves feeling the pulsation of the blood vessels by placing the fingertips on the surface of the body.

A classical ancient text essential  Questions comments: “The blood vessels are the dwelling place of Qi +Blood”. That is they are the pathways of qi and blood. By palpating the blood vessels in specific parts of the body it is possible to judge the state of the qi and blood, and to thereby assess whether the patient’s condition is improving or deteriorating, and determine the ultimate prospects for recovery.

The condition of each organ is reflected in the six pulse position on the wrist. There are three basic pressure levels superficial, mid level, and the deeper level. The length, size rate and rhythm of the pulse provide information about the location and nature of the disease. There are approximately 28 qualities of pulse such as deep, floating, rough, wiry, soggy, interrupted etc.

This examination along with the tongue examination are once again a classical and clinically effective way to determine the state of a person’s condition. With all of this information we are able to formulate an expedient and effective treatment principle to restore health.

Be Well,

This entry was posted on December 22, 2008 at 7:36 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted in Main Topics by DrAcupuncture 1 Comment